Exceptional transport
Verified 23 May 2024 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)
An exceptional convoy transport concerns the heavy goods vehicles of which dimensions are not authorized by the traffic regulations. The carrier must complete prior formalities (statement, request forauthorisation) and traffic rules are specific.
What is an exceptional convoy?
The single vehicle or theroad assembly (1 or more trailers) is considered an exceptional convoy if it exceeds one of the dimensions and weight following:
- Length of more than 16,5 m
- and/or a width of more than 2,55 m
- and/or a weight of more than 44 tons
The transported goods may be:
- of goods
- agricultural, forestry or construction machinery
- or vehicles.
Example :
A heavy goods vehicle carrying a combine is an exceptional convoy.
3 categories of exceptional transport
The carrier must first determine to which category the exceptional convoy belongs.
Depending on the category, the exceptional convoy must follow different rules and formalities.
Length | Width | Weight | |
|---|---|---|---|
1re category | Between 16.6 and 20 m | Between 2.6 and 3 m | Between 44 and 48 tons |
2e category | Between 20 and 25 m | Between 3 and 4 m | Between 48 and 72 tons |
3e category | Beyond 25 m | Beyond 4 m | Over 72 tons |
1st category
If the vehicle or road assembly belongs to 1re category, the procedure for traveling in an exceptional convoy requires a simple declaration.
Recall of the criteria specific to the first category of convoy
The transport corresponds to 1re convoy category if the road assembly is inferior to:
- 20 meters long
- 3 meters wide
- 48 tons of permissible total laden weight (PTAC)
Articles and goods which may be transported in the first category of exceptional convoy
The goods and articles in question are:
- An indivisible good that cannot be divided into several loads without causing significant cost or damage (e.g. tank, tank)
- Objects of great length and of the same nature (examples: steel beam, mobile home, tiny-house)
- Object of great length and width and of the same nature (examples: boat, transformer)
- Logs (tree trunks)
- Untowed agricultural or forestry equipment or machinery (e.g. harvester) exceeding 25 m in length or 4,50 m in width.
- Fairground equipment or fairground assembly (e.g. fairground merry-go-round)
- Container
Please note
Crane trucks (registered self-propelled cranes) do not benefit from simple prior notification. They must apply for a driving license.
How to make the declaration?
The pre-movement declaration may be made either on the Internet (" My exceptional transport ") or by post (paper form).
On the Internet
The online service " My exceptional transport created by the Directorate of Road Safety, can be used since september 2023.
It makes it possible to all formalities administrative assistance for exceptional convoys.
FYI
There is no need to describe the precise path. However, the "My Exceptional Transportation" online service offers the possibility to prepare the route of the convoy. Indeed, “My exceptional transportation” is directly related to the service Geoportal Road Safety.
We will explain in detail how to use the online service " My exceptional transport ’:
By mail (form)
You can make the declaration in printer, filling and exacting by post postal service or by mail the paper form next:
Category 1 Exceptional Transport Declaration
Please note
There is no need to describe the precise path. However, you can use the Geoportal online portal for prepare the route of the exceptional convoy.
Geoportal: consult the map of road networks that can be used by exceptional transport (TE)
How does the carrier receive the authorization to travel?
Following his declaration, the carrier shall receive automatically one authorization receipt to circulate.
The declarant shall then be allowed to circulate from two days after of the receipt date (i.e. 2 days worked after the declaration).
The registrant may use this authorization for a maximum period of 3 years from the date on the receipt.
Please note
In case of request by post via the form, it is possible to request to receive the authorization receipt by electronic means. To do this, the registrant must provide an e-mail address when completing the form.
What are the penalties for non-reporting?
Movement without having made a prior declaration shall be punishable by fine of €1,500.
The vehicle may also be immobilized.
L'immobilization of the vehicle occurs in the case of a roadside check if the carrier does not present the authorization receipt for his declaration.
The carrier may move as follows:
- Driving on the road network defined by the national map of 1re category said 1TE network
- Borrow a connection of a length not exceeding 20 km to enter or exit this network from its point of departure.
