Oversize permit country guide
Oversize load permit in Switzerland (2026): authority, thresholds, fees
This page summarises what the official sources listed below say about oversize (abnormal) load permits in Switzerland. Numbers link to their source. Values the sources do not confirm are marked “Not confirmed”.
Key facts
| Issuing authority | Federal Roads Office (for import and transit journeys and federal vehicles) or the authority of the canton of departure (export and domestic journeys) Bundesamt für Strassen ASTRA (Office fédéral des routes OFROU / Ufficio federale delle strade USTRA); kantonale Bewilligungsbehörden [Z5] |
|---|---|
| Level | Depends on the road |
| Application channel | sb.astra.admin.ch [Z3] |
| Online application | Yes |
| Applicant from abroad may apply | Yes |
| Application language(s) | de, fr, it (other language versions not confirmed) |
| Data status | Verified from official sources |
Issuing authority
Art. 79 para. 1 VRV: the canton of registered office or the canton in which the journey requiring a permit begins issues permits for export and domestic journeys; ASTRA issues permits for import and cross-border transit journeys and for federal vehicles. Up to 30 m / 3 m / 4 m / 44 t / 12 t per axle (Art. 79 para. 2 letter a, only transit roads according to the Durchgangsstrassenverordnung) the permit is valid throughout Switzerland; above that ('>79') each canton through whose cantonal roads the route runs issues a permit for its territory or gives its consent to ASTRA, and for motorways (Nationalstrassen) the consent of ASTRA is required (Art. 79 para. 4–5). ASTRA handles cases through Schadenwehr Gotthard, Göschenen: +41 58 466 76 06, [email protected], Mon–Fri 07.30–12.00 and 13.00–16.30. [Z5]
Application channel
Onlineportal Sonderbewilligungen (Fachanwendung Sonderbewilligungen FA SB) [Z3]
Login / access: AGOV (Swiss official login; replaced CH-LOGIN) — requires a mobile device with the AGOV Access app or a security key; company group account with the option of inviting users
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 | 2.55 m [Z5] |
|---|---|
| Height | 4.00 m [Z5] |
| Length, tractor unit + semi-trailer | 16.50 m [Z5] |
| Length, rigid vehicle + trailer | 18.75 m [Z5] |
| Gross combination weight (5 axles) | 40.00 t [Z5] |
| Single axle load | 10.00 t [Z5] |
| Drive axle load | 11.50 t [Z5] |
Statutory limits Art. 64–67 VRV; when exceeded, a written permit is required (Art. 78 VRV, ASTRA Z1). Width 2.55 m (refrigerated vehicles with insulation ≥ 45 mm: 2.60 m). Height including load 4 m. Length without load: Sattelmotorfahrzeug 16.50 m, Anhängerzug 18.75 m, single vehicle/trailer 12.00 m. Weight: 40.00 t for vehicles with > 4 axles, combinations with a trailer and articulated vehicles (tractor unit + semi-trailer) (44.00 t in unaccompanied combined transport). Axle loads: single axle 10.00 t, single drive axle 11.50 t (Art. 67 para. 2). The thresholds are the same for import/transit and domestic journeys (the regulation does not differentiate). Second procedural threshold '79': up to 30 m length, 3 m width, 4 m height, 44 t, 12 t/axle the permit is issued by one authority for the whole of CH; above that — involvement of all cantons on the route and ASTRA (Z2, Z4). With a rear overhang > 5 m, a Dauerbewilligung application must relate to a specific semi-trailer (Z7). [Z5]
Permit types
| Permit | Scope | Validity | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single permit (for one or several specified journeys) Einzelbewilligung |
Single trip | For the stated dates and number of journeys; a return journey is possible in the same application if the competent authority does not change (transit, domestic journey) | Where the maximum width, height or weight is exceeded, as a rule only single permits (Art. 78 para. 2 VRV); above 30 m / 3 m / 4 m / 44 t / 12 t per axle, involvement of the cantons and ASTRA [Z5] |
| ASTRA permanent permit (nationwide, within the limits of Art. 79 para. 2 letter a) Dauerbewilligung ASTRA (≤ Art. 79/2 VRV) |
