This article covers the Polish rules. A load is abnormal when the combination carrying it exceeds the permitted dimensions, weight or axle loads. The movement then requires a permit of the appropriate category (II–V) and, for larger dimensions, also an escort (pilot) vehicle. The scope of formalities follows from the load parameters, so that is where planning is best started.
In brief
- An abnormal vehicle is one that exceeds the permitted dimensions, weight or axle loads (art. 2 pt 35a).
- An abnormal vehicle may carry only an indivisible load (art. 64 para. 2).
- The permit category depends on width, length, height, weight and the roads used.
- From 1 July 2026, category III–V applications go to GDDKiA Branches.
- The time depends on the category and the authority, so plan the movement in advance.
When a load is abnormal
The reference point is the standard dimensions and weights, that is, those permitted in road traffic without a permit. As a guide, according to the summary of Council Directive 96/53/EC (check national limits in the current legislation), these are:
| Parameter | Standard value |
|---|---|
| Width | 2.55 m (refrigerated bodies 2.60 m) |
| Height | 4.00 m |
| Length of an articulated vehicle | 16.50 m |
| Length of a combination with a trailer | 18.75 m |
| Combination weight | 40 t |
Under art. 2 pt 35a of the Road Traffic Act (Prawo o ruchu drogowym), an abnormal vehicle is one whose axle loads, dimensions or actual gross weight exceed the permitted values. Exceeding just one of these parameters is enough. The combination is assessed together with its load, so in your enquiry also give the dimensions of the whole, not only of the machine itself.
The indivisible load rule
Art. 64 para. 2 of the Act provides that an abnormal vehicle may carry only an indivisible load. The exception is category I, which concerns slow-moving vehicles and agricultural tractors. The definition in art. 2 pt 35b is a load that cannot be divided without disproportionately high costs or risk of damage.
In practice this means that:
- a single large machine or structure usually qualifies as an indivisible load;
- several smaller items that can be separated should not travel together in an abnormal combination;
- the assessment depends on the specific load, so technical documentation matters a great deal here.
If your equipment can be partly dismantled, say so in your enquiry. Sometimes a change in the loading method allows the permit category to change, but the decision requires analysis of the specific case.
Permit categories II–V
Annex 1 to the Act arranges the categories by dimensions, weight and type of road. The table below is a simplified summary; for a specific movement, the text of the legislation and the authority are decisive.
| Category | Width | Length | Height | Weight and axle loads | Roads | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| II | up to 3.2 m | up to 15 m (single vehicle) or 23 m (combination) | up to 4.3 m | within the standard | public roads | starosta (county head) |
| III | up to 3.4 m | up to 15 m, 23 m or 30 m (combination with steered axles) | up to 4.3 m | within the standard | national roads | GDDKiA |
| IV | up to 3.4 m (single carriageway) or 4 m (dual carriageway, class A and S roads) | up to 15 m, 23 m or 30 m | up to 4.3 m | gross weight up to 60 t, axle loads within the standard | public roads | GDDKiA |
| V | greater than in cat. I–IV | greater than in cat. I–IV | greater than in cat. I–IV | greater than in cat. I–IV or axle loads above the permitted | route designated in the permit | application to a GDDKiA Branch (from 1 July 2026) |
Category V is the most individual. The movement takes place only on the designated route specified in the permit, which means that any change of loading or unloading place may require a new analysis.
Validity periods
Category II–IV permits are issued for 1, 6, 12 or 24 months (art. 64c). For a one-off machine move, usually only the journey itself counts, whereas for regular transport of the same combination the validity period matters for planning. Discuss the choice of period with the carrier at the enquiry stage.
Escorting abnormal vehicles
The regulation on escorting (§ 2) specifies when a combination must be escorted:
| Number of escort vehicles | Length | Width | Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 vehicle | over 23.00 m | over 3.20 m | over 4.50 m | over 60 t |
| 2 vehicles (front and rear) | over 30.00 m | over 3.60 m | over 4.70 m | over 80 t |
Exceeding any one of the thresholds is enough for escorting to be required. Additional conditions of movement may also follow from the permit itself, so treat the table as a starting point for discussion, not a complete list of requirements.
The GDDKiA change from 1 July 2026
According to GDDKiA, from 1 July 2026 applications for category III–V permits are submitted to one of the 16 GDDKiA Branches, and the Head Office is the second-instance authority. The GDDKiA website provides application forms, a table of categories and fees, and a list of engineering structures with limited load-bearing capacity.
For the customer this means two things. First, make sure which Branch is competent for the planned route. Second, before starting to plan, it is worth checking the current application procedure on the authority’s website. We do not quote permit fees; you will find the current table with the authority.
What this means for the schedule
A permit is not something that can be added at the last minute. The time needed to obtain it depends on the category and the authority, so plan the movement in advance. The most common sources of delay are incomplete data about the load, a change of route after the application has been submitted, and late confirmation of whether the loading and unloading places are accessible to the combination.
A few rules help:
- gather the load’s technical documentation before the enquiry, not after it;
- confirm in advance the loading and unloading options at both locations;
- state whether the delivery date is fixed or flexible;
- allow for the route being restricted by engineering structures with limited load-bearing capacity.
What to prepare for your enquiry
For a preliminary analysis we need:
- the load dimensions L × W × H (length, width, height) and weight;
- support points and the method of securing the load;
- the position of the centre of gravity;
- a drawing or technical documentation and photos;
- the loading and unloading place, with access information;
- information on the availability of a crane or other handling equipment at both places;
- the expected date and how flexible it is.
On this basis we will assess which permit category and what escorting can be expected, and what needs additional confirmation.
Ask about an abnormal load movement
Do you have a machine or structure whose combination exceeds the standard limits? Contact us and send the load parameters. We describe the scope of our service on the page for oversize and abnormal load transport.
This article is for information only and is not legal advice. The ordering party is responsible for the load data, and the scope of formalities and of EVS support is confirmed individually for each movement.
Related material: How to prepare an enquiry for a transport quote · CMR consignment note: content and carrier liability