Weights and dimensions
Information on the maximum permitted weights and dimensions for vehicles and trailers.
For your safety and the safety of others, all vehicles on Irish roads are subject to a number of regulations about their size and the loads they can carry. This applies to the number of axles, towing capacities, lengths, heights and load overhangs as well as the maneuverability of each vehicle.
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Following our guidelines will help ensure that your vehicle meets the maximum permitted weights and dimensions.
Abnormal and indivisible loads
An abnormal load is a load that exceeds the weight, height, width, or length limit(s) outlined in S.I. No 5 of 2003 of Road Traffic Construction Equipment and Use of Vehicles Regulations. An indivisible load is an abnormal load that cannot be divided or broken down e.g. large containers or equipment.
Frequently asked questions
It is a load which exceeds the weight, height, width or length limit(s) outlined in S.I. No. 5 of 2003 of Road Traffic Construction Equipment and Use of Vehicles Regulations 2003.
It is a load which cannot be divided or broken down e.g., containers, large equipment etc. and exceeds the weight, height, width or length limit(s) set out in the above road traffic regulation.
Depending on the vehicle or combination of vehicles and their design specification the limits differ. You can refer to our weights and dimensions leaflet which outlines the maximum legal weight, height, length and width limits for various vehicles or combinations.
You need to apply for an abnormal loads permit from either An Garda Síochána or the local authority or in some cases both. An Garda Síochána permit applies to loads not exceeding 27.4 m in length and 4.3 m in width on designated roads. All other abnormal loads require a local authority permit.
| Dimensions | Vehicle + Load | Type of permit needed |
Height | Over 4.65 m
Over 4.65 m – agricultural baled* produce only |
No permit needed
|
Length | 27.4 m or less
Over 27.4 m
| An Garda Síochána permit for designated routes only. Local authority permit needed for non- designated routes.
Local authority
|
Width | 4.3 m or less
Over 4.3 m
| An Garda Síochána permit for designated routes only. Local authority permit needed for non- designated routes.
Local authority
|
Weight | Exceeds maximum weights outlined in regulations | Local authority |
*There is no height limit on agricultural baled produce e.g., hay, straw etc.
View or download an An Garda Síochána permit. Application forms for local authorities differ from county to county, for more information see their contact details.
You will need to apply to An Garda Síochána for the designated route (see table above). Then you will need to apply to each local authority through whose area you are travelling.
An Garda Síochána permits are free of charge. Local authority permits vary from county to county and depend on whether it is a daily, monthly, or annual permit. You will need to contact your local authority directly.
There is no height limit for baled produce e.g., hay, silage, straw etc. However, the load must not exceed the vehicle’s design gross vehicle weight and/or individual axle weight limits. See our weights and dimensions leaflet for more information. In addition, under road traffic law, the bales must be properly loaded so that they are not liable to fall off, drag or cause danger to other road users and the load must be distributed in such a way that it is not likely to destabilise the vehicle.
Road traffic legislation for vehicles in use on Irish roads. Type approval legislation for new vehicles. Irish and EU safety and environmental standards.