The carrier can prepare his journey by consulting the official maps bets up to date on the Geoportal website:
Geoportal: consult the map of road networks that can be used by exceptional transport (TE)
Before any exceptional carriage, the carrier must check the following:
- Inquire about the presence or absence of road works disturbing traffic
- Itinerary envisaged included in its authorisation
- Existence or non-existence of prefectural decree prohibition or restriction of movement on the route
- Depending on the height of the convoy, check whether or not there is a height unsuitable (less than 4.30 meters) over the entire journey
The online service Geoportal allows you to check all these different watchpoints for prepare the route of the convoy.
Geoportal: consult the map of road networks that can be used by exceptional transport (TE)
Please note
Road managers (departmental management, motorway businesses, municipalities) must report crossings less than 4.30 m high.
The permanent prohibitions for exceptional transport are as follows:
- On the whole road and motorway network, from 12 hours the saturday or party eve (public holiday) until 6 am the Monday or next day feast days (unless the prefect grants a derogation in cases of absolute necessity)
- During the periods and on the routes oftraffic ban vehicles for the transport of goods and dangerous goods, defined annually by ministerial order
- During the closing of thaw barriers
- By time of snow or ice or when the visibility is insufficient.
Please note
Failure to comply with these prohibitions may result in a fine of €750 and theimmobilization of the vehicle.
Once the carrier receives the authorization to move, he must comply with the following rules of movement:
- Lighting and signalling : dipped-beam headlamps, front, rear and side overtaking signals
- Speed :
- Highway: 90 km/h
- Route:
- Priority road: 80 km/h (90 km/h for vehicles with a total weight of 12 tons or less)
- Other road: 80 km/h but 60 km/h for articulated or trailer vehicles with a total weight of 12 tons or more
- Agglomeration : 50 km/h (70 km/h on the Paris ring road)
- Distance 150 meters between two convoys
- Priority at overtaking other vehicles as soon as the convoy can be stowed on the side of the track
- Failure or Shutdown : the driver must indicate his convoy with visible devices at a sufficient distance to guarantee the safety of the users
- Unpredictable obstacle stopping the convoy: immediately notify the department's training department (local authority or motorway) of the stopping point concerned
FYI
The carrier must notify the managers of crossed roads at least 2 days working days before the convoy passed.
2nd and 3rd category
Convoys of 2e and 3e category must to seek authorization to circulate. There are 2 types of applications: either a local authority, or a so-called authorization individual.
2e category
The transport belongs to the 2e exceptional convoy category if the road assembly has the following dimensions:
- between 20 and 25 meters long
- and/or measuring between 3 and 4 meters wide
- and/or weighs between 48 and 72 tons of permissible total laden weight (PTAC)
3ecategory
The transport belongs to the 3e exceptional convoy category if the road assembly has the following dimensions:
- greater than 25 meters long
- and/or is greater than 4 meters wide
- and/or is greater than 72 tons of permissible total laden weight (PTAC)
What is a local scope authorization (LPA)?
Arrested by the prefect of the department
A local scope authorization (LPA) consists of a prefectural decree which regulates in advance the arrangements for carrying out certain types of transport.
A local scope permission corresponds to a need for permanent local transport.
The prefect of the department then responds to a local need requiring exceptional transport in his department.
Please note
If the activity so requires, this movement may be carried out beyond the department, but only in the neighboring departments and provided that similar measures have been adopted in those departments.
No request to make before the trip
He's no need to apply prior.
The driver must have read the local scope permit (LPA) of the department in which it is circulating.
He must have a copy of the APL and the hold during sound route.
FYI
The carrier shall download (and optionally print) the local scope permission (APL).
The APL list downloadable is available on the Road Safety website.
Which transport operations are covered by the local authorization?
The local scope authorization (LPA) is intended for the following types of transport:
- Truck or trailer carrying loads indivisible, which cannot be divided into several loads without causing significant cost or damage (examples: tank, tank, transformer, electric generator, refrigerated truck, mobile home, tiny-house)
- Transport of log wood
- Transport of containers
- Equipment for public works (example: truck towing a crane) including unregistered towed equipment and cranes registered motor vehicles
To which carrier or situation is the so-called individual authorization addressed?
This is the application for authorization for any exceptional transport convoy of category 2 or 3, where there is no local authorization (APL) by-law in the traversed department.
Warning
The carrier shall first check that there is nolocal scope permit (LPA) in the departments crossed and in those bordering it. If there is no such authorization, he must obtain an individual authorization.
