France and permits for extraordinary transport
When organizing emergency transport France, it is important to know in advance when the transport enters the permit zone and what rules apply to the route. France applies a system of permanent permit categories and route permits, and the movement is defined by the SETRA map for each category.
This guide provides an overview of the key regulations for CONVOI EXCEPTIONAL permit France, so you can plan the transport more efficiently and avoid delays, penalties and unnecessary costs.
Free dimensions without permit
In France, a special permit is not required as long as the vehicle remains within the standard dimensions listed below. Overhangs of up to 3 m are also permitted without a permit, provided that appropriate signage is displayed.
| Vehicle / combination | Free dimensions | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Tractor + semi-trailer (min. 5 axles) | 16.5 m × 2.55 m × 4.5 m – 44 t | Min. 5 axles in combination |
| Overpass | up to 3 m | Permitted without a permit with appropriate signage |
As soon as the combination of 16.5 m × 2.55 m × 4.5 m – 44 t (for min. 5 axles) is exceeded, a corresponding permit is required. The waiting period for a permit per route can be 4–12 weeks, depending on the number of departments that must give their approval.
Types of permits for France
🇫🇷 CONVOI EXCEPTIONNEL Permit — France
In France, there are permanent permits (exclusively for EU countries) with two categories, as well as permits for a specific route. Once expired, renewal is not possible — a new application must be submitted.
Permanent license — 1st category
- Max. dimensions: 20 m × 3 m × 4.5 m – 48 t (indivisible loads).
- It authorizes driving on most roads in France, including motorways.
- Waiting period: same day; the validity of the permit starts 48 hours after it is issued.
- It is issued in the name of the company.
- Overhang up to 3 m permitted on permanent permits.
- A connecting permit is required for a loading/unloading address that is not on the routes on the SETRA map — the waiting period is approximately 2 weeks. Within category 1, movement up to 20 km in a straight line from the routes on the loading/unloading permit is permitted.
Permanent license — 2nd category
- Max. dimensions: 25 m × 4 m × 4.5 m – 48 t (indivisible loads).
- Authorizes driving on national roads; highways are practically not included in the permit.
- Waiting period: 3–5 working days.
- It is issued in the name of the company.
Route-specific permission
- Importance: 3–6 months or 1–3 months, depending on the dimensions of the transport.
- Waiting period: 4–12 weeks (depending on the number of departments that must give approval).
- Up to 40 t: issued in the name of the company.
- Above 40 t: issued in the name of the company and the vehicle registration number (multiple combinations can be entered, provided they are completely identical) for the specific route and dimensions.
Need a quick permit check?
Use our Permit calculator to immediately assess whether your transport falls within the permit zone.
Transport time restrictions
France has precisely defined time restrictions. Driving is permitted from sunrise to sunset, Monday to Friday, in accordance with the SETRA map for the relevant category.
- Driving exclusively from sunrise to sunset (Mon-Fri), according to the SETRA map guidelines for the given category.
- Prohibition of driving on Saturdays or on the eve of a holiday — from 12:00 to 06:00 on Monday or the day after a holiday.
- Driving is prohibited during blizzards, icing and poor visibility.
Private escort
Civilian escort in France depends on the dimensions and weight of the transport. The pilot must have French qualifications. The escort vehicle must be yellow (RAL 1004, RAL 1032 or equivalent), with side reflective strips, yellow warning lights or a rotator, a CB radio and a CONVOI EXCEPTIONNEL sign (the sign must be double-sided — visible from the front and rear, placed at the highest point of the vehicle).
1 pilot — after exceeding at least one of the following dimensions
- Width >3 m to 4 m.
- Length >25 m to 30 m.
- Mass >72 t to 120 t (when width ≤3 m/or length <25 m).
2 piles — after exceeding at least one of the following dimensions
- Width >4 m to 5 m.
- Length >30 m to 40 m.
- Mass >72 t to 120 t (when width ≤3 m to 4.5 m/or length >25 m to 40 m).
- Mass >120 t (when width ≤3 m to 4 m/or length >20 m to 25 m).
2 pilots + motorcycle pilot — after exceeding at least one of the following dimensions
- Width >5 m.
- Length >40 m.
- Mass >120 t (when width >4.5 m to 5 m/or length >40 m).
Police escort
The police are required for passage through settlements for category 2 transports with a width of >3 m. The pilot reports immediately before entering the settlement.
Additional notes
- Any vehicle currently driving in France on a permanent permit may carry a copy of the permit, but the SETRA map must be the original.
- The vehicle must be marked with signs. EXCEPTIONAL CONVOY.
- From 01.01.2021, every vehicle over 3.5 t must also be marked with deadlock stickers — for more information, contact us.
- Max. overhang of 3 m when driving on permanent permits.
Planning multiple countries at once?
We can organize the complete permit chain across multiple countries and coordinate all transit requirements.
FAQ — permit for extraordinary transport France
Category 1 permanent permit can be obtained the same day (validity starts 48 hours from issuance). Category 2 requires 3–5 working days. A permit per route takes 4–12 weeks, depending on the number of departments that need to give approval.
Category 1 is valid up to 20 m × 3 m × 4.5 m – 48 ti covers most roads including motorways. Category 2 is valid up to 25 m × 4 m × 4.5 m – 48 t, but only covers national roads — motorways are practically excluded.
Yes. A vehicle in France can carry a copy of the permanent license, but the SETRA map must be the original.
No. Driving is prohibited on Saturday from 12:00 to 06:00 on Monday (or the day after the holiday). Transportation is permitted only from Monday to Friday, from sunrise to sunset.