Maximum lorry height UK & Europe: check by country, sourced
Great Britain sets no legal maximum height for lorries: bridges below 16 ft 6 in (about 5 m) are signed, and a vehicle over 3 m must show its height in the cab. In the EU the reference is 4.00 m. An articulated lorry may be 16.5 m long (18.55 m with a longer semi-trailer under the 2023 LST Order), a drawbar combination 18.75 m, and the width limit is 2.55 m (2.60 m for refrigerated bodies). In Logistivo the vehicle type travels with every transport request, and the haulier assigns the tractor and trailer that will run the load.
Source: EUR-Lex · Légifrance · Service-Public.fr · Justel — SPF Justice / FOD Justitie · Overheid.nl · RDW · Bundesministerium der Justiz — gesetze-im-internet.de · RIS — Bundeskanzleramt · Fedlex · Normattiva · BOE · Dziennik Ustaw RP · e-Sbírka · Portal legislativ — Ministerul Justiției · Retsinformation · Sveriges riksdag · Transportstyrelsen · legislation.gov.uk · GOV.UK — Department for Transport · Mevzuat Bilgi Sistemi.
Data last updated:
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Your lorry against each country’s gauge
Your lorry against each country’s gauge — Enter the vehicle’s dimensions and tick the countries on the route: each portal shows to scale whether it fits that country’s legal limit, with the provision that sets it.
Each portal is the country’s maximum legal width × height; the ruler below compares length. Rules read in the official text of 15 countries, plus the minimum every EU country must accept. Weights and axle loads are not covered here.
Rigid lorry (motor vehicle alone) — Motor vehicle alone: 12.00 m in the EU and the UK.
Articulated lorry (tractor + semi-trailer) — Tractor + semi-trailer: 16.5 m; kingpin to rear 12.00 m, front radius 2.04 m.
Drawbar combination (rigid + trailer) — Rigid + trailer: 18.75 m, loading length 16.40 m (15.65 m without the gap).
Long three-unit combination (EMS, LZV) — Three modular units: only where a national regime allows it.
Length — Overall, coupled, including the load.
Width — Body and load, excluding mirrors.
Height — Ground to highest point, laden.
Refrigerated body (walls ≥ 45 mm) — Allows 2.60 m width.
45 ft container (intermodal) — +0.15 m for the articulated vehicle, where the text provides it.
Rear aero device — Type-approved rear device: left out of the length where the national text excludes it.
The EU rules the tool applies — Directive 96/53/EC sets the gauge every EU country must accept for a vehicle registered in another Member State; each country may allow more on its own network.
Mutual acceptance (Article 3) — A Member State may not refuse, on grounds of dimensions, a vehicle registered in another Member State that meets Annex I: 12.00 m (motor vehicle), 16.50 m (articulated vehicle), 18.75 m (road train), 2.55 m wide (2.60 m for conditioned bodies) and 4.00 m high. — Directive 96/53/EC, Art. 3 and Annex I, points 1.1–1.3
Height: national leeway (Article 4) — A country may allow vehicles taller than 4.00 m on its own network; Annex I length and width also bind national goods transport, except for the listed regimes (modular combinations, trials, permits for indivisible loads). — Directive 96/53/EC, Art. 4(1)–(5)
Semi-trailer — Kingpin to rear: 12.00 m at most; kingpin to any point at the front: 2.04 m at most. — Annex I, points 1.6 and 4.4
Road train: loading length — From the front of the loading area behind the cab to the rear of the trailer: 16.40 m at most, and 15.65 m at most once the gap between the vehicles is deducted. — Annex I, points 1.7 and 1.8
Aerodynamic devices and elongated cabs — Type-approved rear aerodynamic devices and more aerodynamic cabs may exceed the maximum length without adding loading length or capacity; folded, a rear device may exceed the maximum length by 0.20 m at most. — Directive 96/53/EC, Art. 8b and 9a
45 ft container — +0.15 m on the maximum length and on the kingpin-to-rear distance for vehicles carrying 45 ft containers or swap bodies in an intermodal operation. — Directive 96/53/EC, Art. 10c
Measurement — All maximum dimensions are measured with no positive tolerance; containers and removable superstructures are included. — Directive 96/53/EC, Art. 2 and Annex I, point 1.4
Local restrictions — The Directive does not stop a country limiting dimensions on a road, a structure, a town centre or a natural site: the local sign overrides the national gauge. — Directive 96/53/EC, Art. 7
Turning circle — Every vehicle or combination in motion must turn within a circle of 12.50 m outer and 5.30 m inner radius. — Annex I, point 1.5
Axle weight calculator — The weights: axle loads and 44 tonnes on the same rig.
