Summer Truck Driving Bans 2026 in Germany, Czechia and Romania

Summer truck driving bans are in force in many European countries and can significantly affect route planning, delivery schedules and drivers' working time. During the summer season, particular attention should be paid to countries that serve as key transit corridors for international transport.

Below, we have compiled the most important information about summer truck driving bans in Germany, Czechia and Romania in 2026.

Germany

In Germany, summer driving bans apply to vehicles with a gross vehicle weight exceeding 7.5 tonnes as well as all truck combinations with trailers.

In 2026, the restrictions will apply from 1 July to 31 August:

• Saturdays: 07:00-20:00.

The bans apply to selected sections of motorways and federal roads that experience particularly heavy tourist traffic during the holiday season. They include, among others, motorways A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, A9/E51, A10, A45, A61, A67, A81, A92, A93 and A99, as well as selected federal roads, including B31 and B96/E251.

It is worth noting that the restrictions do not apply to all types of transport. Certain shipments of perishable goods, such as fresh milk and dairy products, fresh meat, fish, vegetables and fruit, are exempt. The full list of exemptions should always be verified before planning transport operations.

In practice, the greatest disruptions occur on routes leading towards Austria, Italy and southern Germany, particularly during periods of peak holiday traffic.

Czechia

In Czechia, summer driving bans apply to trucks and vehicle combinations with a gross vehicle weight exceeding 7.5 tonnes.

The restrictions will apply from 1 July to 31 August 2026:

• Fridays: 17:00-21:00,
• Saturdays: 07:00-13:00,
• Sundays and public holidays: 13:00-22:00.

Standard Sunday and public holiday driving bans remain in force during the summer period.

The greatest disruptions are typically experienced on major transit routes crossing the country, particularly around Prague and Brno, as well as on routes leading to Germany, Austria and Slovakia.

For oversized and special transports, additional requirements should always be checked before departure.

Romania

In Romania, summer truck driving bans apply from 1 July to 31 August 2026 and affect selected routes with the highest levels of tourist traffic.

Unlike in many other European countries, the restrictions depend not only on the day of the week but also on the direction of travel.

A2 Motorway - Bucharest to Constanța

Restrictions apply:

• Fridays: 12:00-22:00,
• Saturdays: 06:00-22:00.

A2 Motorway - Constanța to Bucharest

Restrictions apply:

• Sundays: 06:00-22:00.

Additional restrictions also apply on selected national roads.

DN7 - Pitești - Râmnicu Vâlcea - Veștem (both directions)

• Fridays: 18:00-22:00,
• Saturdays: 06:00-22:00,
• Sundays: 06:00-22:00.

DN22C - Murfatlar to Cernavodă

• Sundays: 06:00-22:00.

DN39 - Agigea - Mangalia (both directions)

• Fridays: 06:00-22:00,
• Saturdays: 06:00-22:00,
• Sundays: 06:00-22:00.

The greatest disruptions occur on routes leading to the Black Sea coast and in areas affected by increased tourist traffic during the summer season.

Due to the varying restriction hours and their dependence on the direction of travel, transport planning in Romania requires particular attention.

What Should You Consider When Planning Summer Routes?

During the holiday season, restriction hours are only part of the challenge. It is also worth considering:

• increased tourist traffic,
• congestion on major transit routes,
• limited parking availability,
• longer travel times on popular holiday routes,
• local restrictions and exemptions from general driving bans.

In practice, even a few hours' difference in loading or departure times can determine whether a shipment is delivered on schedule.

That is why careful route planning and taking local restrictions into account are particularly important during the summer season.

In the next part of this series, we will take a closer look at summer truck driving bans in Austria, France and Slovakia.

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This article is for informational purposes only. Before planning transport operations, always verify current restrictions, local traffic announcements and official driving ban schedules applicable to your specific route and travel date.