Switzerland and permits for extraordinary transport
When organizing extraordinary transport Switzerland, it is important that you know in advance when the transport enters the permit zone and which rules apply to the route. Switzerland is not a member of the EU, which means that permits for non-Swiss carriers only cover entry, exit or transit — not internal transport.
This guide provides an overview of the key regulations for oversized transport permit in Switzerland, so you can plan the transport more efficiently and avoid delays, penalties and unnecessary costs.
Free dimensions without permit
In Switzerland, no special permit is required as long as the vehicle remains within the standard dimensions listed below. An overhang of up to 5m is permitted from the axle pivot point to the end of the load (valid for indivisible loads and standard length sets of max. 12/16.5m/18.75m).
| Vehicle | Free dimensions | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Truck | 12m × 2.55m × 4m | Standard transport |
| Tractor unit + semi-trailer | 16.5m × 2.55m × 4m – 44t | Axle loads not exceeded, load indivisible |
| Truck + trailer | 18.75m × 2.55m × 4m – 44t | Axle loads not exceeded, load indivisible |
As soon as you exceed one of the limits for length, width, height or mass, the corresponding permit is required before entering the route that requires it.
Types of permits for Switzerland
🇨🇭 Permit for extraordinary transport — Switzerland
In Switzerland, there are permanent permits for national roads (valid until 31.01. of the year following the year of issue) and single permits per route. Permanent permits cover one transport combination, while single permits cover one transport combination for one route.
Permanent permits
- For national roads.
- Valid until 31.01. next calendar year.
- For one transport combination.
One-time permits (route)
- They are valid 14 days.
- For one transport combination, one route.
Required documents
- Traffic permits
- In some cases: manufacturer's certificate of cargo mass
Need a quick permit check?
Use our Permit calculator to immediately assess whether your transport falls within the permit zone.
Additional notes
- Above 46t 2 drive axles are required (min. 25% of total weight must fall on the drive axle).
- With permission — max 6m overhang from the pivot point of the shaft with an unstretched combination.
- White-red FLAG required when the load protrudes to the sides of the vehicle.
- Permits for non-Swiss carriers they are issued exclusively for entry into Switzerland, exit from Switzerland or transit through Switzerland.
Private escort
Civil escort in Switzerland is determined according to the conditions specified in the permit.
- Number and type of escort: according to permission
Police escort
Police escort in Switzerland applies according to the conditions specified in the permit.
- Deadline for submitting applications: 1 full working day
Cancellation costs depend on the stage of progress of the order and the time of cancellation of the escort before departure.
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 Switzerland
A one-time permit is valid for 14 days. The permanent permit is valid until January 31. of the calendar year following the year of issue.
Yes, in exceptional cases it is possible to get an express permit within 24 hours.
Permits for non-Swiss carriers are issued exclusively for entry into Switzerland, exit from Switzerland or transit through Switzerland — not for internal transport.
The white-red flag is mandatory when the load protrudes to the sides of the vehicle.