HGV bans in the UK and Mainland Europe

HGV driving bans play a crucial role in European road freight transport, particularly for UK hauliers operating internationally. Across Europe, temporary and permanent driving restrictions apply to heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) to improve road safety, reduce congestion and limit environmental impact. For UK transport companies, understanding HGV driving bans in Europe is essential to avoid fines, delays and unplanned route changes. These restrictions vary significantly by country and are influenced by public holidays, weekends, weather conditions, vehicle weight and cargo type.
 

This article in 30 seconds:

• Truck driving bans restrict HGV movements during specific times to improve safety, traffic flow and environmental protection
• The UK has no nationwide Sunday or public-holiday bans, but local restrictions (e.g. London) apply
• European rules differ strongly by country
• Germany, France and Switzerland apply the strictest nationwide bans
• Spain focuses mainly on hazardous goods
• Belgium and the Netherlands rely more on local, weather-based and exceptional transport rules

* TIMOCOM's HGV driving ban information is based on publicly available online research and is provided for informational purposes only. TIMOCOM cannot be held legally responsible for its accuracy or completeness.

What are HGV driving bans?

HGV driving bans are legally enforced time periods during which trucks are not permitted to drive on certain roads or across entire countries. These bans commonly apply during weekends, public holidays, night-time hours or extreme weather conditions. Because rules differ by country, UK hauliers must always check national and local regulations before planning international routes.

Why do truck driving bans exist in Europe?

Truck driving bans are introduced to:

• Improve traffic flow during peak travel periods
• Reduce noise and emissions in residential areas
• Increase road safety during weekends and public holidays
• Limit risks during extreme weather conditions

As a result, UK hauliers transporting goods across borders must factor these restrictions into their route planning and scheduling.

What happens if you break the rules of the truck bans?

Penalties vary by country, but can include:

• On-the-spot fines
• Vehicle immobilisation
• Driving prohibitions
• Court proceedings in serious cases

In the UK, enforcement bodies can inspect tachograph data, issue improvement notices or apply prohibition notices if repeated or serious infringements are detected.
 

HGV driving bans in the UK (2026)

Unlike many European countries, the UK does not have nationwide Sunday or public-holiday HGV driving bans.
However:

• Local restrictions apply, especially in Greater London (London Lorry Control Scheme)
• Night-time bans may apply on certain routes
• Weight-based access restrictions are common in urban areas
   

Mainland European countries with HGV driving bans

The specific mainland European countries covered in this article are:

1. Netherlands
2. Germany
3. Belgium
4. France
5. Spain

6. Switzerland

    

HGV driving bans in the Netherlands 2026

The Netherlands does not have a general weekend or public holiday truck driving ban, making it a relatively flexible transit country for UK hauliers. However, specific restrictions apply in cases of severe weather, such as ice or reduced visibility, and special permits are required for oversized or heavy vehicles. In addition, local access restrictions and environmental zones in urban areas can affect delivery planning. UK transport companies should therefore check route-specific regulations and permit requirements when operating in or through the Netherlands.

Weather-related driving bans in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, there is a ban on trucks driving in poor visibility. If it is icy or visibility is less than 200 metres, trucks are not allowed on the road during weekends. This driving ban is valid from Saturday morning at 09:00 until Sunday at 24:00. 

When are certain HGVs not allowed to drive?

Trucks that are longer than 22 metres, wider than 3 metres, or heavier than 60 tons (60,000 kilograms) need prior permission from the Service Bureau for Exemptions. This also applies to trucks with more than 5 axles. For more information on applying for exemptions, visit the RDW website RDW - Exceptional Transport. 

These exceptional trucks are not allowed to drive during weekdays between 07:00 and 10:00, creating a daily driving ban. In the Randstad area, this ban starts even earlier, from 06:00 to 10:00. They are also prohibited from driving during the afternoon rush hour, from 16:00 to 18:00. In the Randstad, this second ban extends until 20:00. 

During weekends, these trucks are not allowed to drive from Saturday morning at 09:00 until Sunday night at 24:00. 

Are HGVs allowed to drive on public holidays? 

In the Netherlands, there are no specific driving bans for trucks during public holidays. If a national holiday falls on a weekend, heavy trucks must adhere to the general weekend bans, as well as during weekdays. 

HGV driving bans in Germany 2026

Germany enforces some of the strictest truck driving bans in Europe. Heavy goods vehicles over 7.5 tonnes are prohibited from driving on Sundays and public holidays, typically between 00:00 and 22:00. Additional holiday-related driving bans apply during peak travel periods in summer. These restrictions have a major impact on UK–EU road freight routes, making careful scheduling and route planning essential to avoid delays and fines.

