Transport Exemptions - a Guidebook

Transcription

1 Transport Exemptions - a Guidebook Exceptions (exemptions) for broad, long and heavy road transports Publication TRV 2011: Official website: Phone number: address: transportaoversize@kmtp.lt Part-financed by the European Union (European Regional Development Fund)

2 Title: Transport Exemptions (wide, long and heavy road transports) - a guide Publication number: 2011:057 Publication date: Publisher: Swedish Transport Administration Author: Thomas Holmstrand Cover photo: Thomas Holmstrand Layout cover: The studio, Swedish Transport Administration ISBN: Official website: Phone number: address: transportaoversize@kmtp.lt Part-financed by the European Union (European Regional Development Fund)

3 Foreword The Swedish Transport Administration is working with a strong customer perspective and through the effective exercise of its authority. This is the starting point for this guide. For the Swedish Transport Administration, it is important to have a community perspective in its actions regarding transport infrastructure and transport exemptions, and the disruption that these transports cause for other traffic and the service and maintenance of roads. The purpose of the guide is to support exemption authorities (municipalities and state road maintenance authorities), transport buyers, conveyors and others. In their areas of responsibility, the Swedish Transport Administration's regions shall process and make decisions on issues of transport exemptions in a uniform manner throughout the entire country. The guide refers in many cases to the Swedish Transport Administration's practices in different situations. This guide has been produced by the Swedish Transport Administration's transport exemptions unit, which processes and makes decisions on matters concerning transport exemptions within the Swedish Transport Administration on behalf of the regions. This publication replaces the Swedish Transport Administration publication 2007:144. Borlänge 1 April 2011 Lena Erixon Deputy Director-General and head of the operational area Community 2

4 FOREWORD...2 ABBREVIATIONS...6 GLOSSARY GENERAL THE TRAFFIC LAWS OF SWEDEN IN BRIEF LARGE WEIGHTS AND DIMENSIONS SCOPE OF EXEMPTION OPERATIONS WEIGHTS AND DIMENSIONS GENERAL WHERE DO THE REGULATIONS APPLY? VEHICLE'S WEIGHT VEHICLE'S WIDTH VEHICLE'S LENGTH VEHICLE'S HEIGHT EXEMPTION REGULATIONS EXEMPTION AUTHORITIES ETC CONDITIONS FOR EXEMPTION APPLICATION APPLICATION FEES CONTENTS OF EXEMPTION DOCUMENTS PERIOD OF VALIDITY EXTENSION OF EXEMPTION WITHDRAWAL OF EXEMPTION APPEAL OF DECISIONS HEAVY TRANSPORTS GENERAL CONDITIONS FOR EXEMPTION APPLICATION CONDITIONS FOR HEAVY EXEMPTIONS GENERAL HEAVY ROAD NETWORK EXEMPTIONS CONSULTATION LOCAL TRAFFIC DIRECTIVES PERIOD OF VALIDITY CONTENTS OF EXEMPTION DOCUMENTS WIDE TRANSPORTS GENERAL CONDITIONS FOR EXEMPTION APPLICATION CONDITIONS GENERAL WIDTH EXEMPTIONS CONSULTATION

5 5.7 LOCAL TRAFFIC DIRECTIVES PERIOD OF VALIDITY CONTENTS OF EXEMPTION DOCUMENTS LONG TRANSPORTS GENERAL CONDITIONS FOR EXEMPTION APPLICATION CONDITIONS GENERAL ROAD NETWORK EXEMPTIONS FOR LONG TRANSPORTS CONSULTATION LOCAL TRAFFIC DIRECTIVES PERIOD OF VALIDITY CONTENTS OF EXEMPTION DOCUMENTS MOBILE CRANES MOBILE CRANES - GENERAL EC MOBILE CRANES UNREGISTERED MOBILE CRANES - MACHINERY CLASS II INSPECTION OF MOBILE CRANES CONDITIONS FOR EXEMPTION APPLICATION CONDITIONS GENERAL ROAD NETWORK EXEMPTIONS FOR MOBILE CRANES CONSULTATION LOCAL TRAFFIC DIRECTIVES PERIOD OF VALIDITY CONTENTS OF EXEMPTION DOCUMENTS SLOW-MOVING TRANSPORTS HIGHWAYS AND EXPRESSWAYS DRIVING ON THE SHOULDER FOR HEAVY, SLOW-MOVING VEHICLES MILITARY TRANSPORTS SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR THE SWEDISH ARMED FORCES OTHER TRANSPORT OF MILITARY VEHICLES VEHICLES VEHICLE CATEGORIES REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES BRIDGES INTRODUCTION LOAD-BEARING CAPACITY OF BRIDGES EXEMPTIONS SAFETY PHILOSOPHY ROAD TRANSPORT LEADERS AND ESCORTS ROAD TRANSPORT LEADERS - GENERAL LEGISLATION REGARDING ROAD TRANSPORT LEADERS

6 12.3 TRAINING OF ROAD TRANSPORT LEADERS LIST ESCORT REQUIREMENTS CONDITIONS OVERLOADS GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT OVERLOADS VEHICLES FOR WHICH THE OVERLOAD FEE IS TAKEN APPENDIX 1 - WEIGHT REGULATIONS IN TRF - COMMENTS LOAD-BEARING CAPACITY CLASSES WEIGHTS WHEELBASE DISTANCES BETWEEN VEHICLES IN A ROAD TRAIN VEHICLES IN INTERNATIONAL TRAFFIC MAXIMUM LOADS APPENDIX 2 - GROSS WEIGHT TABLE GENERAL ROAD NETWORK EXEMPTIONS (INDIVISIBLE LOADS) APPENDIX 3 - MARKING OF EXEMPTED TRANSPORTS APPENDIX 4 - LIST OF STATUTES APPENDIX 5 - A BRIEF HISTORY WEIGHT WIDTH LENGTH

