Easter 2026 in the DR: Cargo Truck Ban Aims to Ease Holiday Traffic

Travelers planning to drive across the Dominican Republic during Semana Santa should expect smoother highways this year, thanks to a temporary nationwide restriction on cargo trucks. According to Dominican Today, the National Institute of Transit and Land Transportation (INTRANT) has issued Resolution 005-2026, which keeps heavy freight vehicles off the roads during the busiest stretch of the Easter holiday.

When the Ban Takes Effect

The restriction begins at 6:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 2, 2026, and remains in force until 5:00 a.m. on Monday, April 6, 2026. During this window, cargo trucks are barred from circulating on public roads throughout the country. The ban also applies to vehicles holding Restricted Access Zone (ZAR) permits, which normally allow freight movement in regulated urban areas such as parts of Santo Domingo.

INTRANT says the measure is designed to improve road safety and cut down on the spike in accidents that typically accompanies the Easter exodus, when millions of Dominicans head to beaches and mountain towns.

Exceptions for Essential Goods

Not all freight will come to a halt. As reported by Dominican Today, exemptions will apply to trucks carrying essential and perishable goods, ensuring that supermarkets, hotels, and resorts can continue receiving fresh produce, seafood, and other time-sensitive supplies during the long weekend.

What This Means for Travelers

If you are visiting the DR for Holy Week, here is what to keep in mind:

• Rental car drivers should find highways like the Autopista Duarte and Autopista del Coral noticeably less congested with heavy trucks, though overall traffic volume will still be high due to holiday travelers.
• Plan around peak hours: Thursday afternoon and Sunday evening remain the heaviest travel windows, regardless of the truck ban.
• Expect checkpoints: National police and DIGESETT officers typically increase patrols during Semana Santa, including sobriety and speed enforcement.
• Coastal routes to Punta Cana, Samaná, and Puerto Plata are particularly busy, so leave early and confirm hotel check-in times.

Easter is one of the most cherished holidays in the Dominican Republic, and the truck-free roads should make the journey a bit calmer for everyone behind the wheel.