Rules per County

Permits

For transporting indivisible loads exceeding 22.00 x 3.00 x 4.00 meters and 50,000 kg, an exemption permit is required in the Netherlands. There are two types of permits available: long-term permits and incidental permits.

Long-Term Permit
A long-term permit can be issued based on the registration of either the tractor or semi-trailer and is valid for one year within the Netherlands. Maximum dimensions allowed under a long-term permit are:

• Tractor unit: 22.00 x 3.50 x 4.25 meters, up to 50,000 kg
• Trailer: 27.50 x 3.50 x 4.25 meters, up to 100,000 kg
  The exact permissible dimensions depend on the technical specifications of the vehicle.

Incidental Permit
When a long-term permit does not cover the required specifications, an incidental permit may be issued. This type of permit is valid for a minimum of four weeks and up to twelve weeks, depending on the needs of the transport.

Escort Cars

In the Netherlands, regulations for transport guidance distinguish between two road networks: the secondary road network and the primary (superordinate) road network. The requirements for escort vehicles vary based on the route and road type.

In general, the following diagrams can be used:

All public roads, except highways:

Length (m)	Width (m)	Weight (kg)	Escort cars
22,00 – 27,50	3,00 – 3,50	-	-
27,51 – 32,00	3,51 – 4,00	-	1
32,01 – 50,00	4,01 – 4,50	-	2
> 50,01	> 5,01	>100.000	2

Motorways, incl. public road numbers: N2, N3, N7, N15, N57 (Rotterdam – Brielle):

Length (m)	Width (m)	Weight (kg)	Escort cars
22,00 – 40,00	3,00 – 4,00	-	-
40,01 – 50,00	4,01 – 4,50	-	1
-	4,51 – 5,00	-	2
> 50,00	> 5,01	>100.000	2

Self driving equipment

Different regulations apply to self-driving equipment, such as mobile cranes. In this case, an exemption is required if:

Width > 3,00 m.

Length > 20,00 m.

Axle weight > 12.000 kg.

Total weight > 60.000 kg.

Transport escort is prescribed if the total weight exceeds 84,000 kg.  

Driving Times

In the Netherlands, driving times for exceptional transport are regulated based on the type of road network, with distinctions between the primary (overlying) and secondary (underlying) road networks. Below is an overview of driving time guidelines. Generally, there are no restrictions on Saturdays and Sundays, but the advice of the relevant road authority is ultimately decisive.

All public roads, except highways:

Length (m)	Width (m)	Weight (kg)	Driving times:
40,01 – 50,00	-	-	10:00 – 15:00 and 20:00 – 06:00
> 50,00	-	-	20:00 – 06:00
-	4,01 – 4,50	-	10:00 – 15:00 and 20:00 – 06:00
-	4,51 – 5,00	-	20:00 – 06:00
-	> 5,00	-	22:00 – 06:00
-		> 100.000	10:00 – 15:00 and 20:00 – 06:00

Motorways:

Length (m)	Width (m)	Weight (kg)	Driving times:
40,01 – 50,00	-	-	10:00 – 15:00 and 20:00 – 06:00
> 50,00	-	-	20:00 – 06:00
-	4,01 – 4,50	-	10:00 – 15:00 and 20:00 – 06:00
-	4,51 – 5,00	-	20:00 – 06:00
-	> 5,00	-	22:00 – 06:00
-		> 100.000	10:00 – 15:00 and 20:00 – 06:00

Permits

In Belgium, permits are required for transporting indivisible cargo with dimensions exceeding 16.50 x 2.55 x 4.00 meters and a weight of 44,000 kg. For a truck with a trailer, a permit is necessary if the load exceeds 18.75 x 2.55 x 4.00 meters and 44,000 kg. A single vehicle also requires a permit if its total length is over twelve meters.

There are various permit types in Belgium, each with specific maximum dimensions and validity periods. The table below provides an overview of the different permit types, along with their respective limits and validity.

