Exceptions to the Sunday driving ban and relaxations of regulations concerning driving and rest times

Several German lands have issued a general from the driving ban on Sundays and public holidays (SoFv) and the driving ban set out in the Vacation Travel Ordinance (FerReiseV)

In Rhineland-Palatinate, the exception applies to HGVs and semi-trailers with a MAM of 7.5 tonnes performing transports related to rescue operations, cleaning works and provision of supplies to the population affected by recent storms and floods, as well as empty journeys directly related to these transports. The exception is valid until further notice, but not later than August 31.

In Hesse, the exception applies to transports directly or indirectly related to the provision of assistance, elimination of the effects of recent storms and the provision of supplies to the population. The exemption is valid until and including August 1.

In Baden-Württemberg, the exception applies to transports that are directly or indirectly related to the provision of assistance, elimination of the effects of recent storms and the provision of supplies to the population. The exception is valid until and including August 1.

In Lower Saxony, the exception applies to transports that are directly or indirectly related to the provision of assistance, elimination of the effects of recent storms and the provision of supplies to the population, as well as empty journeys directly related to these transports. The exemption is valid until August 1.

In Saxony-Anhalt, the exception applies to transports that are directly or indirectly related to the provision of assistance, elimination of the effects of recent storms and the provision of supplies to the population. The exemption is valid until and including August 1.

In Bremen, the exception applies to transports directly or indirectly related to the relief operation following recent storms and the provision of supplies to the affected population, as well as empty journeys directly related to these transports. The exemption applies to the driving ban on Sundays and public holidays; no additional exemption from the Vacation Travel Ordinance is required as motorways in Bremen are not covered by these traffic restrictions. The regulation is valid until and including August 1.

Exemptions in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and the Saarland are the same as in Lower Saxony.

Relaxations of the rules concerning driving and rest periods can be found here.

Germany is relaxing the rules governing driving and rest times