Guidance

Special types enforcement guide

Updated 27 September 2018

Applies to England, Scotland and Wales

1. Introduction

The dimensions and weights of vehicles used on British roads are regulated by the Road Vehicles (Construction & Use) Regulations 1986 (C&U) Regs and the Road Vehicles (Authorised Weight) Regulations 1998 (AW) Regs.

Special types vehicles are those which don’t meet the C&U and AW Regs but can be used outside these rules under the authority of the Road Vehicles (Authorisation of Special Types) (General) Order 2003 (STGO).

Vehicles which don’t comply with an STGO order can be used on the road if Special Orders have been issued by:

• National Highways regarding abnormal loads not covered by C&U and STGO
• the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) regarding special vehicles and divisible loads such as crane ballast outside the scope of C&U and STGO

1.1 Vehicles most likely to be used under an STGO

Vehicles most likely to be used under an STGO, are:

• abnormal indivisible load (AIL): loads which can’t be divided into 2 or more loads to be transported by road
• mobile cranes: specially built - or adapted - for lifting operations
• engineering plant: a moveable piece of plant or equipment which is a motor vehicle or trailer specially built for engineering operations
• road recovery vehicles: vehicles that are specially built for recovering broken-down vehicles

Under C&U - when trailers are built and normally used to carry indivisible loads of great length (that is, abnormal indivisible loads) - they can be longer (but not wider) than the normal legal maximum.

There’s no limit to the number of items of exceptional length that can be carried. Depending on the size of load - if certain conditions are met - C&U Regs also allow loads to overhang the front, rear and sides of vehicles.

These conditions include:

• making the load easily visible
• informing the police and highways authorities

A brief guide to C&U rules for overhanging loads to the front, rear or side can be found in Annex A .

1.2 Abnormal indivisible load vehicles

AIL vehicles can be used if a load can’t be divided for transportation by road. A good example is an aircraft wing: given the cost involved, it would be unreasonable to have to dis-assemble it first. On the other hand, a large load that can be easily divided in half by undoing a few bolts, must be split up for transport.

Loads which comply with C&U and AW Regs can’t be carried on an AIL vehicle, even as a backload. When an AIL vehicle is dual-plated - for both C&U and STGO use - then normal loads can be carried, in line with the weights set out on the ministry plate for the vehicle or trailer.

When carrying a load - if possible and safe - a ‘normal-sized’ vehicle or vehicles must be used, even if there’s some overhang at front, rear or one or both sides of the vehicle. Where it’s not safe to use a ‘normal-sized’ vehicle, then a larger vehicle or combination of vehicles will need to be used, subject to any conditions in STGO.

AIL vehicles are divided into 3 categories and must comply with these conditions to operate under STGO:

Cat 1 (not exceeding 46,000 kgs / 50,000 kgs):

• up to 46,000 kgs with a minimum of 5 axles
• up to 50,000 kgs with a minimum of 6 axles
• AW Regs maximum weights apply to axle and vehicle gross weights (meaning, only the train weight can exceed AW Regs)
• display ‘STGO Cat 1’ plate to the front of the drawing vehicle
• 2 working days’ notice must be provided to highway and bridge authorities about the weight: the dimensions may need to be given to the police
• speed limits:
  • motorway 60 mph
  • dual carriageway 50 mph
  • other roads 40 mph

Cat 2 (not exceeding 80,000 kgs):

• minimum of 6 axles
• maximum axle weight of 12,500 kgs
• display ‘STGO Cat 2’ plate to the front of the drawing vehicle
• 2 working days’ notice to highway and bridge authorities in relation to weight: the dimensions may need to be given to the police
• speed limits:
  • motorway 40 mph
  • dual carriageway 35 mph
  • other roads 30 mph
• a plate must be fitted to the vehicle showing the maximum weight recommended by the manufacturer of the vehicle when travelling at certain maximum speeds: this must be marked ‘Special Types Use’ - the plate should show the weights for gross, train and axle weights

Cat 3 (Not exceeding 150,000 kgs):

• minimum of 6 axles
• maximum axle weight of 16,500 kgs
• display ‘STGO Cat 3’ plate to the front of the drawing vehicle
• 5 working days’ notice to highway and bridge authorities: the dimensions may need to be given to the police
• speed limits:
  • motorway 40 mph
  • dual carriageway 35 mph
  • other roads 30 mph
• a plate must be fitted to the vehicle showing the maximum weight recommended by the manufacturer of the vehicle when travelling at certain maximum speeds: this must be marked ‘Special Types Use’ - the plate should show the weights for gross, train and axle weights

There is no need to carry movement order notices in all categories of these types of vehicle.