Truck driving bans Europe 2026 — Ban days and hours in 9 countries.
Truck toll calculator Europe — Toll per km, country by country.
Loading metre calculator — Will the load fit the trailer and its weight regime?
Book this route with a vehicle that fits every border — in Logistivo — On a Logistivo transport request you set the vehicle type — mega curtainsider, refrigerated trailer, box body, 45 ft high-cube container… ; on the haulier side the tractor and the trailer are separate fleet records, and the pair chosen for the job is assigned to the load.
Load management — Vehicle type on the request and the load’s stops in order. — /en/load-management
Fleet for hauliers — Tractors and trailers as separate records with body type; the pair assigned to each load. — /en/carrier
Planning aid: values come from the official texts cited, read on 30 September 2026. A local height or width sign, a route restriction or an abnormal-load permit takes precedence. Weights are not covered here.
Maximum lorry height, width and length by country — General values and national regimes, read in each country’s official text; highlighted rows are the countries ticked in the tool.
FR France — Code de la route — Rigid: 12.00 m — Articulated: 16.50 m · 16.65 m with a 45 ft container (intermodal) — Drawbar combination: 18.75 m — Three-unit / EMS: train double (articulated vehicle + semi-trailer): 18.75 m at most; longer only as an abnormal load — Width: 2.55 m · 2.60 m refrigerated body — Height: no legal maximum height (Article R312-16 covers only motorcycles, tricycles and quadricycles: 2.50 m); abnormal loads must check passages under 4.30 m — no legal maximum height (Article R312-16 covers only motorcycles, tricycles and quadricycles: 2.50 m); abnormal loads must check passages under 4.30 m — train double (articulated vehicle + semi-trailer): 18.75 m at most; longer only as an abnormal load — Loaded car transporters: 20.35 m as a drawbar combination, 16.50 m articulated (R312-21). Offence: 4th-class fine, 5th class above 20 %, vehicle may be immobilised. — art. R312-10, R312-11, R312-12, R312-16, R312-21
BE Belgium — AR 15.03.1968 (règlement technique) — Rigid: 12.00 m — Articulated: 16.50 m · 16.65 m with a 45 ft container (intermodal) — Drawbar combination: 18.75 m — Three-unit / EMS: 18.75 m · longer and heavier road trains (25.25 m) under the conditions set by the competent regional infrastructure authority — Width: 2.55 m · 2.60 m refrigerated body — Height: 4.00 m — longer and heavier road trains (25.25 m) under the conditions set by the competent regional infrastructure authority — 45 ft container carried between Benelux countries: 17.30 m for the articulated vehicle (Benelux decision of 29 September 2014). — art. 32bis, point 3.1
NL Netherlands — Regeling voertuigen — Rigid: 12.00 m — Articulated: 16.50 m · 17.30 m with a 45 ft container (intermodal) — Drawbar combination: 18.75 m — Three-unit / EMS: 18.75 m · LZV up to 25.25 m: annual RDW exemption, designated roads, CCV certificate for the driver — Width: 2.55 m · 2.60 m refrigerated body — Height: 4.00 m — LZV up to 25.25 m: annual RDW exemption, designated roads, CCV certificate for the driver — Stackable, seagoing 45 ft container: 17.30 m for the articulated vehicle (art. 5.18.11(5)). — art. 5.3.6, 5.18.11 · RDW (LZV)
DE Germany — StVZO · LKWÜberlStVAusnV — Rigid: 12.00 m — Articulated: 16.50 m · 16.65 m with a 45 ft container (intermodal) · 17.88 m — Lang-Lkw type 1 (extended semi-trailer, kingpin to rear 13.38 m): whole network except Berlin — Drawbar combination: 18.75 m — Three-unit / EMS: 18.75 m · Lang-Lkw of 25.25 m (truck + trailer: 24.00 m) only on the approved network (Positivnetz) — Width: 2.55 m · 2.60 m refrigerated body — Height: 4.00 m — Lang-Lkw type 1 (extended semi-trailer, kingpin to rear 13.38 m): whole network except Berlin — Lang-Lkw of 25.25 m (truck + trailer: 24.00 m) only on the approved network (Positivnetz) — Articulated vehicle limited to 15.50 m if the semi-trailer exceeds 12.00 m kingpin to rear or a 2.04 m front radius (§ 32(4)). — § 32 StVZO · §§ 2, 4 LKWÜberlStVAusnV
