Guide: Exceptional transport in Croatia

When is transport exceptional?

Under the Croatian Roads Act and the Exceptional Transport Regulation, a load is considered exceptional when the vehicle with load exceeds one or more of the following limits:

• Length over 16.50 m (tractor with semi-trailer) or 18.75 m (truck with trailer)
• Width over 2.55 m (or 2.60 m for refrigerated vehicles)
• Height over 4.00 m
• Total mass over 40 t (44 t for intermodal transport)
• Axle load exceeding the permitted load for the road category

Permit application procedure

1. Application to the road manager. For state roads and motorways, permits are issued by Hrvatske ceste (HC) and Hrvatske autoceste (HAC). Applications are submitted electronically via their portals.
2. Technical documentation. Includes a sketch of the vehicle with load, axle layout, proof of registration and insurance, and the proposed route.
3. Ministry of the Interior approval. For transports requiring police escort or traffic closure, approval from the Ministry of the Interior is required.
4. Fee. The amount depends on the exceeded dimensions/weights, route length and road category. It is paid before the permit is issued.
5. Processing time. Standard 3–7 working days; more complex transports (e.g. transformers, bridges) may require 2–4 weeks.

Escort and signalling

Depending on the exceedance, the permit prescribes one of the following escort regimes:

• No escort — smaller width/length exceedances
• Expert escort — escort vehicle with rotating beacon and "Exceptional transport" sign
• Two escorts — for larger widths (over 3.50 m) or lengths
• Police escort — mandatory for widths over 4.50 m, heights over 4.80 m or when traffic is closed

Time and route restrictions

Exceptional transport is generally carried out outside peak traffic hours, often at night (22:00–06:00) or at weekends. For public holidays and routes through city centres, the permit may specify special time slots. The route must avoid bridges and underpasses with insufficient load capacity and tunnels with height restrictions.

International transport

For transports leaving Croatia, separate permits must be obtained for each transit country (Slovenia — DARS, Austria — ASFINAG, Germany — VEMAGS, Italy — ANAS, etc.). It is recommended to work with a carrier that has experience and partner networks in the destination countries to avoid delays at borders.