Why and when are traffic bans imposed on heavy goods vehicles?

There are various factors and situations that requires the implementation of traffic bans. Different causes are observed in different countries, but the most common among them are related to:

  • The safety of road users
  • Congested traffic in certain sections
  • Unfavorable weather conditions
  • Increased traffic on certain days of the week
  • Considerations related to noise and the harmful effects of exhaust gases

Are there any exceptions to the prohibitions?

The answer depends on the country being considered. In countries such as Germany, for example, it is possible to apply for an exemption from the general truck ban. This is possible by selling the relevant documents to the authority responsible for the border crossing point to which your truck is traveling.

What are the fines for breaking heavy vehicle traffic bans in Europe?

Violation of a ban on the movement of trucks can lead not only to the awarding of penalty points to the driver, but also to serious monetary fines.

How and where to track current truck bans?

Due to its dynamic nature, the transport industry requires constant changes in regulations and the performance of transport activities within the EU. For this purpose, it is important to rely on verified sources to follow the latest news.

There are a number of websites that offer detailed information on road bans in various European countries, or so-called traffic bans. If you need up-to-date information on the topic, the Truckpoint team recommends you visit the website at TruckBAN

What can go wrong when you check traffic bans online yourself?

The cases in which managers of heavy-duty vehicle fleets experience difficulty in researching bans on the movement of trucks in Europe are not unique. The reason for this is the high level of specificity that is required when it comes to heavy goods transport.

What do we mean?

The information provided in most of the online traffic ban tracking sites is basic and sometimes does not consider the specifics of the cargo being transported; last minute changes to regulations; national or local holidays in the country of destination and even in places the weight of the truck.

If you have decided to follow the EU ban information yourself, we recommend that you do 1) you compare the available information at least on a few credible websites for traffic bans, 2) to follow national holidays, 3) to keep track of latest news in/span>Ministry of Transport for each country.

Do you need additional assistance for your company?

To ensure that drivers in your transport company avoid violations, you can take advantage of Truckpoint’s consulting services.

Our team will help you optimize the management of your heavy-duty vehicle fleet
and will make sure you are always informed about current changes in the transport industry. In this way, in addition to saving time and effort, you will minimize the risk of sanctions.