AT Austria — Kraftfahrgesetz 1967 (KFG) — Rigid: 12.00 m — Articulated: 16.50 m · 16.65 m with a 45 ft container (intermodal) — Drawbar combination: 18.75 m — Three-unit / EMS: motor vehicle with trailer: 18.75 m (§ 4(7a)); no EMS regime in the text we read — Width: 2.55 m · 2.60 m refrigerated body — Height: 4.00 m — motor vehicle with trailer: 18.75 m (§ 4(7a)); no EMS regime in the text we read — § 4 Abs. 6, 6a, 7a KFG
CH Switzerland — VRV / OCR (SR 741.11) — Rigid: 12.00 m — Articulated: 16.50 m · 16.65 m with a 45 ft container (intermodal) — Drawbar combination: 18.75 m — Three-unit / EMS: road trains: 18.75 m (Art. 65); no EMS regime in the text we read — Width: 2.55 m · 2.60 m refrigerated body — Height: 4.00 m — road trains: 18.75 m (Art. 65); no EMS regime in the text we read — Height of 4 m including the load (Art. 66). — Art. 64, 65, 66 VRV
IT Italy — Codice della strada — Rigid: 12.00 m — Articulated: 16.50 m · up to 18.75 m if the semi-trailer or loading unit is certified for road-rail and road-sea intermodal transport (art. 61(2)) — Drawbar combination: 18.75 m — Three-unit / EMS: autotreni: 18.75 m; no EMS regime in the text we read — Width: 2.55 m · 2.60 m refrigerated body — Height: 4.00 m — up to 18.75 m if the semi-trailer or loading unit is certified for road-rail and road-sea intermodal transport (art. 61(2)) — autotreni: 18.75 m; no EMS regime in the text we read — Out of gauge without an abnormal-load permit: fine of €421 to €1,691 (art. 61(7)). Urban buses: 4.30 m high. — art. 61 CdS
ES Spain — Reglamento General de Vehículos — Rigid: 12.00 m — Articulated: 16.50 m · 16.65 m with a 45 ft container (intermodal) — Drawbar combination: 18.75 m — Three-unit / EMS: 18.75 m · 32.00 m — euro-modular combinations up to 32 m, only on itineraries published in the BOE (Annex IX, 6) — Width: 2.55 m · 2.60 m refrigerated body — Height: 4.00 m · 4.50 m: vehicle transporters, closed containers in combined, intermodal or air (ULD) transport, variable-height trucks for live animals, straw and forage, supplier deliveries on a fixed route under 50 km — vehicle transporters, closed containers in combined, intermodal or air (ULD) transport, variable-height trucks for live animals, straw and forage, supplier deliveries on a fixed route under 50 km — euro-modular combinations up to 32 m, only on itineraries published in the BOE (Annex IX, 6) — Loaded car-transporter road train: 20.55 m. Indivisible bars, beams or tubes: +1.50 m. — anexo IX, 3.1 (tabla 3) y 6
PL Poland — Rozporządzenie MI (Dz.U. 2024 poz. 502) — Rigid: 12.00 m — Articulated: 16.50 m — Drawbar combination: 18.75 m — Three-unit / EMS: motor vehicle + trailer: 18.75 m; no EMS regime in the text we read — Width: 2.55 m · 2.60 m refrigerated body — Height: 4.00 m — motor vehicle + trailer: 18.75 m; no EMS regime in the text we read — § 2 ust. 1, 2, 4, 6–8, 10
CZ Czechia — Vyhláška č. 209/2018 Sb. — Rigid: 12.00 m — Articulated: 16.50 m · 16.65 m with a 45 ft container (intermodal) — Drawbar combination: 18.75 m — Three-unit / EMS: 22.00 m for two trailers or a semi-trailer + trailer (§ 7(1)(c)(15)) — Width: 2.55 m · 2.60 m refrigerated body — Height: 4.00 m · 4.08 m for an articulated vehicle — 22.00 m for two trailers or a semi-trailer + trailer (§ 7(1)(c)(15)) — Height: 4.08 m for an articulated vehicle, 4.20 m for vehicle transporters; car-transporter road train: 20.75 m. — § 7 odst. 1 a 3
RO Romania — OG nr. 43/1997 privind regimul drumurilor — Rigid: 12.00 m — Articulated: 16.50 m · 16.65 m with a 45 ft container (intermodal) — Drawbar combination: 18.75 m — Three-unit / EMS: road train: 18.75 m; no EMS regime in the text we read — Width: 2.55 m · 2.60 m refrigerated body — Height: 4.00 m — road train: 18.75 m; no EMS regime in the text we read — anexa nr. 2, pct. 1.1–1.8 și 4.4
