The Government’s amendment to the Trafikförordningen (Traffic Ordinance) gives municipalities the option to exempt heavy vehicles without an internal combustion engine from existing night-time driving restrictions. The change is intended to enable quieter, emission-free logistics in densely populated areas and reduce pressure on daytime traffic flows.
Many municipalities currently impose night-time bans on heavy trucks to limit noise disturbance. According to the Government, electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles operate significantly more quietly than conventional diesel trucks, making them suitable for “off-peak deliveries” during evenings and nights.
The regulatory change does not automatically lift night-time restrictions. Each municipality must decide whether to introduce exemptions through its own local traffic regulations. The measure applies exclusively to heavy vehicles equipped with zero-emission drivetrains; combustion-engine trucks remain prohibited during restricted hours unless other specific provisions apply.
The Government states that the purpose of the amendment is to promote the electrification of heavy transport, reduce noise and emissions in sensitive urban environments, and improve accessibility in city centres by shifting certain logistics operations away from peak hours.
The amendment to the Traffic Ordinance has now entered into force and is available for municipalities to implement.