7 Abbreviations AvgF The Fees Ordinance Act (1992:191) FDEF Decree (2001:651) on Road Traffic Definitions KKL Driving License Act (1998:488) LDEF LTF LVTR Law (2001:559)on Road Traffic Definitions Traffic Regulations The (2001:558)Road Traffic Register Act MTrF Military Traffic Regulations (2009:212) RÅB SFS SäkITrf The Prosecutor General's regulations (1999:178) on penalties for certain traffic offences Swedish Code of Statutes Swedish Armed Forces Safety Instructions for weapons and ammunition, etc., military traffic safety TrF Swedish Road Traffic Ordinance (1998:1276) TSFS TRVFS The Swedish Transport Agency's Book of Statutes The Swedish Transport Administration's Book of Statutes VMF Road Signs Ordinance (2007:90) VTSL The Road Traffic Tax Act (2006:227) VVFS The Swedish National Road Administration list of statutes VägK Decree on Roads (1971:594) VägL The Roads Act (1971:948) YTL The Professional Transport Act (1998:490) ÖVL Act (1972:435) on Fee on Excess Weight 6

8 Glossary In the cases where the definition is taken from the Act (2001:559) on Road Traffic Definitions (LDEF) or from the Ordinance (2001:651) on Road Traffic Definitions (FDEF), it is stated in the column SFS. Term Meaning SFS Axel weight Car The total static weight that the wheels on one wheel axle exert on the road surface. A motor vehicle that is equipped with three or more wheels or skids or a track, and which cannot be considered a motorcycle or a moped. Cars are divided into personal cars, trucks and buses. LDEF LDEF Double-axle Two wheel axles on a vehicle with an internal distance that is less than 2 metres. LDEF Double-axle load Gross weight of vehicle Bus Load-bearing capacity class The total static weight that the wheels on a double-axle exert on the road surface. The total static weight that all the wheels, tracks or skids on a vehicle exert on the road surface at a particular moment. A car that is designed principally for transporting people or is furnished with more than eight seating places excluding the driver s. Buses are divided into light and heavy buses. Grouping of roads by permissible single-axle, double-axle and triple-axle load as well as permissible gross weight. Load-bearing capacity classes are loadbearing capacity class 1 (BK1), load-bearing capacity class 2 (BK2) and loadbearing capacity class 3 (BK3). LDEF LDEF LDEF LDEF, FDEF Exemption type Dolly Twin wheels Towed vehicle The Swedish Road Administration s practice of having different assignment types depending on whether the application concerns temporary or general exemption as well as the transport s width, length, load and vehicle type. A small trailer that is designed to act as a steering axle for a semi-trailer and that is equipped with a coupling device (fifth wheel) for a semi-trailer. A double-mounted tyre on one wheel axle (also four wheels on one wheel axle). A vehicle which is coupled to a car, tractor, motorized machinery or an offroad motor vehicle and which is not a trailer vehicle. LDEF LDEF LDEF Own lane The term is used in bridge conditions for heavy transports. The heavy transport is driven in a lane which can be arbitrarily placed. Oncoming traffic as well as the traffic in its own lane are assumed to be on the bridge at the same time as the heavy transport. 7

9 See also road middle as well as Chapter 14. EC Mobile crane A heavy truck that is not equipped for goods transport and which is equipped with a crane whose lifting moment is at least 400 kilo newton metres. LDEF Escort Vehicle In accordance with Section 3 of the Act (2001:1167) on road transport leaders, the cooperation of a person that has the right to give directions for traffic on the roads. An arrangement of wheels, tracks, skids or similar which is designed principally for travel on the ground, and which does not run on rails. Vehicles are divided into motorized vehicles, trailer vehicles, trailing vehicles, sidecars, cycles, horse-drawn vehicles and other vehicles. LDEF Vehicle train A motorized vehicle with one or more coupled vehicles. LDEF Coupling distance The coupling distance stated in registration certificates for vehicles differs between vehicles that were registration inspected before and after In the earlier registration certificates, the distance is measured from the front axle on the car to the coupling device s centre, and for trailers, the distance between the coupling device s centre and the rearmost axle. For newer vehicles, the distance is measured from the car s frontmost edge to the coupling device s centre and from the trailer s coupling device s centre till its backmost edge, respectively. Roadway Lane A part of a road which is intended for travel of vehicles, although not a cycle path or shoulder. One such longitudinal lane of a roadway indicated with road signs, or if there is no signage, is wide enough for traffic in a file with four-wheeled vehicles. FDEF FDEF Driving ban A ban on using a vehicle. FDEF Truck Loading board Load length Slow-moving vehicle 1. A car that is designed principally for goods transportation. 2. Another car type which can not be considered a personal car or bus. Trucks are divided into light and heavy trucks. Load surface which accommodates the goose-neck and shoulders of a semitrailer. The distance from the load space s forwardmost, furthest point to its rearmost, furthest point. A vehicle that is designed for a speed of maximum 40 kilometres per hour or that may not be driven at a higher speed than 40 km/hr. Examples include tractors, motorized machinery class II and trailing vehicles. FDEF FDEF Light bus A bus with a total weight of maximum 3.5 tons. LDEF 8