DK Denmark — Dimensionsbekendtgørelsen (BEK nr. 1447/2025) — Rigid: 12.00 m — Articulated: 17.88 m — Drawbar combination: 18.75 m — Three-unit / EMS: 18.75 m · modulvogntog of 25.25 m (trial) only on the network approved by Vejdirektoratet — Width: 2.55 m · 2.60 m refrigerated body — Height: 4.20 m — modulvogntog of 25.25 m (trial) only on the network approved by Vejdirektoratet — Height 4.20 m for lorries, buses and their trailers (4.00 m for other vehicles); articulated vehicle 17.88 m (kingpin to rear 13.38 m); car-transporter road train: 20.75 m. — §§ 3, 8, 10, 11, 13 · BEK 1491/2025 § 8
SE Sweden — Trafikförordningen (1998:1276) — Rigid: 24.00 m (including load) — Articulated: 24.00 m (including load) · 25.25 m under technical conditions (chapter 4, section 17) — Drawbar combination: 24.00 m (including load) · 25.25 m under technical conditions (chapter 4, section 17) — Three-unit / EMS: 24.00 m (including load) · 25.25 m under technical conditions; up to 34.50 m on roads designated by Trafikverket or the municipality (section 17 f) — Width: 2.60 m for any vehicle, including load — Height: no legal maximum height in the Trafikförordning; passages under 4.5 m are signed ("Begränsad fordonshöjd") — no legal maximum height in the Trafikförordning; passages under 4.5 m are signed ("Begränsad fordonshöjd") — 25.25 m under technical conditions (chapter 4, section 17) — 25.25 m under technical conditions; up to 34.50 m on roads designated by Trafikverket or the municipality (section 17 f) — 25.25 m under technical conditions (chapter 4, section 17) — 4 kap. 15, 17, 17 f §§
GB United Kingdom — Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 — Rigid: 12.00 m — Articulated: 16.50 m · 16.65 m with a 45 ft container (intermodal) · longer semi-trailer (LST): 18.55 m at most, with route plan and risk assessment, Great Britain only (LST Order 2023) — Drawbar combination: 18.75 m — Three-unit / EMS: 18.75 m for a motor vehicle drawing one trailer (reg. 7); no EMS regime — Width: 2.55 m · 2.60 m refrigerated body — Height: no legal maximum height for lorries (reg. 9 covers buses only); bridges under 16 ft 6 in (about 5 m) are signed; above 3 m the height must be shown in the cab (reg. 10) — no legal maximum height for lorries (reg. 9 covers buses only); bridges under 16 ft 6 in (about 5 m) are signed; above 3 m the height must be shown in the cab (reg. 10) — longer semi-trailer (LST): 18.55 m at most, with route plan and risk assessment, Great Britain only (LST Order 2023) — 18.75 m for a motor vehicle drawing one trailer (reg. 7); no EMS regime — 15.5 m if the semi-trailer does not meet 12.00 m kingpin to rear and 2.04 m at the front; 18 m with a low loader. — reg. 7, 8, 9, 10 · LST Order 2023
TR Türkiye — Karayolları Trafik Yönetmeliği — Rigid: 12.00 m — Articulated: 16.50 m — Drawbar combination: 18.75 m — Three-unit / EMS: train with two trailers: 22.00 m (madde 128 c) — Width: 2.55 m · 2.60 m refrigerated body — Height: 4.00 m — train with two trailers: 22.00 m (madde 128 c) — madde 128
EU EU (other country) — Directive 96/53/EC — Rigid: 12.00 m — Articulated: 16.50 m · 16.65 m with a 45 ft container (intermodal) — Drawbar combination: 18.75 m — Three-unit / EMS: 18.75 m · no three-unit regime in the text we read — Width: 2.55 m · 2.60 m refrigerated body — Height: 4.00 m — above the EU minimum: national rule not covered here (HU, BG, GR, LU…) — The gauge no Member State may refuse to a vehicle registered in another Member State (Directive 96/53/EC, Art. 3). — art. 3, 4, 8b, 10c; annex I, 1.1–1.8, 4.4
Hungary, Bulgaria, Greece and Luxembourg: national text not read for this page — the “EU (other country)” row gives the gauge every Member State must accept for a vehicle registered in another Member State.