1.3 Special order movements

You must have a special order for vehicles more than:

• 150,000 kgs or 16,500 kgs in weight per axle
• 6.1 metres wide
• 30 metres long in rigid length when loaded

You’ll need to give:

• 5 working days’ notice to highway and bridge authorities
• 2 working days’ notice to police

You must carry the special order authorisation for the vehicle movement (issued on behalf of the Secretary of State by National Highways, Birmingham office) in the vehicle. Otherwise, it will be operating under C&U and AW Regs.

1.4 Vehicle signage

1.5 Multiple loads

Generally, multiple loads can’t be carried, but they are allowed in 2 special cases:

• engineering plant - component parts can be carried in cases where:

  • the plant - without the detachable part - is an STGO AIL (meaning, can’t legally be carried on a C&U/AW vehicle)
  • the part is loaded and unloaded at the same place
  • the part doesn’t stick out beyond the vehicle more than the plant itself protrudes, whether forward, rearward or to the side - for example, a bulldozer with a detachable blade: a trailer towed by the bulldozer is not allowed to be carried on the same vehicle

• where 2 or more loads of a similar shape, size and weight need to be moved:

  • and one or both are STGO AIL (that is, can’t legally be carried on a C&U/AW vehicle) falling into STGO category 1 or 2 only
  • the second (identical or smaller) load doesn’t increase the overall width or length of the combination, or take it into a higher STGO category on weight

In addition to the above, long (but not heavy) loads can normally be carried on long trailers that still meet C&U. Multiple loads are allowed in this case as long as they aren’t bigger than AW weights - for example, a number of 16 m long yacht masts could be carried by a longer length trailer.

1.6 Vehicle excise duty

A vehicle carrying goods under STGO is taxable in the ‘Special Types’ taxation class. Find out much you should be paying from the guidance on Rates of vehicle tax (V149).

1.7 Plating and testing

Vehicles and trailers operating under STGO and Special Order don’t have to be tested or plated, if solely used for transport of AIL. Standard width vehicles and trailers used for AIL movements are normally ‘dual-plated’, which means that they’re subject to a yearly test and plating because they can be used for both AIL and ‘normal C&U’ loads.

1.8 Drivers’ hours and tachograph regulations

Goods vehicles operating under STGO and Special Order have to follow EU drivers’ hours and tachograph regulations.

1.9 Drivers view to the rear mirrors

AIL vehicles and vehicles operated under STGO have to follow the rules on mirrors under the Construction and Use Regulations. The rear-view mirrors must provide the driver with a clear view to the rear and side of the vehicle. Because the load being carried projects out, the view from the standard mirrors won’t normally be adequate. The view from standard mirrors should be good enough to see past the overhanging load. To allow a better view, the existing mirrors may need adjustment or additional mirrors or devices may have to be fitted: for example, cameras/monitors.

A camera system can be used in place of the mirrors as long as the driver can clearly see to the side and rear of the load. It’s not suitable if the driver can’t see fully down the side of the trailer past a wide load. Drivers must have a clear view regardless of whether there’s an escort vehicle. But, where drivers don’t have a clear view - and vehicles are operated under STGO where an additional rear steer driver is present on the vehicle combination or where the vehicle is under police escort - this may be allowed

2. Mobile cranes

STGO defines a mobile crane as:

• a motor vehicle that’s specially designed or built to carry out lifting operations - that can’t safely be carried out by a motor vehicle or trailer - which complies with C&U Regs, AW Regs and Goods Vehicle Type Approval Regs
• it’s gross weight exceeds 12,000 kgs per axle
• a motor vehicle which has a crane permanently mounted as part of the vehicle chassis design (the definition excludes lorry mounted cranes)
• it’s operated by the driver or other person riding on it
• it complies with Part 4 of Schedule 1 of Vehicle Excise & Registration Act 1994, as a mobile crane

A mobile crane which doesn’t meet all these criteria may be defined as engineering plant.

