# German truck driving exemptions for low river levels

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/german-truck-driving-exemptions-for-low-river-levels
> Updated: 2026-09-28T22:39:17.000Z. Sources: 30. Developments: 2.

To mitigate supply chain disruptions caused by low water levels in German rivers, authorities implemented temporary exemptions to Sunday and holiday truck driving bans for vehicles exceeding 7.5 tons. These measures were intended to accommodate freight transport that would typically move via inland waterways but was forced onto road and rail due to insufficient barge capacity.

While initial plans in regions such as Berlin and Brandenburg indicated that these eased restrictions would expire on September 30, 2026, Federal Transport Minister Steffen Bilger later announced potential extensions. Bilger is working with state-level ministers to maintain flexibility for businesses facing the extraordinary situation, noting that long-term solutions involve improving rail capacity and waterway management.

As of late September 2026, Germany faces a significant drought crisis. Minister Bilger has announced further temporary exceptions to the driving bans to facilitate the movement of goods that cannot be transported via major waterways, including the Rhine, Elbe, Danube, Main, and Moselle. In the Rhine, water levels at the Kaub gauge have dropped into negative values, impacting inland shipping.

Beyond transport logistics, the drought has triggered environmental concerns. Low water levels are increasing the concentration of pollutants, such as industrial chemicals and pharmaceutical residues, which poses risks to aquatic ecosystems. Experts from the Hessian State Office for Nature, Environment and Geology (HLNUG) warn that reduced water volume limits the natural self-cleaning capacity of rivers, potentially causing long-term harm to aquatic organisms. Additionally, Lake Constance is at risk of falling below 2.50 meters due to low precipitation, a snow-poor winter, and high evaporation rates, marking extremely low levels for the season.

## Claims

- The water level at Lake Constance is at risk of falling below 2.50 meters due to ongoing drought. (corroborated by 13 sources)
- Low water levels can lead to higher concentrations of pollutants that would otherwise be diluted by higher water flow. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Persistent substances such as pharmaceutical residues, industrial chemicals, and sweeteners remain in water despite treatment by sewage plants. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The water level at the Kaub gauge in Rhineland-Palatinate has recently dropped into negative values for the first time. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Federal Transport Minister Steffen Bilger announced further temporary exceptions to the Sunday truck driving ban to allow goods to be moved by road due to low river levels. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-28: Germany faces severe drought and low water levels in Rhine and Lake Constance

Extreme drought in Germany has caused record-low water levels in the Rhine and Lake Constance, increasing pollutant concentrations and prompting temporary truck driving exceptions to support logistics.

26 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/germany-to-extend-truck-driving-exemptions-due-to-low-river-levels

### 2026-09-25: Berlin and Brandenburg to end eased Sunday truck driving ban

Berlin and Brandenburg will end the eased Sunday truck driving ban on September 30, 2026, following temporary measures to offset low water levels in German rivers.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/berlin-and-brandenburg-to-end-eased-sunday-truck-driving-ban

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Cite as: German truck driving exemptions for low river levels. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/german-truck-driving-exemptions-for-low-river-levels