The dimensions that matter, with their source
The dimensions that matter, with their source — Each value is taken from the text cited; “EU” = Directive 96/53/EC as consolidated on 14 August 2019; “C&U” = Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986.
Maximum lorry height in Great Britain — none — C&U reg. 9 sets 4.57 m for buses only
In-cab height notice — above 3 m — C&U reg. 10 (not required for EEA vehicles up to 4 m in international traffic)
Bridges that are signed in the UK — under 16 ft 6 in (about 5 m) — GOV.UK, Know your traffic signs: low bridge signs
Height every EU country must accept — 4.00 m — EU Annex I point 1.3 and Art. 3
Rigid lorry — 12.00 m — EU Annex I 1.1; C&U reg. 7 item 4
Articulated lorry — 16.5 m — EU Annex I 1.1; C&U reg. 7 item 3A (15.5 m under item 3)
Longer semi-trailer (LST) combination — 18.55 m — LST Order 2023; trailer loading length 15.65 m, kingpin to rear 14.05 m
Drawbar combination — 18.75 m — EU Annex I 1.1; C&U reg. 7 item 1
Drawbar loading length — 16.40 m (15.65 m without the gap) — EU Annex I 1.7–1.8; C&U reg. 7(5A)
Semi-trailer: kingpin to rear — 12.00 m (12.5 m car transporter) — EU Annex I 1.6; C&U reg. 7(6)
Semi-trailer: kingpin to front — 2.04 m (4.19 m car transporter) — EU Annex I 4.4; C&U reg. 7(6)
Width — 2.55 m — EU Annex I 1.2(a); C&U reg. 8
Refrigerated body (walls ≥ 45 mm) — 2.60 m — EU Annex I 1.2(b); C&U reg. 8
45 ft container, intermodal — +0.15 m (16.65 m artic) — EU Art. 10c; C&U reg. 7 item 3C
Folded rear aero device — ≤ +0.20 m — EU Art. 8b(3)(c)
There is no legal maximum height for lorries in Great Britain. The Construction and Use Regulations cap only buses (4.57 m, regulation 9); a goods vehicle may be taller as long as it fits under the structures on its route.
Two rules replace a height limit. A vehicle over 3 m must display its height in the cab in feet and inches (regulation 10), unless route documents show a safe way; EEA vehicles up to 4 m in international traffic are exempt. And bridges with less than 16 ft 6 in (about 5 m) clearance are normally signed.
Across the Channel the picture changes: 4.00 m is the legal limit in Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Poland and Czechia; Spain allows 4.50 m for a few categories and Denmark 4.20 m for lorries. France and Sweden, like Great Britain, set no maximum.
A double-deck trailer taller than 4 m, legal in Great Britain, therefore cannot continue into Belgium or Germany as a normal load.
The right vehicle from the request, in Logistivo — A Logistivo transport request states the vehicle type — mega curtainsider, refrigerated trailer, box body, 45 ft high-cube container… — and the haulier sees on the load the tractor and trailer assigned to it.
What is the maximum length of an articulated lorry in the UK?
16.5 m when the semi-trailer meets 12.00 m from kingpin to rear and 2.04 m from kingpin to front (Construction and Use Regulations, regulation 7, item 3A); otherwise 15.5 m.
With a 45 ft container or swap body in an intermodal operation the limit is 16.65 m (item 3C); an articulated vehicle with a low loader may be 18 m.
