Lorries with weights up to 44 tonnes can travel on A8 Perl route until 2028 allows for return trips.
In a significant change to Germany's transportation regulations, trucks up to 44 tons will be permitted to make a U-turn via the Perl interchange of the A8 motorway from July 8, 2022, to May 31, 2028. This exemption is an exception to the standard 40-ton weight limit on public roads in Germany.
Typically, the 40-ton weight limit is in place to protect road infrastructure and ensure safety. However, on major motorways like the A8, exceptions can be made for specific traffic management, logistical needs, or construction-related diversions that require heavier trucks to maneuver legally.
This particular exemption period (2022–2028) likely corresponds to a controlled trial, construction phase, or logistic corridor setup that necessitates such heavy vehicle maneuvers at this location. The decision was made after a conversation between Luxembourg's Minister for Mobility and Public Works, Yuriko Backes, and Saarland's Minister of Mobility, Petra Berg, on March 31, 2025.
The U-turn via the Perl interchange is signposted, but it was previously not allowed due to traffic law reasons. The closure of the on-ramp "Schengen" of the A13 motorway towards Bettembourg, which has been closed since 2003, has resulted in trucks taking alternative routes through nearby villages, causing issues with traffic safety. The U-turn via the Perl interchange is expected to reduce traffic through these villages, potentially improving traffic safety and the quality of life of residents.
It is worth noting that the on-ramp "Schengen" remains closed for goods transport with a permissible total weight (PTW) over 3.5 tons due to safety reasons. Trucks over 3.5 tons do not reach the necessary speed on the uphill on-ramp to merge smoothly into the flowing traffic on the A13 motorway before the Markusberg tunnel.
The permission is granted regardless of current traffic restrictions due to damage to the Moselle bridge at Schengen. The U-turn via the Perl interchange of the A8 motorway will remain in place until May 31, 2028.
This article provides an overview of the changes to truck U-turns on the A8 motorway in Germany. For detailed regulations about this exception, it is advisable to consult the regulating authority for motorways in Germany, such as the Federal Ministry of Transport or the responsible motorway operator.
In this context, the exemption for heavy trucks on Germany's A8 motorway could potentially open new avenues in the automotive industry, as it allows for the transportation of heavier goods over a longer period. This alteration in transportation regulations might also influence the finance sector, as investments in infrastructure and logistics could increase due to the changes.
