Ukraine: no nationwide truck driving ban. Local and route restrictions may still apply, see below.
Ukraine has no nationwide Sunday or public holiday truck driving ban: freight may run every day of the week, holidays included. The one country-wide restriction is a seasonal summer heat measure introduced by the State Agency for Restoration and Development of Infrastructure. From 8 June 2026 it applies on roads of state significance to vehicles with an actual mass over 24 t and an axle load over 7 t on days when the air temperature rises above +28°C, to protect asphalt that softens in heat. Perishable and dangerous goods, live animals, military transport and accident-recovery vehicles are exempt. Dangerous-goods (ADR) transport follows a separate regime under the Rules approved by Ministry of Internal Affairs Order No. 656 of 4 August 2018.
Next 30 days
Ukraine: no scheduled nationwide driving bans. Local and city restrictions are described below.
Public holidays with truck bans — Ukraine 2026
| Date | Holiday | Ban time | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | No general ban applies | ||
| International Women's Day | No general ban applies | ||
| Easter (Pascha) | No general ban applies | ||
| Labour Day | No general ban applies | ||
| Day of Victory over Nazism in World War II | No general ban applies | ||
| Trinity (Pentecost) | No general ban applies | ||
| Constitution Day | No general ban applies | ||
| Independence Day | No general ban applies | ||
| Defenders of Ukraine Day | No general ban applies | ||
| Christmas | No general ban applies |
Summer heat weight restriction
From 8 June 2026, on days when the air temperature rises above +28°C · Set per route on road signs and information boards; no uniform nationwide hours were announced for 2026
The State Agency for Restoration and Development of Infrastructure introduced the restriction to protect road surfaces, because asphalt concrete becomes more vulnerable to heavy loads at high temperatures. It applies to vehicles with an actual mass over 24 t and an axle load over 7 t on roads of state significance and on main logistics corridors, where road signs and information boards mark where and when it is in force. Temporary holding and parking areas for heavy vehicles are designated together with the National Police, Ukrtransbezpeka and local authorities. In earlier seasons and in several 2026 regional notices the restriction ran from 10:00 to 22:00 with night driving allowed, but for 2026 no single nationwide announcement fixed uniform hours, so the exact window depends on the route and the day and must be read from the posted signs.
Exempt from the ban
Summer heat restriction in detail
The seasonal heat restriction is the main structural rule affecting heavy trucks in Ukraine. It is triggered by weather rather than by the calendar: on a road of state significance it takes effect on days when the air temperature rises above +28°C and targets vehicles with an actual mass over 24 t and an axle load over 7 t. For the 2026 season it started on 8 June 2026. The purpose is to protect asphalt concrete, which softens and ruts under heavy axle loads in high heat. Because there was no single nationwide order fixing uniform hours for 2026, drivers should follow the road signs and information boards on their route and use the designated holding and parking areas rather than assume a fixed daytime window.
ADR / dangerous-goods transport
Ukraine regulates the road transport of dangerous goods through the Rules approved by Ministry of Internal Affairs Order No. 656 of 4 August 2018, registered with the Ministry of Justice under No. 1041/32493 and in force from 5 October 2018. These Rules replaced the earlier 2004 order and apply the European ADR agreement and Directive 2008/68/EC domestically. They set out cargo classification, the certificate admitting a vehicle to carry dangerous goods, and the procedure for arranging the route. Dangerous-goods loads also belong to the list of vehicles exempt from the summer heat restriction, so ADR transport can keep moving when the heat measure limits ordinary heavy freight, provided all safety and documentation requirements are met.
Basic driving rules for trucks
In built-up areas the speed limit is 50 km/h for all vehicles. On ordinary roads outside built-up areas trucks may travel up to 90 km/h; lower limits apply on roads for automobiles and on motorways and are shown by signs. The permitted blood alcohol level is 0.2 g/L. These rules sit in Section 12 of the Road Traffic Rules of Ukraine.
FAQ
Is there a Sunday or public holiday truck ban in Ukraine?
No. Ukraine has no weekly Sunday ban and no public holiday driving ban for trucks. Freight may operate every day of the week, holidays included. Expect heavier traffic and longer border queues on holidays even though driving itself stays legal.
What is the summer heat restriction for trucks in Ukraine?
From 8 June 2026 the State Agency for Restoration and Development of Infrastructure restricts heavy vehicles with an actual mass over 24 t and an axle load over 7 t on roads of state significance when the air temperature rises above +28°C. The measure protects asphalt that softens under heavy loads in heat.
Which vehicles are exempt from the heat restriction?
Military transport, perishable goods, dangerous goods, live animals, and special vehicles clearing the consequences of accidents and emergencies are exempt from the summer heat restriction.
What rules apply to dangerous-goods (ADR) transport in Ukraine?
Road transport of dangerous goods follows the Rules approved by Ministry of Internal Affairs Order No. 656 of 4 August 2018, in force from 5 October 2018, which apply the European ADR agreement and Directive 2008/68/EC in Ukraine. They cover cargo classification, vehicle admission certificates and route arrangement. Dangerous-goods transport is also exempt from the summer heat restriction.
Which basic road rules apply to trucks in Ukraine?
In built-up areas the speed limit is 50 km/h. On ordinary roads outside built-up areas trucks may drive up to 90 km/h, with lower limits shown by signs on motorways and roads for automobiles. The blood alcohol limit is 0.2 g/L. These rules are set in Section 12 of the Road Traffic Rules of Ukraine.
Official source
- State Agency for Restoration and Development of Infrastructure of Ukraine - summer heat restrictions for heavy vehicles
- Ukravtodor - Traffic restriction during the hot period (air temperature above +28C)
- Ministry of Internal Affairs Order No. 656 of 4 August 2018 - Rules for the road transport of dangerous goods
- Road Traffic Rules of Ukraine, Section 12 (Speed)
Rules can change on short notice. Verify with the official sources above before dispatch.