What is an abnormal transport?

An abnormal transport is a transport of a vehicle or vehicle combination, having either no load or an indivisible load, which exceeds at least one authorized dimension or weight allowed in normal road traffic in Finland.

An indivisible load cannot be divided, for road transport, into two or more loads without unreasonable cost or risk. Due to its weight or dimensions, an indivisible load cannot be transported on any type of vehicle or vehicle combination without exceeding an authorized weight or dimension allowed in normal traffic in Finland.

NOTE!! In Finland the authorized dimensions and total weights are partly bigger than in the rest of Europe. See more detailed information in separate appendices about the maximum authorized dimensions and weights allowed in normal traffic in Finland.

Who issues permits for abnormal transports in Finland?


The Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment for Pirkanmaa is the only organisation that issues permits for abnormal transports in Finland, with the exception of Åland Islands. On Åland, the abnormal transport permit is issued by the provincial government of Åland.

When permit is required?

Vehicles or vehicle combinations registered in an EU or EEA country

Finland allows the same dimensions and weights for all vehicles and vehicle combinations registered in EU and EEA countries as to Finnish vehicles and vehicle combination.

In Finland abnormal transport vehicle or vehicle combination registered in an EU or EEA country have so called "free dimension limits". This means that although the transport exceeds the authorized dimensions allowed in normal traffic, it doesn't necessarily require an abnormal transport permit. However, the transport must always comply with all the rules and regulations concerning abnormal transports (such as marking of transport, the amount of escort vehicles and traffic directors).

In Finland, a vehicle or vehicle combination registered in an EU or EEA country requires an abnormal transport permit from the Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment for Pirkanmaa if:

  • the dimensions of the transport exceed the free dimension limits (see Free dimension limits appendix)
  • axle, bogie or total weights exceed the authorized weights allowed in normal traffic in Finland (see Maximum weight in normal traffic appendix).

Vehicles or vehicle combinations registered in other countries

Vehicles or vehicle combinations registered outside EU or EEA countries always require an abnormal transport permit if the dimensions or weights of the transport exceed the authorized dimensions or weights allowed in normal traffic in Finland (see Other countries in separate appendices).

If only either the towing vehicle or trailer is registered outside EU or EEA country, rules concerning vehicles registered outside EU or EEA countries are adapted to the whole transport.

Applying for abnormal transport permit

Permit is applied by sending filled permit application form to the Centre for Economical Development, Transport and Environment for Pirkanmaa by e-mail or mail. The application form and the contact information are found on the right side of this page.

An abnormal transport permit is issued only between the start and end location(s) specified in the permit application. The transport route is specified by means of road numbers, road names as well as the names of junctions and places.

The permit is granted either to the transport company, the client ordering the transport, or the manufacturer of the load being transported. The permit cannot be transferred to another company or private person.

Permit procedure

An abnormal transport permit on road may be issued if

  • the object cannot be transported at all using another mode of transport (rail, sea, etc.), or it cannot be transported without unreasonable costs, or without causing danger;
  • the transport vehicle is approved and registered for traffic, and also suitable for the transport in question; and
  • there are no obstructions and the capacities of bridges are sufficient along the transport route.

What appendices are required?

A copy of registration documents must always be affixed to the application form.

A copy of a coupling inspection certificate, issued by Finnish authorities, must be affixed to the application form if:

  • the empty vehicle combination exceeds the maximum authorized dimensions or weights allowed in normal traffic in Finland 
  • the loaded vehicle combination, excluding the load, exceeds the maximum authorized dimensions allowed in normal traffic in Finland (e.g. extendable trailers)
  • the loaded vehicle combination (including load) exceeds the maximum authorized weights allowed in normal traffic in Finland.
All towable machinery that is coupled to road-use cars must be registered starting in 2015. All abnormal transport permits issued to towable machinery based on their identification number will, however, remain valid throughout their effective periods despite this registration requirement.  It is however required that the abnormal transport is carried out within the weight and dimension limits of both the permit and the registration.

Finnish vehicle inspection stations carry out coupling inspections and issue the required certificates for abnormal transports and towed machinery. See contact information on the right side of this page.

Permit conditions

Permit conditions include the relevant sections of the statutes and other conditions laid down for abnormal transports. Permit conditions are same for all abnormal transports. Permit conditions can be printed from these internet pages.

How long does the permit procedure take?

The processing of a permit for very heavy transports (>100 tonnes) takes usually about one week. It may take longer if the capacity of bridges must be calculated. The procedure of other permits takes about five workdays. If the permit includes several routes, the permit may take longer to process.

Permit language

The permit can be written in Finnish or Swedish.

ely-updated 01.06.2023