Trucks Face a Full-Day Ban Across the Basque Country
Spain’s National Federation of Transport Associations, FENADISMER, has announced plans to challenge an extraordinary truck traffic ban introduced in the Basque Country for the total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026.
Under Resolution 5/2026, vehicles and vehicle combinations with a maximum authorised weight above 7.5 tonnes will be prohibited from using all roads in the autonomous community from 00:00 until 24:00.
Buses and coaches are excluded, along with vehicles covered by the general exemptions established in the Basque Country’s 2026 traffic regulations. These include certain essential services and specialised transport operations.
The Basque Traffic Directorate says the measure is intended to improve road safety and maintain traffic flow during an expected surge in eclipse-related journeys. The authorities may exceptionally lift the restriction if actual traffic conditions allow it.
FENADISMER Calls the Measure Disproportionate
FENADISMER argues that a full-day truck ban is excessive because the total phase of the eclipse will last only a few minutes. According to the federation, restricting freight traffic for 24 hours bears little relation to the duration of the event itself.
The organisation warns that carriers will face additional parking, labour and fuel costs. Delivery schedules may also be disrupted, particularly for international routes that cannot be easily moved to another day.
The restriction comes as Spanish hauliers are already preparing for other traffic management measures. K2Cargo News previously reported that Spain may restrict truck overtaking on key roads in 2026, allowing temporary limits during periods of congestion or elevated road safety risks.
A Strategic Freight Corridor Could Be Blocked
The Basque Country is one of the most important gateways for road freight between Spain, Portugal and the rest of Europe. The AP-8 and surrounding routes carry international traffic toward the French border, while the AP-1, A-1 and AP-68 connect northern Spain with major industrial and logistics regions.
A ban covering the entire regional road network could force trucks to stop before reaching the Basque Country or delay their departures until the following day. Parking areas in neighbouring regions may fill rapidly, creating additional safety and operational problems.
FENADISMER is also concerned that Navarra could introduce similar restrictions. A simultaneous ban in both regions would further reduce alternative routes across northern Spain and increase pressure on transport companies operating toward France.
The timing is especially sensitive because August 12 falls shortly before the August 15 public holiday. As summer truck restrictions across Europe already reduce available transport windows, another full-day closure could create several consecutive days of difficult route planning.
The Federation Plans a Legal Challenge
FENADISMER says it will take the necessary legal steps to appeal the Basque Government’s decision. The federation considers the measure unjustified and believes that less restrictive options could protect road users without effectively suspending freight transport for an entire day.
More targeted measures could include restrictions during the hours surrounding the eclipse, controls on specific congested roads or temporary traffic management near popular viewing areas.
Unless the resolution is amended, carriers will need to reorganise departures, reserve parking and revise driver schedules well before August 12. Companies should also distinguish between vehicles covered by the general ban and transport operations that may qualify for an exemption.
Read also: France and Luxembourg Add Four Days of Truck Bans
