The aim of this thesis is to analyze means of transport by road, to present their development from the beginning until today, refer to their similarities and differences, all with a focus on the legal framework in the Republic of Croatia and the European Union, and their importance in the technology of road transport. Road vehicles have many advantages over other means of transport, such as access, cost, etc., and therefore road transport is most applicable branch of transport, both in the private use of the citizens, as well as in the economy. Because of the widespread use of road vehicles in a commercial context, this paper examines the role of road transport vehicles in advanced transportation technologies and current state in Republic of Croatia, as well as predictions in future. Paper is divided into several sections, and begins with historical development of roads and road transport vehicles. The following shows the basic advantages and disadvantages of road transport. There are many divisions of road transport and many types of vehicles, each with their own technical characteristics, which are thoroughly analyzed. Central part of the work is devoted to the role of road transport vehicles in advanced transportation technologies, with reference to Huckepack technology because it is completely conducted on the mainland. State of land transport in Republic of Croatia has changed during last year’s due to Croatian accession to the European Union and considering the above, changes taking place in road transport are shown as well as direction of development in Croatia. Last chapters of the dissertation present future trends of road transport, road safety and their impact on the environment and people.