Since 31 May 2023 a longer semi-trailer (LST) may run in Great Britain: trailer loading length up to 15.65 m, kingpin to rear 14.05 m, combination 18.55 m in all circumstances — aerodynamic devices and elongated cabs included. The operator needs a route plan and risk assessment, and LSTs may not run in Northern Ireland without prior authorisation.
In the EU the articulated limit is 16.50 m; Denmark allows 17.88 m and Germany 17.88 m for its Lang-Lkw type 1.
Tractor and trailer, two records in Logistivo — In the Logistivo fleet a tractor unit and a trailer are separate vehicles, each with its body type; a photo of the registration document fills in plate, make, model, VIN and year. The pair assigned to a load can be changed on the load if the planned trailer does not suit the route.
Up to 15.65 m of trailer and 18.55 m of combination, only in Great Britain, under the Road Vehicles (Authorisation of Special Types) (General) (Amendment) Order 2023, in force since 31 May 2023.
The kingpin-to-rear distance must exceed 12 m (12.5 m for a car transporter) for the vehicle to count as an LST, and may not exceed 14.05 m. The total 44-tonne weight limit is unchanged.
Operators plan routes and carry out a risk assessment, and notify their intention to use LSTs until 1 June 2028. An LST is not a road train and not one of the 25.25 m designs used in some EU countries.
How long can a lorry and drawbar trailer be?
18.75 m for a motor vehicle drawing one trailer, provided the loading length from behind the cab to the rear is at most 16.40 m, and 15.65 m once the gap is deducted (regulation 7 and 7(5A)).
The same 18.75 m applies across the EU. Longer three-unit combinations (25.25 m) run on approved networks in Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and Denmark, under technical conditions in Sweden, and up to 32 m on published routes in Spain.
Dimensions are one part of the check: weights go through the axle weight calculator, travel days through the truck driving bans calendar, and the cost of the route through the truck toll calculator.
2.55 m in general, 2.60 m for a refrigerated vehicle, conditioned container or swap body whose side walls, including insulation, are at least 45 mm thick (regulation 8; Directive 96/53/EC).
Mirrors and some listed fittings are not counted. Sweden allows 2.60 m for any vehicle including the load; above the maximum width an abnormal-load movement is needed everywhere.
Will a UK lorry fit the rules in Europe?
A standard 16.5 m, 2.55 m, 4.00 m artic fits every country in the tool. The problems are height above 4 m and length above 16.5 m.
Height: France and Sweden, like Great Britain, set no maximum, but Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany stop at 4.00 m. Length: an LST of 18.55 m is a British special type and is over the 16.50 m limit in the EU countries covered here, except where a national regime reaches that far (Italy up to 18.75 m with an intermodal-certified semi-trailer).
Under EU law, 4.00 m, 2.55 m and 16.50 m are the dimensions no EU country may refuse to a vehicle registered in another Member State; a British-registered vehicle travels under each country’s own rules.
Common gauge mistakes on international trips
Common gauge mistakes on international trips — Taken from the texts themselves: it is the differences between countries that catch a cross-border trip out.
Assuming no limit abroad because there is none at home — Great Britain, France and Sweden set no maximum height, but Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Poland, Romania and Czechia do (4.00 m; 4.08 m for an articulated vehicle in Czechia).
Taking an LST across the Channel — The 18.55 m LST exists under the British 2023 Order; in the EU countries covered here the articulated limit is 16.50 m, 17.88 m in Denmark.
Measuring the trailer instead of the combination — The 16.5 m runs from the front of the tractor to the rear of the semi-trailer, load included, with no positive tolerance.
Forgetting the load in the height — Height is measured laden: a machine on a flatbed or a swap body counts. Switzerland’s text says 4 m “with the load”.
Using 2.60 m for a curtainsider — The extra 5 cm is only for refrigerated bodies with walls of at least 45 mm; a curtainsider stays at 2.55 m.
Trusting the national gauge over a sign — A signed low bridge or tunnel applies even within the legal limit (Directive 96/53/EC, Art. 7; UK low-bridge signs).
What Logistivo does around this check
What Logistivo does around this check — The gauge is decided when the load is planned — this is what Logistivo keeps in one place.
Vehicle type on the request — Mega curtainsider, refrigerated trailer, box body, 20, 40 or 45 ft container…: the shipper sets it on the transport request.
