Slovakia Permanently Lifts Truck Driving Ban on November 17

The Government of the Slovak Republic has changed the status of the national holiday observed on November 17 - the Day of the Struggle for Freedom and Democracy. Starting from 2025, it will remain a national holiday, but it will no longer be a non-working day.

This means that on this date, truck driving bans normally applied on public holidays will no longer be in effect. The decision is permanent and not a one-time exemption - the holiday will stay in the national calendar, but without the consequence of a work-free day. For the transport industry, this is an important change: on November 17 this year, truck traffic in Slovakia will be permitted without the need to obtain special permits or rely on exemptions.

According to the government statement, the decision was made for fiscal and organizational reasons - the authorities concluded that the number of non-working days negatively affects productivity and the functioning of the economy. November 17 will retain its historical and symbolic significance, but it will no longer entail a break from work.