Hungary shortens weekend truck driving ban due to heatwave
Hungary\'s Ministry of Construction and Transport has decided to partially suspend the weekend truck driving ban due to forecast extreme temperatures. This means that restrictions for vehicles with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) exceeding 7.5 tonnes will be in force for a shorter period than normally stipulated by the regulations.
Under the standard rules, the ban was scheduled to apply from 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, 27 June, until 10:00 p.m. on Sunday, 28 June. However, the ministry has introduced a nighttime "traffic window", allowing trucks to travel on Hungarian roads during the night from Saturday to Sunday.
This means that during the night from Saturday to Sunday (22:00 - 06:00), trucks will be allowed to travel on the roads, while the driving ban will apply only from 06:00 to 22:00 on Sunday.
The decision was taken following the issuance of a third-level heat alert in Hungary. According to the ministry, the partial suspension of the restrictions is intended to facilitate transport operations during extremely high temperatures, enable drivers to reach suitable rest areas during the cooler nighttime hours, and reduce the risk of cargo deterioration and freight damage.
The ministry also highlighted safety concerns. Drivers have been advised to check the technical condition of their vehicles before departure, with particular attention to the cooling system and tyres, as well as to ensure an adequate supply of drinking water and compliance with mandatory rest periods.
It should be noted that in Hungary, the declaration of a heat alert does not automatically result in the suspension of the truck driving ban. A separate decision by the competent minister is required in each case. For the weekend of 27 - 28 June, such a decision has been issued, which is why the restrictions will apply only during daytime hours on Sunday.
The catalogue of statutory exemptions remains unchanged. The ban continues not to apply, among others, to the transport of live animals, fresh milk and dairy products, fresh and frozen meat, bakery products, perishable foodstuffs, as well as fresh fruit, vegetables and other agricultural products covered by exemptions under Hungarian legislation.
