Article 4
1. In order to carry out the checks provided for in this Directive, the Member States shall use the checklist set out in Annex I.A copy of that checklist or a certificate showing the result of the check drawn up by the authority which carried it out shall be given to the driver of the vehicle and presented on request in order to simplify or avoid, where possible, subsequent checks. The first subparagraph shall not prejudice Member States’ right to carry out specific measures for detailed checks. 2. The checks shall be random and shall as far as possible cover an extensive portion of the road network. 3. The places chosen for the checks shall permit infringing vehicles to be brought into compliance or, if the authority carrying out the check deems it appropriate, to be immobilised on-the-spot or at a place designated for that purpose by that authority without causing a safety hazard. 4. Where appropriate, and provided that this does not constitute a safety hazard, samples of the goods transported may be taken for examination by laboratories recognised by the competent authority. 5. Checks shall not exceed a reasonable length of time.