When are specific HGV not allowed to drive in Germany?

If the HGV is heavier than 7.5 tonnes or has a trailer, it is not allowed to drive on Sundays and public holidays, even if the trailer is empty. This ban is in effect from 00:00 to 22:00. There are some exceptions to this ban, such as the transport of fresh milk and dairy products, fresh meat and meat products, fresh fish, live fish, and fresh fish products, as well as highly perishable fruits and vegetables. 

When are the public holidays in 2026?

German HGV Driving Bans – 2026 Holiday Schedule

Which public holidays allow driving?

Driving is allowed as normal during the following public holidays, in specific states (please see the above table for further information):

1. International Women's Day
2. Assumption Day
3. Day of Repentance and Prayer 

HGV driving bans during Summer Holidays in Germany

Germany has a holiday driving ban known as the “Ferienreise Verordnung” [Holiday Traffic Regulations]. In July and August, HGV are not allowed to drive on Saturdays from 07:00 to 20:00. However, they are allowed to drive from 20:00 to 00:00. After 00:00, it is Sunday, and the general Sunday driving ban applies.

HGV driving bans in France 2026

France applies strict truck driving bans for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) with a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of over 7.5 tonnes (7,500 kilograms). These restrictions are particularly relevant for UK hauliers operating cross-border routes through or into France, as non-compliance can result in fines, delays and forced stops.

When are these heavy trucks not allowed to drive?

The general rule in France is that HGV are not allowed to drive from Saturday 22:00 to Sunday 22:00. This also applies to the days before public holidays, from 22:00 the day before until 22:00 on the holiday. What if a public holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday? In that case, the ban applies on that day from 00:00 to 24:00.

When are trucks not allowed to drive in France?

The general rule in France is a nationwide weekend driving ban for HGVs, which applies:

• From Saturday at 22:00 until Sunday at 22:00

In addition, the same restriction applies before public holidays:

• From 22:00 on the day before a public holiday until 22:00 on the holiday itself

If a public holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the driving ban applies for the entire day, from 00:00 to 24:00.

Truck driving bans in France on public holidays (2026)

HGVs, including solo tractors without trailers, are not permitted to drive in France on the following public holidays:

• 1 January – New Year’s Day
• Easter Sunday and Easter Monday
• 1 May – Labour Day
• 8 May – Victory in Europe Day
• Ascension Day
• Pentecost Sunday and Pentecost Monday
• 14 July – Bastille Day (National Day)
• 15 August – Assumption of Mary
• 1 November – All Saints’ Day
• 11 November – Armistice Day
• 25 December – Christmas Day

On these days, the ban applies from 22:00 on the previous day until 22:00 on the holiday, unless the holiday falls on a weekend, in which case the 24-hour rule applies.

Seasonal HGV driving bans in France 2026

In addition to these general driving bans, there are also some special driving bans in France. These are driving bans you don't often see in other European countries. France has special seasonal driving bans. These are divided into two categories:

1. Summer driving bans
2. Winter driving bans

In the summer period, France has an additional driving ban on vehicles and vehicle combinations. This extra ban is in effect on certain extremely busy Saturdays (Black Saturdays). In the winter period, there are special driving bans for these vehicles in February and on the first Saturday in March, from 07:00 to 18:00, and from 22:00 to 22:00 the following day. Driving is allowed between 18:00 and 22:00. The exact roads and dates vary each year, so carriers and transport companies should always consult official sources before planning winter routes. For more information on these specific roads, please refer to the Evofenedex website.

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HGV driving bans in Belgium 2026

Truck driving bans in Belgium are broadly comparable to those in the Netherlands, but include several important local and time-specific restrictions that UK hauliers must consider. In 2026, Belgian regulations focus mainly on traffic safety, congestion management and exceptional transport, particularly around major cities and industrial hubs.

When planning transport through Belgium, UK carriers should take the following factors into account:

• Weather conditions
• Vehicle weight
• Local driving bans during peak traffic hours
• Restrictions for abnormal and exceptional loads

Which vehicles are affected by driving bans in Belgium?

Most Belgian driving bans apply to heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) with a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of over 7.5 tonnes.
In addition, during heavy rain, snow or slippery conditions, overtaking is prohibited for these vehicles, even where no full driving ban applies.

