Abnormal loads and special types vehicles

Abnormal loads

An abnormal load is a load which due to its weight, or dimensions cannot be carried on a conventional goods vehicle and requires a special vehicle and  arrangements for its transport.

Notifying the (PSNI) on the movement of abnormal loads

Notification for the movement of an abnormal load must be provided to PSNI in writing at least two days before the movement date. PSNI can be contacted at

• Telephone: 028 92 589126
• Fax: 028 9090 1251
• Email: abloads@psni.pnn.police.uk

Special Types Vehicles

Special types vehicles are used to carry very large loads that cannot be separated and can only be used with a 'Road Vehicle Special Types General Order' which is obtained from:

The period of notice a haulier should give if a load exceeds:

• 38 tonnes on four axles
• 40 tonnes on five axles
• 44 tonnes on six axles
• five metres in width

is two clear working days.

If a load is over:

• 80 tonnes
• 6.1 metres in width
• 27.4 metres in length

five days' notice is required.

It is advisable to tell the PSNI about all loads more than 4.3 metres in width because of width restrictions on certain routes throughout Northern Ireland.

A special permit will be required for all loads more than 150 tonnes or 27.4 metres in length or 6.1 metres in width.

What an enforcement officer checks for when you are stopped

If a special types vehicle or abnormal load is stopped by an enforcement officer, checks may be carried out to make sure that:

• adequate marking of vehicle or load is clearly visible
• the right procedures have been adhered to
• weights do not exceed the thresholds stipulated within the order or those maximum weights recorded on the vehicle weight plate

More useful links

• Tachograph and drivers' hours
• Legislation.gov.uk