10 Light truck A truck with a total weight of maximum 3.5 tons. LDEF Light trailer vehicle 1. A trailer vehicle with a total weight of maximum 750 kilograms. 2. A trailer vehicle with a total weight of over 750 kilograms on the condition that it does not exceed the towing vehicle s service weight and that the towing vehicle s and trailer vehicle s total weight does not exceed 3.5 tons. LDEF Light off-road vehicle An off-road vehicle whose service weight is maximum 2 tons. LDEF Maximum load The difference between the vehicle s total weight and service weight. LDEF Motorized vehicle A vehicle that is equipped with a motor for propulsion, although not an electricity-driven vehicle, which is to be considered a cycle. LDEF Motor vehicle Motorized vehicles are divided into motor vehicles, tractors, motorized machinery and off-road motor vehicles. A motorized vehicle that is designed principally to be used on roads, regardless of whether it is ready-built or not, and which is not established 1. principally for independent use as a people or goods transporter, or 2. for any other purpose than that considered under 1, if the vehicle can not be considered a tractor or motorized machinery. LDEF Motor vehicles are divided into cars, motorcycles or mopeds. Motorized machinery A motorized vehicle which is designed principally as a work tool or for shorter transport of goods. LDEF Motorized machinery class I Motorized machinery class II N-value Indivisible load Motorized machinery is divided into class I and class II. A motorized machine that is designed with a maximum speed that exceeds 30 kilometres per hour. A motorized machine that is designed with a maximum speed that does not exceed 30 kilometres per hour. The value that explains where the centre of gravity of the load should sit on the platform in relationship to the forwardmost of the vehicle s rear axles. If the N-value has a minus sign before it this means that the load s centre of gravity should be placed behind the axle. If there is no minus sign, the centre of gravity should be placed in front of the axle. A load that can not be divided into two or more separate loads without the risk of unnecessary costs or damage. LDEF LDEF FDEF 9

11 Personal car A car that is equipped with a maximum of eight sitting places excluding the driver s place and 1. is created principally for the transport of people, or 2. is permanently equipped with a chassis that is created as living space and is furnished with at least a. fixed mounted sitting places b. fixed mounted sleeping places which can be transformed from sitting places into such c. fixed mounted equipment for cooking food and storage and d. table LDEF Personal cars are divided into class I and class II Personal car class I A personal car that does not belong to class II LDEF Personal car class II Pivot plate (fifth wheel) A personal car that is permanently equipped with a chassis that is created as living space and is furnished with at least a. fixed mounted sitting places b. fixed mounted sleeping places which can be transformed from sitting places into such c. fixed mounted equipment for cooking food and storage and d. table Coupling device on a towing vehicle. LDEF Pivot pin (pin, kingpin) Coupling device on a semi-trailer (connects together with pivot plate on towing vehicle) Level Crossing Pusher axle Puller axle Semi-trailer A crossing on the same plane between a road and railway or tramway that is built on a certain embankment. An extra relieving axle placed in front of the driving axle/axles. An extra relieving axle placed behind the driving axle/axles. A trailer that, through a pin and fifth wheel or similar device, is equipped to be combined with a car, tractor or motorized machine and that is designed in such a way that the trailer body or chassis rests directly on the towing vehicle. FDEF LDEF 10

12 Registered vehicle A vehicle that is listed in the road traffic register. FDEF Registration number The number under which a vehicle is registered in the road traffic register. FDEF Towed vehicle A vehicle that is set up for coupling to a motorized vehicle other than a moped class II, and is intended for person or goods transport, or for carrying a device for driving these vehicles. Towed vehicles are divided into trailers, towed sleds and off-road trailer as well as light towed vehicles and heavy towed vehicles. LDEF Towed cart Trailer A trailer with rigid (unjointed) drawbar where the static vertical load that is transferred to the towing vehicle does not exceed 10 per cent of the trailer s total weight or 1 ton. A towed vehicle on wheels or tracks that is designed to be drawn by a motor vehicle, a tractor or motorized machinery. LDEF LDEF Trailer s weight The combined total weight of a trailer s tare weight and load. LDEF Comment: For a semi-trailer, the weight refers to the coupling device, pivot load plus gross weight. Goose-neck The coupling arm (arm where pivot pin is placed, is also the arm that connects the semi-trailer with the towing car). Temperaturecontrolled vehicle A vehicle with fixed or removable superstructure that is specially equipped for goods transport at controlled temperatures and whose side walls include insulation which is at least 45 millimetres thick. FDEF Off-road vehicle motor A motorized vehicle that is not a motor vehicle, and is created principally to be independently used for people or goods transport off-road. Off-road motor vehicles are divided into off-road vehicles and off-road scooters. LDEF Off-road trailer A towed vehicle that is created to be drawn by an off-road motor vehicle. LDEF Off-road vehicle An off-road motor vehicle with a service weight over 400 kilograms. Off-road vehicles are divided into light and heavy off-road vehicles. LDEF Service weight (for a car, tractor or motorized machinery) The total weight of the vehicle in normal, fully-operational order with the heaviest car body that belongs to the vehicle, tools and reserve wheel that belong to the vehicle, fuel, oil and water, as well as the driver. LDEF 11

