In brief

• The new edition of the ADR regulations on road transport of dangerous goods is to apply from 1 January 2027.
• The changes concern driver training, written instructions in the cab, transport of batteries and hydrogen, and selected requirements for tanks and packagings.
• A six-month transitional period has been provided, and carriers should already check which of the changes affect their operations.

When the new rules will apply

The next edition of ADR has already been adopted in the international procedure and is to enter into force on 1 January 2027 (ADR 2027 – co się zmieni dla kierowców ciężarówek i cystern? Nowe przepisy, szkolenia i dokumenty - TRUCKER ON ROAD – truckeronroad.com). The regulations are updated every two years, and the ADR 2025 edition is currently in force. However, a six-month transitional period has been provided, so existing solutions will not cease to be permissible immediately on the first day of the new year.

What will change for drivers

The changes most noticeable to drivers may concern training and the documents that must be carried in the vehicle cab. The changes also concern written instructions, that is, documents according to which the driver acts in the event of an incident involving dangerous goods. Some of the provisions are technical and organisational in nature, so not every change will translate into daily work behind the wheel.

Batteries, hydrogen, tanks and packagings

The new edition covers the transport of batteries and hydrogen, as well as selected requirements for tanks and packagings. Carriers transporting these loads must check which specific requirements apply to them before the regulations enter into force.

What carriers should check now

Transport companies should analyse what loads they carry and whether the changes cover their fleet, tanks or packagings. It is also worth planning driver training so that it is completed before the transitional period expires.