Type permit	Max. dimensions (LxBxH)	Max. weight (kg)	Validity
All Roads Belgium	27,00 x 3,50 x 4,00	44.000 kg.	5 years
Network motorways	30,00 x 4,25 x 4,30	44.000 kg.	1 year
Network 90	30,00 x 4,25 x 4,50	90.000 kg.	1 year
Network 120	35,00 x 5,00 x 4,80	120.000 kg.	4 months
Route permit	Described below	Described below	2 months

All Roads Belgium

A "All Roads" permit, as the name implies, allows transport across the entire country.

Motorway Network
In Belgium, motorways permit transport with a maximum weight of 44,000 kg and a height of up to 4.30 meters.

Network 90 and Network 120
For certain transports, specific exemptions apply. Belgium has designated routes, known as Network 90 and Network 120, that can be used with the respective permits. These routes cover key areas across Belgium, including major ports such as Antwerp and Zeebrugge.

Route Permit
An Itinerary Permit is required if the transport dimensions exceed those allowed under the above permits or if the destination is outside the designated networks.

Network Cranes
In addition to these exemptions, Belgium offers the "Network Cranes" exemption specifically for the transport of self-propelled equipment.

Escorts cars

With regard to transport assistance, the table below can be adhered to.

Length (m)	Width (m)	Height (m)	Weight (kg)	Escort cars
16,50 – 30,00	2,56 – 3,50	4,00 – 4,80	40.000 – 90.000	-
30,01 – 35,00	3,51 – 4,50	-	90.000 – 180.000	1
35,01 – 40,00	4,51 – 5,00	> 4,80	> 180.000	2
> 40,00	> 5,00		-	3

Driving bans

In the table below the driving bans that apply in Belgium.

Length (m)	Width (m)	Weight (kg)	Driving bans
27,00 – 30,00	-	-	07:00 – 09:00 en 16:00 – 18:00
> 30,00	-	-	06:00 – 21:00
-	3,50 – 4,00	-	06:00 – 21:00, motorways with less than 3 lanes the same direction. 07:00- 09:00 en 16:00 – 18:00, other roads.
-	> 4,00	-	06:00 – 21:00
-	-	60.000	07:00 - 09:00 en 16:00 – 18:00

On the day before a public holiday, all exceptional transport is prohibited from 16:00 until 24:00 on the holiday itself. Additionally, abnormal loads are not permitted on Saturdays from 12:00 through to Sunday at 24:00.

Exceptional transport is also restricted during adverse weather conditions. Driving is prohibited in cases of snowfall, rain, or fog where visibility is reduced to less than 200 meters. A driving ban is also enforced for exceptional transport when roads are covered with ice or snow.

Permits

For transporting indivisible loads in Germany, permits are required for loads exceeding 16.50 x 2.55 x 4.00 meters and 40,000 kg. For motor vehicles with trailers, a permit is needed when the load exceeds 18.75 x 2.55 x 4.00 meters and 40,000 kg.

Germany categorizes exemptions based on specific legal paragraphs:

• §46 Permit: If the vehicle itself meets legal size limits but the load is too long, high, or wide, a permit under §46 is required.
• §70 and §29 Permits: When a vehicle exceeds the legal size and/or weight limits, it requires both a §70 and §46/§29 permit.
  • The §70 permit serves as vehicle approval, allowing vehicles or combinations to exceed standard dimensions. This permit is based on a TÜV Gutachten—a technical inspection report often provided with new trailers. If needed, NL Exceptioneel can assist in obtaining a TÜV Gutachten.
  • A §29 permit, which is based on the §70 permit, is an incidental permit valid for up to three months.

Pricing and Consultation
The cost of a German permit under §29 is determined by seven different factors, some of which may vary depending on specific conditions. For a non-binding price estimate, please contact our permit department.

Escort Cars

In Germany, transport assistance requirements vary by county and are specified within the permit. There are no uniform regulations; requirements depend on factors such as transport dimensions or ongoing roadworks. Escort types in Germany are graded as BF2, BF3, BF4, or Hilfepolizei, and each may be prescribed based on the transport's specifications.

Driving Times

In Germany, driving times for exceptional transport are determined by the specific exemption and may vary by county.

