This service is for road transport operators and managers dealing with ARR-related licensing and market-access issues recorded in a contravention minute (for example: Community licence, certified copies, authorisations, cabotage findings). The first practical step is to send the act and annexes plus a short timeline so we can identify deadlines, map the licensing status and prepare a coherent appeal strategy.
The information is general and does not replace legal advice. Facts, documents and timeline matter.
When you typically need this
- You received a sanction linked to licence/certified copy status (validity, missing copy, incorrect use).
- There is an allegation of unlawful cabotage or market-access breach during international operations.
- The facts recorded do not match the operational documents (CMR, orders, routing, entry/exit dates).
- The issue affects multiple vehicles and drivers and requires coordinated documentation.
- You need to verify whether the licensing conditions were met at the relevant time.
- There are risks of follow-up measures impacting your operations and you need a structured plan.
- You want to align internal compliance routines (licence/copy issuance, vehicle allocation) with litigation steps.
What we do, step by step
- Fast framing: what the minute alleges, who is sanctioned, the legal basis and the applicable deadline (including service proof).
- Licensing snapshot: licence and certified copy status, vehicle allocation and relevant ARR records for the period.
- Document-based timeline: trips, routes, loading/unloading, border entries and documentary evidence.
- EU + national rule check: cabotage rules, access-to-market requirements and how the facts are qualified.
- Drafting and filing the contravention complaint/appeal with evidence attachments and clear legal framing.
- Group/fleet coordination: consistent explanations between operator, transport manager and drivers.
- Court phase support: follow-up filings, hearing preparation and responses to court requests.
- Compliance roadmap: practical steps to reduce repeat exposure (licence/copy management, checks, training) without outcome guarantees.
Useful documents & information for the first assessment
| Document | Why it matters | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Contravention minute + annexes | Core facts, legal basis, sanctioned party, deadlines and measures | Send full copy and service proof if available |
| Community licence / national licence documents | Shows licensing status and validity | Include renewals, amendments and vehicle lists if relevant |
| Certified copies (copii conforme) and vehicle allocation records | Key to compliance for each vehicle in operation | Provide copies and allocation log/decision where available |
| Transport documents (CMR, orders, delivery notes) | Corroborates routes, operations and timing (especially for cabotage) | Include the sequence of loads and places |
| Border crossing and operational records | Supports the timeline of international operations | Useful when cabotage eligibility depends on entry/exit timing |
| Company procedures and checks (if any) | Relevant for responsibility and compliance narrative | Especially in multi-vehicle operations |
| Short timeline (1–2 pages) | Organises facts for the appeal and court explanations | Who, when, where, vehicle, loads, key dates |
Risks & common mistakes
- Missing the legal deadline because service date was not verified.
- Providing incomplete licensing/certified copy documentation or outdated snapshots.
- Not documenting vehicle allocation to a certified copy at the relevant time.
- Assuming cabotage rules without checking EU legal definitions and the factual sequence of operations.
- Contradictory explanations between operator and driver in multi-vehicle cases.
- Relying on informal summaries instead of official sources and documents.
- Using generic templates that do not match the specific allegations in the minute.
FAQ
What is the deadline to challenge a contravention minute in licensing/cabotage cases?
The deadline follows the contravention framework and depends on how the act was served; verify the service proof before counting days.
What is a certified copy and why does it matter?
Certified copies are tied to vehicles and are part of the compliance set for licensed transport operations; allocation records and validity are often central in disputes.
How are cabotage allegations typically assessed?
Cabotage assessments depend on EU definitions and on the documented sequence of operations (entry, international carriage, subsequent domestic operations) supported by transport documents.
Can multiple vehicles be covered in one strategy?
Yes, but evidence should be organised per vehicle and per operation; consistency across documents and timelines is critical in fleet/group cases.
Do EU rules apply directly in Romania for market access and cabotage?
Key market-access and cabotage rules are set by EU regulations applicable across Member States; national legislation also matters for procedures and enforcement.
Can you also help with a post-control compliance plan?
Yes, litigation steps can be paired with practical internal procedures for licence/copy tracking, document readiness and staff training to reduce repeated exposure.
Contact
For a first assessment, send the minute and annexes plus a licensing snapshot (licence + certified copies) and the transport documents for the relevant operations. You will receive an outline of reasonable next steps and procedural options.
Relevant internal links
Sources
- Romania: Government Ordinance no. 2/2001 on the legal regime of contraventions (legislatie.just.ro)
- Romania: Government Ordinance no. 27/2011 on road transport (legislatie.just.ro)
- Regulation (EC) No 1071/2009 on access to the occupation of road transport operator (EUR-Lex)
- Regulation (EC) No 1072/2009 on access to the international road haulage market (incl. cabotage rules) (EUR-Lex)
- ARR: licensing instructions and document issuance (arr.ro)
- ARR: licences verification portal (licente.arr.ro)