Apply for a Permit for Oversized and Heavy Vehicles
If you want to transport something with a vehicle on public roads and the transport is heavier or larger than legally required, you must apply for a permit.
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Basic information
Oversized and heavy-haul transports refer to vehicles or their loads that exceed the legally prescribed dimensions and weights.
You need a permit and/or an exemption to operate vehicles and vehicle combinations on public roads if:
- the load,
- the dimensions,
- the axle load, or
- the total weight
exceed the generally applicable legal limits.
If you, as the applicant, are a resident of Bremen or if the transport begins in Bremen, the Office for Roads and Traffic is responsible for issuing the permit.
For foreign companies, the administrative authority in whose district the permit is first used is responsible. You must have completed the route review in advance (preferred route).You can submit your application via the nationwide VEMAGS application system (Procedure Management for Large-Scale and Heavy Transports). Use of this system is free of charge for you as the applicant. You simply need to register with VEMAGS. You will then receive your login credentials via email. Another advantage for you is that you can check the status of the permit process at any time.
On the VEMAGS homepage, you’ll find everything you need to know about the new system.
Requirements
- For the requested transport, shipment by rail or water must not be an option.
- Suitable roads must be available.
- You must be transporting an indivisible load. Special regulations apply if the load consists of multiple parts.
Technical requirements for classification as “oversized and heavy haulage”
- Longer than 16.50 meters
- wider than 2.55 meters
- taller than 4.00 meters
- Heavier than 41.8 metric tons
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Procedure
You can apply for a permit for oversized and heavy vehicles online, by mail, or by fax.
Online:
- Submit the application and all required documents via the online service “Procedure Management for Oversized and Heavy Haulage” (VEMAGS).
- If necessary, the authority may require additional documents, which you must include with your application. The competent authority will review your application and decide whether the permit can be granted.
- In some cases, the permit may be granted subject to certain conditions. Once the review is complete, you will receive notification of approval or denial, along with the fee notice, online via the portal.
For all other application methods, please contact the responsible agency.
More information
Appeal:
- Lawsuit in Administrative Court
- In some federal states, you must first file an appeal with the relevant authority before filing a lawsuit.
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Necessary Documents
- Your application should include:
- Coverage Period
- Exact distance
- Dimensions, axle load, and total weight
- Applicant’s address
- Written disclaimer
- If applicable, a special permit under the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO)
- You must apply separately for a special permit under Section 70 of the StVZO if not only does the load deviate from the permitted dimensions, but a special-purpose vehicle is also being used that does not comply with the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations even when unloaded. You must include proof of this exemption with your application.
- Depending on the application, additional documents may be required. For more information, please contact the appropriate office.
- Your application should include:
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Competent Department
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ASV – Roads and Transport Department ASV - Amt für Straßen und Verkehr
- + 49 421 361 89780
- (0421) 361-9738
- Herdentorsteinweg 49/50, 28195 Bremen
- Website
- office
@asv. bremen. de
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Fees / Costs
40,00 EUR to 1.300,00 EUR Base Fee.
The specific fee amount depends on the number of vehicles used, the total weight, the authorities or public agencies involved in issuing the permit, the dimensions of the transport, and the administrative effort required by the authority to issue the permit.
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Deadlines & processing time
What deadlines must be paid attention to?
Please contact the appropriate office.
How long does it take to process
2 weeks
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Legal Bases
- § 29 Absatz 3 Straßenverkehrs-Zulassungs-Ordnung (StVZO)
- § 32 Straßenverkehrs-Zulassungs-Ordnung (StVZO)
- § 34 Straßenverkehrs-Zulassungs-Ordnung (StVZO)
- § 46 Absatz 1 Nummer 5 Straßenverkehrsordnung (StVO)
- § 22 Straßenverkehrs-Ordnung (StVO)
- § 70 Straßenverkehrs-Zulassungs-Ordnung (StVO)
- Section 32 of the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO)
- Section 46(1)(5) of the Road Traffic Regulations (StVO)
- Section 70 of the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVO)
- Section 22 of the Road Traffic Regulations (StVO)
- Section 29(3) of the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO)
- Section 34 of the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO)
This page has been automatically translated by DeepL. We cannot guarantee that the translation is correct.
The official information in German is complete and correct.
Updated on 12.09.2026