Truck driving ban Germany: the regulations explained

In Germany, there is a Sunday and public holiday driving ban for trucks The current legal basis for this can be found in § 30 para. 3 of the Road Traffic Regulations (StVO). The ban applies to vehicles with a permissible gross vehicle weight (GVW) of more than 7.5 tonnes, as well as trucks with trailers, and generally applies nationwide from 12:00 am to 10:00 pm.

Restricting truck traffic on certain days and at specific times is intended to ease congestion and reduce accidents caused by high traffic volumes. In addition, truck driving bans can help improve air quality by reducing CO₂ emissions and lowering noise levels along roads and in residential areas. Information and guidance are published, among others, by the Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM).

On this page, you will find an overview of truck driving bans in Germany and the applicable exemptions.

Is there a general truck driving ban in Germany?

Germany has time-limited truck driving bans. The Sunday and public-holiday ban generally applies nationwide to trucks over 7.5 tonnes (from 12:00 am to 10:00 pm). In addition, the holiday travel regulation imposes Saturday driving bans on certain routes in July and August.

There may also be additional restrictions based on regional environmental regulations or seasonal traffic measures. The different types of bans are explained below.

Will there be a truck driving ban on public holidays in Germany in 2026?

Yes. In addition to all Sundays in 2026, a nationwide truck driving ban applies on the following public holidays:

Are there regional public holidays with a truck driving ban applies?

In some federal states, the following public holidays must also be taken into account::

For other public holidays not listed here (e.g. Epiphany on 6 January, International Women’s Day on 8 March, World Children’s Day on 20 September, and the Day of Repentance and Prayer), there is generally no nationwide Sunday/public-holiday driving ban. However, some of these may be statutory public holidays in certain federal states, in which case the ban applies. Please check the rules for the relevant federal state before travelling.

Will there be a truck driving ban during the holiday period in 2026?

Yes. Germany has additional holiday-period driving bans from 1 July to 31 August to ease holiday traffic. Trucks over 7.5 tonnes GVW, as well as trucks with trailers, are prohibited on certain routes on Saturdays between 7:00 am and 8:00 pm. The affected routes are published annually; an overview can be found here here. 
 

What happens if you drive during a truck driving ban?

Compliance is primarily monitored by the police and the competent road traffic authorities, using both stationary checks (e.g. at service areas or motorway access points) and mobile inspections. BALM also provides information, maps and guidance on the driving bans. 

Anyone who breaches the ban commits an administrative offence under § 30 (3) StVO. According to the curren penalty catalogue, the following fines apply: 

• €120 for the driver (unauthorised driving)
• €570 for the vehicle owner if they ordered or permitted the journey

In addition, onward travel may be prohibited and a fine notice issued. In serious or repeated cases, further measures may follow (e.g. temporary driving bans or actions against the operator). Points are generally not imposed for breaches of the Sunday/public-holiday ban.

Are there exemptions to the truck driving ban in Germany in 2026?

Exemptions apply in certain cases to allow the transport of urgent or special goods. Exemptions also exist for combined freight transport, for example journeys to or from a rail loading/unloading terminal within a radius of up to 200 km, or to or from ports up to 150 km away. Exempt goods include fresh milk, fresh meat and fresh fish, as well as fresh products made from them (e.g. yoghurt, quark and fresh sausages). Perishable fruit and vegetables, live fish and bees are also exempt. In addition, certain animal by-products within the meaning of EU Regulation (EC) No. 1069/2009 may be transported.

Breakdown assistance, recovery and towing vehicles may also operate in emergencies. Vehicles that may be deployed under the Federal Services Act for defence or internal emergencies are also exempt. 

Empty runs directly connected to the listed exemptions are permitted. For any other journeys, a special permit must be obtained in advance from the competent road traffic authority.

Stay efficient despite truck driving bans

Careful planning is essential to avoid fines and optimise route planning. Use digital planning tools with an integrated driving-ban calendar to keep track of current national and regional rules. Check exemptions and alternatives early, and plan accordingly. Get your overview for Europe. 

Download Europe overview for free