Local truck driving bans during rush hours in Belgium

Belgium enforces local traffic bans for HGVs during peak hours in highly congested areas. In 2026, truck traffic is prohibited between 06:00–09:00 and 16:00–21:00 at the following locations:

• Antwerp Ring Road (R1) – between exit n°2 (Antwerp-North) and n°6
• Brussels Ring Road (R0)
• Charleroi Ring Road (R9)
• Motorways A604 – A15 (Seraing–Hognoul)
• Liège motorway corridor (E40/E42–E25) between Burenville and Tilff

These rush-hour restrictions are particularly relevant for international road freight transiting Belgium, and failure to comply can result in fines or forced diversions. For detailed and up-to-date local restrictions, consult Truckban.eu, which provides route-specific information.For more detailed information about specific local bans, please visit the Truckban.eu website.

Driving bans in Belgium during national holidays 

As in most European countries, Belgium applies driving bans for heavy trucks on national public holidays.
In 2026, the holiday driving ban applies:

• From 16:00 on the day before the holiday
• Until 24:00 on the holiday itself

This restriction applies to HGVs over 7.5 tonnes on the following Belgian public holidays:

• 1 January – New Year’s Day
• Easter Sunday and Easter Monday
• 1 May – Labour Day
• Ascension Day
• Pentecost Sunday and Pentecost Monday
• 21 July – Belgian National Day
• 15 August – Assumption of Mary
• 1 November – All Saints’ Day
• 11 November – Armistice Day
• 25 December – Christmas Day

UK hauliers should always factor these bans into cross-border planning to avoid delays and penalties.

General driving ban for large transport in Belgium

In Belgium, there is a general driving ban on all roads from 06:00 to 21:00 for the transport of goods wider than 4 metres. This also applies to transport longer than 30 metres. On highways with less than 3 lanes in the same direction, this ban starts with a width of more than 3.5 metres. Exceptional transport exceeding these dimensions also has a weekend driving ban from Saturday 12:00 to Sunday 24:00. Toll for the Liefkenshoek Tunnel. The Liefkenshoek Tunnel, located between Antwerp and Beveren, is a toll road. HGV or other transports higher than 3 metres pay more than other vehicles. Check  the website of the Liefkenshoek Tunnel for the current rates. 

HGV driving Driving Bans in Switzerland (2026)

Switzerland enforces some of the strictest HGV driving bans in Europe, with restrictions starting earlier and applying to lighter vehicles than in most neighbouring countries. This is because Swiss regulations apply to heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) with a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of over 3.5 tonnes (3,500 kg).

For UK hauliers and logistics companies planning routes through Switzerland, these rules have a major impact on transit times and scheduling.

When do HGV driving bans apply in Switzerland?

In 2026, the following nationwide driving bans apply:

• Sundays and public holidays:
  Complete driving ban from 00:00 to 24:00
• Weekdays (Monday to Saturday):
  Night-time driving ban from 22:00 to 05:00

These restrictions apply across the entire country and affect both domestic and international road freight traffic.

Swiss HGV Driving Bans on Public Holidays (2026)

The Sunday and public holiday driving ban also applies on the following Swiss public holidays:

• 1 January – New Year’s Day
• Easter Sunday and Easter Monday
• 1 May – Labour Day
• Ascension Day
• Pentecost Sunday and Pentecost Monday
• 1 August – Swiss National Day
• 15 August – Assumption of Mary
• 1 November – All Saints’ Day
• 25 December – Christmas Day

On these days, HGVs over 3.5 tonnes are not permitted to drive at any time, regardless of route or cargo, unless a specific exemption applies.

Exceptions to HGV Driving Bans in Switzerland

Exemptions to Swiss driving bans are limited and strictly regulated. They can only be requested for the transport of specific goods, including:

• Perishable goods, such as fresh fruit, vegetables and cut flowers
• Slaughter pigs and poultry
• Fresh milk and dairy products
• Circus equipment, musical instruments and theatre supplies
• Newspapers and postal mail

Exemptions must be applied for in advance via the Swiss Federal Roads Office (FEDRO) and are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Approval is not guaranteed and should never be assumed during route planning.

Important update for UK drivers: tachograph rules from 2026

From 31 December 2025 onwards, Switzerland has updated its working, driving and rest time regulations.
As a result, drivers must carry tachograph records for the previous 56 days, instead of the former 28-day requirement.

This change applies to:

• UK drivers transiting Switzerland
• International road freight operations
• All professional HGV drivers subject to tachograph rules

Failure to comply can result in fines, delays or roadside penalties during Swiss inspections.

Why Swiss driving bans matter for UK hauliers

Switzerland is a key transit country for north–south European road freight, especially for routes connecting the UK with Italy, southern Germany and Austria.
Understanding Swiss HGV driving bans in 2026 helps UK transport companies avoid night-time violations, holiday stoppages and compliance risks, while ensuring smooth and legally compliant transit through the country.