Individual authorization may be granted in two different ways:
- Permanent for a defined period on a pre-established route network or on a specific route
- Issued for a specified number of trips and period (maximum 3 years) on a precise route. This authorization is referred to as "to travel".
The carrier shall describe its route planned for precise.
How to apply for individual authorization?
The application procedure differs depending on the place of departure of the exceptional convoy.
All departments except Paris
On the Internet
The online service " My exceptional transport created by the Directorate of Road Safety, can be used since september 2023.
It makes it possible to all formalities administrative assistance for exceptional convoys.
The request for individual authorization is made on the Internet with the online service called " My exceptional transport ”.
By mail (form)
The applicant must complete the following form:
Application for an exceptional individual transport authorization
The form must be sent to the prefecture of the department of departure of the convoy.
Please note
For exceptional transport from the foreigner, the request must be sent to the prefecture of the department ofentry into France.
A copy of the application should be sent to each of the training services (local authorities, motorways).
Paris (75)
On the Internet
The request is made on the internet with the online service called " My exceptional transport ”.
By mail (form)
The applicant must complete the following form:
Application for an exceptional individual transport authorization
The form must be sent to the Paris police department:
Who shall I contact
A copy of the application should be sent to each of the training services (local authorities, motorways).
National Map of Exceptional Transportation Routes (ET)
The carrier of exceptional convoys must possess in his vehicle the national map of the TE routes which he receives with individual authorization.
He must also have accompanying documents in his vehicle (examples: motorway traffic regulations, booklet of special traffic conditions).
You can consult the map of the TE road networks below:
Geoportal: consult the map of road networks that can be used by exceptional transport (TE)
Before any exceptional carriage, the carrier must check the following:
- Inquire about the presence or absence of road works disturbing traffic
- Itinerary envisaged included in its authorisation
- Existence or non-existence of prefectural decree prohibition or restriction of movement on the route
- Depending on the height of the convoy, check whether or not there is a height unsuitable (less than 4.30 meters) over the entire journey
The online service Geoportal allows you to check all these different watchpoints for prepare the route of the convoy.
Geoportal: consult the map of road networks that can be used by exceptional transport (TE)
Please note
Road managers (departmental management, motorway businesses, municipalities) must report crossings less than 4.30 m high.
The permanent prohibitions for exceptional transport are as follows:
- On the whole road and motorway network, from 12 hours the saturday or party eve (public holiday) until 6 am the Monday or next day feast days (unless the prefect grants a derogation in cases of absolute necessity)
- During the periods and on the routes oftraffic ban vehicles for the transport of goods and dangerous goods, defined annually by ministerial order
- During the closing of thaw barriers
- By time of snow or ice or when the visibility is insufficient.
Please note
Failure to comply with these prohibitions may result in a fine of €750 and theimmobilization of the vehicle.
Once the carrier receives the authorization to move, he must comply with the following rules of movement:
- Lighting and signaling: dipped-beam headlamps, front, rear and side overtaking signs
- Speed :
- Highway: 60 km/h
- Road: 50 km/h
- Agglomeration : 30 km/h
- Lowered to 25 km/h for public works vehicles and equipment and for vehicles towing an agricultural vehicle or public works equipment
- Distance 150 meters between two convoys
- Priority at overtaking other vehicles as soon as the convoy can be stowed on the side of the track
- Failure or Shutdown : the driver must indicate his convoy with visible devices at a sufficient distance to guarantee the safety of the users
- Unpredictable obstacle stopping the convoy: immediately notify the department's training department (local authority or motorway) of the stopping point concerned
Warning
Depending on the characteristics of the convoy, it can be accompanied by one (or more) escort vehicle or guidance.
Definition of the exceptional transport of goods, machinery or vehicles, traffic rules and penalties in case of non-declaration (R433-3 for vehicles covered by the local scope authorization, APL)
Specific rules for the exceptional transport of agricultural, forestry, fairground and tow trucks
Total permissible laden weight (TCAW) depending on the vehicle
Authorized axle weight
Authorized weight per axle group
Allowed Dimensions
Maximum permitted speeds for a convoy of 12 tons or more subject to simple prior notification
Exceptional derogations for certain convoys of category 2 or 3 not meeting the load criteria
Ministry of Transport
Ministry of Transport
Directorate of Road Traffic Safety (DSCR)