13 Service weight (for a towed vehicle) Service weight (for an off-road motor vehicle) Total weight (for a car, tractor, motorized machinery or heavy off-road vehicle) Total weight (for towed vehicle) Tractor Tractor class I Weight of the vehicle in normal, fully-operational order with the heaviest car body that belongs to the vehicle. The total weight of the vehicle in normal, fully-operational order with the heaviest car body that belongs to the vehicle, tools that belong to the vehicle, fuel, oil and water. For a heavy off-road vehicle, the weight of the driver and reserve wheels are also counted. Sum of the vehicle s service weight and the calculated weight of the largest number of people (excluding the driver) and quantity of goods that the vehicle is equipped to carry. Sum of the vehicle s service weight and the calculated weight of the largest number of people and the largest quantity of goods that the vehicle is equipped to carry. A motorized vehicle with at least two wheel axles that is principally created to tow another vehicle or work implements and which is designed for a maximum speed of 40 kilometres per hour, and only with difficultly can be operated at a higher speed. A tractor may be equipped for transport of goods and conveyance of passengers. A tractor that belongs to tax class I according to the Road Traffic Tax Act (2006:227) LDEF LDEF LDEF LDEF LDEF LDEF Tractor class II A tractor that belongs to tax class II according to the Road Traffic Tax Act (2006:227) LDEF Tridem An expression for a 4-axled towing car with three adjoining rear axles. Triple-axle Three wheel axles on a vehicle with an internal distance between the first and third axle that is less than 5 metres. LDEF Triple-axle load The total static weight that the wheels in a triple-axle exert on the road surface. LDEF Heavy bus A bus with a total weight over 3.5 tons. LDEF Heavy truck A truck with a total weight over 3.5 tons. LDEF Heavy towed vehicle A type of towed vehicle other than a light towed vehicle. LDEF 12

14 Heavy off-road vehicle An off-road vehicle with a service weight over 2 tons. LDEF Road 1. A road, street, square or other path or place used for driving of motor vehicles. 2. A path which is intended for cyclists, and FDEF Shoulder 3. A path or riding ground next to a road, in accordance with 1 or 2. Part of a road that is designated for driving of motor vehicles, but not including the roadway or cycle path. FDEF Road middle The term is used in exemption decisions for bridge conditions for heavy transports. The heavy transport is driven in a lane which is placed in the middle of (the clear width) on the bridge. The transport will be alone on the bridge. The bridge is closed to other traffic. See also own lane as well as Chapter 14. Fifth wheel (pivot plate) Coupling device on a towing car. Y-constant The Y-constant states how the weight on the suspension (chassis + load) is distributed between the axles in a double-axle. 1 General 1.1 The traffic laws of Sweden in brief Constitutional Law The Instrument of Government is one of Sweden's four constitutional laws. The other three are the Act of Succession, the Freedom of the Press Act and the Fundamental Law on Freedom of Expression. The Instrument of Government (RF) 1 includes provisions about the government's foundations, which laws comprise the country's constitutional law, fundamental freedoms and rights, rules regarding the head of state, parliament, government and laws and regulations. Constitutional law stands above all other law. The content of other laws must never contradict what is stated in constitutional law. In accordance with Chapter 8, Section 2 of the RF, regulations are issued through an act if, for 13

15 example, they concern the relationship between the individual and the public Acts The Swedish Parliament, with the authority granted to it by Chapter 8, Sections 2 and 3 of the RF, has created the Act (1975:88) Authorising the Issue of Regulations on Traffic, Transport and Communications. The Act permits the Government to make regulations concerning, among other things, the traffic on-road or off-road, rest periods in road transportation and recording equipment. It is also with support of this act that the Road Traffic Ordinance (1998:1276) has in turn been legislated The Ordinance The Road Traffic Ordinance (1998:1276) contains provisions for on and off-road traffic. The Road Traffic Ordinance is shortened in this guide to TrF 1 (SFS 1974:152, last reprinted SFS 2011:109) 14

16 1.1.4 Regulatory Authority With the support of certain clauses in the TrF, the Swedish Transport Agency can, for example, issue regulations of a detailed nature, such as those concerning journeys with indivisible loads. "- - - The Swedish Transport Agency may make regulations that a vehicle or vehicle train carrying indivisible loads may be driven on roads that are not private, despite the width regulations given in the first paragraph being exceeded. The load in this case may protrude more than 20 centimetres outside the vehicle "(Chapter 4, Section 15, third paragraph TrF) Overview of legislative structure: 1. Constitutional Law (The Instrument of Government) Constitutional Laws are enacted or amended by The Swedish Parliament through two identically worded decisions with a parliamentary election in between (published in SFS). 2. Act (adopted by parliament, under Constitutional Law) (SFS) 3. Ordinance (decided by the Government, supported by Constitutional Law or an Act, for example SFS) 4. Regulation (decided by the authority, supported by an Ordinance or Act) TSFS An example: 1. The Instrument of Government (Constitutional Law) 2. Act (1975:88) with the authority to issue regulations on traffic, transport and communications 3. The Road Traffic Act (1998:1276) 4. The Swedish Transport Agency's regulations (TSFS 2010:141) on journeys with wide indivisible loads. 1.2 Large weights and dimensions Regulations on how heavy, wide or long motorized vehicles (or vehicles coupled to these), including the load, may be, can be found in the TrF. The provisions on weights and dimensions apply to a large part of the road network (roads in urban areas and public roads), and are designed taking into account the limitations imposed by the road network's physical design and load-bearing capacity. At the same time, there is a constant need to facilitate the transportation of objects that do not fit within the normal guidelines. There are many both heavy and bulky goods for which it is advantageous to be fully manufactured or semi-finished in one place and then transported in the appropriate way to their destination. Some examples of these types of goods are transformers, generators, tanks, house sections, boiler plants and industrial furnaces. It is usually 15

