Starting April 1, 2025, the Malian government will rigorously enforce Decree No. 2023-0509/PT-RM, issued on September 12, 2023, to regulate heavy vehicle traffic on national roads. The measure aims to prevent premature deterioration of road infrastructure, often caused by overloaded or oversized vehicles.
Mali’s road network is vital to the country’s economic development, facilitating the transport of goods and the mobility of its population. However, in recent years, accelerated road degradation has been observed, largely due to heavy vehicles exceeding regulatory limits. This overloading hastens pavement wear, drives up maintenance costs, and jeopardizes road user safety.
To tackle this issue, the government is tightening existing regulations to preserve infrastructure and enhance road safety.
New standards for heavy vehicles
Decree No. 2023-0509/PT-RM establishes usage conditions for roads open to public traffic and sets maximum permissible dimensions for heavy vehicles:
– Maximum length: 16.5 meters for articulated vehicles
– Maximum width: 2.55 meters
– Maximum height: 4 meters
These restrictions aim to align national standards with international norms, improving transport compatibility and safety.
Penalties for non-compliance
Vehicle owners have until April 1, 2025, to comply with these new requirements. After this deadline, authorities will immobilise non-compliant vehicles operating on Mali’s road corridors. This enforcement measure seeks to ensure adherence to the rules and curb violations that damage road infrastructure.
By introducing these standards, the Malian government aims to reduce premature road wear, lower maintenance costs, and boost road safety. The initiative is part of a broader policy to modernise and sustainably develop the country’s infrastructure.
Compliance with these regulations is critical to extending the lifespan of road investments and ensuring safe, efficient transport conditions for all users.
MD/te/lb/as/APA