Authorisation & Requirements
The Metrans authorisation service is a full-service solution for seamless handling of oversized and heavy goods transport in Italy, including the organisation of escort vehicles.
An authorisation is required when transporting loads that exceed any of the following limits (Art. 61 & 62 of the Italian Road Traffic Regulations):
Length over 16.50 m (tractor + semi-trailer)
Width over 2.55 m (2.60 m for refrigerated trailers)
Height over 4.00 m
Total weight over 44 t for vehicle combinations with 5 axles or more
Single-journey permit
- Valid for one journey in one direction within a 3‑month window
- Applicable to up to five tractor units with trailers
Multi-trip permit
- Valid for a defined number of journeys along a fixed route/type of cargo over 6 months
- Also valid for up to five tractor units with trailers
Permanent (Periodic) permit
- Valid for unlimited journeys over up to 12 months, renewable
- Only for indivisible dimensions (not for overweight loads)
- Technical vehicle limits: GVW max. 39 t (must match official vehicle documents)
- Dimensions allowed e.g. up to 20.00×3.00×4.30 m or 25.00×2.55×4.30 m with 44 t
Single-journey: 3 months (extendable)
Multi-trip: 6 months (extendable)
Permanent: 12 months (extendable)
A load is considered indivisible if it cannot be dismantled for technical reasons.
In Italy, there are strict regulations for goods transport on public holidays. These rules mainly apply to heavy goods vehicles, aiming to ease road traffic on highly frequented days. Here are the key points:
1. Driving Ban on Public Holidays
For vehicles over 7.5 tons gross weight, driving bans apply on certain public holidays and Sundays. These bans are enforced on main roads and highways throughout Italy. In general, the restrictions begin at 9:00 AM and end at 10:00 PM on Sundays and public holidays, although this may vary depending on the region and the type of holiday.
2. Exceptions and Permits
However, it is possible to apply for a special permit for certain types of transport. These exceptions often apply to:
Perishable goods (such as fresh food).
Pharmaceuticals and medical supplies.
Emergency transports.
Special transports (e.g., for critical industrial operations or indivisible loads).
3. Permit Application Procedure
To obtain a permit, an application must be submitted to the relevant authority (such as the Prefecture or the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport). The documents and information required for the application include:
Vehicle details (license plate, type of vehicle, gross weight).
Description of the cargo.
Indication of the transport period and route.
Justification for the exception.
The processing time and specific requirements may vary depending on the region and the type of transport. It is advisable to submit the application well in advance.
4. Regional Differences
In some regions of Italy, particularly in areas with high tourist traffic such as South Tyrol or Tuscany, additional restrictions or extended driving bans may apply—especially during holiday periods in summer or winter.
A. The exemption permit according to Section 70 StVZO for the vehicle, including an officially certified translation into Italian, is required in Italy for the application process in order to confirm the coupling compatibility between a tractor unit and the applicable semi-trailers.
Section 70 StVZO does not authorize the journey itself.
For special transports that have already received an exemption permit in Germany in accordance with Section 70 StVZO, the Italian state road authority ANAS requires this permit to be submitted with a certified translation into Italian as proof of coupling compatibility in Italy. This translation serves to confirm the validity and content of the exemption issued in Germany.
B. Section 70 of the German Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO) governs exceptions for vehicles and vehicle combinations that do not comply with the general provisions of the StVZO. It defines the conditions under which special permits can be issued — for example, for special transports that exceed the prescribed standards in terms of dimensions, weight, or cargo.
Specifically, this concerns vehicles or combinations that cannot comply with certain StVZO regulations (e.g., dimensions, axle loads, or technical requirements). In such cases, an exemption permit can be applied for. This permit is issued by the competent authority, usually the local road traffic authority, upon request.
Examples of such special transports include:
Heavy transports (e.g., transport of construction cranes, wind turbines, or other oversized goods),
Large-volume transports (e.g., particularly long or wide loads),
Vehicles with extraordinary dimensions or loads that are not designed for regular road traffic.
The purpose of the weight declaration in accordance with Article 7 of Legislative Decree (DL) No. 286 of November 21, 2005 is to define specific obligations and responsibilities in the context of transports within Italy, particularly for heavy transports.
According to Article 7 of the 2005 Decree, the shipper (the person or company loading the goods onto the vehicle) is required to issue a declaration stating the actual weight of the loaded goods.
The weight declaration ensures that the shipper is held responsible for the accuracy of the information regarding the weight of the cargo.