17 road transport which is found to be the most rational and economically advantageous transportation option for the freight carrier. There are big commercial interests in the possibility of conveying and transporting cargo units that are heavier or larger than the provisions of TrF allow. Weights and dimensions of construction equipment and machinery are constantly increasing. At the same time, the number of work sites for such machines is also increasing, while the operational time at each work site is falling. Against a background of a road network which has sections of a better standard than the base level, and considering that vehicle capacity varies from time to time, it is often possible to drive heavier and larger vehicles and loads than the provisions of TrF indicate. The TrF also provides room for exceptions (exemptions) to be permitted. Exceptions may be made or allowed if it is necessary for special reasons and if it can be done without endangering road safety, damage to the road or any other considerable inconvenience. By imposing special requirements on the manner by which a heavy or bulky transport is carried out (demands that can not be put on normal road users) the exemption can also often be granted with neither the roads being damaged, road safety being worsened nor any other significant disadvantages arising. The risk to traffic safety is reduced or eliminated by ensuring that extra width and length is marked in a clear way, by transportation only being performed in off-peak hours, etc. Through over-weight transports being directed to sections of road that do not contain old and weak bridges, it is possible to transport weights which are sometimes much higher than permitted within the framework of generally allowed weights. Through the vehicle's position on the roadway and/or by transports being driven at low speed over bridges, the load-bearing capacity of the foundations can be utilized in an optimal way. 1.3 Scope of dispensing operations That there are opportunities to convey exempted vehicles and exempted loads is a prerequisite for Sweden being able to function. Swedish trade and industry are therefore heavily dependent on a properly functioning exemption operation. Exemption authorities are the Swedish Transport Administration's regions and municipalities (see also Section 3.1) The Swedish Transport Administration The Swedish Transport Administration is responsible for long-term planning of the transport system for road, railway, maritime and air operations as well as for construction, operation and maintenance of state roads and railways. The Swedish Transport Administration's regions (which are state road maintenance authorities) currently handle approximately exemption applications per year. For the large number of exemptions to be handled in a rational way, a common computer system (Trix) is used. The system has features such as load-bearing checks on bridges, load calculation, direct links to the road traffic register (registration), management of application fees, etc. 16

18 1.3.2 Municipalities How extensive exemption management is within the municipalities is not mapped in detail, but it is clear that the variations between different municipalities is large. For example, Stockholm and Göteborg municipalities handle a large number of cases per year, while in many small communities it is a small operation. 2 Weight and dimensions 2.1 General Regulations on how heavy, wide and long motorized vehicles (or vehicles coupled to these) may be, can be found in Chapter 4 of the TrF. The following paragraphs are current: Ch. 4, Sections 2-4 and (weight) Ch. 4, Sections 15, 15a and 16 (width) Ch. 4, Sections 17, 17a, 17b and 17c (length) The provisions of the TrF are designed taking into account the limitations imposed by the road network's physical design and load-bearing capacity. There are also EU-wide rules given in Council Directive 96/53/EG 2 of 25 July 1996 for certain road vehicles circulating within the Community, the maximum authorised dimensions in national and international traffic and the maximum authorised weight in international traffic 3. The directive is in its applicable parts incorporated into the Road Traffic Ordinance. 2.2 Where do the regulations apply? Weight, width and length regulations in the TrF apply on roads that are not private. By roads that are not private we mean public roads according to the Roads Act (1971:948) (public roads are divided into national highways or county roads 4 ) and streets within the planned area where the plan has municipal authority. On private roads there are no general weight, width or length regulations. Instead, the road's owner decides whether there should be any restrictions on the weights or dimensions of transport 17

19 2 EGT L 235, , s Last changed through the European Parliament and Council's directive 2002/7/EC of the 18 February 2002 concerning amendment of the Council's directive 96/53/EC on largest allowable dimensions in national and international traffic and maximum allowable weights in international traffic for certain road vehicles that transport within the European Community (EGT L 67, , s. 47, Celex 32002L0007). 4 See Decree on Roads (1971:954), Section 1. European Roads count as highways. vehicles transporting on the private road. Such prohibitions shall be marked with road signs or in another other clear way (see Chapter 10, Section 10 TrF). 2.3 Vehicle's weight Regulations on vehicle weights are in Chapter 4, Sections 2-4 and TrF and in appendices 1-3 to the TrF. More detailed comments on the weight regulations in the TrF are given in Appendix 1 to this guide Load-bearing capacity classes Roads that are not private fall into three classes of load-bearing capacity. Unless otherwise prescribed, a public road belongs in load-bearing capacity class 1 (BK1) and a street in load-bearing capacity class 2 (BK2). Regulations that a public road or part of such a road should belong in load-bearing capacity class 2 or 3 are issued by the Swedish Transport Administration, or if the municipality is responsible for road maintenance, by the municipality. Regulations on whether a street or part of a street shall belong to load-bearing class 1 or 3 are issued by the municipality. If a public road which the State maintains belongs to load-bearing capacity class 2 or 3 during one part of the year, the state road management authority (the Swedish Transport Administration's region) may decide that for a short period of time the road shall not belong to this load-bearing capacity class, with appropriate consideration given to frosty conditions Axle load Axle load on a BK1-road shall not exceed 11.5 tons if the axel is the driving force and a maximum of 10 tons on other axles. On a BK2-road the highest axle load is 10 tons and on a BK3-road axle load must not exceed 8 tons Double-axle load Normally, on a BK1-road, the double-axle load may reach 18 or 19 tons. Under the most favourable conditions it may reach a maximum of 20 tons. On BK2 and BK3-roads, a maximum of 16 and 12-ton double-axle load apply respectively. 18

