Anyone moving heavy goods across Europe knows the challenge: weekend and holiday driving bans vary from country to country, and the rules aren’t always clear. Some countries ban truck driving on Saturday afternoons, others on Sundays entirely.
For companies coordinating international car transport, planning around these restrictions is essential. In this article, we provide a clear overview of current driving bans for trucks in Europe, so you can stay ahead, not stuck.
Why do driving bans exist?
Driving bans are introduced to reduce road congestion, especially during weekends and holiday seasons. They’re also designed to improve road safety. For logistics operations, however, they can lead to unexpected delays and added costs. Being informed is the first step towards minimising disruption.
To whom does this apply?
Even an empty car transporter can weigh around 15 tonnes, so that’s way above the typical 7.5-tonne limit used in most driving ban regulations. That means nearly all professional car transporters are affected. Lighter vehicles such as an empty Iveco may fall under the threshold and be allowed to drive, but as soon as you’re carrying cars, you’re likely over the limit. So always double-check your load weight and local restrictions before you hit the road.
Common driving bans by country (as of May 2025)
Below is an overview of general restrictions in key European countries regarding car transport. Please note: public holidays and exceptions (such as perishable goods or intermodal transport) may affect these schedules.
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
France
- Weekend ban: Saturday 22:00 – Sunday 22:00 (with seasonal extensions during holidays)
- Applies to: trucks over 7.5 tonnes
- Note: additional restrictions apply near major cities and on public holidays
Austria
- Weekend ban: Saturday 15:00 – Sunday 22:00
- Summer ban: extra restrictions on Saturdays 07:00–15:00 on tourist routes
- Environmental note: noise and emissions regulations also apply
Italy
- Weekend ban: Sundays and public holidays from 09:00 to 22:00
- Summer period: additional Saturday restrictions may apply
- Watch out for: regional variations, especially around Milan
Switzerland
- Night and weekend ban: daily from 22:00–05:00, plus all day on Sundays and public holidays
- Strict enforcement: includes weekday night restrictions
Poland
- Weekend/holiday bans: during summer weekends and national holidays
- Typical times: vary, but often start Friday evening through Saturday or Sunday
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.
Need help checking a route or want to see how our platform supports international coordination? Get in touch, we’re here to help.
