17.04.2020
The German Federal Administration has temporarily relaxed driving and rest times rules (EU Regulation 561⁄2006) with a prolongation until 17 May. The measure applies to road transport of goods of daily necessities, including food, medical equipment and fuel. Measures lifted are as follows:
- Possibility to extend driving time to 10 hours five times per week;
- Possibility to take two consecutive reduced weekly rests within a period of four weeks.
These measures apply to professional and privately owned transportation companies. More information here.
Source: BGL
16.04.2020
On 16 April, the German region of Hamburg decided to prolong the application of Sunday and holiday traffic ban exemptions for goods vehicles. Exemptions are applicable up until 24 June.
The most up-to-date list of exemptions, currently in force in Germany, can be consulted here.
Source: BGL
15.04.2020
On 15 April, the Federal Minister of the Interior has decided to extend border controls at the internal borders with Austria, Switzerland, France, Luxembourg, Denmark, Italy and Spain by a further 20 days until 4 May.
Further details can be found here.
Source: DSLV
On 8 April, the German Federal Ministry of Health issued a regulation banning travellers from entering Germany without a valid reason. The following content replaces the Orders issued by the same Ministry of 2 April.
People entering Germany must proceed directly to their home or to a suitable accommodation and isolate themselves for a period of 14 days after the entry into the country. They are also required to contact their competent public health office without delay and inform them of their entry into the country. People must provide the local health authority with the following information: identity and date of birth, travel itinerary, contact data, address of the domicile.
Derogations to this rule may be applied by regulations issued by federal states and only concern people that show no symptoms of COVID-19 infection.
Bus companies and tour operators doing cross-border transport to Germany must comply, within the framework of their operational and technical capabilities, with the following provisions:
- Provide travellers with a barrier-free version of the information on the risks posed by COVID-19 infection and the possibilities for preventing and combating it.
- Keep the data available for up to 30 days after arrival in Germany. This applies in particular to electronically stored data which enable passengers to be identified and located, as well as to passenger lists and seating plans.
There are no restrictions on the cross-border movement of goods, regardless of the nationality of the drivers.
Source: DSLV
09.04.2020
German Federal states’ exemptions on driving bans concern both Sunday and Public Holidays driving bans. The relevant exemptions granted in the Federal States are available here.
01.04.2020
The State of Bavaria has extended the relieve of the driving ban on Sundays and public holidays for all goods vehicles until 19 April 2020.
The State of Hesse has extended the relieve of the driving ban on Sundays and public holidays to all goods vehicles. The relieve applies in Hesse until 30 June 2020.
A constantly updated overview of the state regulations can be found here.
Source: BAG, DSLV
24.03.2020
Exemptions from Sunday / holiday driving bans have been updated. The most up to date list can be found here (changes highlighted in italics and in colour).
Source: BGL