The driver carries the ADR rules with them in the cab every day. Most of Part 8 of Annex B is written for the driver directly — these are the habits an inspector will test at a roadside check.
Documents to carry (8.1.2)
- transport document covering every dangerous good on board (5.4.1)
- written instructions in a language the crew reads (5.4.3)
- photo ID for every crew member (1.10.1.4)
- ADR driver training certificate for goods that require one (8.2.1)
- certificate of approval of 9.1.3 for each transport unit or element thereof — that is, for EX/II, EX/III, FL and AT vehicles and MEMUs (8.1.2.2 (a))
- competent authority permit copy, if the substance entry requires one (5.4.1.2.1 (c) or (d), 5.4.1.2.3.3)
On the road and at the loading dock (8.3)
- No passengers other than crew (8.3.1)
- No smoking — including e-cigarettes — near or inside the vehicle during loading, unloading or handling (8.3.5)
- Engine off during loading and unloading — the only way round it is when the engine has to drive the pumps or other loading appliances and the law of the country of operation permits that use (8.3.6, both conditions together)
- Parking brake set + wheel chock for any trailer without brakes (8.3.7). Chock comes from the 8.1.5 kit
- Do not open packages containing dangerous goods (8.3.3)
- Portable lamps must have no sparking metal parts (8.3.4)
Parking and supervision (8.4.1) — vehicles carrying the quantities shown in special provisions S1 (6) and S14 to S24 of Chapter 8.5 for a given substance according to Column 19 of Table A shall be supervised, or may be parked unsupervised in a secure depot or secure factory premises. Only if such facilities are unavailable may the vehicle, properly secured, be parked in an isolated position — an attended vehicle park, then a public or private park where it is unlikely to be damaged, then a suitable open space away from the public highway and dwellings, in that order of preference.
Common mistake — drivers leave the engine idling during discharge “just for a minute.” 8.3.6 has no minute tolerance — the engine must be off unless it drives the pump and national law allows it.
References — ADR 2025 8.1.2.1–8.1.2.2 (documents), 8.3.1–8.3.8 (conduct rules), 8.4.1 (supervision), 8.5 (special provisions S1–S24).