20 2.3.4 Triple axle load Triple axle load for a BK1-road shall not exceed 24 tons, provided that the distance between the first and third axle is at least 260 cm. For the equivalent wheelbase, a maximum of 22 tons on a BK2-road and 13 tons on a BK3-road, apply respectively Gross weight Permissible gross weight depends on the distance between the vehicle's or vehicle train's first and last axles. The maximum allowable gross weight is 60 tons. The wheelbase in this case must be at least 18 metres. The gross weight of a vehicle train, however, may not exceed the sum of the allowable gross weights for each vehicle comprising the vehicle train. The appendices to the Road Traffic Ordinance provide the weights, regardless of wheelbase, that are the maximum gross weights for different types of vehicles. There are also regulations concerning the minimum wheelbase in between vehicles in a vehicle train. Shown in Chapter 4, Section 14 TrF are special exemptions for vehicles used principally in international traffic Regulations supported by the TrF The Swedish Transport Agency may, pursuant to Chapter 4, Sections 12 and 13 TrF, issue directives concerning vehicles or vehicle trains that may be driven despite the basic restrictions being exceeded. There are also some regulations from the then "Swedish National Road Administration" (e.g journeys of vehicles with variable tyre pressure) General guidelines In support of exemption authorities, the Swedish Transport Agency has issued general guidelines regarding the assessment of applications for exemptions from the weight regulations. The Swedish Transport Agency's general guidelines (TSFS 2009:63) on exemptions for journeys with heavy vehicles. see also Chapter 4. 19

21 Table of the maximum permitted weights for various axle distance on BK 2 roads 20

22 Table of the maximum permitted weights for various axle distance on BK 3 roads 21

23 2.4 Vehicle's width Regulations on vehicles' widths, including load, are found in Chapter 4, Section 15 TrF (some width regulations are also found in Chapter 4, Sections 15a and 16 TrF). The basic rules are that if a motorized vehicle (or vehicle coupled to this vehicle) 1. is loaded so that the load on either side protrudes more than 20 cm outside the vehicle or 2. the width of the vehicle, including the load, exceeds 260 cm or for a bus 255 cm, the vehicle (or vehicle coupled to this vehicle) can only travel on private roads. For busses that were registered prior to 1 November 2004, a transitionary rule applies: until the end of 2020 they may have a maximum width, including load, of 260 cm. 22

24 2.4.1 Measurement of vehicle's width A vehicle's width is measured over the parts of the vehicle or the load that protrude the furthest. Regulations on certain equipment that is not counted in the vehicle's width can be found in the Swedish National Road Administration regulations (VVFS 2008:261) on equipment that is not included in the width and length of the vehicle. They are, for example, indicator lights, width-marker lamps, parking lamps, side-marking lamps, reflectors and other prescribed lighting equipment, mirrors and other systems for indirect vision Vehicles that do not require exemption in accordance with TrF The following vehicles, in accordance with Chapter 4, Section 15 TrF, may travel on roads that are not private, even if their width exceeds 260 cm (without exemption): tools that are used in farming work tractors with mounted tools or equipment construction equipment/vehicles for short journeys to and from work sites or for similar purposes Under road maintenance and similar work, the following vehicles, in accordance with Chapter 12, Section 1 TrF, may be used (without exemptions): tools that are wider than 260 cm vehicles with tools or mounted equipment where the tools or equipment protrudes more than 20 cm at the side or results in the width exceeding 260 cm Transportation of wide indivisible loads without exemption The Swedish Transport Agency may issue regulations concerning the driving of vehicles or vehicle trains carrying large indivisible loads on roads that are not private, despite the width exceeding 260 cm. The width of the load is maximum 350 cm and the journey must occur with the conditions in the regulations being followed. The Swedish Transport Agency regulations (TSFS 2010:141) regarding journeys with wide indivisible loads General guidelines In support of exemption authorities, the Swedish Transport Agency has issued general guidelines regarding the assessment of applications for exemptions from the width regulations. The Swedish Transport Agency's general guidelines (TSFS 2009:64) on exemptions for journeys with wide vehicles. See also Chapter 5. 23

25 2.5 Vehicle's length Provisions on a vehicle's or vehicle train's length can be found in Chapter 4, Sections 17, 17 a, 17 b and 17 c TrF. The basic rule is that all motor vehicles other than buses, with or without additional coupled vehicles, may not be driven on roads other than private ones if the vehicle or vehicle train, cargo included, is longer than 24.0 metres The modular system (25.25 metre) The length of a vehicle train, load included, may be up to metres if certain conditions are met. In such cases, specific requirements are sometimes set for the relevant vehicle's dimensions and equipment, for example, with respect to brake design (Automatic Braking System). These conditions are found in Chapter 4, Section 17 TrF VVFS 1997:377 (turning requirements for vehicle trains whose length exceeds 24.0 metres and equipment requirements for vehicles coupled in such vehicle trains) VVFS 2005:131 (maximum speed for a car with two trailers, known as double combination). 24

