Germany Lifts 70-Year-Old Ban
Due to critically low Rhine water levels, some federal states have temporarily lifted the Sunday driving ban for trucks, which could cause traffic chaos during the return of tourists from summer vacations.
Due to critically low Rhine water levels, some federal states have temporarily lifted the Sunday driving ban for trucks, which could cause traffic chaos during the return of tourists from summer vacations.
The extreme drought that has hit Western Europe has forced German authorities to take a radical step. Several federal states temporarily lifted the decades-old ban on truck traffic on Sundays on Saturday, all to ensure the supply of goods that can no longer arrive by river.
This exemption, which will be in effect at the latest until August 31, 2026, is a direct consequence of the extremely low water level of the Rhine, one of Europe's most important transport arteries. Inland vessels can no longer carry their usual cargo volumes, and in some cases, navigation has been completely suspended.
The decision to lift the ban first took effect in the federal states bordering the Netherlands, Lower Saxony, and North Rhine-Westphalia. They were joined by the more southern states of Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland, while other states are considering the same measure. The Federal Minister of Transport had previously called for this temporary solution to alleviate supply chain problems, prevent production bottlenecks, and ensure store shelves remain stocked.
The measure comes at the worst possible time for Dutch and other tourists returning from their holidays. Due to school holidays in the Netherlands, where the season in the Midden region ends on August 30, major congestion is expected on German highways. Additional trucks on the roads on Sundays, when traffic is otherwise lighter, could add extra pressure and significantly slow down the journey home.
The decision has not met with unanimous approval. Germany's major union, Verdi, has voiced sharp criticism, warning that truck drivers could find themselves under pressure to work seven days a week. "This puts the legally protected rest days into question," the union leader told German media, questioning the legally protected days of rest.
The German transport association also warns that the measure's impact could be limited. The key issue is the chronic shortage of truck drivers, which cannot be solved overnight in the middle of summer. Additionally, existing regulations on mandatory rest for drivers mean that those who work an extra shift on Sunday will have to rest longer on Monday, potentially negating the short-term benefit.
The ban on truck driving on Sundays and public holidays in Germany has been in effect since 1956. It was introduced to preserve Sunday peace and reduce noise in recreational areas. Under this rule, trucks are not allowed on the road until 10 p.m., with exceptions only for those transporting perishable goods such as dairy products, meat, and flowers. During July and August, due to summer congestion, trucks are also banned from certain routes on Saturdays.
