What is an “exceptional transport” in Italy — triggering criteria
According to the Italian Highway Code (articles 61 & 62 of the Codice della Strada), a transport is considered “exceptional” as soon as it exceeds at least one of the “standard” thresholds:
• Length: > 16.50 m (tractor + semi-trailer), or > 18.75 m depending on configuration.
• Width: > 2.55 m (or 2.60 m for refrigerated vehicles).
• Height: > 4.00 m.
• Total weight: for a 5-axle combination or more, when exceeding 44 tonnes (or according to vehicle type and technical conditions).
If your vehicle or convoy exceeds any of these criteria, it is considered “special” and requires prior authorization.
Types of authorization and validity
Exceptional transport authorizations in Italy may take several forms depending on the frequency of transport:
• Single-trip authorization — valid for a single journey.
• Multi-trip authorization — for several defined trips (same route / cargo type) over a period of several months.
• Periodic / permanent authorization — valid for one year (or as specified), but limited to indivisible loads exceeding standard dimensions; not always applicable for overweight loads.
Required documents & supporting evidence
The application must include:
• Vehicle registration certificate (or, for foreign vehicles, a technical sheet authenticated by the provincial MCTC office).
• Complete description of the vehicle/convoy and cargo: dimensions, weight, number of axles, overhangs front/rear, height, tire type, etc.
• Schematic diagrams (top view + side view) in 2 copies, showing the convoy, overhangs, and axle load distribution.
• Carrier’s declaration of responsibility, confirming that the convoy will comply with all legal requirements.
• Insurance policy covering the transport, with a minimum guarantee (generally ~€10 million for exceptional transports) including the clause “trasporti eccezionali”.
Procedure & deadlines
• Submit the request well in advance, usually at least 15 days before transport.
• If authorization is granted, the transport must follow imposed conditions: designated route, potential escort, compliance with road constraints (bridges, tunnels, narrow passages), and time restrictions.
• For certain concessioned motorway sections, additional formalities may apply — such as payment of tolls or a “road wear” fee.
Escorts & safety — when required
A technical or police escort may be required depending on convoy characteristics:
• Very wide, very long convoys, or with critical front/rear overhangs.
• On narrow roads, curves, or routes with infrastructure constraints.
• Any convoy whose size may compromise safety or requires special measures (road closure, detours, signage, police supervision).
Specific constraints & common features in Italy (2025)
• Authorization is often required even for a single transport if dimensions/weight exceed thresholds.
• Convoys may be subject to special tolls or additional “road wear” charges due to infrastructure impact.
• Certain areas (concessioned motorways, tunnels, bridges, mountainous zones) may require special authorization and at least 15 days’ notice (e.g., transalpine tunnels such as the Great St. Bernard Tunnel).
• Formalities can be extensive — complete dossier, route planning, possible escort, infrastructure verification — requiring careful preparation and anticipation.
Practical steps if planning a convoy to / via Italy
Precisely check the convoy dimensions — length, width, height, weight, axles, and any overhangs.
Determine if it exceeds “standard” thresholds; if so → prepare an authorization request dossier.
Compile the dossier: registration / technical sheet, cargo description, diagram/plan, insurance, declaration of responsibility.
Submit the request to the competent authority, or via the specific motorway form if transport involves a concessioned section.
Obtain authorization before departure — ensure the route is approved, escorts are defined, and conditions (time windows, tolls, insurance) are respected.
Allow sufficient margins (time, logistics, contingency plan) due to the complexity in Italy (infrastructure, processing delays, authorization requirements).
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