The law, with which thousands of motorists have been struggling for many years, resembles a fight with windmills. While the countries of Western Europe have been dealing with the same problem for a long time, we are still unable to solve this situation. We are talking about the ban on overtaking trucks on highways. Thousands of drivers are against him — and it seems that better times are finally dawning for them. What does a long-time truck driver say?
On Slovak highways, vehicles over 7.5 tons are not allowed to overtake other vehicles. Drivers who violate this ban face a fine of up to 300 euros, and in the worst case, a ban on activity for up to two years. However, according to the drivers affected by the ban, this law has no justification. “Chain convoys of trucks, which are formed during the prohibition of passing, cause serious traffic jams and lead to dangerous traffic accidents,” argues the Union of Car Transporters of Slovakia.
On Slovak highways, vehicles over 7.5 tons are not allowed to overtake other vehicles. Drivers who violate this ban face a fine of up to 300 euros, and in the worst case, a ban on activity for up to two years.
A long-standing dilemma has been dividing motorists for some time now. Truckers claim that the law is restrictive and that the other side of the coin must also be looked at – just like in other countries of the European Union. The remaining drivers are rebelling against the lifting of the ban – the previous trucks are holding them up on the highways and they often have to brake sharply, many object. Will the competent manage to find a compromise?
Amendment of the law
The proposal for an amendment to the law was submitted to the parliament by the association of carriers ČESMAD Slovakia. According to them, trucks do not pose a threat to traffic when the highways are empty. They are appealing for reserved hours, during which the no-passing ban would not apply. “Trucks over 7.5 tons should be able to cross the highway at least from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.” says the association of carriers.
Truckers claim that the law is restrictive and that the other side of the coin must also be looked at – just like in other EU countries. According to the carriers, chain convoys are also responsible for the ban on overtaking.
The proposal is to be discussed by the Legislative Council of the Government of the Slovak Republic in the penultimate week of Octoberconfirmed the spokesman of the Ministry of the Interior, Matej Neumann. “The draft law will then be submitted to the government, we assume at the turn of October and November of this year,” zoomed in on Neumann. Truck drivers will have to wait for a possible big change. Until when?
Prohibition of prevention in other EU countries
In Western European countries, they mostly apply to trucks time- or lane-limited overtaking bans, to ensure the flow and safety of traffic.
- Germany – prohibited during the morning and afternoon rush hour, allowed outside the rush hour and on sections with three or more lanes.
- Austria – prohibited from 06:00 to 22:00, allowed on sections with three lanes.
- France – prohibited during weekends and holidays during periods of high tourism, permitted during the working week according to traffic signs.
- Italy – prohibited during the morning and afternoon rush hours, allowed at night and off-peak hours.
- Czechia – prohibited from 06:00 to 22:00, allowed in sections where traffic signs allow it.
