Bratislava closes the D1 to truck transit over 7.5 t – permanent restriction in force

A permanent traffic restriction has been introduced on the D1 motorway in Bratislava for heavy goods vehicles over 7.5 tonnes. The ban applies to transit traffic and is in force in both directions on a key section of the route: from the Pečňa junction, along Einsteinova Street and the Harbor Bridge (Most Prístavný), up to Zlaté Piesky.

The restriction does not apply to local transport – vehicles loading or unloading within Bratislava or its immediate surroundings may still use this section of the motorway without limitation. The aim of the restriction is to relieve the Slovak capital’s city center from heavy transit traffic and improve urban traffic flow.

However, in practice, this means significant changes for transport companies, especially those involved in international freight passing through Slovakia. The D1 route through Bratislava is an important part of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), connecting Austria, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Poland.

Trucks transiting through Bratislava are obliged to use an alternative route, namely the southern bypass, which includes the D2, D4, and then reconnects to the D1. This applies in both east–west and west–east directions. Failure to comply with the new regulations may result in fines, so following the detour is not only a legal requirement but also crucial from an operational and economic standpoint.