No! A truck ban, but don't worry
Anyone moving heavy goods across Europe knows the challenge: weekend and public holiday truck traffic bans vary from country to country, and the applicable regulations aren’t always clear. Some countries restrict truck traffic on Saturday afternoons, others impose a full driving ban on Sundays.
For international transport companies, planning around these restrictions is essential to avoid costly fines and delivery delays. In this article, we provide a clear overview of current truck traffic bans in European countries—so you can stay ahead, not stuck.
Why a traffic ban for trucks in Europe?
Driving bans are strictly regulated across Europe to reduce congestion and protect the environment. Knowing the rules and understanding their operational consequences helps drivers plan ahead and avoid penalties or delays.
Driving bans are introduced to reduce road congestion and improve road safety, especially during weekends and public holidays. While these restrictions help keep trunk roads clear during peak travel periods, they can also cause delivery delays and increase operational costs. For logistics and transport companies, understanding the applicable regulations is key to maintaining compliance and avoiding costly fines.
In short: These bans are designed with road safety and fuel efficiency in mind. For transport planners, the consequences of violating a ban can include significant fines and operational risk.
To whom does the truck traffic ban apply?
Even an empty car transporter can have a gross vehicle weight of around 15 tonnes — well above the 7.5-tonne threshold used in most driving ban regulations. As a result, nearly all professional car transport vehicles are affected. Lighter trucks, such as an empty Iveco, may fall below the limit and continue to drive, but once vehicles are loaded, the ban applies. Always double-check your load weight, applicable regulations, and local restrictions to stay compliant and avoid costly fines.
Common driving bans by country (as of May 2025)
Below is a summary of general driving ban regulations across major European countries for car transport. Please note that public holidays, regional exceptions, and special transport categories (such as perishable goods, intermodal transport, or live animals) may affect these schedules. Always verify local applicable regulations before route planning to avoid costly fines.
Many European countries also impose driving bans on national and religious holidays such as Good Friday, Easter Monday, Labor Day, German Unity Day, Corpus Christi, Saints Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day. These special periods often bring extra restrictions on major highways.
Germany
- Weekend ban: Saturdays (July–August) 07:00–20:00, and Sundays/public holidays 00:00–22:00
- Applies to: Trucks over 7.5 tonnes and trucks with trailers
- Exceptions: Empty trips, perishable goods, urgent deliveries
- Note: Additional restrictions may apply on trunk roads during summer holidays
France
- Weekend ban: Saturday 22:00 – Sunday 22:00 (with seasonal extensions during holiday periods)
- Applies to: Trucks over 7.5 tonnes
- Note: Extra traffic bans near major cities and on public holidays
Austria
- Weekend ban: Saturday 15:00 – Sunday 22:00
- Summer ban: Additional Saturday restrictions 07:00–15:00 on tourist routes
- Environmental note: Noise and emissions regulations apply in certain sections
Italy
- Weekend ban: Sundays and public holidays from 09:00–22:00
- Summer period: Extra Saturday restrictions may apply
- Watch out for: Regional exceptions, especially around Milan and other cities
Switzerland
- Night and weekend ban: Daily from 22:00–05:00, plus all day on Sundays and public holidays
- Strict enforcement: Includes weekday night driving bans
Poland
- Weekend and holiday bans: During summer weekends and national holidays
- Typical times: Vary by period, often starting Friday evening through Saturday or Sunday
- Note: Check for local regulations and road construction that may affect routes
Smart planning starts with insight
Being stationary doesn’t mean standing still
Driving bans are a fact of life, but not a surprise if you stay ahead of them. At TransConnect, we help you maintain visibility, alignment, and momentum across borders.
Whether you’re planning international routes for January, November, or December, our platform gives you the knowledge and tools to stay compliant all year round.
Need advice? Contact TransConnect. Our experts can help you plan smarter and stay ahead of every regulated route.