Permits

In France, permits are required for transporting indivisible cargo that exceeds 16.50 x 2.55 x 4.00 meters and 44,000 kg. For a truck with a trailer, a permit is necessary when the load surpasses 18.75 x 2.55 x 4.00 meters and 44,000 kg.

France offers several types of exemptions for exceptional transport. Below is an overview of the available permit options.

Type permit	Max. dimensions (LxBxH)	Max. weight	Validity
CAT 1	20,00 x 3,00 x 4,50	48.000 kg.	3 years
CAT 2	25,00 x 4,00 x 4,50	48.000 kg.	2 years
CAT 2 on prescribed route	25,00 x 4,00 x 4,50	72.000 kg.	1 year
CAT 3 on prescribed route	25,00 x 4,00 x 4,50	72.000 kg.	1 to 6 months

Network Card

A network card is required for standard CAT 1 and CAT 2 permits in France. These route maps indicate the designated routes within each network and are available for order through our services.

In addition to a CAT permit, you can also apply for a local permit for a specific route or a connection permit that links to the CAT 2 network.

Escort Cars

For information on escort car requirements in France, please refer to the diagram below.

Width (m)	Length (m)	CAT 1	CAT 2	CAT 3 ≤ 72t	CAT 3 ≤ 120t	CAT 3 > 120t
< 3m00	< 20m00	-	-	-	1	2
20m01 – 25m00	-	-	-	-	-	-
25m01 – 30m00	-	1	2	2 + Motorbike escort	-	-
30m01 – 40m00	2	-	-	-	-	-
3m01 – 4m00	< 25m00	-	1	-	2	2
25m01 – 30m00	-	1	2 + Motorbike escort	-	-	-
30m01 – 40m00	2	-	-	-	-	-
4m01 – 4m50	< 25m00	-	-	1	2	2 + Motorbike escort
25m01 – 30m00	2	-	-	-	-
30m01 – 40m00	2	-	-	-	-	-
4m51 – 5m00	< 40m00	-	2	2 + Motorbike escort	-	-
> 5m00	> 40m00	-	2 + Motorbike escort	-	-	-

Motorbike Escort

Motorbike escorts in France consist of private escorts on yellow motorcycles. If motorbike escorts are unavailable, the police can supervise the transport, and in some cases, a police escort may be mandated based on permit requirements.

Driving Times

Driving times for exceptional transport in France vary by department and motorway. A nationwide driving ban is in effect for exceptional transports from 12:00 on Saturdays (or the day before a public holiday) until 06:00 on Monday (or the day following a public holiday). Driving is also prohibited in conditions of snowfall, sleet, or poor visibility.

Permits

In Luxembourg, permits are required for transporting indivisible loads exceeding 16.50 x 2.55 x 4.00 meters and 40,000 kg. For a motor vehicle with a trailer, a permit is needed when the load surpasses 18.75 x 2.55 x 4.00 meters and 40,000 kg.

Luxembourg distinguishes between two types of permits for exceptional transport.

Type permit	Max. dimensions (LxBxH)	Max. weight	Validity
Long-term	25,00 x 3,50 x 4,30	44.000 kg.	1 year
Incidental	> 25,00 x 4,00 x 4,50	> 48.000 kg.	3 to 12 months

Escort Requirements

In Luxembourg, abnormal load transports require two escort vehicles if the dimensions exceed 25.00 x 3.50 x 4.30 meters and 70 tons. If the transport exceeds 35.00 x 4.00 x 4.50 meters and 100 tons, a police escort is mandatory.

Driving Restrictions

Driving restrictions in Luxembourg vary between motorways and national roads. Below is an overview of the applicable driving bans.

Motorways

• Monday to Thursday: 07:00 to 09:00 and 16:30 to 19:00.
• Friday: 07:00 to 09:00 and 11:30 to 19:00.
• Additional restrictions apply on the A3, A4, and A6 motorways from 11:30 to 12:30 and from 13:30 to 14:30.
• Driving bans also apply on the A1, A3, A4, A6, and A13 motorways between 07:00 and 08:00 and 17:00 to 18:30.
• The day before a public holiday: 11:30 until 06:00 on the day after the holiday.
• Driving is prohibited during snow or ice conditions, or when visibility is less than 200 meters.

