July and August are the peak holiday traffic months in Europe. During this period, many countries restrict the use of highways by heavy-tonnage vehicles on weekends, public holidays, and certain night hours. For businesses shipping by road from Turkey to Italy, these restrictions can cause serious delays if not planned for correctly.

Which Countries Apply What Kind of Restrictions?

Although the scope and hours of restrictions vary by country, date, and tonnage, the general pattern observed during the summer period is as follows:

Country Summer General Trend
Austria Year-round night restriction (approx. 22:00–05:00, >7.5 t); additional Saturday afternoon restriction in summer (>3.5 t)
Switzerland Year-round night restriction and full-day Sunday ban (>3.5 t)
Italy Daytime restriction on Sundays and public holidays (>7.5 t); possible additional restrictions during peak holiday periods (e.g., around Ferragosto)
France, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia Daytime restriction on Sundays and public holidays (>7.5 t)
Poland Daytime restriction on weekends and holidays (>12 t)

 

This table summarizes the general trend; since restriction hours can vary from year to year and week to week, it is necessary to confirm the current schedule with official sources before every shipment.

The Impact of the Ferragosto (August 15) Period on the Turkey–Italy Route

Ferragosto (August 15), Italy’s busiest holiday period, falls on a Saturday in 2026. The weekend around this date may see congestion on Northern Italy routes due to both holiday traffic and possible additional transport restrictions. Extra buffer time is recommended for shipments on the Istanbul–Trieste route during this period.

Measures That Can Be Taken in Shipment Planning

  •     Planning shipments to fall before or after restriction hours
  •     Adding possible waiting times at border crossings and rest stops as a buffer to the delivery commitment
  •     Checking the current restriction calendar of the countries along the route before every shipment
  •     Evaluating alternative crossing times during peak holiday periods (e.g., the Ferragosto weekend)

Conclusion

Summer traffic restrictions cease to be an unforeseeable risk when planned correctly. Çobantur Logistics maintains delivery reliability even during the holiday season by planning its shipments on the Turkey–Italy route according to the current restriction calendar.

FAQ

Which vehicles do summer restrictions cover?

Restrictions generally cover commercial vehicles above a certain tonnage (over 3.5 tons or 7.5 tons in most countries); the threshold varies by country.

Is it possible to ship to Italy during the Ferragosto period?

Yes, it is possible; however, due to both holiday traffic and possible additional restrictions during this period, it is recommended to plan shipments outside restriction hours and with buffer time.

Where can I follow the restriction calendar?

The transport ministries of the countries along the route and international transport associations regularly publish current restriction calendars; checking these sources before shipment is recommended.