Movement of abnormal loads
Most roads are designed for vehicles up to certain legal size and weight limits. These limits are set out in national legislation and must not be exceeded unless the load is classed as an abnormal load.
An abnormal load is one that is too large or heavy to be divided for transport and must be carried on a specialist vehicle. Where loads exceed normal limits, advance notification and approval may be required before travelling on our road network.
Legal limits for normal vehicles
The maximum permitted dimensions and weights are set out in:
- Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) (Amendment No. 7) Regulations 1998
- Road Vehicles (Authorised Weight) Regulations 1998
It is unlawful to exceed these limits without approval.
When no notice is required
No notification is required if the laden vehicle does not exceed:
- 2.9 metres overall width
- 18.3 metres overall length
- 44,000 kg (44 tonnes) gross vehicle weight
No notice is needed to the Police, Highway or Bridge Authorities, and no Secretary of State authorisation is required.
When advance notice is required
If the load exceeds the normal limits but is within the Special Types General Order (STGO):
Size and weight limits:
- Up to 6.1 metres overall width (A Secretary of State VR1 authorisation is required for any load over 5 metres wide and up to 6.1 metres.)
- Up to 30 metres rigid length
- Up to 80,000 kg (80 tonnes) gross weight
- Over 80,000 kg and up to 150,000 kg (150 tonnes) gross weight
Clear day's notice refers to working days, and does not include weekends or public holidays
| Load type | Notice required |
|---|---|
| Width up to 6.1m | 2 clear days’ notice to the Police |
| Length up to 30m | 2 clear days’ notice to the Police |
| Up to 80 tonnes | 2 clear days’ notice with signed indemnity to Highway and Bridge Authorities |
| 80 to 150 tonnes | 5 clear days’ notice with indemnity and 2 clear days’ notice to the Police |
Loads requiring a Special Order
A Special Order is required where the laden vehicle exceeds:
- 6.1 metres overall width
- 30 metres rigid length
- 150,000 kg (150 tonnes) gross weight or 16,500 kg (16.5 tonnes) per axle
In these cases, 5 clear days’ notice must be given to both the Police and the Highway and Bridge Authorities, along with a signed indemnity.
Clear day's notice refers to working days, and does not include weekends or public holidays
Request permission
Abnormal load movements are managed by an external provider on our behalf. Email all notifications and indemnities to highlandcouncil@abloads.com.
No movement is permitted until we issue written confirmation. If no response is received, permission has not been granted and moving the load would be an offence.