Standard Limits in Luxembourg
Maximum values allowed (without special authorization):
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Overall width: 2.55 m — (up to 2.60 m for refrigerated / temperature-controlled vehicles).
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Maximum height: 4.00 m.
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Length:
• Single vehicle / trailer: 12.00 m.
• Articulated vehicle (tractor + semi-trailer): 16.50 m.
• “Road train” / long combination (truck + trailer(s)): 18.75 m.
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Total weight / vehicle combination: Generally 44 tonnes for a standard combination.
Exceptions: For a five-axle single vehicle, the maximum gross weight may be increased to 50 tonnes, subject to specific technical requirements.
Axle load / driving axle load: Legislation defines axle-load limits (and correct load distribution), which are assessed when applying for an authorization.
Source: transports.public.lu
According to Luxembourg legislation (as amended) and the official portal “Transports – Exceptional Transport”:
Any vehicle or convoy exceeding the “standard” legal dimensions or weight must be subject to an authorization request.
For example:
For convoys exceeding 44 tonnes, or five-axle vehicles intending to operate at 50 tonnes, an authorization must be requested, with supporting documents (registration certificates, conformity documents, load distribution charts, etc.).
For any “exceptional vehicle” (vehicle whose design or load exceeds standard limits), an authorization is required even when the vehicle is stationary if its circulation is planned.
Specific features & application conditions
The 2.55 m width (or 2.60 m for some refrigerated vehicles) complies with the applicable European directive.
The “standard” maximum height is 4.00 m, which corresponds to most commercial / heavy vehicles.
For “long” convoys (articulated combinations / road trains), the maximum length without authorization is 16.50 m (articulated) or 18.75 m (truck + trailer(s)).
The standard gross weight limit (44 tonnes) may be exceeded for a five-axle vehicle up to 50 tonnes — provided that the technical characteristics are compliant and a declaration / authorization is submitted.
In case of any exceedance, the exceptional transport procedure applies: application via the official portal or by email, with required technical documents, route plan, etc.
Practical implications for a transport operation
If your convoy remains within these limits (≤ 2.55 m width, ≤ 4.00 m height, length ≤ 16.50 m for semi-trailers, weight ≤ 44 t), no special authorization is required: the vehicle is considered standard.
If any of these limits is exceeded, a request for exceptional transport authorization must be submitted — even for a single trip or for a one-off circulation of an exceptional vehicle.
If an authorization is granted, constraints may be imposed: route, schedule, axle configuration, load distribution, etc.
Technical characteristics (number of axles, axle loads, compliance, registration) must be checked — non-compliance may lead to refusal or sanctions.