Consequently, this would release the shipper from liability in the event that the carrier (freight operator) fails to comply with the weight regulations specified in the special permit granted for the transport.
In summary, the weight declaration, as required by Article 7 of Decree No. 286/2005, is intended to ensure monitoring and clear assignment of responsibility by the authorities.
Are private individuals subject to the same regulations as transport companies?
Yes, in Italy, private individuals are subject to the same authorization requirements as commercial transport companies. This applies to both the applicant and the vehicles used (tractor unit and trailer).
Do the vehicles need to be registered in Italy?
Yes, the vehicles must be registered with the Italian Motor Vehicle Authority for wide-load special transports. For this, a so-called “Scheda Tecnica” is required, which must be issued by the vehicle manufacturer.
Are permits required for the entire route?
Yes, for the transport, you need permits from each affected highway authority and each local road authority along the planned route.
How long does the permit process take?
The process includes:
Vehicle registration with the Motor Vehicle Authority
Obtaining the necessary permits from highway and road authorities
Overall, this process can take more than one and a half months.
Is it economically reasonable to carry out the transport yourself?
Due to the high bureaucratic complexity as well as the significant time and financial burden, it is hardly economically viable for private individuals to carry out such a transport themselves. Therefore, it is recommended to hire a specialized transport company for boat transports in Italy.
What are the permit costs for a private individual wishing to carry out the boat transport themselves?
The Metrans permit service can provide an estimate of the expected costs upon request.
You can find the contact details on their website.
Procedure & Application Process
The processing time for obtaining a special permit depends on the number of authorities involved, the complexity of the planned route, and the availability of staff at the relevant offices (holiday periods and public holidays often have an impact on waiting times).
In principle, you can expect a processing time of around 3–4 working weeks, provided that all required documents are complete and submitted correctly.
It should be noted that waiting times at regional and provincial authorities are generally longer than those at the highway concessionaires.
The cost of a special transport permit in Italy can vary and can only be calculated based on a specific route, including the departure and destination locations.
It is also important to note that the Italian motorway network stretches over 8,000 km and is managed by 30 different motorway concession companies. Each of them charges processing fees, tolls for their respective sections, and may impose additional restrictions.
Outside the motorway network, the road infrastructure is managed by the respective provinces, regions, or the state road authority ANAS. Each of these entities must issue its own permit and will charge separate fees.
Important: In cases of overweight transport, all involved authorities will charge an additional heavy-load fee.
For individual special transport permits, entry onto the motorway sections must be pre-notified telematically to the respective motorway concession companies 48 hours in advance, and additionally by phone shortly before entering the motorway, directly by the driver.
For our customers, we provide the service contact numbers of the relevant motorway traffic control centers (Sala Radio) for each motorway section via our online portal.
Technical Requirements for Vehicles & Cargo
The 44-ton limit applies nationally to Italian-registered vehicles and is also permitted for cabotage and intermodal transports, provided it is entered in the vehicle registration document.
For international EU transports, the maximum permitted weight is generally 40 tons. The EU allows 44 tons under certain conditions, such as for environmentally friendly vehicles (e.g., fully electric), provided the additional weight is justified and recorded in the registration documents.
Requirements for 44.00 tons without a special permit in Italy:
Vehicle Type
➤ Must be a vehicle combination with at least five axles – e.g., a semi-trailer with three axles and a two-axle tractor unit.
Permissible Total Weight
➤ The 44-ton total weight must be registered in the vehicle’s official documents.
National, Intermodal, or Cabotage Transport
➤ The 44-ton limit applies only to domestic transports within Italy and to intermodal or cabotage transports, provided all conditions are met.
Dimensional Limits Must Be Respected
Length: max. 16.50 m
Width: max. 2.55 m (or 2.60 m for insulated trailers)
Height: max. 4.00 m
Axle Load Limits Must Not Be Exceeded
➤ Each axle must remain within the legal load limit (e.g., max. 11.5 t on the drive axle).
Important for International Transports:
For cross-border transport, the general maximum is 40 tons.
Exceptions under the new EU regulation allow 44 tons if:
➤ The vehicle is registered in an EU Member State that allows the exception,
➤ The 44 tons are noted in the vehicle registration, and
➤ The vehicle has an environmentally friendly drive system (e.g., low-emission diesel or fully electric) to compensate for the added weight of batteries or alternative power systems.
With Law No. 156 of November 9, 2021, Article 61 of the Italian Highway Code was amended. The maximum permitted length for articulated vehicles and road trains was increased from 16.50 m to 18.75 m.
