Europe is preparing for one of the biggest transport shake-ups of the year. In an attempt to control the tidal wave of passenger cars during the Easter holidays, the governments of most countries are introducing drastic restrictions on heavy goods traffic. In 2026, Catholic Easter falls on April 5. Thus, between April 3 and 7, 2026, the highway networks will become a territory almost entirely reserved for tourists and traveling families, while the so-called trucks or “lords of the asphalt“ will have to wait.
Of course, business does not stop completely. Refrigerated trucks transporting perishable goods and supplies for food warehouses remain the exception to the rule. The problem for logistics managers, however, lies in the details - each country plays by its own rules, with different weight limits and time zones, which makes planning an international route a real art.
In Poland, for example, the ban affects vehicles over 12 tons and comes into effect only on Saturday evening (6:00 p.m.), while their neighbors in Germany, the Czech Republic and Slovakia are much stricter. There, the “red light” comes on as early as Friday for all trucks over 7.5 tons. An interesting detail is that on Saturday (April 4), the Czech Republic and Slovakia temporarily open their doors for transit, before closing them again on Sunday.
Italy wins the prize for the longest “vacation” for trucks. The restrictions there extend for five whole days - from Friday afternoon until Tuesday lunchtime. The goal is clear: to ensure maximum comfort for cars on busy routes to the sea and mountains. At the other extreme is France, where the ban is concentrated only on Sundays and Mondays, but applies uncompromisingly to the entire national road network.
Against these restrictions, the Netherlands remains an oasis of liberalism. There are no official Easter bans there, but logistics experts warn of an “invisible ambush“ - heavy traffic jams caused by blocked traffic in neighboring countries.
For drivers and forwarders, next week will be a test of patience and flexibility. If you are planning a shipment, double-check your schedule, because the difference between a successful delivery and a salty fine is sometimes only a few hours or a few tons more.
As for the Orthodox Easter holidays, which are a week later, then in our country, the “Road Infrastructure“ Agency (API) introduces temporary restrictions on the movement of heavy goods vehicles over 12 tons on the main highways in Bulgaria. The goal is the same - to ease traffic for cars during the holidays and increase road safety.
Before the holidays (April 9, Thursday): from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (the ban does not apply to trucks entering Sofia).
First holiday day (April 10, Good Friday): from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Last day off (April 13, Ash Wednesday): from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (the restriction is for those traveling to Sofia).
Which roads does it apply to?
The ban covers the busiest routes:
Pazardzhik Regional Administration
Pazardzhik Regional Administration
AM “Trakia“ – along the entire length.
AM „Hemus“ – in the section from Sofia to the „Dermantsi“ junction.
AM „Struma“ and road I-1 in Blagoevgrad district (between Simitli and Kresna).
Exceptions
The restrictions do not apply to vehicles transporting:
Perishable food products.
Live animals.
Dangerous goods (ADR).
Temperature-controlled goods.
Buses for public passenger transport.