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
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