2.1 Categories

Category A:

• maximum gross weight of 20,000 kgs on 2 axles
• maximum gross weight of 30,000 kgs on 3 axles
• maximum gross weight of 36,000 kgs on 4 axles
• maximum of 4 axles
• maximum of 11,500 kgs on a single driving axle
• maximum of 10,000 kgs on a single non-driving axle
• speed limits:
  • motorway 60 mph
  • dual carriageway 50 mph
  • other roads 40 mph

Category B:

• maximum axle weight of 12,500 kgs
• maximum gross weight of 12,500 kgs multiplied by the number of axles
• speed limits:
  • motorway 50 mph
  • dual carriageway 45 mph
  • other roads 40 mph

Category C:

• maximum axle weight of 16,500 kgs
• maximum gross weight of 16,500 kgs multiplied by the number of axles: up to a maximum of 150,000 kgs
• speed limits:
  • motorway 40 mph
  • dual carriageway 35 mph
  • other roads 30 mph

2.2 Notification

Mobile cranes with a gross weight of more than 80,000 kgs - but not exceeding 150,000 kgs - must give:

• 2 days’ notice to the Police
• 5 days’ notice to the road and bridge authorities

Vehicles weighing under 80 tonnes must give 2 days’ notification to the roads and bridges authorities.

Those between 80 and 150 tonnes must give:

• 2 days’ notice to the Police
• 5 days’ notice to the roads and bridges authorities

Vehicles over 150 tonnes need to give special notification, which means:

• 5 days’ notice to all authorities
• 10 weeks’ consultation time with the owners of structures such as bridges and tunnels that have weight restrictions

If the STGO vehicle is over 3.05 metres, you need to tell the Police regardless of the weight of the vehicle.

2.3 Vehicle Excise Duty

A mobile crane is taxable in the ‘special vehicle’ class (sub-category mobile crane) at the same rate as the basic goods vehicle.

2.4 Plating and testing

Since May 2018, mobile cranes are no longer exempt from the plating and testing regulations.

2.5 Drivers’ hours and tachograph regulations

Drivers of mobile cranes don’t have to follow EU drivers’ hours and tachograph regulations or GB domestic drivers’ hours rules. This is because they’re not carrying goods or passengers by road. If goods were carried then the normal rules would apply. You can find out more in the guide to Drivers’ hours and tachographs rules: goods vehicles (GV262).

2.6 Driving licence

Drivers of mobile cranes must have a category C vocational licence qualification.

2.7 Other conditions

Mobile cranes must be fitted with an amber illuminating beacon, can’t draw a trailer, and mustn’t carry any goods or burden (except if used for or to help lifting).

3. Engineering plant

Engineering plant can only be used under the STGO regulations if those operations can’t safely be done using a vehicle that complies with C&U Regs and vehicle approval.

Engineering plant mustn’t carry any load or lift or transport goods or burden - except its own essential equipment - while it’s being used in the construction, maintenance or repair of materials that:

• have been excavated and lifted by the apparatus on the plant
• the plant is specially designed to treat

3.1 Categories

Cat 1 (exceeds 44,000 kgs):

• up to 46,000 kgs with a minimum of 5 axles
• up to 50,000 kgs with a minimum of 6 axles
• construction and use maximum weights apply to vehicle axle and gross weights
• 2 working days’ notice to highway and bridge authorities
• speed limits:
  • motorway 60 mph
  • dual carriageway 50 mph
  • other roads 40 mph

Cat 2 (not exceeding 80,000 kgs):

• minimum of 6 axles
• maximum axle weight of 12,500 kgs
• 2 working days’ notice to highway and bridge authorities
• speed limits:
  • motorway 40 mph
  • dual carriageway 35 mph
  • other roads 30 mph

Cat 3 (not exceeding 150,000 kgs):

• minimum of 6 axles
• maximum axle weight of 16,500 kgs
• 5 working days’ notice to highway and bridge authorities
• speed limits:
  • motorway 40 mph
  • dual carriageway 35 mph
  • other roads 30 mph

You don’t have to carry movement order notices in the vehicle.

Slow plant:

• axle weight exceeding 16,500 kgs
• speed limits:
  • motorway 20 mph
  • other roads 12 mph

3.2 Vehicle special order movements

Used for:

• vehicles with weights in excess of 150,000 kgs or 16,500 kgs per axle:
  • vehicle special order issued by the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
  • 5 working days’ notice to highway and bridge authorities
  • 2 working days’ notice to police

Authorisation for the vehicle movement must be carried in the vehicle. If the authorisation isn’t carried, the vehicle will be considered as operating under C&U and AW Regs.

3.3 Vehicle excise duty

Engineering plant is taxable under the ‘special vehicle’ class (at the same rate as a basic goods vehicle ) if it meets the definition of mobile pumping vehicle, digging machine, or road roller. Other types of engineering plant are taxed under the heavy goods vehicle (HGV) rate, as if the machinery were a load carried on a goods vehicle, rather than being built into it.

