Heavy transport in Romania: complete permit guide
Everything you need to know about oversized road transport in Romania, from legal definitions and permit types to the approval process and typical costs.
Road transport of oversized or overweight goods, commonly referred to as heavy or oversized transport, is strictly regulated in Romania. Failing to meet the legal requirements can lead to substantial fines, transport detention, or even road accidents.
What qualifies as oversized transport?
Under Romanian legislation (Emergency Ordinance 195/2002 and the related technical rules), a transport exceeds the standard limits if it goes beyond:
| Parameter | Standard limit |
|---|---|
| Total length | 18.75m (tractor + semi-trailer) |
| Width | 2.55m |
| Height | 4m |
| Gross weight | 40t (standard road) |
| Axle load | 11.5t/axle |
Any excess over these limits requires a special transport permit.
Types of permits
Oversized transport permit
Issued by the Infotrans Center within the Ministry of Transport. It covers excess dimensions or weight on specific routes, with or without escort.
Categories:
- Category I: minor excess, no escort, possible during day or night
- Category II: moderate excess, escort required, time restrictions apply
- Category III: major excess, police escort, severe restrictions
- Category IV: exceptional transport, mandatory route study, special approval
Escort authorization
Private escort vehicles authorized by the traffic police become mandatory above certain dimensions. Police escort is required for major excesses.
Permit procedure
Step 1: Determine the real dimensions
Measure precisely the total length, width, height, and weight of the load plus vehicle. Include securing equipment such as slings, bridles, and timber supports.
Step 2: Route study
Identify:
- Critical points such as bridges with weight or height restrictions
- Limitations caused by overhead power infrastructure
- Roadworks and temporarily restricted areas
- Situations where power or telecom lines may need to be lifted
Step 3: Submit the application
Submit the request to the Infotrans Center through the online platform or physically, together with:
- Vehicle and cargo technical documents
- Loading sketch
- Proposed route, plus an alternative route if required
Step 4: Obtain specialized approvals
Depending on the route, you may also need approvals from:
- The National Road Infrastructure Company (CNIR), especially for bridges
- Utility providers such as Enel or E.ON for overhead lines
- Traffic police for escort requirements
Step 5: Execute the transport
Strictly follow the conditions stated in the permit: traffic schedule, maximum speed, escort requirements, and approved route.
Typical costs
- Infotrans permit fee: 50-500 RON depending on category
- Specialized approvals: 200-2000 RON per approval
- Private escort: 500-1500 RON/day
- Lifting power lines: 1000-5000 RON per intervention
Why outsource oversized transport?
CB Cranes has extensive experience in transporting oversized equipment:
- Own fleet of extendable semi-trailers and transport platforms
- Experience obtaining all required permit types
- Established coordination with utility providers for line lifting
- Authorized escort partners across Romania
- Full transport insurance coverage
By outsourcing oversized transport to CB Cranes, you remove administrative and operational risk while getting a complete solution, from planning to delivery.
Do you need a crane?
Contact the CB Cranes team for a free consultation and a tailored offer.