Truck driving ban on Sundays and public holidays: exemption permit
Service description
In Germany, trucks with a gross vehicle weight of more than 7.5 tons and trailers behind trucks are not permitted to drive on Sundays and public holidays between midnight and 10 pm.
The ban does not apply to
- combined road-rail transport of goods from the consignor to the nearest suitable loading station or from the nearest suitable unloading station to the consignee, but only up to a distance of 200 km
1.a) combined road-port transport of goods between the loading or unloading point and a port located within a maximum radius of 150 kilometers (arrival or departure) - the transportation of
a) fresh milk and fresh milk products
b) fresh meat and fresh meat products
c) fresh fish, live fish and fresh fish products
d) perishable fruit and vegetables - Empty journeys in connection with journeys under point 2
- Trips with vehicles that are used in accordance with the Federal Benefits Act
The notification of benefits must be carried and handed over to the responsible persons for inspection on request.
Exceptions to the ban on driving on Sundays and public holidays:
Exceptions to the ban on driving on Sundays and public holidays can be granted under certain conditions:
Granting an exemption is only justified in particularly urgent cases. Strict requirements must be met to prove such urgency. An individual permit may only be granted under certain conditions, e.g. to
- Supplying the population with perishable foodstuffs
- On-time loading and unloading of ocean-going vessels
- Maintaining the operation of public supply or transportation facilities.
Economic or competitive reasons alone do not justify approval under any circumstances.
An individual permit is valid for one journey with one vehicle or vehicle combination.
- combined road-rail transport of goods from the consignor to the nearest suitable loading station or from the nearest suitable unloading station to the consignee, but only up to a distance of 200 km
What documents are required?
Informal application with detailed justification and, among other things
- Freight and accompanying documents
- for cross-border traffic, proof of clearance times at the border customs office for loads on trucks
- Motor vehicle and trailer license; a corresponding official certificate is required for foreign motor vehicles whose registration documents do not show the permissible total weight and engine power.
A permanent exemption permit for up to three years and revocable at any time may only be granted if, in addition to the requirements for an individual permit, the need for regular transportation is also established and if the applicant can prove the urgency of the transportation by means of a certificate from the Chamber of Industry and Commerce or otherwise provides credible evidence.
What fees apply?
The fee according to the scale of fees for road traffic measures (GebOSt) is currently between EUR 10.20 and EUR 767.00 per exceptional circumstance and per vehicle/person.
The calculation of the fee is based on the costs associated with the granting of the permit as well as any economic advantage accruing to the permit holder.
Legal basis
Applications / Forms
The application for a special permit must be made in writing.
Remarks
It is generally advisable to contact the local road traffic authority in advance by telephone to clarify the details.