BUT:
This change currently applies only to the legal text – the necessary revision of the implementing regulation (Regolamento del Codice della Strada) has not yet been completed.
The amendment was originally introduced through the “Infrastructure and Transport Decree” (Art. 1 of Legislative Decree 121/2021) and was later confirmed by Law 156/2021. However, actual implementation still depends on updates to the regulation – particularly regarding the permitted distance between the kingpin (perno ralla) and the rear end of the trailer.
Specifically:
Article 216 of the implementing regulation to the Italian Highway Code (D.P.R. 495/1992) has not yet been updated.
What does this mean in practice?
As long as the regulation remains unchanged, the maximum allowed distance between the kingpin and the rear end of the trailer is still 12 meters.
This restriction effectively limits the total vehicle length – even when empty – to 16.50 meters, unless the tractor unit is technically extended.
Conclusion:
Although the legal basis for 18.75 meters exists, the practically permitted vehicle length remains at 16.50 meters for now.
A full implementation of the extended length has not yet taken place.
Vehicles used for oversized and heavy transports must drive with their headlights and hazard warning lights switched on. In addition, they must be equipped with the appropriate signage and lighting devices that correspond to the specific characteristics of the oversized or heavy load transport.
TRASPORTO ECCEZIONALE, 600 x 150 mm
Front and rear signage must have white/red reflective markings to highlight the contours of the oversized dimensions of the special transport.
Round lights in yellow-orange color.
In Italy, the signage of special transports is subject to specific regulations to ensure road safety. These rules are especially relevant for transports of oversized, heavy, or special goods. Here are the key points regarding the signage of special transports:
Special Permit
Special transports (oversized and heavy loads) must obtain prior approval from the Italian authorities. This permit regulates the allowed route, timing, and other transport conditions.
Vehicle Marking
“Trasporto Eccezionale” signs: Special transports must be marked with the sign “Trasporto Eccezionale,” which must be clearly visible on both the front and rear of the vehicle.
Yellow warning panels: These panels are often used alongside the “Trasporto Eccezionale” signs and must be retroreflective and clearly visible.
Flashing Lights
The special transport must have yellow flashing lights (orange rotating beacons) installed on the roof of the vehicle, which must be switched on during the transport to warn other road users.
Width and Length Markings
Vehicles exceeding the usual width or length limits set by road traffic regulations must be additionally marked with special markings—often yellow and black stripes or retroreflective materials—to highlight their dimensions.
The Italian regulations largely correspond to European standards but have country-specific differences. It is important to comply with these rules to avoid penalties and ensure safety on the road.
🧑✈️ Who carries out the technical escort (Scorta tecnica)?
- A technical escort (Scorta tecnica) is carried out by trained specialized companies.
- For particularly sensitive or dangerous transport operations, the Polizia Stradale (Italian highway police) may also be required to accompany the transport, often referred to as a “mixed escort” (Scorta mista).
In Italy, a technical escort (Scorta tecnica) is mandatory for special transports when the length exceeds 25 meters or the width exceeds 3 meters—or if additional conditions such as narrow roads, low speeds, or large overhangs apply. The competent permitting authority specifies in detail the scope, type, and number of escort vehicles required, and if necessary, the involvement of the police.
The role of the mandatory civilian escort is not to act as a co-pilot for route guidance but rather to drive at a distance of up to 150 meters behind the special transport and to warn following traffic about it.
When is an escort generally required?
The escort obligation applies from:
- Length > 25 m or
- Width > 3 m
Additional conditions under which an escort is required:
An escort is necessary if one or more of the following conditions apply:
- Road width:
Less than 3 m if only length/height is exceptional,
Less than 3.6 m if width is also exceptional. - Transport width: greater than 3 m.
- Transport length: greater than 25 m.
- Loading gauge (cargo clearance): greater than road width minus 20 cm.
- Overhangs:
Front overhang greater than 2.5 m,
Rear overhang greater than 30% of the vehicle length. - Speed:
Less than 30 km/h (or less than 40 km/h on expressways/motorways).
Additional factors and special regulations
- Roads without a center line: Escort almost always required.
- Highways or main roads with special permits: often escorted when length exceeds 20 m and width exceeds 3 m.
- Special route sections (e.g., bridges): may trigger additional escort requirements.
- The permitting authority (e.g., Prefecture, road administration) determines on a case-by-case basis the type and number of escort vehicles and personnel.
How many escort vehicles are required for special transports in Italy—and when?
The number and type of escort vehicles for special transports in Italy depend on the dimensions, route, and road type. The decision is made by the competent permitting authority (e.g., Prefecture, ANAS, Polizia Stradale).
