Truck traffic bans – everything you need to know

What is a truck traffic ban?

The truck traffic ban restricts the movement of trucks with a total permissible weight exceeding 12 tons on specific days and hours. The aim of these regulations is to improve road safety, reduce traffic congestion during key periods and protect the environment. Although, quite frankly, the impact of this restriction on environmental protection is rather minimal.

In Poland, these regulations are specified in the Regulation of the Minister of Infrastructure and cover both public holidays and seasonal periods, such as the summer holidays. Knowledge of these rules is essential for transport companies and drivers to avoid problems with fines or delays in deliveries.

When does the truck traffic ban apply?

The truck traffic ban in Poland applies on strictly defined dates and hours, regulated by law. It applies primarily to public holidays, such as New Year’s Day (January 1), Easter, Corpus Christi, All Saints’ Day (November 1) and Christmas (December 25 and 26).

On these days, trucks with a permissible total weight exceeding 12 tons are not allowed to drive on public roads from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Additionally, restrictions apply from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on the days preceding holidays.

Seasonal bans

Seasonal traffic bans, such as those during the summer holiday, cover the period from the end of June to the end of August. During this time, the ban applies:

• on Fridays od 6:00am do 10:00pm
• on Saturdays od 8:00am do 2:00pm
• on Sundays od 8:00am do 10:00pm

The truck traffic ban – who does it not apply to?

Although the truck traffic ban applies to a wide range of vehicles, there are many exceptions that allow driving in certain situations. The regulations exclude vehicles performing key tasks, such as the transport of perishable food (e.g. meat, dairy products, vegetables), medicines, medical supplies or live animals. The exception also applies to the transport of fuels, dangerous goods and materials necessary for companies operating on a continuous basis.

In addition, the ban does not apply to:

• vehicles used in rescue and humanitarian operations
• trucks involved in road construction and maintenance
• vehicles returning from abroad to Poland to complete a transport

It is also worth noting that local regulations may introduce additional exceptions or restrictions, but this is very rare in Poland.

What are the penalties for violating the truck traffic ban?

Violating the truck traffic ban in Poland entails severe financial and operational consequences. A driver who breaks the regulations may be fined from PLN 200 to PLN 500. Additionally, fines also apply to the carrier (PLN 1,000) and the person managing transport in the company (PLN 2,000).

In addition to fines, road inspections have the right to impound the vehicle for the duration of the ban, which may lead to serious delays in deliveries. Such situations not only generate additional costs, but may also affect the company’s reputation and customer relations.

The truck traffic ban in Germany – key information

Germany, as one of the main transport markets in Europe, has introduced detailed regulations regarding the ban on truck traffic.

1. When does the truck traffic ban apply in Germany?

• Public holidays: from 12:00am to 10:00pm.

• Holiday traffic bans: from June to August, on Saturdays, from 07:00am to 8:00 pm (on selected sections of motorways).

2. Holidays affected by the ban in 2024:

• January: New Year (1.01).
• March/April: Good Friday (29.03), Easter Monday (1.04).
• May: Labor Day (1.05), Ascension of the Lord (9.05), Pentecost (19.05).
• October: German Unity Day (3.10).
• December: Christmas Day (25.12), Boxing Day (26.12).

3. Exceptions to the bans:

Truck traffic bans in Germany do not apply to vehicles:

• transporting perishable food (e.g. meat, dairy products, fish),
• participating in rescue and humanitarian operations,
• providing transport to/from cities as part of basic supplies,
• transporting dangerous goods in exceptional cases.

Summary: staying informed about bans

Truck traffic bans, both in Poland and Germany, are important for the organization of transport in the TSL industry. Knowing applicable regulations, schedules and exceptions can help you avoid costly fines and delivery delays. Regular monitoring of changes in regulations constitutes the basis for effective transport management.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the truck traffic ban?

A truck traffic ban is a restriction on the movement of trucks with a total permissible weight exceeding 12 tons on specific days and hours as regulated by law.

• When does the truck traffic ban apply in Poland?

• Public holidays: from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm.
• Days before holidays: from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm.
• Holiday season: from the end of June to the end of August on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at certain times.

• When does the truck traffic ban apply in Germany?

• Saturdays from June to August on select sections of motorway (7:00 a.m.– 8:00 p.m.).
• Holidays: from 00:00am to 10:00pm