Transport by a vehicle or a vehicle combination, having either no load or an indivisible load, exceeding at least one of permitted dimensions (width, length, height) or total mass or permitted axle loads, is allowed only if an exceptional load transport permit for such transport has been issued.
A public road where traffic signs limit movement of vehicles exceeding the size, total mass and/or axle load limits may be trafficked by a vehicle that exceeds (alone or with indivisible load) the limites defined by the traffic sign, only if exceptional road transport permit had been obtained prior to journey.
An exceptional load transport permit may be issued:
– if a vehicle or a load is indivisible (a simple disassembly of vehicle parts or the load cannot adjust the total mass, axle loads or dimensions with the required limits); or if the transport of a vehicle or a load is not possible by other transport means; or if the costs of arrangement and transport by other means are complex and unreasonably high.
– in other emergencies caused by extraordinary circumstances and cost efficiency; if necessary conditions for protection of roads, road safety and traffic capacity may be met during the transport.
– exceptionally, for the transport of divisible loads, exclusively crane counterweights, by a vehicle combination with 5 axles and a total mass of up to 44 tonnes, or by a vehicle combination with 6 or more axles and a total mass of up to 48 tonnes, provided that the vehicle combination carrying the divisible load does not exceed the prescribed length, height or width, nor the prescribed axle loads.
– for the transport of divisible loads, provided that any additional loads do not increase the length, height or width of the exceptional transport determined by the main load, and provided that the additional load, by its mass, does not affect the category of the exceptional load transport or cause the prescribed axle load limits to be exceeded (e.g. steel plates, concrete beams).
– where an exceptional load transport permit has been issued, additional cargo may be carried together with the main load if such cargo constitutes an accessory to the vehicle combination or the main load (for example: toolbox, additional trailer or tractor parts, auxiliary loading and unloading equipment, parts of the main load), provided that such additional cargo does not increase the length, height or width of the loaded vehicle combination, and that its mass does not affect the category of the exceptional load transport.
If an exceptional transport inspection authority finds noncompliance to any requirements set out in the permit or in the Ordinance on exceptional road transport, such exceptional transport will be determined as not allowed and without a valid permit.
The authority issuing exceptional transport permit will set out special requirements for transport in order to enable road safety, protect road assets and manage flows of traffic; and will determine the charges for exceptional load transport.
Ordinance on exceptional loads/road transport – "Official Gazette" no. 39/2026
REGISTER OF HAULIERS IN ROAD TRANSPORT IN CROATIA