ISO 39001:2012 Road Traffic Safety Management System

The ISO 39001:2012 standard is the international framework for Road Traffic Safety (RTS) Management Systems. It specifies the requirements for developing, implementing, and continually improving a structured approach aimed at reducing road traffic accidents, fatalities, and serious injuries.

Road safety is a critical issue for every modern society. Road traffic accidents cause loss of life, severe injuries, and significant economic impact for businesses, organizations, and governments. Any organization that manages a vehicle fleet, transports personnel, or interacts directly or indirectly with road users influences road safety outcomes.

ISO 39001 certification is addressed to public and private organizations in Greece that want to demonstrate their commitment to road safety and social responsibility, while enhancing their credibility with citizens, customers, partners, and authorities.

What Is ISO 39001?

ISO 39001:2012 is a management system standard that defines specific requirements for organizations seeking to systematically improve road traffic safety. It is based on the principle that any entity interacting with the road traffic system (roads, vehicles, users) can either increase or reduce road safety risks.

The standard requires organizations to establish an RTS policy, set measurable objectives, and implement action plans to reduce risks. It includes staff training on road safety, monitoring of key indicators (number of incidents, types of injuries, driving behaviors), and ongoing evaluation of safety measures.

ISO 39001 certification is granted by accredited certification bodies such as Q-CERT, and is internationally recognized proof that the organization operates a structured and effective Road Traffic Safety Management System.

Why ISO 39001 Matters for Businesses and Public Authorities

Road safety is not only relevant to transport or logistics companies. Any organization that uses vehicles, manages fleets, moves personnel or citizens, or operates facilities connected to the road network (schools, hospitals, municipalities, etc.) has both responsibility and influence.

For private companies, implementing ISO 39001 contributes to reducing work-related traffic accidents (drivers, technicians, sales teams, etc.), lowering insurance costs, protecting reputation, and complying with customer or partner requirements in Greece and abroad.

For public organizations and authorities—municipalities, regional authorities, transport agencies, and educational institutions—ISO 39001 serves as a strategic road safety tool. It supports better planning, documentation of preventive actions, and demonstration of social responsibility toward citizens.

In a country where road traffic accidents remain a persistent concern, adoption of ISO 39001 sends a strong message of responsibility and professionalism.

Benefits of ISO 39001 Certification

ISO 39001 certification offers a combination of business, social, and competitive benefits:

Reduction of road traffic accidents: Risk analysis, route planning, fleet maintenance, and driver training lead to fewer incidents.
Reduction in fatalities and serious injuries: The RTS system focuses on key factors that mitigate the severity of consequences.
Protection of employees and third parties: Enhances the safety of staff, customers, partners, and citizens affected by the organization’s operations.
Cost reduction: Fewer accidents mean lower insurance costs, fewer claims, reduced vehicle damage, shorter delays, and higher productivity.
Regulatory and customer compliance: Supports alignment with national and EU road safety goals and meets requirements of major clients or public contracts.
Improved corporate image & social responsibility: Demonstrates commitment to protecting life and safety, strengthening the organization’s brand.
Competitive advantage: In tenders, contracts, and partnerships, ISO 39001 provides a clear edge over non-certified competitors.

Key Elements of a Road Traffic Safety Management System

An RTS Management System based on ISO 39001 is built around specific components that ensure real improvement in road safety.

Road Traffic Safety Policy: Clear top management commitment to reducing road traffic incidents.
RTS objectives and indicators: Measurable goals (e.g., reducing accidents, violations, breakdowns) and monitoring performance indicators.
Context and risk analysis: Understanding how the organization interacts with the road traffic system (vehicles, drivers, routes, peak hours, high-risk zones) and evaluating related risks.
Action planning: Development of plans (driver training, preventive maintenance, vehicle use rules, accident response procedures).
Training and awareness: Systematic training for drivers, staff, and partners on safe driving practices, seat belt use, speed, fatigue management, etc.
Incident management: Procedures for recording, investigating, and analyzing accidents or near misses to prevent recurrence.
Monitoring & evaluation: Data collection, trend analysis, and assessment of effectiveness of safety measures.

Risk management is central to the standard. Organizations focus on factors they can influence—vehicle selection, tires, route design, driving hours—to systematically reduce road safety risks.