Basic rules for escort requirements based on dimensions:
| Width > 3.00 m | Yes | 1 escort vehicle |
| Width > 3.60 m | Yes | 2 escort vehicles |
| Length > 25.00 m | Yes | 1–2 escort vehicles |
| Height > 4.30 m or Overhang > 2.5 m | Yes | Usually 1 escort vehicle |
| Speed < 30 km/h (outside urban areas) | Yes | 1–2 escort vehicles, possibly police additionally |
| Driving on roads without center line | Yes | 1–2 escort vehicles |
| Particularly dangerous routes | Yes | Escort required + often police involvement |
Technical Data Sheet "Scheda tecnica"
To apply for a special transport permit in Italy, a prior registration process for the vehicles to be used is required. For this, the following documents must be submitted to the Italian Motor Vehicle Authority (Motorizzazione Civile):
- A “Scheda Tecnica” (technical certificate) containing all essential technical data of the vehicle. This must be issued by the manufacturer and originally signed by an authorized signatory. If the signature has not yet been registered with the Italian Ministry of Transport, a notarized signature is required.
- An officially certified copy of the vehicle registration document, issued in the country of origin.
The document is mandatory to apply for an exemption permit for heavy transports, oversized transports, and special transports in Italy. Vehicles with non-Italian license plates must submit this technical data sheet to obtain the corresponding special permit.
The technical certificate is issued by the vehicle manufacturer (e.g., MAN, Mercedes, DAF, Iveco, Goldhofer, Schwarzmüller). Usually, the process is straightforward; however, it is recommended to contact the manufacturer early and allow sufficient time for the issuance.
The METRANS permit service handles for you:
The registration process of the “Scheda Tecnica”
The monitoring and management of the annual validity and deadlines of this technical certificate.
With this, we ensure that all necessary documents for a smooth approval of your special transport in Italy are complete and submitted on time.
Example of a Scheda Tecnica: Fac. simile Scheda tecnica (technical document)
Routes, Infrastructure & Traffic Regulations
The motorway network in Italy extends over 8,000 km and is managed by 30 separate operating companies. Each company is responsible for issuing permits within its area of jurisdiction and charges fees and tolls accordingly.
Outside the motorway network, the road infrastructure is managed by the 20 regions, 107 provinces, and the state road company ANAS, which together oversee approximately 162,950 km of roads. Each of these authorities issues permits and collects fees for their respective networks.
Interactive map (click on the map) of the Italian motorway network with a selection of the 30 operators.
In Italy, heavy and special transports are subject to various time restrictions that can vary depending on the region and type of transport. The key regulations include:
- WEEKENDS AND HOLIDAYS
- Weekend driving ban: Heavy transports often face driving bans on weekends, typically from Saturday 2:00 PM to Sunday 10:00 PM.
- Holidays: Similar restrictions apply on national public holidays.
- Additional summer restrictions: In July and August, extra driving bans on weekends may be imposed due to increased holiday traffic.
- NIGHT DRIVING BAN
- In many regions, heavy and special transports are prohibited from driving at night, usually from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
- Exceptions are possible but must be requested and approved in advance.
- RESTRICTIONS IN CITIES AND URBAN AREAS
- In large cities like Rome, Milan, or Naples, stricter regulations often apply to ease commuter traffic.
- Certain roads or zones may be closed to heavy transports during specific times of the day.
VLM (Traffic Control Measures) can be imposed by the authorities after the permit has been granted and may also be required at short notice before the transport takes place. This can happen if obstacles such as roadworks arise on the motorway section to be used, which require additional permits or escort conditions for detours. Consequently, the costs resulting from these VLM are to be considered as additional expenses.
For the passage of special transports, separate toll gates (PORTE SPECIALI) are provided at toll stations, especially for oversized transports.
Drivers must register with the toll station personnel before passing through.
DRIVING PROHIBITIONS:
There are over 104 motorway toll stations in Italy where passage is prohibited: https://metrans.it/durchfahrtsverbote/
For individual special transport permits, entries to the respective motorway operators must be notified telematically 48 hours in advance and by phone shortly before entering the route by the driver.
For our clients, we provide the service numbers of the relevant motorway radio control centers (Sala Radio) for each motorway section via our online portal.
METRANSPLUS, the new geo-information portal and online platform, was developed exclusively for oversized and heavy transport in Italy to facilitate the organization and execution of special transports through innovative digital solutions.
GO TO: https://metransplus.com/