National Roads

• Monday to Thursday: 07:00 to 09:00 and 16:30 to 19:00.
• Friday: 07:00 to 09:00 and 13:30 to 19:00.
• Additional restrictions on A3, A4, and A6 motorways from 11:30 to 12:30 and 13:30 to 14:30.
• Driving bans also apply on A1, A3, A4, A6, and A13 motorways between 07:00 and 08:00 and 17:00 to 18:30.
• The day before a public holiday: 11:30 until 06:00 on the day after the holiday.
• Driving is prohibited during snow or ice conditions, or when visibility is less than 200 meters.

Permits

In Denmark, whether a permit is required depends on the cargo dimensions and the technical specifications of the vehicle combination. See below for an overview.

Combination	Permit necessary upward of
Tractor unit and standard trailer	16,50 x 3,30 x 4,10 x 40.000 kg
Tractor unit with extendable trailer without steering axles	22,00 x 3,30 x 4,10 x 40.000 kg.
Tractor unit with extendable trailer with steering axles	30,00 x 3,30 x 4,10 x 40.000 kg.
Truck en trailer	18,75 x 3,30 x 4,10 x 40.000 kg.

Escort Cars

For abnormal load transports in Denmark, an escort is required if the transport exceeds 30 meters in length. For width, escort assistance is mandatory starting at 3.65 meters on public roads and 4.00 meters on motorways.

Driving Restrictions

Driving bans in Denmark vary by region. For more detailed information regarding specific driving restrictions, please contact our permit department.

Permits

In Poland, permits are required for transporting indivisible loads exceeding 16.50 x 2.55 x 4.00 meters and 40,000 kg.

For a motor vehicle with a trailer, a permit is necessary when the load surpasses 18.75 x 2.55 x 4.00 meters and 40,000 kg.

Category	Max. dimensions	Permitted roads	Validity
I.	Width until 3,50	All public roads	12 months
II.	23,00 x 3,20  4,30 x 40.000 kg.	All public roads	1, 6, 12 or 24 months
III.	Trailer without steering axles: 23,00 x 3,40 x 4,30 x 40.000 kg. Trailer without steering axles: 30,00 x 3,40 x 4,30 x 40.000 kg.	National roads and motorways	1, 6, 12 or 24 months
IV.	Trailer without steering axles: 23,00 x 4,00 x 4,30 x 60.000 kg. Trailer without steering axles: 30,00 x 4,00 x 4,30 x 60.000 kg.	All public roads	1, 6, 12 or 24 months
V.	If bigger than dimensions above.	Described in permit.	14 days or 1 month

Escorts cars

In Poland, specific frameworks regulate the use of escort cars for exceptional transport.

Dimensions (LxBxH)	Max. weight	Escort cars
23,00 x 3,20 x 4,50	60.000 kg.	1
30,00 x 3,60 x 4,70	80.000 kg.	2

Permits

In Austria, permits are required for transporting indivisible loads exceeding 16.50 x 2.55 x 4.00 meters and 40,000 kg. For a motor vehicle with a trailer, a permit is needed when the load exceeds 18.75 x 2.55 x 4.00 meters and 40,000 kg.

Annual Permit

An annual permit in Austria allows for maximum dimensions of 25.00 x 3.50 x 4.20 meters and 60,000 kg. However, annual permits are not issued for all federal counties; separate applications are required for the states of Tyrol and Vorarlberg. Each annual permit includes an authorized road network and is valid only on the specified roads.

For transports that exceed these dimensions, please contact us for information on obtaining an incidental permit.

Escort Cars

Austria categorizes transport assistance into four "Stufen" (levels) as follows:

• Stufe 1: One escort car is required, operated by someone fluent in German, knowledgeable of local roads, and familiar with the permit conditions.
• Stufe 2: The transport must be accompanied by a certified Austrian escort driver in a legally compliant escort vehicle.
• Stufe 3: Certified Austrian escort vehicles are mandatory.
• Stufe 4: Three certified Austrian escort vehicles are required, in addition to an escort vehicle in accordance with Stufe 1.

