Germany eases truck driving bans. Four federal states have already introduced exemptions

Low water levels on German rivers are forcing changes in transport. Four federal states have temporarily eased truck driving bans to facilitate replacement transport for restricted inland waterway shipping. However, the scope of the exemptions varies by region.

Low water levels on German rivers are increasingly restricting inland waterway transport. Some cargo that can no longer be transported by barges to the usual extent must be shifted to the roads. In response, more German federal states are temporarily easing Sunday and public holiday driving bans for trucks. As of 8 August 2026, such exemptions have already been introduced by North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland and Lower Saxony. However, this does not mean a general lifting of the truck driving ban throughout Germany.

Why is Germany easing the bans?

Persistently low water levels, particularly on the Rhine and other important waterways, are limiting inland navigation. When river levels are low, barges can carry significantly less cargo, forcing some shipments to be transferred to rail or road transport. The German authorities want to facilitate replacement transport, reduce disruptions to supply chains and minimise the risk of production stoppages.

The Federal Ministry of Transport has asked the federal states to temporarily ease the restrictions. However, decisions are taken at the level of individual federal states, which means that the scope and duration of the exemptions are not the same everywhere.

❌ North Rhine-Westphalia

✅ The exemption applies until and including 31 August 2026.

It covers transport operations and related empty runs that are directly or indirectly connected with the consequences of low water levels on the Rhine. North Rhine-Westphalia has gone further than some other federal states. For transport covered by the exemption, not only the Sunday and public holiday driving ban has been suspended, but also restrictions resulting from German regulations on summer holiday truck driving bans on selected Saturdays. The exemption does not apply to abnormal and heavy transports requiring separate permits.

❌ Rhineland-Palatinate

✅ The exemption applies with immediate effect and may remain in force until 30 September 2026 at the latest.

It covers transport operations directly or indirectly related to low water levels on the Rhine, as well as replacement transport for inland waterway shipping. Related empty runs are also included.

❌ Saarland

✅ The exemption applies until 30 September 2026 at the latest and covers both replacement transport and necessary empty runs. Abnormal and heavy transports are not covered by the exemption.

❌ Lower Saxony

✅ Lower Saxony has temporarily suspended the ban for specified transport operations until 31 August 2026.

The exemption applies to commercial or paid transport by trucks with a permissible gross vehicle weight of more than 7.5 tonnes, as well as trucks with trailers, provided that the journey is necessary as a replacement for waterborne transport restricted due to low water levels.

This is not a general lifting of the ban in Germany

This is the most important point for hauliers and drivers. The exemptions introduced do not mean that every truck may now travel in Germany on Sundays and public holidays. They apply to specific transport operations connected with restrictions on inland navigation and the need to shift some cargo to road transport.

In addition, decisions are made by individual federal states. If a route passes through several states, it is necessary to make sure that the relevant exemption applies along the entire route. An exemption valid in one federal state does not automatically authorise travel through another.

The situation remains dynamic, and further German federal states may decide to introduce exemptions in the coming days. We will continue to monitor decisions by the authorities of individual federal states and provide updates on any changes concerning truck driving bans.