Permit categories & competent authorities
Polish regulations distinguish up to seven categories of permits, depending on the extent of the exceedance (dimensions, mass, axles) and on the nature of the vehicle/convoy:
I – Slow-moving, agricultural or special vehicles, width ≤ 3.5 m, other dimensions & weights within standard limits — local use / local roads.
Competent authority: Local governor (starosta) or the administration responsible for the specific road.
II – Moderate length, width ≤ 3.2 m; slight exceedance of standard length — transport on public roads (excluding motorways/expressways).
Competent authority: Local governor (starosta), or competent service for customs-related entry.
III – Width up to approx. 3.4 m, height ≤ 4.3 m, length ≤ 15 m (single vehicle) or 23 m (combination) — for national roads.
Competent authority: GDDKiA (General Directorate for National Roads and Motorways) for national routes.
IV – Permit for “moderately oversize” convoys (weight, dimensions) on the national network — width ≤ 3.4 m, height ≤ 4.3 m, axle loads within limits.
Competent authority: GDDKiA.
V – Heavier/longer convoys within the “upper tolerated limits” (up to approx. 60 tonnes in some configurations). “Road authorisation”, but not yet for major exceedances.
Competent authority: GDDKiA.
VI – For specific roads (e.g., dual carriageways): width up to 4.0 m, height ≤ 4.3 m, total weight ≤ 60 t — “authorised oversize” transport under conditions.
Competent authority: GDDKiA, after infrastructure assessment.
VII – “Fully oversize” convoys: dimensions / weight / axles far beyond thresholds, transporting indivisible loads → exceptional authorisation (single-trip or multi-trip) on a strictly defined itinerary.
Competent authority: GDDKiA, often after route study, approval from road administrations, and sometimes infrastructure adaptation (bridges, tunnels).
Key considerations & limitations
If the convoy uses national roads or motorways, the competent authority is GDDKiA (head office or regional branch depending on the section).
If the route starts on a local / municipal / county road, the request may fall under a local authority (starosta, municipality, voivodeship).
For convoys entering or leaving Poland, customs authorisation may be required in addition to the road permit.
For certain “special” transports (indivisible, very heavy, very wide, very long), the itinerary must be validated by all road managers concerned (GDDKiA, local authorities, private concessionaires). The application must include the complete itinerary.