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)

Code de la Route, general applicable provisions (limits, circulation, liability). (see Legifrance). (Légifrance
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
Previous orders and amendments (e.g. order of 26 November 2003 and other regional clarifications) — useful for historical context and certain transitional regimes. Légifrance
Ministerial circulars and technical guides (prefectures, departmental directorates) and Petitioner user manual published by road safety / Ministry (practical procedures and templates). Sécurité Routière
CEREMA technical guides (crossing of engineering structures, passage of structures, route dimensioning) — essential for route studies a

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🔗 France – National portal

🔗 Regulations in France. Overview

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Regulations in France Overview

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).
• A

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🔗 France – National portal

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