Fines for truck driving bans in Europe: what restrictions and consequences should you be prepared for in 2026?

Truck traffic regulations in Europe change quite frequently, and since the beginning of 2026 some countries have already introduced new restrictions and penalty measures. We have collected up-to-date information on popular routes with heavy traffic — indicating ban periods and the amounts of possible fines.

Austria

• Ban period — Sundays and public holidays from 00:00 to 22:00 for vehicles with a gross weight of more than 7.5 tonnes.
• Additional regional restrictions — in certain regions such as Vienna, Tyrol, and Salzburg, additional truck driving restrictions may apply.
• Fine for violation — from 300 euros.

France

• Ban period — from Saturday 22:00 until Sunday 22:00 for vehicles with a gross weight of more than 7.5 tonnes.
• Ban period — from Saturday 22:00 until Sunday 22:00 for vehicles with a gross weight of more than 7.5 tonnes.
• Fine for violation - from 750 euros.

Italy

• Ban period — Sundays and public holidays from 09:00 to 22:00 for vehicles with a gross weight of more than 7.5 tonnes.
• Fine for violation - from 400 euros.

Poland

• Ban periods — during the summer period (from the last Friday of June to the last Sunday of August) and on public holidays:
• Friday - from 18:00 to 22:00;
• Saturday — from 08:00 to 14:00;
• Sunday — from 08:00 to 22:00;
• on the eve of public holidays - from 18:00 to 22:00;
• on public holidays - from 08:00 to 22:00.
• Vehicle weight — more than 12 tonnes.
• Fine for violation — from 200 PLN (approximately 45 euros).

Czech Republic

• Ban period — Sundays and public holidays from 13:00 to 22:00 for vehicles with a gross weight of more than 7.5 tonnes.
• Fine for violation — from 5,000 Czech koruna (approximately 200 euros).

Switzerland

• Ban period — Sundays and public holidays from 00:00 to 24:00 for vehicles with a gross weight of more than 3.5 tonnes.
• Fine for violation — from 500 Swiss francs (approximately 460 euros).

Belgium

• Ban period — there is no nationwide ban; however, on public holidays restrictions may be introduced for trucks carrying oversized cargo.
• Fine for violation — from 100 euros.

Netherlands

• Ban period — there are no nationwide bans, but strict noise and emission restrictions apply; compliance with environmental standards and local regulations is recommended.
• Fine for violation - from 150 euros.

Luxembourg

• Ban period — Sundays and public holidays from 00:00 to 21:45 for vehicles with a gross weight of more than 7.5 tonnes.
• Fine for violation - from 250 euros.

Hungary

• Ban period — Sundays and public holidays from 00:00 to 22:00 for vehicles with a gross weight of more than 7.5 tonnes.
• Fine for violation - from 300 euros.

Below is a summary table with the main restrictions and fines:

Page	Typical ban time	Vehicle weight	Comment/fine (indicative)
Austria	Sundays and public holidays, usually 00:00–22:00	> 7.5 t	General regime; sometimes until 22:00 depending on the day
France	Sundays and public holidays often 00:00–22:00; Saturday 22:00–Sunday 22:00	> 7.5 t	Often defined as a holiday/Sunday ban
Italy	Sundays and public holidays 09:00–22:00	> 7.5 t	Typical practice on most routes
Poland	Sundays and public holidays 08:00–22:00 (summer)	> 12 t	Summer restrictions are more complex; regional regimes
Czech Republic	Sundays and public holidays 13:00–22:00	> 7.5 t	Sunday ban in this window is fairly consistent
Switzerland	Sundays and public holidays 00:00–24:00	> 3.5 t	Long weekend regime is characteristic
Belgium	Public holidays (restrictions due to oversized/overdimensioned cargo)	—	No general full ban
Netherlands	No general bans; noise / environmental zones apply	—	Complex landscape of emission and noise rules
Luxembourg	Sundays and public holidays, approximately 00:00–21:45	> 7.5 t	Often specifically until around 21:45
Hungary	Sundays and public holidays, usually 00:00–22:00	> 7.5 t	Typical window according to aggregator data

- *In each country, rules may be updated annually. Therefore, for 2026, it is recommended to additionally verify official sources closer to the trip date (approximately 14 days in advance).