Legal framework & types of permits in Germany
Transporting a vehicle or convoy exceeding the legal limits of width, weight, axle load, or visibility requires a special permit.
If any of the thresholds are exceeded (width > 2.55 / 2.60 m, height > 4.00 m, length > 16.50 m / 18.75 m depending on vehicle type, axle load > 10 / 11.5 t), the convoy is classified as a “Großraum-/Schwertransport” (oversized / heavy transport) and requires a dedicated special permit.
The main reference regulations are the Straßenverkehrs-Ordnung (StVO — Road Traffic Code) and the Straßenverkehrs-Zulassungs-Ordnung (StVZO — Vehicle Registration & Approval Code).
Two main types of authorisations
. Special permit under § 46 StVO
Required for transports exceeding authorised dimensions or weights.
. Exemption under § 70 StVZO
Required when the vehicle or combination itself exceeds registration limits (dimensions, weights, axles) but must remain legally approved for road use.
. National portal: VEMAGS, Centralised application system
Most applications are processed via VEMAGS (Verfahrensmanagement für Großraum- und Schwertransporte), the national system for managing oversized and heavy transports.
This platform simplifies applications for routes crossing multiple Länder (federal states). The request is submitted via VEMAGS, which then forwards it to all authorities concerned along the planned route.
Issuing authorities: who delivers the permit?
The competent authority is generally:
The local road traffic authority (Zulassungs- / Verkehrsbehörde) of the district (Landkreis) or city concerned.
This depends on the starting point of the transport, the registered office of the company, or the vehicle registration location.
Examples:
For a transport starting in Ludwigsburg (Landkreis Ludwigsburg), the competent authority is:
Landratsamt Ludwigsburg – Verkehrsamt, Hindenburgstraße 40, 71638 Ludwigsburg.
For a transport within the city of Jena, the authority may be the Thüringer Landesverwaltungsamt (for VEMAGS heavy transport cases) or the local city authority if the route remains within the municipality.
Application procedure, standard process
A complete file must include:
. exact dimensions (length, width, height), total weight, axle loads, axle count, licence plate(s)
. description of the load (nature, indivisibility), diagrams if needed
. proposed route plan and transport dates
. any escort requirements, exceptional transport signage, or additional constraints
. Applications are submitted via VEMAGS, or in specific cases by paper or email directly to the local authority.
For applicants from abroad: what you must do
. Identify the exact starting point of the transport or the company’s registered office.
. Determine the competent local authority (Landratsamt / Kreisamt / city administration).
. Submit the application via VEMAGS. Where VEMAGS is not applicable, send the request by email or post.
The authority will analyse the file, consult road managers, check the route, assess safety, and issue the permit or exemption.
The transporter then receives the permit, either single-trip or multi-trip, which must be presented during inspections.
Conditions, restrictions & best practices
A permit is mandatory as soon as the convoy exceeds normal legal limits.
For very heavy or wide loads, mandatory escorts (pilot cars, police) may be required, as well as restrictions on schedules, itineraries, or road types (bridges, tunnels, narrow roads).
The transporter must strictly comply with all imposed conditions: signage, speed, lighting, escorts, documentation.
What you must do when preparing a transport in Germany
. Clearly determine the convoy type: weights, dimensions, axle count, indivisible load — to confirm the permit requirement.
. Prepare a full technical file + planned route + vehicle/trailer documents.
. Register / submit the application via VEMAGS, selecting the competent authority based on the departure point or vehicle registration.
. Submit early — ideally several weeks before the transport — to allow for processing time.
Upon approval, respect all conditions (escorts, signage, route, safety). Non-compliance may lead to permit suspension or refusal.