Applications for exemptions from the rules on the length, width, height, total weight and axle weight of a vehicle may be submitted to the Icelandic Transport Authority (ICETRA). This applies:
When exceptional or interchangeable transport operations are necessary and cannot reasonably be carried out by other means
For exemptions from the length, width and height of exchangeable goods where such carriage is recommended by obvious practical reasons
The carriage of passengers on short-distance routes, where necessary in particular in order to ensure the safety of passengers, provided that road safety is not impaired or that there is an increased risk of damage to the road infrastructure
You must request an exemption when:
Total cargo height is more than 4,20 meters
Total width of cargo is more than 2,55 meters
Car length is more than 12 meters
The total combined length of car and trailer is more than 18,75 meters
The total weight depends on the circumstances at any given time.
Please note that the list above is not exhaustive but applies to the most common examples of exemptions.
When does the police approval have to be required?
When the size of the cargo is as follows, consent or police consultation is required for a police escort:
Cargo heights are 5,50 meters or higher
Approval is required from the Landsnet and Rarik for heights greater than 6 meters for electrical lines on routes that are outside the capital area
Cargo width is 3,50 meters or more
Total combined length of the car and trailer is 30 meters or more
Exceptional cases where exemptions are granted for exceptionally heavy loads
Also applicable for routes through tunnels, in case of bridge traffic need to be stopped for transportation purposes and other cases
Service provider
The Icelandic Transport Authority