24-09-2025

Driving ban for trucks in the Netherlands: what is the situation?

In the Netherlands, there is no general driving ban for trucks, as in Germany or France. However, there are situations in which trucks are not allowed to drive. Specific rules apply, especially for exceptional transport, during peak hours, or in bad weather.

No legal driving ban for trucks

In the Netherlands, there is no legal driving ban for freight traffic on weekends or on Sundays and public holidays. However, you will see fewer trucks on Sundays, as this is stipulated in collective labor agreements: Sunday is a rest day. Trucks may only operate for necessary work or specific agreements in the employment contract. This is therefore not a legal prohibition, but a collective labor agreement provision.

On Sundays, trucks primarily transporting perishable goods or making urgent deliveries are on the road. You will also see trucks that are part of an international journey on Sundays.

Driving ban for exceptional transport

For exceptional transport – trucks that are wider, longer, or heavier than legally permitted – there is indeed a driving ban at specific times:

Peak hours: from 06:00 to 10:00 and from 15:00 to 19:00.
Public holidays: driving ban on official public holidays such as New Year's Day, Easter, King's Day, Liberation Day, Ascension Day, Pentecost, and Christmas.
Weekend: from Friday 22:00 to Sunday 22:00.

The exact rules differ per type of transport and exemption. This depends on, among other things:

The type of cargo (e.g., exceptional or hazardous transport).
The size and weight of the vehicle.
Whether an exemption has been granted by the Rijkswaterstaat or the road authority.

Some transports may still be allowed to drive under certain conditions, for example, with a special permit.

Restrictions in bad weather

In cases of slippery conditions, storms, strong wind gusts, or poor visibility (less than 200 meters due to fog or heavy rain), an additional driving ban may apply. This is intended to ensure traffic safety.

Driving ban and labor legislation

In addition to traffic rules, labor agreements also play a role. Working on Sundays is only allowed with the consent of the employee and the works council. Employees are also entitled to at least 13 free Sundays per year and may refuse this based on personal or religious beliefs.

Vehicle transport to or from the Netherlands

Are you having your cars transported within or to the Netherlands? We take into account driving bans, weather conditions, and exceptional situations. In your customer portal, you can always track the status of your transport.