Oversize permit country guide
Oversize load permit in Finland (2026): authority, thresholds, fees
This page summarises what the official sources listed below say about oversize (abnormal) load permits in Finland. Numbers link to their source. Values the sources do not confirm are marked “Not confirmed”.
Key facts
| Issuing authority | Centre for Vitality of Inner Finland (Sisä-Suomen elinvoimakeskus) — central handling of special transport permits Sisä-Suomen elinvoimakeskus (Keskitetyt asiakaspalvelut, Erikoiskuljetukset) [Z1] |
|---|---|
| Level | National |
| Application channel | erikoiskuljetusluvat.ahtp.fi [Z8] |
| Online application | Yes |
| Applicant from abroad may apply | Yes |
| Application language(s) | fi, sv |
| Data status | Verified from official sources |
Issuing authority
Sisä-Suomen elinvoimakeskus issues permits for the transport of indivisible items throughout Finland except the Åland Islands (Ahvenanmaa). Permits for the carriage of general cargo (kappaletavara) are handled by Traficom. Detailed rules: Traficom regulation TRAFICOM/621106/03.04.03.00/2023 (from 5.5.2025). Changes to infrastructure (raising gantries, removing traffic signals, etc.) require a separate work permit from the road authority (for state roads — also Sisä-Suomen elinvoimakeskus). Contact: [email protected], tel. 0295 020 600; PO Box PL 40, 00072 Elinvoimakeskus. [Z1]
Application channel
Special transport permit e-service (Erikoiskuljetuslupien sähköinen asiointipalvelu); alternatively the paper form evk10w1 [Z8]
Login / access: Suomi.fi — strong personal authentication (Finnish bank credentials, mobiilivarmenne, certificate card). Acting on behalf of a company: without a separate authorisation when the person is entered in the Finnish Trade Register (kaupparekisteri) or the YTJ system in an official role (e.g. managing director, sole trader, chair or member of the company board, partner, auditor); other persons — via Suomi.fi-valtuudet (Asiointivaltuus; Edustamisvaltuus when company A authorises company B). If the e-service is not available to the applicant — a printed form sent by post to Sisä-Suomen elinvoimakeskus.
Thresholds above which a permit is needed
Values for a typical combination: tractor unit with semi-trailer or rigid vehicle with trailer, 5 axles, standard width.
| Width | 4.00 m [Z2] |
|---|---|
| Height | 4.40 m [Z2] |
| Length, tractor unit + semi-trailer | 40.00 m [Z2] |
| Length, rigid vehicle + trailer | 30.00 m [Z2] |
| Gross combination weight (5 axles) | 44.00 t [Z4] |
| Single axle load | 10.00 t [Z4] |
| Drive axle load | 11.50 t [Z4] |
Values for a typical 5-axle combination (lowest value in the tables). Dimensions = 'free limits' (vapaat mittarajat) without a permit — only for an indivisible load (footnote 1 of table Z2: a larger dimension may result only from an indivisible load) and only for vehicles registered in the EU/EEA (Z2): truck 4.00 × 13.00 m; truck + semi-trailer (kuorma-auto ja puoliperävaunu) 4.00 m / 40.00 m; truck + trailer(s) — 34.50 m at a width ≤ 3.50 m, and 30.00 m at a width > 3.50 m (footnote 4 of table Z2) — the lower value of 30.00 m (width up to 4.00 m) is shown; self-propelled vehicle not carrying a load 4.00 × 20.00 m; motor vehicle + centre-axle trailer 3.50 m / 20.75 m. The overall height of 4.40 m applies to all — a higher transport always requires a permit (Z2). The free limits are not normal-traffic limits: a transport within them needs no permit (erikoiskuljetuslupa) but is still a special transport — all other special-transport rules apply, including marking and warning vehicles (Z3). Vehicles from outside the EU/EEA (e.g. GB, CH, TR): a permit is required when the international traffic limits are exceeded — height 4.00 m, width 2.55 m, combination with semi-trailer 16.50 m, with trailer 18.75 m (Z3; § 159 point 3 Tieliikennelaki) — the thresholds shown do NOT apply to them. Weights: any exceedance of the statutory weights requires a permit (§ 159 point 1, Z4). Weight shown = 44.00 t: 5-axle combination according to