26 The "25.25-regulation" concerns the possibility of coupling together certain vehicles that do not deviate from the common EC regulations on vehicle dimensions in directive 96/53/EC with a maximum metre vehicle train length. This is called the modular system and is based on load lengths 7.82 metres (the largest platform using the "CEN standard") and 13.6 metres (semi-trailer and the longest vehicle in accordance with EC regulations) are combined in a vehicle train Buses The following maximum lengths apply to buses registered after 1 July 2004 (Chapter 4, Section 17 a TrF): Bus with two axles 13.5 metres, bus with more than two axles 15 metres, articulated bus metres, bus with a trailer metres The then "Swedish National Road Administration" issued regulations on travel within the municipality of Göteborg with a "double articulated" bus (a bus that has four or more axles consisting of three fixed Sections that are joined to each other with articulated Sections). This type of articulated bus must not exceed 25.0 metres. (See VVFS 2005:103) Measurement of vehicle's length A vehicle's length is measured over the parts of the vehicle, vehicle train or load that protrude the furthest. Regulations on certain equipment that is not counted in the vehicle's length can be found in the Swedish National Road Administration regulations (VVFS 2008:261) on equipment that is not included in the width and length of the vehicle. They are, for example, windscreen wipers, lighting equipment, mirrors and other devices for indirect vision and bumper-bar rubber. 25

27 2.5.4 Transportation of long indivisible loads without exemption The Swedish Transport Agency may, pursuant to Chapter 4, Section 17 b TrF, issue directives that a vehicle or vehicle train may be driven on roads that are not private, despite the length exceeding 24 m. The length of a vehicle train carrying an indivisible load may according to the regulations be maximum 30 metres and the journey may occur under the requirement that the conditions of the regulation are followed. The Swedish Transport Agency regulations (TSFS 2010:142) regarding journeys with wide indivisible loads General guidelines In support of exemption authorities, the Swedish Transport Agency has issued general guidelines regarding the assessment of applications for exemptions from the length regulations. The Swedish Transport Agency's general guidelines (TSFS 2009:62) on exemptions for journeys with long vehicles. See also Chapter Vehicle's height There are no regulations restricting the height of vehicles in Sweden. However, if the headroom in an underpass or similar is less than 4.5 metres, the road sign "Limited vehicle height" will be used (see note C17, Limited vehicle height, in VMF). Figure 1. Limited vehicle height The sign states a restriction applying to traffic with vehicles over a certain height if the free headroom is less than 4.5 metres. Maximum permissible vehicle height is stated on the sign. Data on instances of limited headroom of less than 4.5 metres is also presented in "Summary of public roads", which is published annually by the County Administrative Board in each municipality. For transports higher than 450 cm, the applicant must attach a "certificate of route" to the application. It should be clear therein that the intended route has been reconnoitered and is considered accessible with respect to the large total height. Exemptions cannot be approved for heights on transports, as such legislation is lacking, but it is the carrier's and ultimately the driver's responsibility to see that the journey takes place in a safe manner. 26

28 3 EXEMPTION REGULATIONS Exemption authorities etc Municipalities and the Swedish Transport Administration's regions In Chapter 13, Sections 3-5 TrF the regulations on exemptions can be found. A municipality may allow an exception from the regulations on weight, width and length in chapter 4 if the journey (the transport route) involves only that municipality. If the journey involves more than one municipality, the issue is assessed by the State road maintenance authority in the region where the journey begins. The State road maintenance authorities are the Swedish Transport Administration's regions (see Section 7 Road K). The Swedish Transport Administration's regions. 27

29 Exemptions can also be granted from the directives issued through local traffic regulations. Decision-making expertise is divided between the municipality and the state road maintenance agency - and in some cases the police - in the same manner as for an exemption from the basic rules. The table below shows in which cases exceptions may be made and by which authorities. Table 1. Excerpt 5 from Chapter 13, Section 3 TrF. Regulations The exception concerning Authority Chapter 4 Regulations for traffic with motorized vehicles Common regulations 7. Chapter 4 Sections 2 or 3 One municipality More than one municipality Chapter 4 Regulations for traffic with motorized vehicles Traffic with motorized vehicles on the road The Municipality The state road maintenance authority in the region where the 11. Chapter 4 Sections a, 17, 17a or 18 One municipality More than one municipality The municipalit y The state road maintenance authority in the region where the Chapter 9 Provisions for traffic on highways and expressways 19. Chapter 9 Section 1 first paragraph 1-5 or Section 2 a) Tracking of wildlife that may have been injured in a road accident or at other measures in connection with such a accident b) other cases One municipality More than one municipality Police authority The municipalit y The state road maintenance authority in the region where the 28

