Exceptional transport portal

1. Definition and legal scope
• Exceptional transport (exceptional convoy): circulation of a vehicle or convoy whose dimensions (length, width, height) or mass exceed the limits authorized by the Highway Code or the regulations in force, requiring a special authorization and accompanying measures.

2. Key texts and official references (main list)

1. Code de la Route, general applicable provisions (limits, circulation, liability). (see Legifrance). (Légifrance
2. Arrêté of 4 May 2006 relating to exceptional transports (authorization procedures, convoy leader, escort obligations, documents to be provided). — fundamental text for the examination of authorization requests. Légifrance
3. Previous orders and amendments (e.g. order of 26 November 2003 and other regional clarifications) — useful for historical context and certain transitional regimes. Légifrance
4. Ministerial circulars and technical guides (prefectures, departmental directorates) and Petitioner user manual published by road safety / Ministry (practical procedures and templates). Sécurité Routière
5. CEREMA technical guides (crossing of engineering structures, passage of structures, route dimensioning) — essential for route studies a

Issuing authority: the competent body

• The RDW (Netherlands Vehicle Authority) is responsible for issuing dispensations for abnormal loads.
• The applicant may be the transport company or the shipper — what matters is that the request is complete and includes all required information.

– Application procedure :

. Preliminary route study
Before submitting the request, the planned route must be analysed. This makes it possible to check constraints (bridges, narrow passages, traffic conditions, one-way systems, local restrictions).

. Fill in the application form
The RDW provides an online (or downloadable) form to apply for a short-term exemption (one-off exemption) or, in some cases, a longer-term exemption.

. Submit the application
Submission is done via the RDW portal, with all necessary information: vehicle/convoy description, dimensions/weights, nature of the load, route, dates, and, where applicable, plans or diagrams.

. Processing time
The permit can usually be granted within a few working days, provided the file is complete.

. Compliance with operating conditions
Once the exemption is granted, the operator must comply with all conditions: designated route, permitted time windows, safety requirements, escort vehicles if needed, restrictions depending on weather or road conditions.

Types of exemptions / permits

The RDW may issue:

• A one-off / short-term exemption — for a specific journey.
• In some cases, longer-term or recurring permits — depending on how frequently abno

Preferred portal for all permit requests

Autostrada del Brennero (A22) / Autostrada del Brennero Spa-A22 (Brennero‑Modena) + réseau A22

Request via WebTEUV (Flanders portal)

Standard Limits in Luxembourg
Maximum values allowed (without special authorization):

• Overall width: 2.55 m — (up to 2.60 m for refrigerated / temperature-controlled vehicles).

• Maximum height: 4.00 m.

• Length:
  • Single vehicle / trailer: 12.00 m.
  • Articulated vehicle (tractor + semi-trailer): 16.50 m.
  • “Road train” / long combination (truck + trailer(s)): 18.75 m.

• Total weight / vehicle combination: Generally 44 tonnes for a standard combination.
  Exceptions: For a five-axle single vehicle, the maximum gross weight may be increased to 50 tonnes, subject to specific technical requirements.

Axle load / driving axle load: Legislation defines axle-load limits (and correct load distribution), which are assessed when applying for an authorization.
Source: transports.public.lu

According to Luxembourg legislation (as amended) and the official portal “Transports – Exceptional Transport”:
Any vehicle or convoy exceeding the “standard” legal dimensions or weight must be subject to an authorization request.

For example:

For convoys exceeding 44 tonnes, or five-axle vehicles intending to operate at 50 tonnes, an authorization must be requested, with supporting documents (registration certificates, conformity documents, load distribution charts, etc.).

For any “exceptional vehicle” (vehicle whose design or load exceeds standard limits), an authorization is required even when the vehicle is stationary if its circulation is planned.

**Specific features & application condit

Official portal for all requests: https://www.vemags.de

The permit application (for “exceptional transport” or “abnormal/oversize vehicle movement”) is submitted via the official MyGuichet.lu portal. It can also be requested by email.

Definitions and trigger criteria:
A transport is considered "exceptional" as soon as one of the standard criteria for size or weight is exceeded.
• Length: > 16.50 m — or even > 20 m depending on the category.
• Width: > 2.55 m
• Weight / GVW / GCW is significant, or the combination exceeds 44 tons (or depending on configuration).
• It may involve indivisible goods, special equipment, oversized materials, etc.
Depending on the characteristics, the transport can be classified into 1st, 2nd, or 3rd category of exceptional convoy.

Procedure based on the category:
• 1st category ("slightly out of standards")
• If the convoy slightly exceeds the standard limits but remains moderate, a simple prior declaration is sufficient.
• This declaration can be made online via the official "Mon transport exceptionnel" service.
• If online access is unavailable, the paper form (CERFA) can be filled out and sent by mail.
• Once the declaration is validated, the carrier receives an acknowledgment of authorization (often called APL — Local Scope Authorization). This acknowledgment allows circulation for a maximum duration of 3 years.
• 2nd or 3rd category (truly out-of-standard convoy)
• In these cases, an individual authorization is required.
• The request must be made via "Mon transport exceptionnel", or by paper form (CERFA n° 15625*03).
• The authorization must be sent to the prefecture of the departure department (or the entry department in France if the convoy comes from abroad).
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For national highways or sections of national roads