Background and definitions

Definitions:

1) Abnormal Indivisible Loads:

"abnormal indivisible load" is defined in the Road Vehicles (Authorisation of Special Types) (General) Order 2003 as-

a load that cannot without undue expense or risk of damage be divided into two or more loads for the purpose of being carried on a road, and that-

a) owing to its dimensions, cannot be carried on a motor vehicle (N3 motor vehicle) or trailer (O4 vehicle) or a combination of such vehicles that complies in all respects with Part 2 of the Construction and Use Regulations; or

b) On account of its weight, cannot be carried on a heavy motor vehicle at category N3 or a trailer at category 04 or a combination of such vehicles that complies in all respects with -

i) the Authorised weight Regulations (or, if those Regulations do not apply, the equivalent provisions in Part 4 of the Construction and Use Regulations); and

ii) part 2 of the Construction and Use Regulations.

Notifications for Abnormal Indivisible Loads are required where loads or vehicles exceed maximum vehicle weight, axle weight or dimension limits in any of the following ways:

Weight:

• Gross weight or axle weights exceeding Construction and Use Regulation or Authorised Weight limits up to 80,000kgs (78.74 tons)
  Action required: 2 clear days notice with indemnity to Highway and Bridge Authorities.
• Gross weight (of vehicle carrying the load) exceeding 80,000 kg (78.74tons) up to 150,000kgs (147.63 tons)
  Action required: 2 clear days notice to Police and 5 clear days notice with indemnity to Highway and Bridge authorities. 
• Gross weight (of vehicle carrying the load) exceeding 150,000kgs (147.63 tons).
  Action required: Highways Agency Special Order (8 weeks notice) plus clear days notice to Police and 5 clear days notice with indemnity to Highway and Bridge Authorities.

Width:

• Width exceeding 3.0 metres (9'6") up to 5.0 metres (16'5")
  Action required: 2 clear days notice to the police.
• Width exceeding 5.0 metres (16'5") up to 6.1metres (20')
  Action required: Highways Agency (10 days notice) form VR1 plus 2 clear days notice to Police.
• Width exceeding 6.1 metres (20')
  Action required: Highways Agency Special Order (8 weeks notice) plus 5 clear days notice to Police and 5 clear days notice with indemnity to Highway and Bridge Authorities.

Length:

• When exceeding 18.75 metres (60'1") up to 30 metres (98'5") rigid- (Vehicle or train of vehicles)
  Action required 2 clear days notice to the police.
• When exceeding 30 metres (98'5") rigid
  Action required Highways Agency Special Order (8 weeks notice) to Police and 5 clear days notice with indemnity to Road and Bridge Authorities.

2) Construction and Use Regulations

Construction and Use Regulations 1986 apply to loads, which are wide or long but not heavy. Vehicle lengths may reach 27.4 metres and can be carried on specially designed vehicles. Loads up to 30.0 metres long can be moved under STGO. Loads carried on any other type of vehicle or loads in excess of 30.0 metres length can be moved under STGO. Loads carried on any other type of vehicle or loads in excess of 30.0 metres require a Special Order.

Widths above 2.9 metres but less than 4.3 metres are permitted by the Construction and Use Regulations. Widths above 4.3 metres up to 5.0 metres are classified are permitted by Special Types General Order (STGO) on AILV. Movement of loads between 5.0 and 6.1 metres require Highways Agency Special Order procedure (form BE16 action.)

3) The Road Vehicles (Authorisation of Special Types) (General) Order 2003 (commonly known as STGO)

A copy can be obtained from the Stationary Office by email: book.orders@tso.co.ukinternet: http://www.tso.co.uk/bookshop

STGO makes provision authorising certain types of vehicles to be used on roads notwithstanding that they do not fully comply with the requirements that generally apply to vehicles permitted on roads. The Order specifies the requirements that must be met by vehicles seeking to rely on such authorisation.

