An abnormal load is a load that exceeds the dimensional or mass limits set in the road traffic regulations. Moving one requires a permit, and depending on the load it requires escort vehicles, defined routes and travel restrictions.
This page sets out how the framework works. The specific requirements for any particular load are set by the permit issued for it, and the permit is the document that governs the movement.
Driver or Vehicle Requirements at a Glance
What moving an abnormal load generally requires.
- An abnormal load permit issued by the relevant road authority for the specific load and route
- Compliance with the National Road Traffic Act 93 of 1996 and its regulations on dimensions and mass
- Escort vehicles as the permit requires, in the number and configuration specified
- Escort vehicles equipped as prescribed — warning lights, signage and communication equipment
- Drivers holding the correct licence codes and professional driving permits
- Compliance with the route, timing and travel restrictions the permit imposes
- Proof of the load dimensions and mass
- Insurance appropriate to the load and the operation
Licence and Eligibility Requirements
Confirm the requirements with the road authority issuing the permit. Abnormal load permits are issued by the relevant national, provincial or municipal roads authority depending on the route, and the requirements — including escort numbers and configuration — are set per permit against the load. That permit is the authority for the movement.
The permit governs, not a general rule. Escort requirements scale with the dimensions and mass of the load and with the route. A load slightly over a limit may need one escort; a very large load may require multiple escorts, traffic officers and route clearance.
Route clearance is part of it. Bridges, overhead structures, overhead power lines and road geometry all constrain the route, and the permit specifies where the load may travel. Deviating from the permitted route is a contravention and can cause serious infrastructure damage.
Timing restrictions are common. Permits frequently restrict movement to certain hours, exclude peak periods, weekends or public holidays, and prohibit movement in poor visibility. Those restrictions exist for safety and they are enforced.
Escort drivers need the correct licences and permits, and where an escort vehicle is used for reward the applicable professional driving permit category applies.
Vehicle, Inspection and Safety Requirements
Escort vehicle equipment is prescribed and typically includes warning lights, prescribed signage indicating an abnormal load, and communication equipment allowing the escort and the load vehicle to remain in contact. Confirm the exact requirements against the permit.
The escort’s job is to warn other road users and to manage the load’s movement through hazards. It is a safety function and it requires an experienced driver rather than whoever is available.
Communication between the escort and the load vehicle is essential, and a failure of communication during a movement is a reason to stop rather than continue.
Traffic officer escort is required for some movements, arranged in advance through the relevant authority. That takes lead time and cost, and it cannot be arranged on the day.
The load must be properly secured. Load restraint is a legal requirement and an abnormal load that shifts is catastrophic rather than inconvenient.
Insurance must cover the operation. Abnormal load transport carries specific risks including damage to infrastructure, and ordinary goods-in-transit cover may not extend to it. Confirm the position with the insurer specifically for abnormal load work.
Documents, PrDP or Supporting Evidence
What is generally required.
- The abnormal load permit for the specific load and route, carried on the movement
- Vehicle registration certificates and current licence discs for all vehicles
- Current roadworthy certificates for all vehicles, where required
- Drivers’ licences and professional driving permits
- Proof of the load dimensions and mass
- The prescribed escort vehicle equipment, in working order
- Insurance documentation for the operation
- Route documentation and any traffic officer escort arrangement
Registration or Application Process
Apply to the relevant road authority for the permit, well in advance of the intended movement. Permit processing takes time and route clearance takes longer.
Plan the route with the permit, not around it. Survey the route where the load is unusual, and identify the constraints — bridges, overheads, turns — before applying rather than discovering them on the road.
Brief every driver on the route, the restrictions, the communication protocol and what to do if something goes wrong. An abnormal load movement is a coordinated operation.
Stop if conditions change. Weather, an unexpected obstruction or an equipment failure are reasons to stop and reassess. Continuing because of a schedule is how the serious incidents happen.
Never move an abnormal load without the permit. It is a contravention, the load can be stopped, and in an incident the absence of a permit determines everything that follows.
- Obtain the permit before the movement — it governs the operation
- Confirm escort requirements against the permit, not a general rule
- Survey and clear the route before applying
- Comply with route, timing and visibility restrictions exactly
- Equip escort vehicles as prescribed and check the equipment works
- Use experienced escort drivers with the correct licences and permits
- Arrange any traffic officer escort well in advance
- Secure the load properly — restraint is a legal requirement
- Confirm the insurance covers abnormal load operations specifically
- Stop and reassess if conditions or equipment change
Frequently Asked Questions
Who issues an abnormal load permit?
The relevant national, provincial or municipal roads authority depending on the route. The permit sets the requirements for that specific load and route.
How many escorts do I need?
It depends on the load’s dimensions and mass and on the route, and it is specified in the permit. There is no general rule that substitutes for the permit.
Can I deviate from the permitted route?
No. The route is cleared against bridges, overhead structures and road geometry. Deviating is a contravention and can cause serious infrastructure damage.
Does ordinary insurance cover it?
Not necessarily. Abnormal load transport carries specific risks including infrastructure damage, and ordinary goods-in-transit cover may not extend to it. Confirm with the insurer.
Permit requirements, escort configurations, equipment specifications and route conditions are set in the National Road Traffic Act and its regulations and by the road authorities per permit, and are revised. Confirm requirements with the issuing road authority.