Periodic (time-limited) | Always until 31 January of the following year (Jahresbewilligung) | Up to 30 m / 3 m / 4 m / 44 t / 12 t per axle; import, export and transit journeys on motorways and cantonal transit roads; no changes after issue [Z2] |
| Motorway-only permanent permit — by region (11 regions) or for the entire motorway network Dauerbewilligung nur für Nationalstrassen (> Art. 79/2 VRV), Region |
Periodic (time-limited) | Until 31 January of the following year | Weight/height/width/length limits per region in the Geoportal Dauerbewilligungen Nationalstrassen; a separate application for each region; leaving the motorway onto / travelling over cantonal roads requires a separate cantonal permit (Anschlussbewilligung) [Z14] |
| Permanent permit for a specified route Streckenbezogene Dauerbewilligung |
Periodic (time-limited) | ASTRA: until 31 January of the following year; cantonal: according to the canton | Strictly defined start and destination points and a defined load (Art. 78 para. 2 letter a VRV — related transports on the same route) [Z14] |
| Cantonal permanent permit Kantonale Dauerbewilligung |
Periodic (time-limited) | According to the canton's rules (end date stated in the application; the canton may change it) | Dauerbewilligungen ≤79 valid throughout CH; >79 per route [Z2] |
| Preliminary feasibility check (not a permit) Vorabklärung |
Single trip | Not applicable | The authorities only check whether the journey is possible — free of charge or at significantly lower cost [Z2] |
Processing time
No official processing time for abnormal load permits in the sources. ASTRA states an average of 2 working days (excluding dispatch) for applications for Sunday/night driving — not to be applied automatically to AT permits. Express procedure: surcharge +50% if the requested date falls within 24 h on working days (Mon–Fri) from submission of the complete application to ASTRA and can be met (Z4). [Z10]
Some details are not confirmed in the official sources read.
Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| ASTRA, import/transit — Einzelbewilligung ≤ Art. 79 para. 2 and 3 VRV | 80 CHF [Z4] |
| ASTRA, import/transit — Einzelbewilligung > Art. 79 para. 2 and 3 VRV (including 60 min of SWG work + 30 min of engineering analysis); surcharge of CHF 50 for each additional 30 min of ASTRA work and CHF 40 for each additional 15 min of engineering analysis | 200 CHF [Z4] |
| ASTRA — Dauerbewilligung (annual) for abnormal transports; also CHF 400 per region for a motorway-only Dauerbewilligung | 400 CHF [Z4] |
| ASTRA — minor amendment to a permit (max. one amendment) | 40 CHF [Z4] |
| ASTRA — route check on motorways for cantonal domestic/export journeys (15 min ASTRA, no engineer); surcharges CHF 25 / 15 min ASTRA, CHF 40 / 15 min engineer | 30 CHF [Z4] |
| Express procedure surcharge: +50% of the standard fees | See description [Z4] |
| Cantonal fees (cantonal permits, route checks on cantonal roads) — not established in official sources | Not confirmed [Z6] |
Some fee details are not confirmed in the official sources read.
Escort
Private escort vehicle
Requirements for private escort (Ausnahmetransportbegleitung, ATB) are currently regulated at cantonal level; e.g. in the canton of Zurich the carrier must commission the escort from trained ATB holding a police permit or train its own staff (Z13). On 19.08.2026 the Federal Council opened a consultation (until 20.11.2026) on harmonising the requirements throughout CH (amendments to VRV, VZV, new UVEK ordinance ATBV) (Z11). Nationwide dimensional thresholds for the escort obligation were not found in the sources. [Z6]
Some details are not confirmed in the official sources read.
Police escort
Police escort is imposed by the authority in the conditions of the permit (Art. 84 VRV — the authority orders safety measures); if the transport must be escorted by the police on a motorway or cantonal road, a copy of the permit is sent to the competent cantonal police forces (Z6). Dimensional thresholds — not established. [Z6]
Some details are not confirmed in the official sources read.
