Summer is one of the busiest times for road freight across Europe. But with increased traffic from holidaymakers, several countries impose truck driving bans to ease congestion. These restrictions can delay shipments if not planned for. At Barrington Freight, we help clients avoid costly disruptions by staying ahead of these seasonal rules.
Here’s what UK-based businesses need to know about the European truck driving bans for summer 2025.
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Why Summer Driving Bans Matter
Summer driving bans apply to HGVs over a certain weight (often 7.5 tonnes) and usually take effect on weekends and public holidays. Some countries have additional rules on peak weekdays in tourist areas. These restrictions can vary by region and time of day.
If your goods are in transit across Europe, missing a permitted window can mean being forced to wait for hours or even a full day. This can create delays throughout the supply chain.
Country-By-Country Overview of 2025 Summer Driving Bans
We have summarised some of the key summer truck driving bans below. All timings refer to local time.
France
- National ban for HGVs over 7.5 tonnes
- Every Saturday in July and August: 07:00 to 19:00
- Plus, a follow-up ban every Saturday night until Sunday 22:00
- Additional bans on key holiday weekends and routes (e.g. Alpine corridors)
Germany
- Weekend ban from July 1 to August 31
- Saturdays: 07:00 to 20:00
- Sundays and public holidays: 00:00 to 22:00
- Affects all federal motorways and main roads
Italy
- Restrictions from June to mid-September
- Saturdays: 08:00 to 16:00
- Sundays: 07:00 to 22:00
- Extended bans on holiday weekends
Hungary
- Ban for HGVs over 7.5 tonnes
- Saturdays: 15:00 to 22:00
- Sundays and public holidays: 00:00 to 22:00
- Applies nationwide but with some exemptions (e.g. for perishable goods or certain vehicle types)
Austria
- Strict weekend and holiday bans for trucks over 7.5 tonnes
- Saturdays: 15:00 to 24:00
- Sundays and public holidays: 00:00 to 22:00
- Additional restrictions in Tyrol region, particularly on the A12 and A13 corridors
At Barrington Freight, we specialise in making your importing and exporting straightforward. From customs clearance to finding the right commodity codes, our expert team is here to assist. Don’t let the complexities of global trade hold you back. Reach out to Barrington Freight for efficient and reliable shipping solutions.
Planning Tips From Barrington Freight
We ship to all of these destinations regularly. Here are some key ways we help clients stay on schedule:
- Route planning: We build in extra time for transit and route goods around banned zones.
- Local expertise: Our network of European partners gives us up-to-date knowledge of regional restrictions.
- Flexible scheduling: We often recommend sending groupage shipments mid-week to avoid peak ban periods.
- Customised advice: For time-sensitive loads, such as event freight or perishable goods, we’ll advise on alternative transport options like express vans.
What Happens if You Ignore the Bans?
Driving during a banned period can lead to fines, vehicle immobilisation or reputational damage with local authorities. At Barrington Freight, we’ve seen delays of up to 24 hours when a truck gets stopped unexpectedly. Planning ahead saves time and avoids hassle.
How to Prepare
- Check your delivery dates against local restrictions.
- Work with your freight forwarder to optimise shipping days.
- Avoid scheduling loading or unloading on high-risk weekends.
- Ask about night transport or smaller vehicles if timing is critical.
Final Thoughts
Summer driving bans are manageable with the right approach. At Barrington Freight, we help B2B customers avoid delays, plan efficient routes, and get goods delivered on time throughout Europe. If you need help navigating these restrictions for summer 2025, we’re ready to support your shipments.
Contact our team for tailored advice based on your trade routes and schedule.
We’re friendly, easy to work with, honest and we don’t charge the earth.
For advice and information on importing, call 01268 525444 or email us today.