Permits

In the Czech Republic, a permit for abnormal road transport is required when the dimensions exceed the following:

• 16.50 x 2.55 x 4.00 meters and 42,000 kg with five axles.
• 16.50 x 2.55 x 4.00 meters and 48,000 kg with six axles.

For railcar transport with a trailer, a permit is required when the length exceeds 18.75 meters, along with the above-mentioned dimensions and axle configurations.

Please note that in the Czech Republic, only incidental permits can be applied for based on the route.

Escort Cars

The number of escort vehicles required for transport in the Czech Republic depends on the transport dimensions. The table below provides the necessary escort car requirements based on size.

Dimensions (LxBxH)	Max. weight	Escort cars
From 22,00 x 3,20 x 4,50 to 29,50 x 3,95 x 5,50	59.999 kg.	1
From 29,50 x 3,95 x 5,50 to 39,50 x 3,95 x 5,50	99.999 kg.	2
39,50 x 3,95 x 5,50	100.000 kg.	3

Permits

In Finland, a permit for abnormal road transport is required when the following dimensions are exceeded:

• A tractor unit with a semi-trailer requires a permit if the transport exceeds 30.00 x 4.00 x 4.40 meters and 48,000 kg.
• A truck with a trailer requires a permit if the transport exceeds 25.25 x 4.00 x 4.40 meters and 60,000 kg.

These dimensions apply to carriers from EU and EEA countries. Different minimum dimensions apply for carriers from non-EU countries.

Inspection Certificate

In certain cases, a Finnish technical inspection certificate is required. For more information regarding the inspection certificate, please contact our exemption department.

Types of Permits

In Finland, there are various types of permits available, including annual exemptions and incidental permits. Incidental permits can be applied for with durations ranging from one week to six months

Escort Cars

In Finland, the number of escort vehicles required for abnormal transport is determined by the width and/or length of the load. The table below outlines the number of escort cars based on these dimensions.

For transports exceeding five meters in height, one escort vehicle is mandatory. Additional escort cars are required depending on the length and width of the transport.

	< 30,00	30,01 – 35,00	35,01 – 40,00	40,01 – 45,00	45,01 – 50,00	> 50,00
2,55 – 3,00	-	-	1	2	2	3
3,01 – 3,50	-	1	2	3	3	3
3,51 – 4,00	1	1	2	3	3	3
4,01 – 5,00	2	3	3	3	3	3
5,01 – 7,00	3	3	3	3	3	3
> 7,00	4	4	4	4	4	4

Permits

In Norway, a permit is required if the transport exceeds the following dimensions: 20.00 x 3.25 x 4.50 meters and 50,000 kg.

Norway does not issue long-term permits. Permits are granted on a route-specific basis and are valid for one month.

Escort Cars

In Norway, at least one escort vehicle is required for transports exceeding a width of three meters and/or a length of 23.50 meters. The exact number of escort cars is not determined in advance and will be specified by the authorities when the permit is issued.

Permits

In Sweden, a permit is required for transport exceeding the following dimensions:

• Width: greater than 3.50 meters
• Height: greater than 4.50 meters
• Length: at least 30 meters

If a transport exceeds 24 meters in length and any other legally permitted dimension, a permit is also required.

Regarding weight, a permit is necessary for:

• 42,000 kg or more for a five-axle combination
• 48,000 kg or more for a six-axle or greater combination

Sweden does not issue long-term permits. Permits are granted on a route-specific basis and are valid for a maximum of three months.

Escort Cars

In Sweden, in addition to regular escort vehicles, there are also VTL escorts. VTL (Vägtransportledare) can serve as a substitute for police escorts. The table below, which shows the required escort car or VTL based on transport dimensions, provides the guidelines for when escorts are necessary.

