Italy truck driving ban: times, rules and 2026 restrictions

Italy bans trucks over 7.5 t on Sundays and public holidays: 09:00 to 22:00 from October to May, and 07:00 to 22:00 from June to September. Additional Saturday and Friday bans apply on selected dates in July and August. The MIT has confirmed 79 restricted days for 2026.

What are the standard truck ban hours in Italy?

The ban covers all HGVs above 7.5 tonnes, both domestic and international, on the entire Italian public road network. From October through May, the Sunday and public holiday window runs 09:00-22:00. From June through September the opening shifts to 07:00, reflecting higher summer traffic volumes. Weekdays carry no general ban.

When do Saturday bans apply and which vehicles are exempt?

Italy extends the ban into Saturdays during the summer exodus. The four July Saturdays (4, 11, 18 and 26 July 2026) are restricted from 08:00 to 16:00. The two peak-departure August Saturdays - 1 and 8 August - run from 08:00 to 22:00. Partial Friday-evening bans (16:00-22:00) also apply on 25 and 31 July and 7 and 14 August. Check the full 2026 MIT calendar before dispatching on Italy corridor runs in high summer.

Italy's public holidays trigger ban days year-round. Key dates include Liberation Day (25 April), Labour Day (1 May), Republic Day (2 June), Ferragosto (15 August), All Saints Day (1 November) and Christmas Day (25 December). Logifie's Italy public holiday calendar for 2026 lists every date that activates a restriction.

The MIT decree preserves standard exemptions: perishable goods under controlled temperature, livestock, fuel tankers, vehicles carrying dangerous goods under a valid ADR permit, waste collection, military convoys and emergency services.

Drivers relying on an exemption must carry the relevant consignment note or permit. Penalties under the Italian Highway Code for violations without exemption documentation fall in the EUR 200 to EUR 500 range, with possible vehicle detention. For Italy corridor rules in full, see Italy truck speed limits .

Frequently asked questions

What time does the truck ban start on Sundays in Italy?

Between October and May the ban starts at 09:00. Between June and September it starts at 07:00. Both windows close at 22:00. The earlier summer start has applied for several years under successive MIT decrees to manage peak tourist and holiday traffic.

Are trucks banned on Saturdays in Italy?

Yes, but only on selected Saturdays in July and August. In 2026: 4, 11, 18 and 26 July (08:00-16:00), 1 and 8 August (08:00-22:00), and 22 and 29 August (08:00-16:00). Outside this window, Saturdays carry no general restriction. The IRU publishes a pan-European driving ban overview for multi-country corridor planning.

What is the fine for driving during a truck ban in Italy?

Fines under the Codice della Strada range from EUR 200 to EUR 500 for a first violation, with possible temporary vehicle detention in more serious cases. Drivers without a valid exemption document should expect enforcement at motorway weigh stations and mobile police units.

Do refrigerated trucks need to comply with Italy's driving ban?

Refrigerated trucks carrying perishable goods are formally exempt. The exemption requires the primary cargo to be temperature-controlled perishables. Operators should carry the CMR consignment note and any relevant ATP certificate for roadside inspections.

Plan Italy corridor runs around the 2026 restriction windows - request a route quote from the Logifie platform.