tir

[Panic Button]

What does TIR mean displayed on a lorry?

Sometimes the plate with this displayed has a diagonal line across the letters.

[LostSheep]

It stands for Transports Internationaux Routiers or International Road Transport.

[kempie]

TIR enables international transportation of goods without time-consuming Customs border checks.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TIR_Treaty

[sddsddean]

It used to be used a lot across Europe, but since all the border crossings have effectively disappeared with the EU, it is not used much now. Anything that is carried through EU to Eastern Europe and beyond, is now normally carried using T forms, which are a lot less hassle. Of course, with more Eastern countries joining the EU, TIR Carnets will tend to die out more.
The reason for the diagonal line is to show the load is not being carried under TIR regulations. Most TIR boards are permanently fixed to the vehicle and some (the French notably) like to jump on the offence of showing TIR plates when the load is not under TIR regs.

[kempie]

TIR may no longer be as prevalent within the EU but since participating TIR areas include Russia, Mongolia and extend into the Middle East and North Africa; contracting parties to the convention include USA, Canada and parts of South America; and hopes of further extension into Asia/China are a distinct possibility, I wouldn't forecast it's death any time soon.

[Panic Button]

Thanks y'all.

Since I drive lorries I felt embarrassed that I didn't know, but I only drive in the UK.