The Transport Sector in the EEA/EU

Types of traffic, relevance for Liechtenstein

In the European Economic Area (EEA), there are generally applicable legal acts in the transport sector on the modes of road transport, rail transport, maritime transport and air transport.

Liechtenstein is mainly affected by legal acts for road transport and civil aviation. In part, regulations for rail transport also apply in Liechtenstein. In maritime transport, only minor relevance arises from the relevant EEA provisions.

In the area of civil aviation, the Civil Aviation Section was established in the Aviation Act within the Office of National Economy.

European Regulations

In the transportation of goods by road, vehicles whose gross vehicle weight (with trailer) does not exceed 3.5 tons are exempt from general regulations and licensing requirements. Specific regulations apply above a limit of 6 or 7.5 tons.

In passenger transport by road, there is a permit requirement for regular transport. Commercial occasional transport contains regulations for the transport of pre-formed groups of passengers with vehicles that have more than 9 seats (including the driver). Transportation with vehicles up to this limit is exempt from the general regulations and permit requirements.

For transports outside the regulatory area of the EEA regulations, the national regulations of the respective EEA states in which transports are carried out apply.

In the transport of goods and passengers by road, there are a number of European regulations which aim to ensure that the same regulations apply in important areas throughout Europe and to facilitate market access for EEA nationals to other EEA states. Great importance is attached to road safety, environmental protection and social aspects.

Supplementary information is available in the Include leaflet on European regulations in the transport of goods and passengers