Driving ban in Luxembourg – 2025
18 August '25
Reading time 4 minutes
Although Luxembourg is a small country, it plays a very important role in European freight transit, especially between Germany, Belgium and France. In 2025, the country will maintain precisely defined traffic restrictions for trucks, which will apply on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, as well as on selected additional days, depending on the direction of transport.
Importantly, in the event of a violation of the rules, drivers may be turned back to the country from which they departed or to the place of loading.
In this article, you will find all the key information: times when bans are in force, exceptions and practical notes on transit traffic in Luxembourg.
Ban on trucks over 7.5 tonnes in Luxembourg
The ban on heavy goods vehicles in Luxembourg aims to improve traffic flow during peak hours and reduce noise and exhaust emissions on public holidays.
The regulations apply to goods vehicles with a maximum authorised weight of over 7.5 tonnes, with or without a trailer, and cover the entire road network and motorways. Particular attention should be paid to the direction of travel, as different times apply for vehicles heading for Germany and those heading for France.
When are driving restrictions in force in Luxembourg – general rules
Driving restrictions in Luxembourg depend on the direction of travel:
- Transport towards France (from Belgium/Germany):
Valid from Saturday at 9:30 p.m. (or from the day preceding a public holiday) until 9:45 p.m.* on Sundays and public holidays. - Transport towards Germany (from Belgium/France):
Applies from Saturday at 11:30 p.m. (or from the eve of a public holiday) until 9:45 p.m.* on Sundays and public holidays.
* Some sources indicate 10:00 p.m., but this is incorrect.
The above restrictions also apply to additional public holidays in the destination countries, even if they are not public holidays in Luxembourg. Carriers should take this into account when planning their routes and departure times.
Driving bans in Luxembourg and public holidays – 2025
Traffic restrictions also apply on public holidays in Luxembourg and on selected official holidays in Germany and France.
| DATE | HOLIDAY | IN WHICH COUNTRY | HOW DOES THE BAN APPLY |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 January | New Year’s Day | Luxembourg | nationwide |
| 18 April | Good Friday | Germany | towards Germany |
| 21 April | Easter Monday | Luxembourg | nationwide |
| 1 May | Labour Day | Luxembourg | nationwide |
| 8 May | Victory Day | France | towards France |
| 9 May | Europe Day | Luxembourg | nationwide |
| 29 May | Ascension Day | Luxembourg | nationwide |
| 9 June | Pentecost | Luxembourg | nationwide |
| 19 June | Corpus Christi | Germany | towards Germany |
| 23 June | National holiday | Luxembourg | nationwide |
| 14 July | National holiday of France | France | towards France |
| 15 August | Assumption Day | Luxembourg | nationwide |
| 3 October | German Unity Day | Germany | towards Germany |
| 1 November | All Saints’ Day | Luxembourg | nationwide |
| 11 November | Armistice Day 1918 | France | towards France |
| 25 December | Christmas Day – first day | Luxembourg | nationwide |
| 26 December | Christmas Day – second day | Luxembourg | nationwide |
Transit traffic through Luxembourg – mandatory routes
Despite its small size, Luxembourg takes a strict approach to transit traffic. Carriers are not free to choose their own routes. There are clearly marked routes for vehicles with a maximum permissible weight of over 3.5 tonnes.
Trucks in transit may only use roads marked with special signs with the symbol 3.5 t and the indicated direction: ‘Transit Belgium’, ‘Transit Germany’, ‘Transit France’ or in both directions with the sign ‘Transit Germany / France’.
This signage clearly identifies the permitted transport corridors.
Violation of the applicable regulations will result not only in a fine, but the driver may also be turned back to the country of departure or to the place of loading.
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Exceptions to the ban on heavy goods vehicles in Luxembourg
Although there are strict driving restrictions for vehicles with a maximum permissible weight of over 7.5 tonnes in Luxembourg, the regulations allow for a number of exceptions. The restrictions do not apply to vehicles carrying out transport that is essential for logistics, food supply and safety.
The ban does not apply to vehicles transporting live animals, fresh food of animal and plant origin (including fruit, vegetables and bread) and cut flowers, plants and potted flowers. Empty trucks are also allowed to travel if their route is directly related to this type of transport, provided that the transport is in the direction of Germany.
Vehicles participating in combined transport (rail-road) are also exempt from the restrictions, provided that their route does not exceed 200 km and concerns connections to Germany. In addition, the bans do not apply to emergency vehicles, public services, the police, the army, customs services, and tow trucks in emergency situations.
In special cases, it is also possible to obtain an individual permit from the Minister of Transport. This applies to journeys that are necessary to maintain industrial production, prevent delays in deliveries or are public services responding to local needs.
All exemptions must be properly documented, and the driving permit confirming the exemption must be presented to the control authorities upon request.
Summary
In Luxembourg, precise driving bans for trucks with a GVW of over 7.5 tonnes are in force in 2025, varying according to the direction of travel and the day of the week. The restrictions apply both on weekends and public holidays, including some public holidays in neighbouring countries.
However, many types of transport are exempt from the ban, provided they meet the relevant conditions and have the required documents. In addition, transit through the country is strictly regulated and only permitted on designated routes.
Before entering Luxembourg, it is advisable to check the times of the restrictions, possible exceptions and the route of travel – this will help you avoid heavy fines and even being forced to turn back.
Would you like to read more about driving bans in European countries? See our other articles:
Driving ban in Belgium and the Netherlands >>>
Driving ban in the Czech Republic >>>
Driving bans in Switzerland >>>
