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.
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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...

Preferred portal for all permit requests

Activity: Interurban road freight transport, exceptional transport

Activity: Interurban road freight transport, exceptional transport

Road networks dedicated to exceptional transport in France
French regulations on exceptional transport (Decree of 4 May 2006, as amended) provide for road networks with national or departmental scope allowing, under certain conditions, the simplification or optimization of the granting of circulation authorizations for oversized or overweight convoys Article 9 bis of this decree defines the different national networks, their tonnage limits, and the conditions of access. (Légifrance)
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1. National networks prioritized for exceptional transport
“1TE” network – First-category map
• Exclusively intended for first-category exceptional transport.
• A first-category transport generally corresponds to light convoys (lower length, width, and weight) that do not require a heavy administrative procedure.
• Being authorized on this network means that the convoy holds a permanent individual authorization allowing it to circulate on the defined map without requesting a specific route for each journey.
Usual characteristics (indicative data according to practical guides):
• Approximate maximum length: 20 m
• Maximum width: 3 m
• Maximum authorized gross combination weight (GCW): up to 48 t on certain sections. Advantages:
• The permanent authorization simplifies administrative procedures.
• No specific route instruction is required for each transport.
• The TE1TE map must be carried on board in paper format in case of inspect...

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.
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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).
• A...

Activity: Interurban road freight transport, exceptional transport

Activity: Interurban road freight transport, exceptional transport

Activity: Ancillary services for land transport.

Activity: Interurban road freight transport, exceptional transport