HGV Driving Bans in Spain (2026)

Spain applies specific truck driving bans that differ from many other European countries, particularly for the transport of hazardous goods. For UK hauliers operating routes into or through Spain, understanding these restrictions is essential to avoid fines, delays and route disruptions.

Driving bans in Spain for the transport of hazardous materials

Spain enforces strict driving bans on vehicles transporting hazardous materials (ADR goods).
In 2026, the following nationwide restrictions apply:

• Sundays and public holidays:
  Driving is prohibited between 08:00 and 24:00
• Days preceding public holidays:
  Driving is prohibited between 13:00 and 24:00,
  except when the day before the holiday falls on a Saturday

These restrictions apply not only to loaded vehicles, but also to empty and cleaned HGVs that are intended for the transport of hazardous materials.

Spanish public holidays affecting hazardous goods transport (2026)

The hazardous goods driving ban applies on the following national public holidays in Spain:

• 1 January – New Year’s Day
• 6 January – Epiphany
• Maundy Thursday
• Good Friday
• Easter Sunday and Easter Monday
• 1 May – Labour Day
• 15 August – Assumption of Mary
• 12 October – Spanish National Day
• 1 November – All Saints’ Day
• 6 December – Constitution Day
• 8 December – Immaculate Conception
• 25 December – Christmas Day

Regional and local public holidays may introduce additional restrictions, so route-specific checks are strongly recommended.

Special HGV driving bans in Madrid

The city of Madrid applies additional urban truck restrictions aimed at reducing congestion and emissions.
In the central area of Madrid, the following bans apply in 2026:

• Vehicles over 12 tonnes (12,000 kg):
  • Weekdays: 09:00 to 21:00
  • Public holidays: 00:00 to 24:00

Exceptions may apply for removals and authorised special transport.

In addition:

• Between 12:00 and 21:00, vehicles wider than 2 metres and longer than 5.5 metres are not permitted to enter the city centre, regardless of weight.

HGV driving bans in Europe 2026

HGV driving bans in European countries are not uniform; they vary greatly from one country to another. Generally, many European countries have restrictions during weekends, public holidays, and specific times to manage traffic flow and environmental impact. Some European countries also have seasonal bans, especially during holiday periods or in areas with particular environmental or traffic safety challenges.  For the most up-to-date overview of these rules and any exceptions, it is advisable to consult the official traffic information sources of each country.

Conclusion

Navigating through the truck driving bans in European countries in 2026 requires preparation and understanding of local regulations. It is crucial for international carriers to stay up-to-date with local regulations to avoid fines and delays. The TIMOCOM Marketplace offers convenient modules that allow you to calculate routes and costs. You can also find one of Europe's largest freight exchange here, with up to 1 million transport orders per day distributed across over 46 countries. Experience the advantage and convenience of TIMOCOM by creating an account today.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum authorised total weight of an HGV?

Answer: The maximum authorised mass (MAM) of an HGV is the maximum weight a vehicle is legally allowed to operate at when fully loaded, including the vehicle, cargo, fuel and driver.
In most European countries, an HGV is defined as a vehicle with a MAM of over 3.5 tonnes, although many driving bans apply specifically to vehicles over 7.5 tonnes.
The exact thresholds and restrictions vary by country and regulation, which is why international route planning is essential.

Why don't HGV operate on weekends?

Answer: HGV often don't operate on weekends to reduce traffic congestion, increase traffic safety, and minimise environmental impact.

Is there freight traffic on Saturdays in Germany?

Answer: Yes, freight traffic is generally allowed on Saturdays in Germany. However, seasonal driving bans apply on certain Saturdays during the summer holiday period, mainly on key motorways and federal roads to manage holiday traffic.

In addition:

• Saturday night driving bans may apply if a public holiday follows on Sunday
• Exemptions exist for specific goods, such as perishable food or essential supplies

Why are HGV not allowed to operate on Sundays in Germany?

Answer: HGVs over 7.5 tonnes are prohibited from driving on Sundays and public holidays in Germany between 00:00 and 22:00.

The reasons include:

• Traffic safety
• Noise protection
• Environmental and social considerations
• Reducing congestion during peak leisure travel

Why are there truck bans for HGV?

Answer: Truck bans are not without reason. They exist to make roads safer, reduce traffic congestion, and minimise environmental impact. They ensure that heavy trucks are not on the roads during peak hours or certain environmentally sensitive periods. This means less traffic jams during your holidays and cleaner air in our cities.