Heavy Haulage Permits in Germany — 2026 Guide
Moving an oversized or overweight load across Germany is a permit-heavy discipline. This English-language guide for international logistics managers summarises the §29 StVO and §46 StVO frameworks, when BF3/BF4 escort vehicles are mandatory, and the typical lead times in 2026.
Which permit do you need?
- §29 StVO Erlaubnis — for transports exceeding standard dimensions or weights but within the rules of the StVZO. Issued by the Landesbetrieb (state-level road authority).
- §46 StVO Ausnahmegenehmigung — when the transport breaches StVZO limits and needs a derogation. Applied per Bundesland.
When is BF3 / BF4 escort mandatory?
- BF3 — privately-operated escort with rotating amber lights, used for moderate dimensions/weights.
- BF4 — police-trained escort with the authority to stop traffic; mandatory for the widest loads and convoys above defined thresholds.
Lead times in 2026
- Single-Bundesland §29 permits: 5–10 business days.
- Multi-Bundesland routes: 10–15 business days.
- §46 Ausnahmegenehmigung for indivisible super-loads: 2–6 weeks.
Cross-border combinations
A transport into France triggers a "convoi exceptionnel" filing in the destination prefecture. Into the Netherlands, an RDW ontheffing is required. InterCar Logistik coordinates permits across DE, FR, NL, UK, ES and CH on a single transport order — one invoice, one insurance certificate, one dispatcher.
Practical tips
- Submit the technical brief (dimensions, weight, fixing points, photos) at least 3 weeks before the planned move for indivisible loads.
- Identify weekend driving bans (the Sonntags- und Feiertagsfahrverbot does not apply to all heavy transports, but exemptions are case-by-case).
- Plan for accompanying low-bridge / restricted-tunnel diversions — the route map is part of the permit, not separate.
- For BF3 escorts, count on €450–€900 per day; BF4 escorts are dispatched on a per-route basis with the police.
For an English-language quote on a German heavy haulage move with permits and escorts handled in-house, see our Schwertransport service page.
