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.