EU Trucking Regulations: Driving Times, Speed Limiters,Weekend/Holiday Bans

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2025-11-18

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Shippers often have the following questions: Why is delivery by European trucks impossible during holidays? Why can't a relatively short distance, like 800 km, be covered within the same day? Why is cross-border trucking within Europe slower than domestic transportation within a single EU country? The answers lie in the European Union's strict road transport regulatory framework


1. EU Truck Driving Time Rules (EC 561/2006): A Core Factor Affecting Europe Cross-border Trucking Timeliness


The EU has some of the world's strictest road safety regulations. According to Regulation (EC) No 561/2006:


1.1 Daily Driving Time Limit for EU Truck Drivers


  • Maximum of 9 hours per day.

  • Can be extended to 10 hours twice a week.


1.2 Weekly Driving Time Limit


  • Maximum of 56 hours per week.

  • Maximum of 90 hours over any two consecutive weeks.


This means transnational trucking in Europe cannot involve marathon driving sessions like domestic logistics in some countries.


1.3 Daily Rest Requirements


  • Standard Daily Rest: 11 hours.

  • Can be split: Into a 3-hour period and a 9-hour period.

  • Reduced Rest: Can be reduced to a minimum of 9 hours (under specific conditions).


1.4 Mandatory "Weekly Rest" System


  • At least one 45-hour continuous rest period must be taken every two weeks.

  • The other weekly rest can be reduced to 24 hours.

  • During mandatory rest, the driver cannot drive, and the truck must be parked.


1.5 Mandatory Digital Tachograph Monitoring


All commercial vehicles in the EU must use a digital tachograph. Law enforcement can perform roadside checks and issue fines immediately. Whether a driver can continue is determined solely by EU regulations and the tachograph data, not by the fleet dispatcher.

 

2. European Truck Weekend Driving Bans: A Significant Factor in Cross-border Trucking Timeliness


Many businesses are unaware that numerous European countries impose weekend driving bans on trucks over 7.5 tons. These bans are a fundamental traffic management measure. Examples include bans in Germany, France, Austria, and Italy during tourist peaks.


2.1 Germany Weekend Ban


  • Saturday 22:00 – Sunday 24:00, and all day on public holidays.


2.2 France Weekend Ban


  • Saturday 22:00 – Sunday 22:00. Bans may also start earlier on the eve of holidays. France has one of the strictest regimes.


2.3 Austria Truck Ban


  • Saturday 15:00 – Sunday 22:00. Stricter seasonal bans apply in Alpine regions.


2.4 Italy, Spain, Poland, etc.


  • Each country has its own driving ban calendar. Check platforms like Teknihall for updated announcements, especially around European holidays.


欧洲卡车运输限行限速与驾驶时间规定｜欧盟公路运输法规、周末禁行、节假日封路深度科普

 

3. European Holiday Driving Bans: A Key Part of Annual Traffic Management


European public holidays often coincide with peak travel. To ensure public safety, stricter truck driving bans are implemented. Common holidays include:


  • Christmas, Easter, Labour Day (May 1st), German Unity Day, French National Day, and various local religious holidays.


Holiday bans typically add 1-3 days to cross-border trucking timelines. This is a primary reason for delays in local transport and final-mile delivery for cross-border e-commerce and trade during peak seasons.


4. EU Uniform Speed Limiter Regulations for Trucks


EU regulations require trucks over 3.5 tons to be fitted with a speed limiter, mandatorily limiting top speed to 90 km/h on motorways and expressways. This is a technical restriction; the vehicle physically cannot exceed the set speed. (Based on: EU Regulation (EC) 561/2006, ECE R89).


Although newer regulations like Regulation (EU) 2019/2144 (General Safety Regulation) mandate Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) for new vehicles from July 2024, the reality is that most trucks on the road today are limited to 85–89 km/h.


Typical Speed Limits for Trucks by Road Type:


  1. Motorway/Autobahn: 80–90 km/h (Germany: often 80 km/h for trailers; France: 90 km/h; Italy/Spain: 80-90 km/h).

  2. Expressway: 70–80 km/h.

  3. Rural Roads: 60–70 km/h.

  4. Urban Roads: 30–50 km/h.


In summary, truck speeds in Europe are strictly regulated by law, both technically and legally. Timeliness is determined by regulations, not by the carrier's discretion.


欧洲卡车运输限行限速与驾驶时间规定｜欧盟公路运输法规、周末禁行、节假日封路深度科普

 

5. Why Can't European Trucking Be Faster? (Core Reasons Analyzed)


The primary factors influencing transit times are:


  1. Legal driving times prevent overtime and non-stop driving.

  2. Weekend and holiday bans are absolute; there are no exemptions for carriers.

  3. Low Emission Zones (LEZ), urban congestion, and weather can cause further delays.

  4. EU speed limits mean most trucks travel between 70-89 km/h.


Therefore, the final transit time for European trucking is largely determined by regulations and road conditions, not by the carrier's subjective effort.


6. Practical Suggestions for Shippers: How to Improve Timeliness Compliantly


  1. Plan Ahead: Avoid shipping close to weekends/holidays. Schedule dispatches for Monday-Thursday.

  2. Account for Dangerous Goods: Shipments like batteries require more time, as vehicles carrying them are subject to more frequent checks.

  3. Use Professional Platforms: Utilize platforms like Teknihall Trucking. Their system can help plan optimal routes and schedules that inherently avoid ban periods, leading to more efficient planning.


For Chinese sellers, cross-border e-commerce businesses, traditional foreign trade companies, overseas warehouses offering fulfillment, and European freight forwarders, understanding these EU regulations—driving times, holiday/weekend bans, and speed limits—is crucial for scientifically planning logistics needs, minimizing unexpected delays, and avoiding economic losses.

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