Driving Ban for Trucks in the Netherlands: How Does It Work?
In the Netherlands there is no general driving ban for trucks, as in Germany or France. Yet there are situations where trucks are not allowed to drive. Especially for exceptional transport, during rush hours or in bad weather, specific rules apply.
No Legal Driving Ban for Trucks
There is no legal driving ban for freight traffic in the Netherlands on weekends or on Sundays and public holidays. Yet you see fewer trucks driving on Sundays because this is established in collective labor agreements: Sunday is a day of rest. Driving is only allowed for necessary work or specific agreements in the employment contract. This is therefore not a legal ban, but a collective agreement arrangement.
On Sundays, mainly trucks transporting perishable goods or carrying out urgent deliveries are on the road. You 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:
- Rush hours: from 06:00 to 10:00 and from 15:00 to 19:00.
- Public holidays: driving ban on official 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 dangerous transport).
- The size and weight of the vehicle.
- Whether an exemption has been granted by Rijkswaterstaat or the road authority.
Some transports may still drive under certain conditions, for example with a special permit.
Restrictions in Bad Weather
During slippery conditions, storms, heavy gusts of wind 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 Sunday is only allowed with the consent of the employee and the works council. Moreover, employees are entitled to at least 13 free Sundays per year and may refuse this based on personal or religious beliefs.
Car Transport from or to the Netherlands
Having 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.
