On this page, you will find an overview of the current truck driving ban for trucks from 3.5 tonnes as well as lorries and vehicle combinations with a permissible total weight of more than 7.5 tonnes in the European countries.
Is there a general truck driving ban in Europe?
In Europe, or within the European Union itself, there is no general uniform driving ban for lorries in international transport. The imposition of driving bans for lorries is regulated differently from country to country. Nevertheless, the question of a general lorry driving ban in the EU has been regularly on the agenda and discussed since 1999.
In which country does which lorry driving ban apply?
In many European countries, driving bans mainly apply to lorries with a permissible total weight of more than 7.5 tonnes. Individual countries regulate different weight classes. Depending on the country, driving bans apply on Sundays and public holidays, sometimes seasonally, and in several countries also regularly during night hours. You can find detailed information about lorry driving bans in individual countries here:
All information about truck driving bans in Europe at a glance can be found in a useful overview available for download.
What happens if you drive despite a driving ban?
Anyone who violates the applicable driving bans for lorries must expect a fine. Depending on the country and the nature of the offence, fines of up to several thousand euros may be imposed. Depending on national law, the driver and/or the responsible company can be held accountable. Repeated offences or serious breaches of the regulations can lead to higher penalties or further sanctions.
Exceptions to truck driving bans in Europe
Common exceptions to the truck driving ban include, among others, combined rail-road and port-road transport from the sender to the nearest loading station or port and vice versa within the nationally defined distance limits (e.g., up to 150 km in certain countries such as Germany). Empty runs related to combined transport are usually also exempted.
Also often exempt from the truck driving bans in Europe are transports of perishable goods such as fresh meat and fresh meat products, fresh milk and fresh dairy products, fresh fish and fresh fish products, as well as perishable fruit and vegetables. The same applies to live animal transports.
Similarly, vehicles are generally permitted to operate for urgent deployment in recovery, towing, and breakdown assistance. However, the exact exceptions vary depending on the country.
Tips for dealing with truck driving bans in Europe
To avoid violations of truck driving bans, proactive planning is essential. Digital planning tools with an integrated driving ban calendar help reliably take into account national and regional regulations as well as time restrictions. It is especially important to schedule regional public holidays early in the dispatch process, as these often differ from the general regulations.
Before departure, any possible exemptions should be checked and clearly clarified. If exemptions are used, it is important to ensure that all necessary freight documents and permits are carried in full and that the reasons for the exemption are clearly stated. Careful documentation and proper archiving of permits and evidence are crucial to be able to present them quickly during inspections. This helps to avoid fines, delays, and unnecessary downtime.
Efficient on the road despite lorry driving ban
Careful planning is essential to avoid fines and optimise route planning. Use digital planning tools with an integrated driving ban calendar to always keep an eye on current national and regional regulations. Check early for possible exceptions and alternatives. Get your overview for Europe.
Although TIMOCOM has taken the necessary care in preparing this information, we accept no liability for any inaccuracies or errors it might contain. In particular, we accept no liability for damages of any kind that are the direct or indirect consequence of actions and/or decisions based on the information provided here.