	< 30,00	30,01 – 35,00	> 35,00
3,10 – 3,50	1*	1	1 and 2 VTL
3,51 – 4,50	1	2	1 and 2 VTL
> 4,51	1 and 2 VTL	2 and 2 VTL	2 and 2 VTL

*Only applicable outside the highway.

Permits

In Switzerland, a permit is required for a tractor with a trailer if the following dimensions are exceeded: 16.50 x 2.55 x 4.20 meters and 40,000 kg.

For a truck with a trailer, a permit is required if these dimensions are exceeded: 18.75 x 2.55 x 4.20 meters and 40,000 kg.

Switzerland offers two types of permits: an annual permit and an incidental permit. The maximum dimensions for an annual permit are 30.00 x 3.00 x 4.00 meters and 40,000 kg.

Escort Cars

In Switzerland, there are two types of escorts: private escort cars and ATB assistance. In cases of ATB assistance, a police escort may be required in certain cantons.

The table below outlines when an escort is mandatory. The specific escort requirements depend on the width and length of the transport.

Nature of the exceedance	Dimensions, incl. loading	Private escort cars	ATB-escort or police assistance
Width	3,51 – 3,80	1	-
	> 3,80	-	1
	> 3.30 in combination with a length of > 25,00	1	-
Lenght	30,00 – 35,00	1	-
	> 35,00	-	1
	> 3.30 in combination with a width of > 3,60	-	1
Overhang front	> 5,00	1	-
Overhang behind	> 8,00	1	-

In Spain, exemptions are granted in three categories: Genérica, Específica, and Excepcional.

• Genérica: This category covers transports up to 20.55 meters in length, 3 meters in width, and 4.50 meters in height. The total mass of the vehicle must not exceed 45 tonnes. These transports can be carried out both during the day and at night, and no escort is required for a "Genérica" transport.
• Específica: This category includes transports up to 40 meters in length, 5 meters in width, and taller than 4.7 meters. The maximum gross weight for the Específica category is 110 tonnes. Exemptions for this category are issued for a specific route, and the validity of the permit may vary depending on the region.
• Exceptional: This category applies to all transports that exceed the permitted dimensions and weight of the Específica category. These are typically the large and heavy transports, for which the route must be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Note: These dimensions and weight limits apply only to vehicle groups 1 and 3. For group 2 (agricultural machinery), there is no Excepcional category.

Vehicle Groups for Exemptions

• Group 1: Vehicles for indivisible loads.
• Group 2: Agricultural machinery.
• Group 3: Exceptional vehicles for public works and public authorities.

Transport vehicles used by operators typically fall under Group 1 (indivisible loads).

Additionally, if the load extends more than 3 meters beyond the rear of the vehicle, an explanation must be provided. This can be done through drawings, photographs, or calculations demonstrating why such a large overhang is necessary

Please note, before applying for a permit, you must submit the original technical documentation in Spanish. This will permanently register the vehicle, making it valid for future permit applications.

In Italy, there are different types of permits for special transports:

• Single permits: Issued on a case-by-case basis for a single trip, valid only for six month.
• Multiple permits: These apply to a limited and predetermined number of transports, valid for less than six months.
• Periodic permits: Cover an unlimited number of exceptional transports and last up to twelve months

Exemptions from Authorization: Some oversize load transports do not require authorization, such as:

• Car carrier trailers under 4.20 meters in height, which do not exceed the 12% length limit imposed by Article 61 of the Road Rules.
• Road containers, provided the container truck does not exceed a height of 4.30 meters, does not exceed the 12% length limit, and respects the limits set by Article 62.
• Vehicles with variable-height bodywork used for transporting livestock, hay bales, straw bales, and agricultural machinery under 4.30 meters in height.
• Working machinery that does not exceed the weight and dimensions set by Article 61 and follows routes without road limitations, provided the route is on roads that are passable by such vehicles and comply with the relevant articles of the Road Rules.