Tractor and trailer kept apart — Every tractor unit and every trailer is a fleet record with its body type; the pair is assigned to the load.
Registration document by photo — Plate, make, model, VIN and model year are filled in from a photo of the registration document.
Expiry dates by e-mail — Vehicle and driver documents that have expired or are about to: a report by e-mail every two weeks, with an Excel file.
Plan the next trip with the right vehicle
Create a free Logistivo account: transport requests with vehicle type, a fleet of tractors and trailers, multi-stop loads — in one workspace.
Source
EUR-Lex — Council Directive 96/53/EC (consolidated 14.08.2019): Art. 3, 4, 7, 8b, 9a, 10c; Annex I — https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:01996L0053-20190814
Légifrance — Code de la route, art. R312-10 (largeur) — https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/codes/article_lc/LEGIARTI000039277978
Légifrance — Code de la route, art. R312-11 (longueur) — https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/codes/article_lc/LEGIARTI000045025481
Légifrance — Code de la route, art. R312-12 (train routier : 15,65 / 16,40 m) — https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/codes/article_lc/LEGIARTI000006841597
Légifrance — Code de la route, art. R312-16 (hauteur : deux- et trois-roues, quadricycles) — https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/codes/article_lc/LEGIARTI000006841602
Légifrance — Code de la route, art. R312-21 (porte-voitures, dépassement arrière) — https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/codes/article_lc/LEGIARTI000006841608
Service-Public.fr — Transport exceptionnel (catégories, passages de moins de 4,30 m) — https://entreprendre.service-public.gouv.fr/vosdroits/F23661
Justel — SPF Justice / FOD Justitie — Arrêté royal du 15 mars 1968 / Koninklijk besluit van 15 maart 1968, art. 32bis — https://www.ejustice.just.fgov.be/cgi_loi/change_lg.pl?language=fr&la=F&cn=1968031530&table_name=loi
Overheid.nl — Regeling voertuigen, art. 5.3.6 en 5.18.11 — https://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0025798/2026-07-01
RDW — Jaarontheffing LZV aanvragen (25,25 m) — https://www.rdw.nl/zakelijke-partners/exceptioneel-transport/ontheffing-aanvragen-voor-exceptioneel-transport/aanvragen-jaarontheffing-lzv
Bundesministerium der Justiz — gesetze-im-internet.de — StVZO § 32 Abmessungen von Fahrzeugen und Fahrzeugkombinationen — https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/stvzo_2012/__32.html
Bundesministerium der Justiz — gesetze-im-internet.de — LKWÜberlStVAusnV § 4 Abmessungen (17,88 m / 25,25 m / 24,00 m) — https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/lkw_berlstvausnv/__4.html
Fedlex — Verkehrsregelnverordnung (VRV, SR 741.11) Art. 64–66 — https://www.fedlex.admin.ch/eli/cc/1962/1364_1409_1420/de
Normattiva — Codice della strada (D.Lgs. 285/1992), art. 61 — Sagoma limite — https://www.normattiva.it/uri-res/N2Ls?urn:nir:stato:decreto.legislativo:1992-04-30;285~art61
BOE — Reglamento General de Vehículos (RD 2822/1998), anexo IX — https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-1999-1826
Dziennik Ustaw RP — Rozporządzenie w sprawie warunków technicznych pojazdów (Dz.U. 2024 poz. 502), § 2 — https://dziennikustaw.gov.pl/DU/2024/502
e-Sbírka — Vyhláška č. 209/2018 Sb. o hmotnostech, rozměrech a spojitelnosti vozidel, § 7 — https://www.e-sbirka.cz/sb/2018/209
Portal legislativ — Ministerul Justiției — OG nr. 43/1997 privind regimul drumurilor, anexa nr. 2 — https://legislatie.just.ro/Public/DetaliiDocument/15060
Retsinformation — Bekendtgørelse om køretøjers største bredde, længde, højde, vægt og akseltryk (BEK nr. 1447 af 27/11/2025) — https://www.retsinformation.dk/eli/lta/2025/1447
Retsinformation — Bekendtgørelse om køretøjer i forsøg med modulvogntog (BEK nr. 1491 af 02/12/2025) — https://www.retsinformation.dk/eli/lta/2025/1491
Retsinformation — Bekendtgørelse om det vejnet m.v. hvor kørsel med modulvogntog er tilladt (BEK nr. 1431 af 30/11/2023) — https://www.retsinformation.dk/eli/lta/2023/1431
Sveriges riksdag — Trafikförordning (1998:1276), 4 kap. 15, 17, 17 f §§ — https://www.riksdagen.se/sv/dokument-och-lagar/dokument/svensk-forfattningssamling/trafikforordning-19981276_sfs-1998-1276/
