# Sunday driving ban (Sonntagsfahrverbot)

*Last updated: 2026-08-11*

> Due to low water levels on the Rhine, a freight forwarder urgently needs a vehicle on a Sunday – normally impossible because of the Sunday driving ban.

Due to low water levels on the Rhine, a freight forwarder urgently needs a vehicle on a Sunday – normally impossible because of the Sunday driving ban. The Sunday driving ban (Sonntagsfahrverbot) is a statutory prohibition in Germany, and similarly in other countries, on operating trucks above a certain weight and trailers on Sundays and public holidays between midnight and 10 p.m.; it serves noise protection and traffic calming purposes. The rule has permanent exceptions, for example for perishable goods, as well as temporary exemptions granted by individual federal states in special situations – such as low water levels, when shipments must be shifted from barge to truck at short notice. Such exemptions usually apply only regionally, for a limited time, and to clearly defined vehicle categories. Not to be confused with drivers' statutory driving and rest times, which must be observed at all times regardless of the day of the week.

**Source:** Frachtportal News: "Niedrigwasser: Immer mehr Bundesländer lockern Lkw-Fahrverbote"

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Sunday driving ban (Sonntagsfahrverbot) |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 152 |
| Last updated | 2026-08-11 |
| Source | Frachtportal News: "Niedrigwasser: Immer mehr Bundesländer lockern Lkw-Fahrverbote" |

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