Escort:

An escort for exceptional transports is mandatory in the following cases:

• When the lane is less than 3 meters wide and the vehicle or load is abnormal only in terms of its length or height.
• When the lane is less than 3.5 meters wide and the transport is abnormal only for its length (e.g., bulky vehicles).
• When the vehicle or transport exceeds 3 meters in width (3.2 meters for snowplows and railroad cars).
• When the vehicle or transport is longer than 25 meters.
• When the transport's encumbrance is greater than the width of the lane reduced by 20 cm.
• When the load protrudes from the front of the vehicle by more than 2.50 meters or the back by more than 4/10 of the vehicle's length.
• When the vehicle’s speed is lower than 30 km/h (40 km/h on motorways or main suburban roads).

Technical Escort Requirements:

• On three-lane roads or sections of roads classified as type A and B (regional and national roads) for exceptional vehicles or transports up to 4.2 meters wide and 35 meters long.
• On two-lane roads classified as type A and B (regional and national roads) for exceptional vehicles or transports up to 3.8 meters wide and 30 meters long.
• On roads or road sections classified as type C and D (provincial or municipal roads), for exceptional vehicles or transports up to 3.6 meters wide and 28 meters long if the road has multiple lanes in one direction, or up to 3.3 meters wide and 27 meters long if the road has only one lane in each direction.

For all types of special transport that exceed the limits for a technical escort, a traffic police escort is required.

In United Kingdom a vehicle is only classified as an abnormal load if it meets one or more of the following criteria:

• Rigid length exceeds 18.65 meters
  (Rigid length = the distance from the front of the headboard to the rear of the cargo. The tractor unit length is not included.)
• Width exceeds 2.90 meters
• Weight exceeds 44,000 kg
  (This is based on a 6-axle vehicle. For vehicles with only 5 axles, the maximum is 38,000 kg.)
• Axle weight limits are exceeded
  (Driven axles exceed 11,500 kg or non-driven axles exceed 10,000 kg)

These basic parameters determine whether a vehicle is classified as "Abnormal." If classified as such, the following regulations apply for permit applications:

Nature of the exceedance	Dimensions, incl. loading	Notification requirements
Width	C&U loads: over 2.9m (9ft 6ins) up to 4.3m (14ft 1ins) wide STGO Loads: over 3.0m (9ft 10ins) up to 5.m (16ft 5ins) wide	Two working days native to police
	Over 5.0m (16ft 5ins) up to 6.1m (20ft) wide	Two working days notice to police. National highways form VR1. You should apply at least two weeks in advance. Highways England recommend you apply as early as possible. Approval is not automatic.
	Over 6.1m (20ft)	Five working days notice to police. Five working days notive with indemnity to road and bridge authorities. National Highways special order. You should apply at least 10 weeks in advance. National Highways recommend you apply as early as possible. Approval is not automatic.
Length	C&U loads: over 18.65m (61ft 2in) up to 27.4m (90ft) long. STGO loads: over 18.75m (61ft 6 ins) long.	Two working days notive to police
	Overall lenght of a vehicle combination over 25.9m (85ft)	Two working days notice to police
	Over 30.0m (98ft 5ins) Also some very light loads, for example yacht masts: ·        With a rigid length over 27.m (89ft 11 ins) ·        That are moved on conventional motor vehicles not exceeding 12 tonnes gross weight ·        Or moved on trailers not exceeding 10 tonnes gross weight	Five working days notice to police. Five working days notive with indemnity to road and bridge authorities. National Highways special order. You should apply at least 10 weeks in advance. National Highways recommend you apply as early as possible. Approval is not automatic.
Weight	Over C*U limit up to 80,000 kg (78,74 ton)	Two working days notice with indemnity to road and bridge authorities
	80,000kg to 150,000kg (147.63 ton).	Five working days notice with indemnity to road and bridge authorities Two working days notice to police
	Over 150.000kg (147.63 ton).	Five working days notice with indemnity to road and bridge authorities Five working days notice to police. National Highways special order. You should apply at least 10 weeks in advance. National Highways recommend you apply as early as possible. Approval is not automatic.

Please note that UK Bank Holidays and Weekends (Saturday & Sunday) are NOT classed as notice days for the Police

If you're seeking information on regulations for a country not covered in our overview, please don't hesitate to contact our exemption department.