This Order is a general order made under section 44(1) of the 1988 Road Traffic Act. It authorises road-use by certain special types of vehicles notwithstanding that they do not fully comply with regulations made under section 41 of the 1988 Road Traffic Act. It imposes the restrictions and conditions with which such vehicles must comply, including the extent to which regulations made under section 41 must be observed.

Abnormal Indivisible Load Vehicles (AILV) are one of the specific Part 2 vehicles authorised an permitted road use subject to STGO 2003. Such vehicles may only be used for the carriage and movement of abnormal indivisible loads as identified by paragraph (1) above. Many other types of vehicles are also permitted use by the STGO 2003. However they are not used for the carriage of AIL but for a variety of other special purposes. Each is subject to their own requirements. However all are subject to Police, Road and Bridge Authority and DfT notice at similar size and weight limits as specified in the STGO.

Meaning of abnormal indivisible load vehicle (AILV):

In this Order "abnormal indivisible load vehicle" means a vehicle of any of the following descriptions:

a) a motor vehicle of category N3 specially designed and constructed for the carriage of abnormal indivisible loads;

b) a trailer of category O4 specially designed and constructed for the carriage of abnormal indivisible loads;

c) a locomotive specially designed and constructed to tow trailers falling within sub-paragraph (b); or

d) a motor vehicle of category N3 which is not constructed itself to carry a load but which is specially designed and constructed to tow trailers falling within sub-paragraph (b).

Vehicle Maximum Weight Categories are defined as:

• Category 1: Maximum weight up to 50,000 kgs - Axle weights restricted to Authorised weight limits
• Category 2: Maximum weight up to 80,000 kgs - Axle weights no more than 12,500kgs
• Category 3: Maximum weight up to 150,000 kgs - Axle weights no more than 16,500kgs

Dimensions over which Police notification is required: Width 3m and Rigid Length 18.75m and Gross Weight 80,000kgs

Maximum Weights before Road and Bridge authority require notifications:

Motor vehicle or Trailer over 44,000kgs
Axle or group of axles over limit imposed by authorised weight limits

Maximum Dimensions for STGO:
Width 6.1m, Length 30m and Gross Weight 150,000kgs

4) Categories of load weights

Loads reaching 44 tonnes or 11.5 tonnes per axle are permissible by Construction and Use Regulations. Loads reaching 50 tonnes or 11.5 tones per axle are described as STGO category 1. Loads between 50 and 80 tonnes or 12.5 tonnes per axle are STGO category 2. Those between 80 and 150 tons or 15 tons per axle are STGO category 3. Special Orders govern anything above 150 tonnes.

5) Form VR1 (Permit)

is required for vehicles/loads with widths exceeding 5 metres up to 6.1 metres.

VR1 approval is required for vehicles, which are authorised by article 15, 18,19 or 20 where the overall width of the vehicle or load exceeds 5 metres. Notification is required at least 10 days prior to due movement date.

Download the VR1 form from the Highways Agency ESDAL website.

6) Form BE16 (special orders)

are required for vehicles that exceed:

30.0 metres (98'-5") in length or 6.1 metres (20'-0") in width or 150,000kgs (147.63 tons) in weight. The weight being the gross weight of any vehicle or combination of vehicles actually carrying the load. Notification is required at least 8 weeks prior to due movement date.

Download the BE16 form from the Highways Agency ESDAL website.

7) Road Traffic Act Section 44 Vehicle special orders

are classified in 2 groups:

i) Special Types general as contained within the Road Vehicles (Authorisation of Special Types) (General) Order 2003 (Statutory Instrument 2003 No.) (STGO) previously Motor Vehicles (Authorisation of Special Types) General Order 1979 Statutory Instrument 1979 No. 1198. or

ii) Individual Vehicle Special Orders (VSO) produced for applicants by VSE 5 division. These orders are only made to allow permissive use of Special Type or Special Purpose vehicles that may not be fully permitted by C&U or Special Types General Order.

Further details and notification procedures (see Vehicle special orders section 44 requirement).

Back to top