Switzerland truck driving ban: night and Sunday rules (2026)
Switzerland's HGV driving ban blocks trucks over 3.5t nightly 22:00-05:00 and all day Sunday, under Swiss federal law, not an EU directive.
Logifie Team
Logistics Technology Experts
Switzerland bans heavy goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes from driving every night between 22:00 and 05:00, and all day on Sundays and public holidays, under Swiss federal law, not an EU directive. Transit traffic passing through without stopping is exempt, though the Gotthard tunnel dosing system still applies at all times.
Switzerland is not an EU member state, so this restriction does not come from an EU directive such as EC 561/2006. It is set instead by Swiss federal traffic law, the Strassenverkehrsgesetz (SVG) Article 92, and its implementing ordinance, enforced nationwide by Swiss authorities including the Federal Roads Office . Carriers routing through the Gotthard or San Bernardino corridors should treat Switzerland as a distinct legal jurisdiction, separate from the EU driving-ban rules used in neighboring countries.
When does Switzerland's HGV driving ban apply?
The ban has two separate layers that are often conflated. A nightly restriction covers every day of the year from 22:00 to 05:00, and a wider restriction covers all of Sunday and recognized public holidays, from 00:00 to 24:00. Both apply to HGVs over 3.5 tonnes, and the threshold also extends to tractor-trailer combinations over 5 tonnes. Public holiday scope varies by canton, so a carrier planning a route through Ticino or Valais should check the specific canton's calendar rather than assume a single national list, confirmed by TruckBAN.eu's Switzerland page . Before departure, checking Switzerland's public holiday calendar for 2026 and current HGV speed limits helps build a realistic transit plan around these fixed windows.
Are there exemptions to Switzerland's truck driving ban?
Transit traffic, meaning HGVs passing through Switzerland without loading or unloading, is exempt from the Sunday and holiday ban, though it remains subject to the nightly 22:00 to 05:00 restriction. Carriers can also apply for special permits through the cantonal or federal permit process for exceptional journeys, a process that HOGS's compliance guide notes typically requires around seven working days' lead time for foreign operators.
What is the Gotthard dosing system for trucks?
Separate from the night and Sunday ban, the Gotthard road tunnel runs a traffic-light dosing system that has metered HGV entry since 2002, admitting roughly two to three trucks per minute and cutting daily truck volume from around 6,000 to approximately 4,000. It operates at all times, including hours when the general driving ban does not apply, so a truck cleared to drive at 06:00 can still face a queue at the tunnel portal.
| Restriction | Hours / scope (HGVs over 3.5t) |
|---|---|
| Nightly ban (every day) | 22:00-05:00 |
| Sunday ban | 00:00-24:00 |
| Public holiday ban | 00:00-24:00 (cantonal, transit exempt) |
| Gotthard road tunnel | Traffic-light dosing system, applies at all times |
Also relevant for 2026 planning: Switzerland's LSVA III performance-related heavy vehicle fee took effect on 2026-01-01, layering a revised charging structure onto the same routes covered by these driving restrictions. For the wider European picture, see the truck driving ban guide covering other countries .
Frequently asked questions
What is the weight limit for Switzerland's truck driving ban?
The ban applies to HGVs over 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight, with tractor-trailer combinations over 5 tonnes also covered. Vehicles below these thresholds are not subject to the nightly or Sunday restrictions described here.
Does the Swiss driving ban apply to transit traffic?
Transit traffic passing through Switzerland without stopping to load or unload is exempt from the Sunday and public holiday ban. It remains subject to the nightly 22:00 to 05:00 restriction, which applies regardless of whether the journey is domestic or transit.
What is the fine for driving during a banned period in Switzerland?
Penalties for driving during a banned period start from around CHF 500 (approximately 460 EUR), according to secondary compliance sources, though carriers should confirm the current figure with cantonal authorities before planning a route, since exact enforcement amounts can vary.
Is Switzerland's truck ban the same as an EU rule?
No. Switzerland is not an EU member state, so this restriction is not derived from an EU directive. It is set by Swiss federal law, the Strassenverkehrsgesetz Article 92 and its implementing ordinance, and enforced nationwide by Swiss authorities including the Federal Roads Office.
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