Spain imposes truck traffic ban due to snowfall
The Spanish Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) has issued an official resolution regarding temporary traffic restrictions in connection with forecasted heavy snowfall. The bans apply to trucks with a maximum authorized mass exceeding 7.5 tons and will be in effect from Friday, January 23, with the possibility of remaining in force until January 25.
According to the DGT, the decision was made following the issuance of orange-level (level 2) warnings by the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET), due to the risk of intense and prolonged snowfall, the need to ensure road traffic safety, and to allow access for emergency vehicles and winter road maintenance services.
The DGT emphasizes that the weather phenomenon may be characterized by high intensity, widespread coverage, and significant snow accumulation, which justifies the implementation of extraordinary traffic management measures.
According to the resolution:
- The ban applies to vehicles and vehicle combinations intended for goods transport,
- It covers both loaded and empty vehicles,
- It applies to vehicles with a maximum authorized mass (MAM) or gross vehicle weight (GVW) exceeding 7,500 kg,
- It concerns specific sections of motorways and national roads, mainly in the northern and northwestern parts of Spain.
Exemptions:
- Emergency service vehicles,
- Road assistance vehicles,
- Vehicles used for winter road maintenance.
The DGT also notes that in exceptional situations, for safety reasons or in case of risk, individual permits for other vehicles may be granted - such decisions are made by the competent traffic authorities.
A detailed list of affected roads and the hours during which the restrictions apply is provided in the table below:
