General framework & scope of application
• In Belgium, a transport is considered “exceptional” as soon as a vehicle or convoy exceeds the standard limitations in terms of dimensions or weight.
• For example, the “standard” limits are: maximum width 2.55 m, height 4 m, “standard” length for a truck or semi-trailer, and 44 tonnes for a 5-axle combination.
• If these limits are exceeded, a specific authorization (“exceptional transport / oversize load / abnormal load”) is required.
Authorization application procedure
The procedure depends on the region (Flanders, Wallonia, Brussels-Capital Region, etc.), but the main steps are as follows (example for Wallonia / Brussels):
Where to apply
• In Wallonia (and generally throughout Belgium), applications are made via the online WebTEUV platform (formerly WebTeuv).
• For the Brussels-Capital Region (cases under Brussels Mobility), applications can also be sent by registered mail to:
Brussels Mobility – Vehicles & Freight Department, Place Saint-Lazare 2, 1035 Brussels.
When / processing time & fees
• Applications must be submitted sufficiently in advance to allow for proper processing.
• Fees vary depending on the transport category:
Category 1 or 2 exceptional vehicles: €33
Category 3 or 4: €53
• Standard processing time (if the file is complete) is approximately 5 working days.
Documents / information required
As with all exceptional transports, the request must include at least:
• Full description of the vehicle / convoy
• Dimensions (length, width, height), weight, number of axles, etc.
• Planned route
• Nature of the load, particularly if indivisible or heavy
Validity of the authorization
• Depending on the vehicle/convoy category (defined by Belgian law), validity periods vary:
Category 1: up to 5 years
Category 2: 1 year
Category 3: 4 months
Category 4: 2 months
• The authorization identifies precisely the vehicle (registration plate or chassis number) or the authorized combination.
Traffic rules & specific constraints
Even with authorization, important constraints apply:
• Widths exceeding 4.00 m or lengths over 30.00 m: circulation on roads/highways is generally prohibited from 06:00 to 21:00.
• In some cases (width > 3.50 m or long convoy): circulation is prohibited during peak hours (e.g., 07:00–09:00 and 16:00–18:00).
• Circulation may be limited or prohibited during weekends, public holidays, or holiday eves.
• Authorities may impose mandatory escorts (pilot vehicles) depending on size, width, or weight.
• In adverse weather conditions (rain, ice, low visibility, etc.), circulation may be restricted for exceptional convoys.
– 2024–2025 updates / recent legislation
• Legislation on exceptional vehicles was recently updated (Walloon Government decree of 21 March 2024). Rules on categories, validity, fees, and authorization issuance are defined in this text.
• The introduction of WebTEUV 2.0 (2023–2025) has stabilized the online procedure: since May 2023, a vehicle registry exists — all vehicles intended for exceptional transport must be registered and validated in the WebTEUV library before an authorization request can be submitted.
• For international convoys entering or leaving Belgium, compatibility with authorizations in all countries along the route must be anticipated — Belgian conditions (dimensions, route, timing) can be more restrictive than those of Germany, the Netherlands, or France, so regulations must be checked jointly.
The list of points of contact and websites for submitting requests is available in the directory.