Greece imposes truck ban over 3.5 tons for Carnival and Clean Monday 2026

Greek authorities have announced a temporary nationwide traffic restriction on heavy goods vehicles over 3.5 tons during the Carnival and Clean Monday holiday period, aiming to ease congestion, improve traffic flow, and enhance road safety.

The measure, introduced by the Hellenic Police, will apply in addition to local traffic facilitation measures across the country.

🚛 Truck Ban Schedule and Dates

The restriction concerns all trucks with a maximum permissible weight exceeding 3.5 tons.

Outbound Holiday Traffic Restrictions:

• Friday, February 20, 2026: 16:00 – 21:00
• Saturday, February 21, 2026: 08:00 – 13:00

Return Traffic Restrictions:

• Monday, February 23, 2026: 15:00 – 21:00

📍 Highways and National Roads Affected

The traffic ban will apply to major national motorways and highways, including:

• A8 Motorway (Athens–Patras)
• A1 Motorway (Athens–Thessaloniki–Evzoni)
• A5 Motorway (Ionia Odos)
• A7 Motorway (Central Peloponnese)
• A3 Motorway (Central Greece/E65)
• A11 Motorway
• A71 Motorway
• A52 Motorway
• Thessaloniki–Nea Moudania National Road
• Thessaloniki–Kavala National Road
• Antirrio–Arta–Ioannina National Road
• Thessaloniki–Polygyros National Road

Restrictions will apply directionally, depending on outbound or return holiday traffic flows.

🚨 Exemptions from the Truck Ban

Several categories of vehicles are exempt from the restrictions, including:

• Road assistance vehicles operating under Greek law
• Postal service trucks (ELTA)
• Vehicles transporting live animals or perishable goods (under international ATP agreement standards)
• Fuel tankers supplying firefighting services
• Utility company vehicles (electricity, gas, telecommunications) responding to emergency network failures
• Medical oxygen transport vehicles
• Emergency response vehicles
• Military transport vehicles
• Vehicles transporting equipment for cultural, theatrical, television, or film productions
• Concessionaire and motorway maintenance vehicles
• Vehicles operated by the NGO “To Chamogelo tou Paidiou” (The Smile of the Child)

🛑 Increased Road Safety Measures Nationwide

The Hellenic Police has also announced intensified road safety measures across the national road network during the festive period.

Authorities urge drivers to:

• Conduct technical vehicle checks before traveling
• Monitor road and weather conditions
• Strictly follow traffic laws and road signs
• Avoid mobile phone use while driving
• Refrain from alcohol consumption before driving
• Use seatbelts and motorcycle helmets
• Install snow chains where required
• Use child safety seats
• Drive responsibly and avoid overestimating vehicle capabilities

Clean Monday and Carnival Travel Surge

Carnival celebrations and Clean Monday traditionally trigger heavy outbound traffic from major urban centers, especially Athens and Thessaloniki, toward regional destinations.

Authorities stress that road safety is a shared responsibility and call on all road users to cooperate during the holiday period.