Applying for an exemption from the ban on driving on Sundays and public holidays

In Germany, trucks with a permissible total weight of more than 7.5 t and trailers behind trucks are not allowed to operate on Sundays and public holidays between 0:00 and 22:00.

The prohibition shall not apply to:
 

• combined road-rail freight transport from the consignor to the nearest suitable loading station or from the nearest suitable unloading station to the consignee, but only up to a distance of 200 km;
• combined port-road freight transport between loading or unloading point and a port within a maximum radius of 150 kilometres (arrival or removal),
• (a) fresh milk and milk products; (b) fresh meat and meat products; (c) fresh fish, live fish and fresh fish products; (d) perishable fruit and vegetables;
• empty journeys related to journeys referred to in point 2,
• Journeys with vehicles used in accordance with the Federal Benefits Act.

The notice of performance must be carried along and, on request, handed over to competent persons for examination.

Under certain conditions, exceptions to the driving ban on Sundays and public holidays may be granted.

Exemptions are granted by the road traffic authorities (districts, independent cities, cities and municipalities with more than 50,000 inhabitants; other cities and municipalities only if the exemption is valid only in the municipal area), in whose district the cargo is received or the road traffic authorities in whose district the applicant has his residence, registered office or a branch.

• Informal application with reasons,
• freight and accompanying documents,
• in the case of road transport of more than 100 km, a certificate issued by the goods handler responsible for the place of dispatch stating that it is impossible to carry the goods on time,
• for international traffic, proof of the clearance times at the border customs office for loads on heavy goods vehicles;
• Motor vehicle and trailer registration.
• For foreign motor vehicles in whose registration documents the permissible total weight and engine power are not entered, a corresponding official certificate is required.

An exemption may only be granted if certain conditions are met, such as:

• Supplying the population with perishable food
• Timely loading and unloading of seagoing vessels
• Maintaining the operation of public utilities or transport facilities.

An exemption shall be granted upon written request. Applications can also be submitted by fax.

An individual permit is valid for a journey with a vehicle or a combination of vehicles.

A permanent exemption for up to 3 years may only be granted if, in addition to the requirements for an individual licence, the need for regular transport is also established.

Fee according to GebOst currently between 10.20 Euro and 767.00 Euro per exception and per vehicle / person. The calculation of the fee depends on the effort involved in granting the permit and any economic advantage for the permit holder.