Belgium

Offer / Belgium

Oversize Transport Permits

Permitted Dimensions (Transport Allowed Without a Permit):

Maximum permissible dimensions and weight for transport without the need to obtain a permit:

  • Solo truck: 12,00 m x 2,54 m x 4,00 m
  • Tractor unit + semi-trailer combination: 16,50 m x 2,54 m x 4,00 m; 44 t 
  • Truck + trailer combination: 18,75 m x 2,54 m x 4,00 m; 44 t 

Mandatory Conditions: 

  • Axle loads: Permissible axle load limits must not be exceeded. 
  • Nature of the cargo: The transported cargo must be indivisible, meaning that it cannot be divided into smaller parts, or such division would be technically or economically impractical. 

If any of the above parameters are exceeded, a special permit for oversized transport is required.

The permit category depends on the route and the dimensions of the transport.

Category 1 (CAT 1):  

  • Scope: Permit valid throughout the entire territory of Belgium.  
  • Maximum dimensions: 27,00 m length x 3,50 m width x 4,00 m height, with a maximum gross weight of 44 t.  
  • Validity: 5 years.

Category 2 (CAT 2):

Permit valid on the BAB road network (motorways)

  • Maximum permitted vehicle dimensions: 30,00 m × 4,25 m × 4,30 m, with a maximum gross weight of 44 t. 
  • Up to three tractor units may be listed on the permit (one primary unit and two backup units), and they do not need to be identical.
  • Semi-trailers are not listed on the permit.
  • The permit is valid for 1 year. 
  • On motorways, the maximum permitted height is 4,30 m and the maximum gross vehicle weight is 44 t. 

Permit for the Road Network Outside Motorways (außerhalb BAB)

  • Maximum permitted dimensions: 30,00 m × 4,25 m × 4,50 m, with a maximum gross weight of 44 t.
  • Up to three tractor units may be listed on the permit (one primary unit and two backup units), and they do not need to be identical.
  • Semi-trailers are not listed on the permit.
  • Validity: 1 year.

Extended Variant – Road Network Outside Motorways or Individual Routes up to 90 t

  • Maximum permitted dimensions: 30,00 m × 4,25 m × 4,50 m (or 4,30 m where lower height limits are required).
  • Up to three tractor units and three semi-trailers may be listed on the permit, provided that all units are structurally identical.
  • Validity: 1 year.

General Rules for Vehicle Registration

  • Each permit may include a maximum of three vehicles, consisting of tractor units and/or semi-trailers: 1 primary vehicle + 2 backup vehicles, which may not operate simultaneously.
  • For 44 t variants, only tractor units are listed; semi-trailers are not included in the permit.
  • For the up to 90 t variant outside motorways, up to 3 tractor units and 3 semi-trailers may be listed, provided that all vehicles are structurally identical (baugleich).

Category 3 (CAT 3): 

  • Scope: Permit for the road network up to 120 tonnes or for a specific route up to 120 tonnes.
  • Maximum dimensions: 35,00 m x 5,00 m x 4,80 m.  
  • Validity: 4 months.

Category 4 (CAT 4):  

  • Scope and dimensions: Permit for a specific route for loads exceeding any of the following parameters: length >35,00 m, width >5,00 m, height >4,80 m or weight >120 t.  
  • Validity: 2 months.

Mandatory Vehicle Registration in the Belgian System

From 2026, vehicle registration in the Belgian national system will become a mandatory requirement for applying for any type of transport permit.

Validity of Already Issued Permits
Vehicles listed in all permits submitted or issued before this date must also be registered in the system. Registration is a mandatory condition for the continued validity and recognition of these permits once the new regulation comes into force.

The processing time for issuing a permit depends on its type:

Standard permit: 3 to 5 business days.

Permit for a specific route: approximately 5 to 7 business days.

Not renewable – once the validity period expires, a new permit must be applied for.

Permits up to 44 tonnes (standard transport). Only the following are required:

  • Vehicle registration certificate(s) for the tractor unit or truck. 