ISO 39001 Certification Process with Q-CERT

As an accredited certification body, Q-CERT offers a clear and structured ISO 39001 certification process. Core steps include:

Application & initial communication
Submission of the application form and collection of basic information regarding size, activities, fleet, and facilities.
Offer & agreement
Q-CERT prepares a tailored financial proposal based on organizational needs.
System preparation
The organization develops and implements the RTS Management System (policy, objectives, procedures, records, training).
Optional preliminary assessment
A pre-audit or gap analysis to identify issues before the formal audit.
Certification Audit – Stage 1
Document review and evaluation of system readiness.
Certification Audit – Stage 2
On-site audit of implementation, including site visits, staff interviews, record verification, and sampling of routes or fleet operations.
Issuance of ISO 39001 certificate
Issued upon conformity and closure of any nonconformities; valid for three years.
Annual surveillance audits
Periodic audits by Q-CERT to confirm ongoing compliance and continual improvement.

Throughout the collaboration, Q-CERT maintains open and constructive communication, providing clear findings and actionable insights within the boundaries of impartiality and accreditation rules.

Continual Improvement & Recertification

ISO 39001 is not a one-time achievement—it is a framework for continual improvement. Organizations must regularly monitor RTS indicators, evaluate the effectiveness of measures, and adapt to new technologies, requirements, and regulatory changes.

Annual surveillance audits offer opportunities for system refinement, identification of emerging risks, and updating of RTS objectives. A full recertification audit is conducted every three years to renew the certificate.

Cost & Duration of ISO 39001 Certification

The cost of ISO 39001 certification depends on the characteristics of the organization, including size, number of employees, fleet size, number of locations, and operational complexity.

Typically, the certificate is valid for three years with annual surveillance audits. For an accurate cost and timeline estimate, contact Q-CERT or complete the certification application form to receive a personalized offer.

Advantages of Working with Q-CERT

Selecting the right certification body is essential for the credibility and value of ISO 39001 certification. Q-CERT offers strong expertise in management systems, especially in sectors with high safety and risk management requirements.

Key advantages include:

Accreditation and trust: Q-CERT operates as an accredited certification body with strict requirements for impartiality, technical competence, and transparency.
Specialized auditors: Teams experienced in transport, logistics, public authorities, and infrastructure projects, with practical understanding of road safety challenges.
Practical approach: Focus on meaningful improvement rather than unnecessary bureaucracy, with clear and understandable audit reports.
Flexibility and support: Adaptable audit scheduling and support in understanding standard requirements.
International orientation: Ability to support organizations active outside Greece or collaborating with international partners.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about ISO 39001 Certification

ISO 39001 certification confirms that an organization operates a Road Traffic Safety Management System in accordance with the ISO 39001:2012 international standard. It is intended for transport and logistics companies, organizations with vehicle fleets, municipalities, public authorities, hospitals, schools, and generally any entity interacting with the road network.

The process includes submitting an application to Q-CERT, developing and implementing the RTS management system, performing internal audits and a management review, followed by a two-stage certification audit (Stage 1 & Stage 2). If all requirements are met, the certificate is issued and annual surveillance audits follow.

Costs vary depending on the size of the organization, its activities, fleet, and number of locations. Q-CERT prepares tailored quotations after receiving basic information about your organization.

The typical validity period is three years, provided that the organization successfully completes annual surveillance audits and maintains conformity with the standard.

Yes. ISO 39001 is fully scalable and can be applied by SMEs with a limited fleet or local operations, with proportionate procedures and a corresponding cost structure.

Thorough recording and analysis of traffic incidents, proper organization of records (maintenance logs, training documentation, policies), clear allocation of roles and responsibilities, and active involvement of management and drivers in shaping the road safety policy.

ISO 39001 is applicable to transport companies, logistics providers, courier and delivery services, public transport organizations, service companies with fleets, hospitals, municipalities, schools, and any organization that influences—or is influenced by—road traffic.

An organization may follow road safety practices aligned with ISO 39001, but only official certification by an accredited body such as Q-CERT provides independent, documented confirmation to third parties that the system fully meets the standard’s requirements.

Why Q-CERT

Q-CERT employs specialized auditors with strong expertise in compliance, corporate governance, and risk management, delivering certification services that are both reliable and practically oriented. We combine international know-how with a deep understanding of the Greek market, offering flexible solutions tailored to the needs of both SMEs and large organizations. Contact Q-CERT to request a personalized offer for your certification needs.

Audit Information & Expectations	Application Form
F-2108	F-2503, Annex K