Annex 6.6 point b.2 (Z4) — row b covers motor vehicle + semi-trailer (auton ja puoliperävaunun), motor vehicle + trailer (auton ja varsinaisen perävaunun) and motor vehicle + several trailers. Higher limits only for a larger number of axles (Annex 6.6, Z4): 6 axles 53 t, 7 axles 60 t, 8 axles 64 t (68 t when ≥ 65% of the trailer weight is on twin wheels), 9 axles 69 t (76 t when ≥ 65% is on twin wheels), 10 axles 74 t, ≥ 11 axles 76 t; motor vehicle + centre-axle trailer (keskiakseliperävaunu) — a separate row, Annex 6.6 point a: 50 t; combinations > 44 t must also meet the condition on the distance between the outermost axles (20 t + 320 kg for every 0.10 m above 1.80 m). Axle loads (Annex 6.1): non-driven axle 10 t, drive axle 11.5 t. For vehicles from outside the EEA the lower weights of Annex 8.x apply (e.g. 5–6 axle combination 44 t). [Z2]
Permit types
| Permit | Scope | Validity | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Route permit Reittikohtainen erikoiskuljetuslupa |
Single trip | According to the decision: 1 week (vehicle from outside the EU/EEA or with a siirtolupa), 3 months (weight > 120 t or a special condition), 6 months (weight ≤ 120 t or bridge supervision), 12 months (weights within the general limits and width ≤ 7 m) | Between the place of dispatch and the destination stated in the application, route described by road numbers and names; valid only in the outbound direction [Z1] |
| Network permit Reitistölupa |
Periodic (time-limited) | 12 months | Predefined road networks/areas with height restrictions and a list of excluded bridges (reitistö tables by region) [Z5] |
| Advance decision on the feasibility of the transport Ennakkopäätös |
Single trip | 3 months | Does not authorise the movement. Mandatory before the permit when the weight is ≥ 250 t, or ≥ 200 t at a height > 7.0 m; from 1.1.2026 one route per application [Z6] |
Processing time
Usually 4 to 10 working days; longer for multiple routes, very heavy transports and incomplete applications. The current average time is published in 'Ajankohtaista erikoiskuljetuksista'. [Z1]
Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Permit, weights within the general limits, height ≤ 7 m or width ≤ 6 m (per route/network) | 60 EUR [Z5] |
| Permit, weights within the general limits, height > 7 m or width > 6 m | 100 EUR [Z5] |
| Permit with weights exceeded, gross weight ≤ 120 t / 120–200 t / > 200 t | 120–510 EUR [Z5] |
| Ennakkopäätös: ≤ 120 t half the fee; 120–200 t 360 EUR; > 200 t 1 020 EUR | up to 1,020 EUR [Z5] |
| Surcharge for crossing a bridge under supervision (valvottu kuljetus) | 200 EUR [Z5] |
| Separate bridge load-capacity calculation | 2,000 EUR [Z5] |
| Refusal decision (processing costs) + any bridge calculations | 80 EUR [Z5] |
Escort
Private escort vehicle
The minimum number of warning vehicles (varoitusauto) and EKL traffic controllers depends on width and length (table in conditions 5/2025, point 6.1) — from 1 to 4 (maximum at a width > 7.00 m); at a width > 2.60 m and a length > 30.00 m a warning vehicle is required when the unladen combination does not meet the turning requirement of § 132 Tieliikennelaki. An EKL vehicle (marked, with an authorised traffic controller holding an EKL card) is mandatory at a width > 4.00 m or a length > 40.00 m. A warning vehicle is also required, among other cases, when driving in the opposite lane, at a permitted speed < 40 km/h, and at a height > 5.00 m (unless the carrier has verified the route). An EKL traffic controller is mandatory when an EKL/warning vehicle is required, when traffic has to be stopped, or when transports travel in convoy. From 5.5.2025 a police car may not replace a warning vehicle. [Z7]
Police escort
The permit may contain a police condition (poliisiehto) or a notification condition (ilmoitusehto); for justified reasons the police may allow a deviation from the restricted hours. Detailed criteria for imposing a police escort — not found in the sources. [Z7]
Some details are not confirmed in the official sources read.