3.4 Plating and testing

Engineering plant and non-engineering plant are no longer exempt from the plating and testing regulations.

3.5 Drivers’ hours and tachograph regulations

Drivers of engineering plant don’t have to follow EU drivers’ hours and tachograph regulations or GB domestic drivers’ hours rules. This is because they’re not carrying goods or passengers by road. If goods were carried then the normal rules would apply. You can find out more in the guide to Drivers’ hours and tachographs rules: goods vehicles (GV262).

3.6 Driving licence

Drivers of engineering plant (as defined under the STGO regulations) don’t have to hold a vocational licence, and this class of vehicle can therefore be driven by the holder of a car driving licence (category B).

4. Special vehicles

Special vehicles don’t have to follow the regulation of construction, weight and use contained in S41 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 and may be used by Special Order issued by the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) under S44 of the Act.

An order can be issued about:

• special vehicles or trailers built for specific purposes or for tests or trials
• vehicles or trailers built for use outside the UK
• new or improved types of vehicles or trailers equipped with new or improved equipment
• vehicles or trailers carrying loads of exceptional size outside the construction and use permitted dimensions

The order will say how the vehicle or trailer can be used in order to be authorised.

5. Over length/width vehicles

The rules about the over length/width of vehicles apply to all types of vehicle operating under STGO or Special Order. Similar rules about notification also apply to C&U vehicles which are transporting wide or long loads, where allowed. A C&U load is normally a long or wide load which overhangs the sides of the vehicle/trailer. Refer to section 1.2 for more information on the cases when larger loads or vehicles are permitted.

5.1 Over length

Defined as any single rigid unit (this may be either a rigid vehicle, or a trailer that forms part of a combination: for example, a semi-trailer being drawn by an articulated unit) exceeding 18.75 metres in length, including projections.

Or, a vehicle combination - such as a drawing vehicle and trailer - that exceeds 25.9 metres in length.

Requirements:

• 2 days notice given to the police in all areas where it’s going to be used
• must be accompanied by an attendant

Front or rear projection:

• where a front or rear projection exceeds 3.05 metres – 2 days’ notice to police
• an attendant is needed where a projection exceeds:
  • front 2 metres
  • rear 3.05 metres

5.2 Over-width projections

• vehicle with load width of 3 metres or less, but width of load projecting at one side exceeds 305 millimetres: 2 days’ notice to police
• vehicle with load width exceeding 3 metres, including any projections: 2 days’ notice to police
• vehicle with load width exceeding 3.5 metres, including any projections: 2 days’ notice to police and attendant required
• vehicle with load width exceeding 5 metres, including any projections: approval from Secretary of State in the form of a VR1 permit, 2 days’ notice to police - and attendant required

5.3 Special order movements

You must have a special order for vehicles, that when loaded are more than:

• 150,000kg in gross weight
• 16,500kg in gross axle weight
• 6.1 metres wide

Special orders are issued on behalf of the Secretary of State by National Highways, Birmingham office. You’ll need to give:

• 5 working days’ notice to highway and bridge authorities
• 2 working days’ notice to police

The order only covers the journey when the vehicle is laden. When it’s unladen it’s length should be below 30 metres so that it doesn’t need a special order.

For example, many long trailers are made up of modular units allowing some to be disconnected and carried on the remaining units. This is allowed under STGO.

5.4 Projection markers

A projection exceeding 2 metres - to the front or rear of a vehicle - must be marked with an end-marker which faces the front or rear of the vehicle (above).

A projection exceeding 3 metres - to the front or rear of a vehicle - must (in addition) be marked with side- markers to both its right and left hand side, facing out sideways (above).

Any projection exceeding 305 millimetres widthwise must be marked with 2 side markers (as above), one visible to the front and one visible to the rear of the vehicle. Alternatively, it may be marked by day-glow, fluorescent or retro-reflective tape, which is coloured red, white or yellow (or any combination), so that the point where the width is at its greatest is clearly visible from the front, rear and side of the vehicle. If tape is used, then no retro-reflective material capable of showing red light can be fitted to the front of the vehicle and only red light can be fitted to the rear.

As an alternative to the end marker or side marker boards pictured above - in any cases where they’re needed - it’s alright to use a different form of marker which is authorised in another European country for use on projecting loads. A typical example is shown here.

5.5 Extendable trailers

Extendable trailers can be used for carrying long loads if they obey the rules within STGO.

