REGULATIONS
the width and the weight are within the values stated in the ‘ Code de la Route ’ – then several sections may be transported . An example : the transport of long plastic pipes . For loads that are too wide the same rule applies .
ESCORTING Escorting for Cat . 1 and Cat . 2 transports is very simple : with a load wider than 3 metres one escort is required . Escorting for a Cat . 3 transport depends on the weight ( up to 72 tonnes , from 72 up to 120 tonnes and more than 120 tonnes ) and the width and the length of the load . With a width of more than 5 metres or a length of more than 40 metres , two escort vehicles and two escorts on motorcycles are required . Police escorts are hardly ever needed , except in some cases where the exemption states that a police escort is required in certain towns or cities .
■ The distance between the frontmost and rearmost axle determines the maximum permissible weight
In conclusion Gilles Bisson offers a few tips : “ In France exemptions can be applied for digitally . The processing time is different for each ‘ département ’ and via personal contact the process can be speeded up significantly . Another pitfall is overloading . Less than 5 % overloading is usually settled with a fine . When it is more than 5 % the excess load needs to be removed or – if this is not possible – a new exemption must be applied for . A final tip : I ’ ve only given you the broad lines . Some ‘ départements ’ and road administrators may impose further conditions . Only someone who deals with exemptions every day , and is in consultation with all the parties involved , can make a sound judgement on whether a large transport can travel the indicated route without suffering delays .” ■
■ For a load wider than 5 meters you need two escort cars and two ‘ guideurs ’
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