EU cabotage rules, explained
By TruckThrust · Last reviewed 9 July 2026
Cabotage is domestic transport performed by a foreign-registered vehicle after an international delivery. EU rules limit how much of it you can do and require a cooling-off period. This guide covers the limits and the evidence you need to carry.
The limits
- Following an incoming international carriage, up to 3 cabotage operations are permitted within 7 days of unloading the international load.
- A 4-day cooling-off period applies before cabotage may be performed again in the same country with the same vehicle.
- Rules stem from Regulation (EC) 1072/2009 as amended by the Mobility Package.
Evidence you must be able to show
- The CMR for the incoming international carriage
- A CMR (or equivalent) for each cabotage operation performed
- Dates, loading/unloading points and vehicle registration
TruckThrust counts each movement against the applicable window and keeps a signed, timestamped border-crossing and cabotage log, so the evidence is ready at a check.
Informational only. This guide summarises the rules in plain English and does not constitute legal advice. Rules change and exceptions apply — always verify against the official sources below and seek qualified advice where needed.