Tare plates: an essential element for vehicle safety and compliance

What is a tare plate?

A tare plate, also called a trailer manufacturer's plate, is a mandatory identification element attached to vehicles, including trucks, trailers and containers. This small metal plate contains crucial information for road safety and regulatory compliance.

Information on a tare plate

A typical tare plate has several important elements:
• The name of the manufacturer
• The vehicle model
• The vehicle identification number (VIN)
• The tare (empty weight) of the vehicle
• The total authorized weight (PTAC)

The importance of tare plates

1. Road safety: By indicating the unladen weight and the PTAC, the tare plates help prevent overloading of vehicles, thus reducing the risk of accidents.

2. Regulatory compliance: In France, the Highway Code requires the presence of tare plates on all goods transport vehicles, including trailers.

3. Vehicle identification: In the event of theft or accident, the tare plate helps to quickly identify the vehicle.

4. Logistical efficiency: Knowing the tare weight allows for more precise planning of loads, thus optimizing transport operations.

Applications in different sectors

• Transport and logistics: Essential on trucks and trailers to calculate the total loaded weight.
• Waste Management: Used on dumpsters for accurate billing based on the weight of waste collected.
• Construction: Present on construction machinery to prevent risks linked to overloading.

Legal obligations and regulations

In France, the regulations concerning tare plates are defined by the decree of February 1, 2001 relating to the technical and safety requirements applicable to trailers. The plates must be:
• Visibly and durably fixed on the front part of the chassis
• Made of weather resistant material
• Permanently readable

Failure to comply with these obligations may result in penalties, including a fine of €135 and immobilization of the vehicle.

Installation and maintenance

Tare plates must be permanently installed, usually by riveting or welding. Regular maintenance is necessary to ensure their readability and integrity. In the event of deterioration, it is important to replace the plate promptly to remain in compliance with the law.

The Future of Tare Plates

Technological innovation could soon transform traditional tare plates. Systems such as RFID tags or on-board weighing devices could offer automatic and remote reading of the tare weight. In addition, the trend towards eco-responsibility could lead to the use of more sustainable materials for their manufacture.

Conclusion

Tare plates, although often overlooked by the general public, play a crucial role in road safety and transport efficiency. Whether you are a transport professional, trailer owner or simple road user, understanding the importance of these plates will allow you to better appreciate their role in our modern logistics system.

The next time you see a tare plate on a vehicle, you’ll know how to recognize this essential safety and compliance feature. Remember: if you own a trailer, make sure its tare plate is in good condition and compliant with current regulations.