Delays during the summer months

27 May 2025

The busiest period of the year is nearly here: the summer holidays. Not only are holidaymakers creating extra traffic congestion, hauliers are also facing a series of summer driving bans that vary from country to country. In addition, major events such as the NATO summit at the end of June could cause additional traffic disruption. To help you prepare properly, we have prepared an overview of what to bear in kind this summer.

Driving bans to combat summer congestion

In order to reduce traffic jams and unsafe situations during the summer rush, many European countries set up driving bans for trucks over 7.5 tonnes during weekends and holiday periods. These bans apply to motorways and popular holiday destinations, where traffic and crowds often increase significantly during summer months.

What’s more, these bans are in place in addition to the regular bans already in place for Sundays and (national) public holidays. The aim is not only to reduce congestion, but also to safeguard traffic safety and limit the impact of heavy traffic on the environment.

In some cases, these bans are instated for longer periods, such as long weekends or specific school holidays, depending on the country. Compliance with these driving bans is monitored closely and offenders can expect heavy fines.

Extra traffic measures for NATO summit

As well as the regular summer driving bans, international events can also cause unpredictable congestion. For example, the NATO summit will take place in the Netherlands on 24 and 25 June 2025, which could result in traffic measures in and around The Hague, Rotterdam, and Amsterdam.

Rijkswaterstaat (the Department for Public Works and Water Management) warns of temporary road closures, diversions, and unpredictable traffic situations. The impact of this will also be felt by logistics; hauliers are advised to anticipate possible delays in advance, and schedule alternative routes and/or delivery times where possible.

A brief overview for European countries

Below are some examples of driving bans in place during the summer holidays:

Belgium

• Belgium has a default driving ban in force on Sundays and public holidays from 05:00 to 22:00 for trucks over 7.5 tonnes. This ban applies to the entire road network for national and international commercial transport.

Germany

• From 1 July until 31 August, on Saturdays between 07:00 and 20:00 along popular holiday routes, such as the A1 between Osnabrück, Bremen and Hamburg, or the A3 between Cologne, Frankfurt and Nuremberg.
• Sundays and public holidays all year round, from 00:00 to 22:00.

France

• On Saturdays from 07:00 to 19:00 during July and August.
• Saturday 22:00 until Sunday 22:00.
• Additional bans during ‘Black Saturdays’ in August are possible.

Italy

• There are driving bans on Saturdays and Sundays in July and August, often from 07:00 to 22:00. with variations depending on date and region.

Austria

• Specific driving ban along routes towards Slovenia/Italy: on Saturdays from June until the end of September, usually between 07:00 and 15:00.
• Default weekend ban: Saturday 15:00 until Sunday 22:00.

Spain

• No national summer driving ban, however: regional and temporary bans on busy routes, especially in Catalonia, the Basque Country and around Madrid.
• Temporary driving bans are implemented during summer weekends or for events. Always check the regional schedule in advance, especially on Fridays and Saturdays in July and August.

Switzerland

• Driving ban for trucks over 3.5 tonnes from Saturday 22:00 until Sunday 22:00, throughout the year.
• No specific summer driving ban, but additional restrictions on public holidays such as 1 August (National holiday).
• Waiting times for the Gotthard tunnel are significantly longer in summer.

National holidays

National holidays pose a challenge too. During the summer months in 2025, many countries have regional or national public holidays with strict driving bans. These days often coincide with busy holiday periods, putting major pressure on transport capacity. Below is a brief overview:

• 14 July (France – Quatorze Juillet)
• 21 July (Belgium’s national holiday)
• 25 July (Spain – St James)
• 28 July (Spain – regional holiday)
• 1 August (Switzerland’s national holiday)
• 5 August (Spain – regional holiday)
• 15 August (Assumption of the Virgin Mary – Germany, Italy, Austria, Spain and others)

Impact on logistics

To avoid problems, we recommend that you take driving bans and possible road closures into account when planning and scheduling. Anticipating in advance means you can avoid unnecessary delays, additional costs, and last-minute changes to your schedule.

Driving bans usually apply to trucks over 7.5 tonnes, but in some cases may also include vehicles from 3.5 tonnes. What’s more, there are several exceptions to these rules. Transport of perishable goods and live animals may be exempt from driving bans, for example. If in doubt, we recommend you consult this TLN overview or simply contact us.

This overview is compiled with the utmost care, but we do rely on information from third parties. As a result, the overview may contain minor discrepancies.