# Baden-Württemberg Extends Truck Exemption Due to Rhine Low Water Levels

**Category:** Operational Alerts  |  **Source:** Land Baden-Württemberg  |  **Published:** 2026-10-01  |  **Updated:** 2026-10-28

**Tags:** Baden-Württemberg, Sonntagsfahrverbot, Lkw, Niedrigwasser, Rhein, Leerfahrt, Strassentransport, Logistik News, Transport News, Fracht News, Speditions News, Supply Chain News, Zoll News, Frachtportal News, Seefracht, LKW Transport, Schienentransport

> Trucks are permitted to continue operating on Sundays in Baden-Württemberg for low-water transport operations. The exemption applies through the end of October.

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Baden-Württemberg has extended the temporary exemption from the Sunday and public holiday driving ban for trucks until the end of October. The background is the persistent low water levels on the Rhine and other waterways. Because inland vessels can carry less cargo, additional volumes must be diverted to road and rail transport.

The exemption does not apply across the board to all transports. The journey must be directly or indirectly related to managing the consequences of low water levels. This includes, for example, substitute transports for cancelled or reduced inland shipping volumes. The necessary empty runs for this purpose are also included.

For dispatchers, the patchwork of regional regulations is the critical issue. An exemption in Baden-Württemberg does not automatically mean that the same transport is also permitted in Rhineland-Palatinate, Bavaria, France or Switzerland. For cross-border routes, each region traversed must be checked separately.

In addition, driving and rest times, weight regulations and local driving bans remain in effect. The exemption creates additional driving options but does not override the other rules. Drivers and operators should carry evidence of the connection to low water levels.

Recipients must also clarify whether the loading dock and warehouse are staffed on Sundays. Otherwise, the truck can travel legally but cannot unload the cargo.

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The order, shipping documents, and disposition notes should demonstrate the connection to inland waterway freight replacement. The entire route must be verified before departure. During inspections, clean documentation saves considerable discussion.

In short: Sunday transport is possible, but only with appropriate low-water reference and clear documentation.

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The exemption in Baden-Württemberg applies until October 31, 2026.

The reason is the persistent low water levels.

Both direct and indirect substitute transports are covered.

Necessary empty runs are included.

This is not a general release for all trucks.

Other federal states must be reviewed separately.

Driving and rest time regulations continue to apply.

## Related Entities

### Countries

- [Germany](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/land/de)

### Glossary

- [Inland Waterway Transport](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/inland-waterway-transport)
- [Sunday driving ban (Sonntagsfahrverbot)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/sunday-driving-ban-sonntagsfahrverbot)
- [Low Water](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/low-water)

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