Required documents
- AT application in the FA SB portal: type (Einzel-/Dauerbewilligung, ASTRA/cantonal), dates and number of journeys or period of validity, language of the permit (preferably the carrier's language) [Z2]
- Vehicles previously registered in the account's fleet (tractor unit, trailers/semi-trailers, any pushing/braking vehicles); additional registration numbers only for vehicles of identical construction [Z2]
- Load data: exact name and number of pieces; for an Einzelbewilligung all load dimensions; overall dimensions and weights of the combination; height of the load bed (Ladefläche) when a transport with a trailer exceeds 4 m in height [Z2]
- Axle load diagram (axle loads and spacings, drive axles) — for a gross weight > 44 t [Z2]
- Route: for import/transit, country and border crossing of entry, place of unloading or border crossing of exit, route description; for export/domestic journeys, start address and canton of departure; any related Dauerbewilligungen [Z2]
- Addresses: applicant (account), vehicle keeper/carrier, invoice recipient; for a foreign invoice recipient — an additional invoice recipient in CH (required by some cantons) [Z2]
- At the authority's request, additional documentation, e.g. design drawings of the load [Z6]
- In the vehicle: the permit (paper or electronic), presented on inspection [Z12]
Traffic restrictions
General ban on driving on Sundays and at night (22.00–05.00) for vehicles > 3.5 t (Z9); permits for Sunday/night driving for abnormal transports are set by the authority as a condition in the Sonderbewilligung, without a separate application (Z10). On Hauptreisetage (2026: 2–6.04, 14.05, 24–25.05, weekends 27.06–25.10) journeys are prohibited on specified sections of motorways A1, A2, A3, A4, A13 for widths > 3 m or > 3.50 m, in both directions (Z8). Additional section-specific restrictions (e.g. A13/A28/A29 with police escort, Gotthard) are published by ASTRA. [Z8]
Official sources
- [Z1] ASTRA — 'Ausnahmetransporte und Ausnahmefahrzeuge': obligation to obtain a written permit when the limits of Art. 64–67 VRV are exceeded; general limits: length 16.50 m (Sattelmotorfahrzeuge) / 18.75 m (Anhängerzüge), width 2.55 m, height 4 m, weight 40 t; link to the portal sb.astra.admin.ch (Official website, read 2026-10-04)
https://www.astra.admin.ch/de/ausnahmetransporte-und-ausnahmefahrzeuge - [Z2] ASTRA — 'Gesuch für Ausnahmetransporte und Ausnahmefahrzeuge (AT)': competence (ASTRA: import/transit/federal vehicles; canton of departure: export/domestic), instructions for the application in the FA SB portal (basic data, vehicles from the fleet, transport data, axles > 44 t, route, addresses, permit application or Vorabklärung), the '>79' threshold (30 m / 3 m / 4 m / 44 t / 12 t per axle), validity of the ASTRA Dauerbewilligung until 31 January of the following year, 33 motorway sections (Official website, read 2026-10-04)
https://www.astra.admin.ch/de/gesuch-fuer-ausnahmetransporte-und-ausnahmefahrzeuge-at - [Z3] ASTRA — 'Onlineportal Sonderbewilligungen': portal https://sb.astra.admin.ch/, one-time registration via AGOV, applications and permits of all authorities (ASTRA, cantons) in the user account, support: Schadenwehr Gotthard +41 58 466 76 06, helpdesk +41 58 462 44 44 (Official website, read 2026-10-04)
https://www.astra.admin.ch/de/onlineportal-sonderbewilligungen - [Z4] ASTRA — 'Gebühren ASTRA für Sonderbewilligungen ab 1. Januar 2017' (Dok-ID 1-M-140-D): CHF fees for import/transit permits, surcharges, express +50%, definition of ≤/> Art. 79 para. 2 and 3 VRV (Official website, read 2026-10-04)
