France truck driving ban: times, dates and rules (2026)
France truck driving ban times: trucks over 7.5t are banned Saturday 22:00 to Sunday 22:00, plus summer Saturday daytime bans. See 2026 dates and fines.
Logifie Team
Logistics Technology Experts
In France, trucks over 7.5 tonnes are banned from Saturday 22:00 to Sunday 22:00 every week. On selected Saturdays in late July and August, an additional daytime ban runs from 07:00 to 19:00. Violations carry fines starting from EUR 250 and risk vehicle immobilisation until the restriction lifts.
What are the year-round HGV driving ban times in France?
The standard ban — established by the Arrêté du 16 avril 2021 — applies to all vehicles over 7.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight, including tractor units with trailers, curtain-siders, and box bodies. The restriction covers the entire French road network from Saturday 22:00 to Sunday 22:00.
Public holiday eves are also restricted: the ban starts at 22:00 on the preceding day and ends at 22:00 on the holiday itself. When a holiday falls on a weekend, the restriction runs 00:00 to 24:00 on that day. Check the France public holiday calendar to map eve-of-holiday windows onto your schedule.
| Period | Ban window |
|---|---|
| Year-round (every weekend) | Saturday 22:00 – Sunday 22:00 |
| Eve of public holidays | 22:00 day before – 22:00 on holiday |
| Summer Saturdays (11, 18, 25 Jul; 1, 8 Aug 2026) | 07:00 – 19:00 (plus the standard overnight ban) |
When do France's summer Saturday truck bans apply?
From mid-July to early August each year, France adds daytime restrictions on the highest-traffic Saturdays. In 2026, the French government confirmed five such dates: 11, 18 and 25 July, and 1 and 8 August. On these Saturdays, HGVs are prohibited nationwide from 07:00 to 19:00, after which the standard 22:00 overnight ban follows.
That leaves a three-hour gap (19:00–22:00) on summer ban Saturdays during which HGVs can legally move. Operators should build these windows into load planning and consult IRU France summer driving ban notices for any late amendments to the decree.
For equivalent rules across borders, the Europe-wide HGV driving ban guide covers Germany, Spain, Italy and other major transit countries.
What happens if a truck is caught driving during the ban?
Roadside enforcement by police and the DREAL (regional transport authority) is routine on holiday weekends. A driver in violation faces an on-the-spot fine from EUR 250, rising to EUR 750 for repeat or aggravated breaches. Operators face company-level penalties up to EUR 3,750. Police may also immobilise the vehicle at a rest area until the ban expires.
Exemption documentation — delivery orders, perishables certificates, or equivalent — must be carried on board and produced at the point of control.
Frequently asked questions
Does the France truck driving ban apply to empty trucks?
Yes. The ban applies to all vehicles over 7.5 tonnes regardless of load status. An empty return run is treated identically to a loaded trip. The only basis for exemption is cargo category, not loading state.
Are there exemptions to the France weekend truck ban?
Exemptions cover perishable goods, live animals, agricultural produce (at least half the cargo), emergency and humanitarian transport, and medical supplies including hospital waste. Operators must carry the relevant documentation and present it at any roadside control.
What is the fine for violating the truck driving ban in France?
The standard driver fine starts at EUR 250 and can reach EUR 750 for repeat violations. Companies face penalties up to EUR 3,750. Police may additionally immobilise the vehicle until the ban window ends.
Does the France weekend ban apply on public holidays?
Yes. The restriction runs from 22:00 on the eve of a public holiday to 22:00 on the holiday itself. When a holiday falls on a weekend day, the ban covers that full calendar day. The France public holiday calendar lists all 2026 dates.
Check truck speed limits in France alongside this ban schedule to complete your France route compliance picture.
