Spain’s Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility has approved an extraordinary resolution to temporarily relax driving and rest time requirements for professional drivers. The measure aims to ease the impact that road blockades in France—caused by ongoing protests from the agricultural and livestock sectors—are having on international freight and passenger transport.

The resolution, published in the Official State Gazette, sets an exceptional period from Friday 12 to Friday 26 December, both inclusive. The temporary rules apply to international goods transport destined for or transiting through France.

The protests, which have intensified since last weekend, have resulted in intermittent road closures and major disruptions across the French road network. Heavy goods transport is being particularly affected, compromising key supply chains between Spain and the rest of Europe and significantly increasing journey times.

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Spain Eases Driving Time Rules for Transport Operators Affected by Road Blockades in France

To alleviate these effects and to help drivers return home during the Christmas holiday period, the following temporary exemptions have been introduced:

• Daily driving limit extended from 9 to 11 hours
• Weekly driving limit increased from 56 to 60 hours
• Fortnightly driving cap raised from 90 to 120 hours
• Daily rest requirement reduced from 11 to 9 hours
• Possibility to delay the weekly rest period up to 12 consecutive periods, extended also to international freight transport, mirroring the rules already applicable to discretionary international passenger services

The Ministry stresses that these temporary measures will always ensure road safety. This decision complements other actions already taken, including formal communications sent to the French Embassy and relevant authorities expressing Spain’s concern over the traffic disruptions and the serious impact on international goods transport.