https://www.astra.admin.ch/dam/de/sd-web/QZHpqOf9ELfV/gebuehren-sonderbewilligungen.pdf - [Z5] Verkehrsregelnverordnung (VRV), SR 741.11, consolidated version in force from 1.10.2026 (ELI https://www.fedlex.admin.ch/eli/cc/1962/1364_1409_1420/de) — Art. 64 (width), 65 (length), 66 (height), 67 (weights and axle loads), 78 (permits), 79 (competence, nationwide limits), 80 (conditions), 82, 84 (protective measures) (Legal act, read 2026-10-04)
https://fedlex.data.admin.ch/filestore/fedlex.data.admin.ch/eli/cc/1962/1364_1409_1420/20261001/de/html/fedlex-data-admin-ch-eli-cc-1962-1364_1409_1420-20261001-de-html.html - [Z6] ASTRA — 'Flussdiagramm Ausnahmetransporte und Ausnahmefahrzeuge' (Dok-ID 2-M-040-D, 10 pages): procedure flows for single and permanent permits, delivery of the permit by e-mail, invoice by post, copy to the cantonal police in the case of police escort (Official website, read 2026-10-04)
https://www.astra.admin.ch/dam/de/sd-web/SyCpD0xRW2yW/flussdiagramm_ausnahmetransporteundausnahmefahrzeuge.PDF - [Z7] ASTRA — 'Informationen bezüglich Dauerbewilligungen für Ausnahmetransporte / -fahrzeuge': Dauerbewilligung variants, rules on registration numbers (tractor unit/semi-trailer), no changes after issue (Official website, read 2026-10-04)
https://www.astra.admin.ch/de/informationen-bezueglich-dauerbewilligungen-fuer-ausnahmetransporte-fahrzeuge - [Z8] ASTRA — 'Einschränkungen für Ausnahmefahrten an Hauptreisetagen': bans on motorway sections for widths > 3 m and > 3.50 m, list of Hauptreisetage 2026 (Official website, read 2026-10-04)
https://www.astra.admin.ch/de/einschraenkungen-fuer-ausnahmefahrten-an-hauptreisetagen - [Z9] ASTRA — 'Sonderbewilligungen': general ban on driving on Sundays and at night (22.00–05.00) for vehicles > 3.5 t; contact: ASTRA c/o Schadenwehr Gotthard, CH-6487 Göschenen, +41 58 466 76 06, [email protected] (Official website, read 2026-10-04)
https://www.astra.admin.ch/de/sonderbewilligungen - [Z10] ASTRA — 'Orientierung Gesuchsteller' (permits for Sunday/night driving): Sunday/night permits for abnormal transports imposed as a condition in the Sonderbewilligung without a separate application; the average time of 2 working days applies to Sunday/night applications (Official website, read 2026-10-04)
https://www.astra.admin.ch/de/orientierung-gesuchsteller - [Z11] ASTRA — 'Private Ausnahmetransportbegleitungen': requirements for private escort currently regulated at cantonal level; on 19.08.2026 the Federal Council opened a consultation (until 20.11.2026) on a draft harmonisation (amendments to VRV, VZV, new UVEK-Verordnung ATBV) (Official website, read 2026-10-04)
https://www.astra.admin.ch/de/private-ausnahmetransportbegleitungen - [Z12] ASTRA — 'Besondere Bestimmungen zum Bewilligungsverfahren' (Dok-ID 1-M-900-D): accuracy of data, permit carried by the driver (paper or electronic), responsibility of the vehicle keeper (Official website, read 2026-10-04)
https://www.astra.admin.ch/dam/de/sd-web/UZ06kUNFe-Vn/besondere_bestimmungensonderbewilligungen.pdf - [Z13] ASTRA — 'Begleit-Ausnahmefahrten': in the canton of Zurich the escort must be performed by trained ATB holding a police permit (Official website, read 2026-10-04)
https://www.astra.admin.ch/de/begleit-ausnahmefahrten - [Z14] ASTRA — FAQ 'Dauerbewilligungen' (Geoportal): 11 regions + Dauerbewilligung for all motorways in CH, cost CHF 400 per region, separate application for each region, Dauerbewilligungen for a specified route still possible (Official website, read 2026-10-04)
https://www.astra.admin.ch/de/fragen-und-antworten-dauerbewilligungen
Rules and fees change. Check the official source before you file an application.