Driving Ban Germany: Everything You Need to Know
In Germany, a driving ban applies on multiple days for trucks heavier than 7.5 tons (own weight plus payload). The ban applies on all roads and also for vehicles without cargo over 7.5 tons.
When Does the Driving Ban Apply in Germany?
There are fixed rules on certain days and times for trucks heavier than 7.5 tons. The goal is less traffic and more safety on the road. Below are the main rules.
- Sundays – every Sunday from 00:00 to 22:00.
- Public holidays – on official German public holidays.
- Holiday driving ban on Saturdays – in summer between 07:00 and 20:00 on busy roads.
Driving Bans in Germany on Public Holidays
On various public holidays, a nationwide driving ban applies from 00:00 to 22:00. Fines and possible penalty points differ per federal state.
Public Holidays with Driving Ban Throughout Germany (2025)
- New Year's Day (January 1, 2025)
- Good Friday (April 18, 2025)
- Easter Sunday and Easter Monday (April 20 and 21, 2025)
- Labor Day (May 1, 2025)
- Ascension Day (May 29, 2025)
- Whit Sunday and Whit Monday (June 8 and 9, 2025)
- German Unity Day (October 3)
- Christmas Day and Boxing Day (December 25 and 26)
Public Holidays with Driving Ban in Some Federal States (2025)
- Corpus Christi (June 19, 2025): Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Hesse, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland.
- Reformation Day (October 31): Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Thuringia.
- All Saints' Day (November 1): Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland.
Driving Ban on Sundays
On Sundays, a driving ban applies throughout Germany for trucks over 7.5 tons and for vehicles with trailers, from 00:00 to 22:00.
Exemption from Sunday Driving Ban
In some cases, you can apply for an exemption through German authorities (often the Federal Office for Freight Transport, BAG). The procedure differs per federal state and takes time.
- Transport of perishable goods.
- Medical or humanitarian transport.
- Time-critical deliveries for events or production processes.
Holiday Driving Ban
During summer vacation, there's extra traffic, especially heading south (Austria, Italy, Switzerland). Therefore, an additional driving ban applies on Saturdays.
Driving Ban on Saturdays
In July and August, a driving ban applies every Saturday from 07:00 to 20:00 on busy roads. Driving is allowed again from 20:00 to 00:00; then the Sunday driving ban starts.
Exceptions to the Driving Ban
There are situations where you may still drive, despite it being Sunday, a public holiday, or a Saturday in July/August. This is useful for urgent deliveries or sensitive cargo.
- Transport of perishable goods (e.g., fresh fruit, dairy products, meat).
- Medical transport (medicines, blood, equipment).
- Empty runs needed to pick up the next load (in some federal states).
- Combinations under 7.5 tons without trailer.
- Special transport with BAG exemption.
Car Transport from or to Germany
Want to have one or more cars transported from or to Germany? We take into account all driving bans on Sundays and public holidays. This may affect delivery times; in your customer portal, you can see the status of your transport 24/7.
Driving Bans Also Apply in Other Countries
Also check our other blogs: Driving Ban France, Driving Ban Belgium, Driving Ban Austria, Driving Ban Netherlands.