Required documents
- Erikoiskuljetuslupahakemus application (e-service or form evk10w1): transport dates, permit recipient, payer (Y-tunnus or EU VAT number), vehicles with registration numbers and country code, item carried, axle loads and spacings, weight/height/width/length unladen and laden, routes or networks [Z9]
- Combinations registered outside Finland (also when only part of the combination is): copy of the coupling inspection certificate (kytkentäkatsastus) carried out by a Finnish vehicle inspection station [Z6]
- When the weights exceed the general limits: the coupling of the combination approved and entered in the registration certificate; a copy of the coupling annex, if separate [Z6]
- For weight > 150 t: data for assessing ground bearing capacity (number of transports, dates, project duration, semi-trailer width, number of tyres per axle) [Z6]
- For renewal: number or copy of the previous permit [Z1]
- In the vehicle: the permit (or a copy) with annexes and the current permit conditions; electronic form allowed [Z7]
Traffic restrictions
Transports wider than 4 m, longer than 34.5 m or higher than 5 m: prohibited Mon–Fri 6:00–9:00 and 15:00–17:00 on road 25, road 55, state main and regional roads within their areas and on the ring roads of Turku, Tampere, Lahti, Joensuu, Jyväskylä, Kuopio and Oulu (also on the municipal networks of these cities and of Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa); in summer (1.05–31.08) additionally Fri and Sun 15:00–20:00; on the eves of Juhannus and Christmas, on Good Friday and on the last day of a run of holidays 15:00–20:00 nationwide on main roads; near large events; when a warning of very poor road conditions is in force. On motorways the restricted hours apply to all transports with a speed ≤ 60 km/h. Maximum speed 60 km/h when the transport occupies the opposite lane. [Z7]
Official sources
- [Z1] Elinvoimakeskus — 'Erikoiskuljetuslupa ja siihen liittyvät velvoitteet': authority (Sisä-Suomen elinvoimakeskus), permit types (reittikohtainen / reitistölupa / ennakkopäätös), e-service channel and paper form, processing time 4–10 working days, validity 1 week–1 year, decision language fi/sv (Official website, read 2026-10-04)
https://elinvoimakeskus.fi/erikoiskuljetuslupa-ja-siihen-liittyvat-velvoitteet - [Z2] Sisä-Suomen elinvoimakeskus — 'Milloin erikoiskuljetuslupaa ei tarvita EU- ja ETA-valtiossa rekisteröidylle ajoneuvolle' (5.5.2025, updated 4.9.2026): free dimension limits without a permit (Official website, read 2026-10-04)
https://elinvoimakeskus.fi/documents/d/elinvoimakeskus/milloin_erikoiskuljetuslupaa_ei_tarvita_eu-_ja_eta-valtiossa_rekisteroidylle_ajoneuvolle_04-09-2026 - [Z3] Sisä-Suomen elinvoimakeskus — 'Suurimmat sallitut mitat Suomessa kuljetettaessa ajoneuvoa normaaliliikenteessä' (updated 2.1.2026): normal traffic limits for EU/EEA and non-EEA vehicles (Official website, read 2026-10-04)
https://elinvoimakeskus.fi/documents/d/elinvoimakeskus/-suurimmat_sallitut_mitat_suomessa_kuljetettaessa_ajoneuvoa_normaaliliikenteessa-_2026-01-02_-1 - [Z4] Tieliikennelaki 729/2018 (consolidated text, Finlex) — § 159 (when an erikoiskuljetuslupa is required), Annexes 6.1 (axle loads) and 6.6 (combination weights), 8.x (non-EEA vehicles) (Legal act, read 2026-10-04)
https://www.finlex.fi/fi/lainsaadanto/2018/729 - [Z5] Elinvoimakeskus — 'Lupamaksut ja lupien voimassaoloajat': fees from 1.1.2026, validity periods from 1.1.2025 (Official website, read 2026-10-04)
https://elinvoimakeskus.fi/lupamaksut-ja-lupien-voimassaoloajat - [Z6] Elinvoimakeskus — 'Luvanhakijan työkalupakki': kytkentäkatsastus for foreign combinations, mandatory ennakkopäätös (≥ 250 t or ≥ 200 t and > 7.0 m), special conditions (police, bridge supervision), work permits, 10 000–14 000 permits/year (Official website, read 2026-10-04)
https://elinvoimakeskus.fi/luvanhakijan-tyokalupakki - [Z7] Special transport permit conditions 5/2025 (EN, in force from 2.1.2026, updated 7.4.2026): warning vehicles, EKL, time restrictions, speed (Official website, read 2026-10-04)
https://elinvoimakeskus.fi/documents/d/elinvoimakeskus/special_transport_permit_conditions_5_2025_2026-04-07_-pdf - [Z8] E-service guide erikoiskuljetusluvat.ahtp.fi (14.1.2026): Suomi.fi login (bank ID, mobiilivarmenne, card), acting on behalf of a company via Suomi.fi-valtuudet (including Edustamisvaltuus company A → company B), languages fi/sv (Official website, read 2026-10-04)
https://elinvoimakeskus.fi/documents/d/elinvoimakeskus/erikoiskuljetuslupien-sahkoinen-asiointipalvelu-kayttoohje_paivitetty_20260114 - [Z9] Form 'Erikoiskuljetuslupahakemus' evk10w1_fi 01/2026 (fields: applicant, payer with Y-tunnus or EU VAT, vehicles with registration and country code 'ellei FIN', load, axle loads, dimensions unladen/laden, routes, annexes) (Official website, read 2026-10-04)
https://sa01elysuomifilomakkeet.blob.core.windows.net/blobsuomifilomakkeet/evk/evk10w1_fi_erikoiskuljetuslupahakemus.pdf - [Z10] Traficom — notice on the regulation 'Erikoiskuljetukset ja erikoiskuljetusajoneuvot' TRAFICOM/621106/03.04.03.00/2023, in force from 5.5.2025 (Official website, read 2026-10-04)
https://www.traficom.fi/fi/uutiset/uusia-vaatimuksia-ja-helpotuksia-erikoiskuljetuksiin-maarays-paivitetty
Rules and fees change. Check the official source before you file an application.