– 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:
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