30 5 According to wording in SFS 2011:178. Regulations The exception concerning Authority Chapter 10 Local traffic regulations etc. 21. Local traffic regulations according to Chapter 10 Section 1 second paragraph 9 (Bans against traffic with vehicles) 25. Local traffic regulations in accordance with Chapter 10 Section 1 second paragraph 19 or 20 One municipality More than one municipality within a county a) exceptions in connection with assessments concerning long, wide or heavy transports The municipality The state road maintenance authority in the region where the journey begins b) other cases County administration More than one county a) exceptions in The state road connection with maintenance authority in assessments concerning the region where the long, wide or heavy journey begins transports b) other cases The Swedish Transport Agency One municipality More than one municipality within a county The municipality The state road maintenance authority in the region where the journey begins (Limitations to lower weights than Chapter 4 Section 12 and restrictions to smaller According to Chapter 13, Section 4 TrF an exception may be permitted if there are special reasons and it can be done without affecting 1. traffic safety, 2. damage to the road or 3. any other considerable inconvenience. A further condition is that the exception from Chapter 4, Section 15 or 17 that arises from the load's length or width may be granted only if the load is indivisible. 29

31 According to Chapter 15, Section 5 TrF, an exception to the length, width and weight regulations may, if necessary for safety or accessibility reasons, also be combined with exemptions from: Chapter 3, Section 7 first paragraph (the vehicle shall be driven in the far right lane) Chapter 3, Section 7 second paragraph (among others, slow-moving vehicles <40 km/hr should be driven on the right of the shoulder) Chapter 3, Section 9, first paragraph (placement in lane and changing lanes) Chapter 3, Section 9, third paragraph (changing lanes) Chapter 3, Section 11 (prohibited area or solid line) Chapter 3, Section 12, first paragraph 3 (the shoulder will be used by slow-moving vehicles) Chapter 9, Section 1, first paragraph and Section 2 (permitted vehicles on highways and expressways) Chapter 9, Section 1, first paragraph 2 and Section 2 (permitted vehicles on highways and expressways) With exceptions from the regulations in Chapter 4. Section 2 (number of towed vehicles and gross-weight limit of towed vehicles), the maximum permissible speed is determined. In other cases, exemptions can also be subject to specific conditions. There are also two different authorities, a municipality or the state road maintenance authority in the region where the journey begins (The Swedish Transport Administration's region), which is authorized to rule on deviations from weight, width and length of regulations. The same agencies may also rule on exemptions from the regulations on motorways and express roads (Chapter 9, Section 1 paragraphs 1-5 and Section 2 TrF), both in connection with an exemption to the weight, width and length regulations (Chapter 13. Section 5) or in other cases (Chapter 13 Section 3 point) 13 TrF) Police authorities The police authorities may consider applications relating to a municipality, if the municipality's decision can not be awaited without inconvenience (Chapter 13 Section 3 third paragraph TrF). For exemptions applying to heavy transports, consultation should always be done with the road maintenance authority. This means that the police should always consult with municipal and/or state road maintenance authorities before decisions about weight exemptions. 30

32 3.1.3 The Swedish Transport Agency The main task of the Swedish Transport Agency is to be responsible for regulations, permit assessment and supervision within the transport sector. They design rules for all four traffic types and regulate how they are enforced, provide permits (licenses and certificates), register changes of ownership, and manage congestion tax and motor vehicle tax. The Swedish Transport Agency is also responsible for matters concerning the overload fee (about the overload fee, see also chapter 13). The general guidelines that the Swedish Transport Agency has decided on and that exist for the testing of wide, long and heavy transports, contain in brief: What information an application should contain Assessment of application Period of validity Transport times Contents of the decision (conditions) The general guidelines are published in the Swedish Transport Agency's book of statutes (see TSFS 2009:62, 63 and 64). 3.2 Conditions for exemptions In Chapter 13, Section 4 TrF it states that exceptions to rules concerning, for example, a vehicle's dimensions and weight may be granted if required for special reasons and if transport can occur without danger to road safety, damage to road or other substantial inconvenience Exemption assessment The considerations made in an exemption case are essentially as follows. Is the load is indivisible? Can transportation be carried out without considerable inconvenience? Are the vehicles that will carry out the transportation suitable? Is it likely that the load can be placed in the proposed manner? Can the proposed weight distribution be accepted? Is there a suitable route? What traffic safety issues exist? 31

33 Could the road be damaged? Is consultation with another road maintenance authority necessary? Are there bridge repairs, road works or other obstacles that must be considered? Is the proposed time frame for the transportation suitable? Does the transport need an escort? Special reasons Special reasons for driving a heavy or bulky transport on the road exist when the load is indivisible and has such a weight, width or length that it can not be transported within the weight or dimension regulations. The same applies to vehicles such as mobile cranes, the design of which requires such a weight, width or length that they can not be driven within weight or dimension regulations Without danger for road safety Exemptions may be granted if the journey can be made without danger to road safety. It is important that the increased risks that could be caused due to the transports' dimensions, or by the way the transportation must be carried out, are removed through warning markings, warning cars, traffic directing (escort) and/or other safety increasing measures Damage to the road An exempted transportation shall be made considering the same prerequisite demands for the road system s load-bearing capacity, regulation and permanence that apply to normal transports. This means that the transport must be able to occur in such a way that damage to roads and bridges is not risked Other considerable inconvenience Exemptions can be granted if the transport can occur without considerable inconvenience. A heavy and/or bulky road transport must almost always, to a greater or lesser extent, occurs at the cost of the other traffic's accessibility. Considerable inconvenience is when the road journey is expected to cause a stop or delay of other traffic of more than 60 minutes per 10 kilometres of the route. Such considerable inconveniences can generally be avoided even for very heavy or bulky shipments if the journey can be accommodated during the times of day when traffic is lowest. 32