Sweden

The public road network in Sweden is divided into three weight classes: Weight Class 1 (BK1), Weight Class 2 (BK2) and Weight Class 3 (BK3). A fourth one (BK4) is proposed. The highest weights are permitted on the BK1 road network, whose weight regulations apply on some 94 % of the public road network.

Abnormal transports within Sweden require an exemption (permit) from the traffic regulation (trafikförordningen, SFS 1998:1276). If the transport concerns only one municipality the application must be sent to that municipality (the local authority). If the transport route concerns more than one municipality the application must be sent to the Swedish Transport Administration (Trafikverket). Certain wide or long abnormal transports can be performed without a permit (the wide load does not exceed 3,5 m or the total length does not exceed 30 m), if certain conditions are fulfilled (Swedish Transport Agency Regulations TSFS 2010:141 and TSFS 2010:142).

The application must contain information on the applicant, the desired transport route (including loading and delivery site), the vehicle or vehicle combination, type of load, the axle loads, the gross vehicle weight and the dimensions of the vehicle or vehicle combination including load. For heavy transports (with load) a consignor´s affirmation must be attached to the application. The consignors affirmation contains information on the consignor, dimensions and total weight of the load, and includes a statutory declaration on the accuracy of the data provided. For heavy transports or transports which exceed the maximum authorized lengths, vehicle registration documents must be included, if the vehicles not are registered in Sweden.

The Swedish Transport Administration (Trafikverket) can make the following types of permits:

1. a specific permit for one transport on a certain route (valid for one month),
2. a specific permit for repeatedly transports on a certain route (valid for one month, or up to one year), or
3. a long term permit (general permit) for a certain road network (valid for one year or five years).

The period of validity of the permits and type of permits varies depending on the dimensions and weights.

Every permit contains the conditions which are valid for the actual transport. When carrying out the transport, conditions for the marking of overwide and overlong vehicles must be observed. These conditions also deal with the use of private escort vehicles and traffic directors. Furthermore, it is the driver’s responsibility to assess whether the route is passable for his transport with respect to road construction sites and road clearance (height). If signs or other road equipment must be removed for the passage of the transport, permission must be requested from the respective owners.

Sometimes escort may be required for the transport. In these cases licensed traffic directors must be contacted before the transport starts in order to make preparations. Sweden has this system with private traffic directors since 2005. They have the legal right to direct, stop and give instructions to other road-users. Other road-user must obey a traffic director. In some cases the police may overtake an escort, but that is rare nowadays.

The application procedure usually takes three workdays. However, a longer processing period is required if the permit can only be issued in connection with a police escort. Permits are normally valid for a one- month period. In the case of regularly repeated transports, permits can be issued with a validity period of up to one year. The application fee is 700 or 1350 SEK, depending on the width, length and weight of the transport.