 Permits above 44 tonnes (oversized transport).  The following are required:

  • Registration certificates for all vehicles in the combination: tractor unit/truck and semi-trailer/trailer.
  • Supporting Documents.

For verification of the technical parameters of the vehicle combination, the following documents may be used:

  • Detailed technical specification of the vehicle combination – e.g. technical data sheet or manufacturer’s document
  • Gutachten or §70 approval 
  • COC (Certificate of Conformity)  

National Roads (Nationale Straßen) 

  • Standard permitted operating period: 
    From Monday 00:00 until Saturday 12:00. 
  • Day before a public holiday:
    Driving is permitted only until 16:00. 
  • Permitted daily time windows: 
    Driving is allowed within the following time intervals: 
  • 00:00 – 07:00 
  • 09:00 – 16:00 
  • 18:00 – 24:00 
    Condition for the 18:00–24:00 time window: Applies only to transport with dimensions up to 27,00 m x 3,50 m and a maximum weight of 60 t. 
  • Night-time driving (21:00–06:00):
    Permitted only if the vehicle is less than 30 metres in length AND less than 4 metres in width.

Motorways (BAB / Autoroutes)

  • Basic operating period: 
    From Monday 00:00 to Saturday 12:00. 
  • Day before a public holiday:
    Driving is permitted only until 16:00.
  • Permitted Daily Time Windows:
    Driving is allowed within the following time intervals:
  • 00:00 – 07:00
  • 09:00 – 16:00 
  • 18:00 – 24:00 (only for transport up to 27.00 m × 3.50 m and a maximum weight of 44 t)
  • Night Driving (21:00 – 06:00):
    It is permitted only on the condition that the vehicle is less than 30 metres in length OR less than 4 metres in width.

Cancellation costs depend on the stage of order processing and the timing of the cancellation in relation to the planned start of the escort operation.

The same principle applies to permit cancellations: the later the cancellation occurs, the higher the potential costs, due to preparation work already completed, submitted applications, and allocated resources.

Organization of Oversize Transport Operations

Oversize transport is a complex logistics operation that requires precision, experience, and excellent coordination.

???? Professional Route Planning
We analyse every kilometre of the route: bridge load capacity, turning radii, roundabouts, overpasses, detours, as well as both temporary and permanent roadworks. Planning begins well before the vehicle’s first movement. 

???? Transport Escort 
Specialised escort vehicles, equipped in accordance with applicable regulations, ensure a smooth and safe passage, responding dynamically to real-time road conditions. 

???? Documentation and Formalities 
Permits, approvals, and agreements with road authorities and other institutions — we take care of every document required for a safe and legal transport operation. 

????️ Detailed Logistics Planning 
We select optimal transit times, plan alternative routes, monitor weather conditions, and consider all external factors that may impact execution

Result? 

???? Oversize transport is carried out safely, legally, and on time, with full control at every stage — from initial planning to final unloading. 

Escort of Oversize Transport Operations

Civil Escort (Pilot Escort)

An escort is required when transport exceeds the following dimensions: 

  • Length: over 30 metres
  • Width: over 3,50 metres (exception: in the Walloon Region, the requirement applies from widths over 3,20 metres) 
  • Height: over 4,80 metres
  • Weight: over 90 tonnes

The number of escort vehicles depends on the transport parameters: 

  • 1 escort vehicle: length >30,00 m and ≤35,00 m AND/OR width >3,50 m and ≤4,50 m AND/OR weight >90 t and ≤180 t. 
  • 2 escort vehicles: length >35,00 m and ≤40,00 m AND/OR width >4,50 m and ≤5,00 m AND/OR height >4,80 m AND/OR weight >180 t. 
  • 3 escort vehicles: when the length exceeds 40,00 metres AND/OR the width exceeds 5,00 metres. 

Special note for Wallonia: In the Walloon Region, one escort vehicle is required already from a width exceeding 3,20 metres.

Police Escort and Substitute Services

The requirement for a police escort or traffic management provided by authorised substitute services is determined individually by the issuing authority.

Information on any such requirement will be clearly specified in the official transport permit.