One of the most complex types of road freight transport, both from the perspective of the organization and of the transportation itself, is oversized transport. Because it is a special transport, in the following, we will discuss the conditions that an oversized transport must comply with, so that it can be carried out safely and by the legislation in force.

An Oversized Cargo Certificate or Special Transport Permit (STP) is required for oversized shipments. With the help of this document, the road administration will establish the route and the fares charged for the passage of this route. This document will only be valid for registration numbers of vehicles that have the same technical specifications as indicated in the document, the same route, direction, and period and meet all the conditions set by the road administrator.

A Special Permit for Transportation is issued only in the case of transportation by vehicles:

• Who carries an indivisible load, i.e. cargo that cannot be divided into several parts without additional unjustified costs or without the risk of damage;
• Unloaded, but which are structurally more than the maximum allowable dimensions and/or weight.

Last but not least, a Special Transport Permit will not be issued in the absence of a transport project. This project will be developed by an authorized individual or legal entity under the conditions established by the general decree of the two aforementioned ministries.

Also, the administration of the road on which the transportation will be carried out may request the development of this transport project and in case of exceeding either the maximum permissible total weight/ maximum permitted dimensions or both, taking into account traffic restrictions, such as the geometric elements of the road.

You should also be aware that all oversized shipments will be subject to additional tolls based on gross weight, axle weights, distance traveled, and vehicle dimensions. This fee is collected by the road administration, which issues a special traffic permit, and will be used to manage, operate, maintain, repair, and upgrade the roads it manages.

Both the provided rates, as well as the exceptions to their payment, are established by public road administrators, but will be approved:

• In the case of roads of national interest, by order of the Minister of Transport and Infrastructure;
• In the case of roads of county interest, by decision of the county councils with the approval of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure;
• In the case of roads of local interest, by the decision of the local councils with the approval of the county councils;
• In the case of roads of local interest in Bucharest, by a decision of the General Council of the Municipality of Bucharest.

Some projects involve the modification of the road infrastructure for the development of oversized transports in which the maximum permitted weight and/or dimensions are exceeded. The holder of the Special Transport Authorization will be responsible for the consolidation/arrangement of the road infrastructure, the modification of underground/overhead installations, or any other necessary changes.

In addition to the conditions and documents above, vehicles used for oversized transport must comply with other safety regulations, such as being equipped with appropriate signaling devices.

In case of movement of vehicles exceeding the maximum allowable dimensions, additional signaling devices must be installed, namely:

• Warning signs affixed to the rear and cab of the vehicle, in as visible a position as possible, stating “CONVOI EXCEPTIONNEL” or “WARNING OVERSIZE LOAD”;
• Two flashing beacons are mounted on the vehicle cab. The emitted light must be visible from a distance of at least 100 m from the front, rear and side;
• Depending on the excess length/width/height, other special warning devices (reflectors, reflective strips, etc.) may be required;
• Mobile/portable transceivers to maintain communication with certified personnel (if there is an escort vehicle);
• Other warning signs for emergency parking on the road.

Persons accompanying oversized transports and persons developing projects for oversized shipments must have special professional training and be authorized by the CNADNR.

Drivers who will carry out oversized transportation must also have a professional certificate issued by a vocational training center under the conditions provided for by law.

Compliance with all the safety rules and regulations mentioned above is a must, as non-compliance may affect the safety of road users and may result in various penalties: fines, compensation fees, removal of license plates, administrative sanctions, and/or suspension of the license on this vehicle.

We know that the organization and implementation of oversized transportation require the preparation of a large number of documents. Europa Expeditie offers you assistance and transparency throughout the entire transport. Leave the permits and the entire transport project to us. We will take care of obtaining all approvals for the transport project, and the price will include all services and taxes necessary for the implementation of this type of transport.