France introduces truck driving ban in 38 departments. From Wednesday 4:00 a.m.

The French Minister of Transport, Philippe Tabarot, has announced a temporary ban on heavy goods vehicles in 38 departments due to severe winter weather conditions. The restrictions will come into force on Wednesday from 4:00 a.m.

The ban covers a wide area from the Charente department to the Belgian border, including Centre-Val de Loire and the Île-de-France region. According to weather forecasts, 3–7 cm of snow is expected across most affected departments, with up to 15 cm in the Ardennes. Road conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly, particularly during the morning hours.

The decision follows a series of serious road accidents linked to the winter weather. Since the start of the snow episode, at least seven fatalities have been reported on roads in regions including Île-de-France, Brittany and Landes.

⚠️ Important for drivers:
• The ban applies to heavy goods vehicles (local exceptions may apply).
• On the A63 motorway, traffic towards the France–Spain border remains suspended.
• Drivers are advised not to plan transit through the affected departments during the ban period.

The situation remains dynamic and restrictions may be extended or expanded depending on weather developments.