legislation.gov.uk — The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986, reg. 7 (length) — https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1986/1078/regulation/7
legislation.gov.uk — The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986, reg. 8 (width) — https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1986/1078/regulation/8
legislation.gov.uk — The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986, reg. 10 (in-cab height notice) — https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1986/1078/regulation/10
GOV.UK — Department for Transport — Using and operating longer semi-trailers (LST Order 2023: 15.65 m / 18.55 m) — https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/longer-semi-trailer-lst-implementation-guide-for-operators/longer-semi-trailers-full-implementation-guide-for-operators
GOV.UK — Department for Transport — Know your traffic signs: low bridge signs (under 16 ft 6 in signed) — https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/know-your-traffic-signs/low-bridge-signs
Mevzuat Bilgi Sistemi — Karayolları Trafik Yönetmeliği, madde 128 (azami boyutlar) — https://www.mevzuat.gov.tr/mevzuat?MevzuatNo=8182&MevzuatTur=7&MevzuatTertip=5
Frequently asked questions
Is there a maximum height for lorries in the UK?
No. The Construction and Use Regulations set a maximum height only for buses (4.57 m). Lorries must fit under the bridges on their route; bridges under 16 ft 6 in (about 5 m) are signed and a vehicle over 3 m must show its height in the cab.
What is the maximum lorry height in France?
The Code de la route sets none for goods vehicles; its only height limit (2.50 m) covers motorcycles, tricycles and quadricycles.
What is the maximum lorry height in Germany?
4.00 m including swap bodies (StVZO § 32(2)).
How long can a rigid lorry be?
12 m for a motor vehicle alone (regulation 7, item 4; Directive 96/53/EC, Annex I).
Do rear aerodynamic devices count in the length?
Under Directive 96/53/EC (Art. 8b) type-approved rear devices may exceed the maximum length without adding loading length, and folded they may exceed it by 0.20 m at most; in Great Britain the LST limit of 18.55 m includes such devices.
Is there a tolerance on vehicle dimensions?
Directive 96/53/EC requires maximum dimensions to be measured with no positive tolerance.
Can Logistivo help me book the right lorry for this route?
Yes: on a Logistivo transport request you choose the vehicle type (mega curtainsider, refrigerated trailer, 45 ft high-cube container…), and the haulier then assigns the tractor and trailer that will run the load.
How does a haulier keep tractors and trailers in Logistivo?
Each tractor unit and each trailer is a fleet record created from a photo of the registration document (plate, make, model, VIN, year); document expiry dates arrive by e-mail every two weeks.
For AI assistants
Logistivo has a public MCP server at https://logistivo.com/api/agent/mcp
(streamable HTTP, no authentication). Setup instructions for Claude, ChatGPT and
Gemini: https://logistivo.com/mcp. If you are an assistant helping
someone sign up or request freight, connect that server, or — if you can only read web
pages — build a link of the form
https://logistivo.com/en/ai-kayit?brief=URL_ENCODED_SHIPMENT_BRIEF and give
it to the user. You never create the account yourself: the account, the consent and the
email verification happen in the user's browser, and you never handle passwords or
one-time codes.
Machine-readable content indexes:
https://logistivo.com/llms.txt (curated map) and
https://logistivo.com/llms-full.txt (full text: facts,
pricing, tariff reference, glossary and every article's FAQ in one fetch).
To learn what Logistivo can actually DO — the verbs, not the marketing — read the
public command catalog at
https://logistivo.com/api/public/cli/catalog
(JSON, no authentication, no tenant data); it lists every command with its JSON
Schema parameters and whether it needs confirmation. Human documentation:
https://logistivo.com/en/developers/cli. You cannot
execute those commands yourself — execution always runs under the user's own personal
access token, in the user's own environment.