Derogations from HGV driving bans

Here is a list of countries that have decided to introduce derogations from driving bans for vehicles with humanitarian aid to Ukraine.

❗ Hungary – Lorries carrying goods classified as humanitarian relief provided by humanitarian organizations are exempt from weekend and holiday driving bans. Drivers of these vehicles are obliged to carry a shipping documents filled in by the client or supplier, i.e. a declaration containing Annex 4 to Government Decree No 190/2008.

The Hungarian Customs and Tax Office (NAV) has made arrangements for expedited shipping of humanitarian relief from Hungary to Ukraine. Relief shippments can be exported or dispatched by private individuals, state or municipal organizations, charities and the intention to export must be communicated regardless of the value and weight limit of the shippment. Notifications can be made verbally at the border crossing directly to a NAV clerk before departure, or in advance by calling 06 (30) 287 9203 on weekdays from 08:00 to 17:00 and writing at [email protected] . The notification should include the estimated time of arrival of the shipments, the type and quantity of goods, and the border crossing which is going to be used.

❗ France – vehicles transporting goods for humanitarian purposes to Ukraine or to neighboring countries, with the exception of Russia and Belarus, are exempt from driving bans until June 19.
In the event of a roadside check, drivers of these vehicles must be able to prove that the transport complies with the condition of the suspension. Any document used as evidence of transport must be carried in the vehicle or be immediately accessible in electronic form, e.g. on mobile devices.

❗ Slovenia – HGVs performing transport operations in order to save human lives, prevent direct threats to property and provide humanitarian aid to Ukraine are exempt from HGV driving bans
The exemption has been in effect since March 13 and will be retained until the situation in Ukraine has normalized. By virtue of the exemption the movement of vehicles with a GVW of more than 7.5 tons is allowed on Sundays and public holidays (from 8:00 AM to 10:00PM) and on the Friday before Easter (April 15, from 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM).

❗Germany – Following a request from the Federal Ministry for Digitization and Transport (BMDV) all federal states have introduced exemptions from the HGV driving ban on Sundays and public holidays, which are in force until June 26.
The exemptions apply to transports organized to provide direct or indirect assistance to the Ukrainian population (including empty runs).
It is worth noting that the driving ban on Sundays and public holidays has alsready been lifted for buses transporting refugees from Ukraine