Europe has various driving bans for trucks, varying per country and specific situations. In the article below, we discuss common driving restrictions and the most important rules truck drivers need to know. 

Weekend ban and night ban

A common driving ban is the weekend ban, where trucks are not allowed to drive at specific times during the weekend. This may apply on both Saturday and Sunday, depending on the country. There is also a night ban, whereby trucks are not allowed to drive at certain times of the night. This is designed to increase road safety and limit noise pollution for local residents. 

Preparation before departure

It is important to be aware of the driving bans you drive through to avoid fines and delays. Please note that some countries allow exceptions for specific freight transport on certain days. For example, fresh produce such as fruit and vegetables may have specific rules during driving bans. 

Before departure, it is advisable to thoroughly check which driving bans are in force in the countries you cross. Respecting driving bans is not only essential to avoid fines, but also to ensure safety.

Common driving bans: 

• Belgium: No driving bans on Sundays and public holidays.
• Germany: Various driving bans on Sundays and public holidays, varying by region. Annual holiday driving ban for trucks with a maximum permitted mass of more than 7,5 tonnes from 1 July to 31 August 07:00 to 20:00 on certain (parts of) motorways. 
• Luxembourg: Driving ban on Sundays and public holidays for transit transport to Germany (Sat. 23:30 PM to Sun. 21:45 PM) and France (Sat. 21:30 PM to Sun. 21:45 PM) for trucks with a maximum permitted mass of more than 7,5 tonnes. There is no driving ban locally.
• France: Driving ban for trucks with a maximum permitted mass of more than 7,5 tons from Sat. 22:00 PM to Sun. 22:00 PM. In addition, a driving ban applies on the day before a public holiday from 22:00 PM until 22:00 PM on the public holiday. 
• The Netherlands: No driving bans on Sundays and public holidays.

For a comprehensive overview of driving bans and specific regulations per country, consult the Driving ban calendar 2023. Here you will find detailed information about driving restrictions in various European countries, including exceptions and special rules.