6. Road recovery vehicles

A road recovery vehicle is one that’s specially designed, built or adapted to recover broken-down vehicles. It must be fitted with a crane, winch or other lifting system specifically designed to recover vehicles.

3 categories of vehicle are allowed under STGO:

• locomotives are vehicles with an unladen weight heavier than 7,370 kgs not built to carry a load
• an N3 motor vehicle is a vehicle built to carry goods with a maximum mass heavier than 12,000 kgs
• a combination of an N3 motor vehicle and an O4 trailer is a trailer with a maximum weight heavier than 10,000 kgs

Where a vehicle or vehicle / trailer combination is broken, recovery can be carried out using a drawbar or ‘lift and tow’ method. It can’t be carried or towed any further than is necessary in order to clear the road it obstructs - for example, to the nearest motorway services. At this point the broken-down vehicle must be either fixed or transported onwards under C&U rules, which may involve separating the towing vehicle and trailer, and/or unloading any load that is carried.

6.1 Maximum weights

• gross 36,000 kgs on 3 axles
• gross 50,000 kgs on 4 axles
• gross 80,000 kgs on 6 or more axles
• maximum axle weight of 12,500 kgs
• maximum axle group weight 25,000 kgs
• a road recovery vehicle must not, when towing a broken-down vehicle, exceed the maximum train weight specified on the plate fixed to it under regulation 66 of C&U Regs

6.2 Speed limits

While carrying or towing a broken-down vehicle:

• motorway: 40 mph
• dual carriageway: 30 mph
• other roads: 30 mph

6.3 Width

The maximum width can’t be greater than that imposed by regulation 8 of C&U Regs of 2.55 metres. Though a trailer up to 3 metres in width can be used when its use would be the only safe method of recovering a broken-down vehicle.

6.4 Length

The maximum length of a road recovery vehicle is 18.75 metres but there is no restriction on the combined length when towing a broken-down vehicle or combination.

6.5 Vehicle excise duty

A road recovery vehicle with a maximum weight less than 25,000 kgs is taxable as a special vehicle at the same rate as a basic goods vehicle. One with a maximum weight greater than 25,000 kgs is taxable at 2.5 times the basic goods vehicle rate. One of the conditions of this taxation class is that the vehicle can only be used for break down recovery, and not for general haulage.

6.6 Plating and testing

Road recovery vehicles are no longer exempt from the plating and testing regulations. They must be fitted with a plate which gives the maximum weight that can be lifted by any crane, winch or another lifting system.

7. Non-GB vehicles

Non-GB vehicles operating within this country are subject to the same rules about dimensions and weights contained within the C&U and AW Regs. They are able to take advantage of the STGO exemptions to the above rules according to the same conditions. The use of alternative signage, typically the French ‘Convoi Exceptionnel’ and the square white/red ‘chevron’ plates shown above, is acceptable within GB.

8. Attendants

An attendant is required where:

• the vehicle width exceeds 3.5 metres
• the rigid length (excluding the drawing vehicle) exceeds 18.75 metres
• the total length exceeds 25.9 metres
• projections exceed 2 metres (front) 3.05 metres (rear)

Where an attendant is needed they can travel in the vehicle according to the STGO or Special Order movement. Alternatively they can travel in an escort vehicle, providing that they are:

• in radio contact with the vehicle concerned
• are able to see the vehicle concerned during the journey, as far as is reasonably practical

Where 3 or more loads are travelling in convoy, only the first and last vehicles need an attendant.

8.1 Escorts

There’s no law requiring a vehicle moving under STGO or a Special Order to be accompanied by an escort vehicle, although the police can make sure an escort vehicle is used when necessary. Codes of practice relating to escorts are published by National Highways, various local authorities, and police forces.

9. Documentation

There’s no set format for notifying the police, highways and bridge authorities. And you don’t need to carry the notification document in the vehicle. The operator should be able to produce a copy if the examiner requests it.

The notice given to the relevant authorities is operator specific, so the movement of loads can’t be sub-contracted without the consent of the relevant authority.

This sample form of notice to the police is for a load that complies with the Road Vehicles (Construction & Use) Regulations 1986. The STGO version will have axle weights, axle spacing’s and dimensions. It’ll also include exemption from legal responsibility for the bridge and highways authority.

10. Enforcement

The STGO Regs and Special Orders provide certain exemptions to C&U and AW Regs, therefore no offence exists of failing to comply with STGO and Special Order regulations. A failure to comply with any of the rules relating to the particular STGO and Special Orders listed above, would result in the exemptions not being applicable and the C&U and AW Regs coming into force.

• exceed recommended speed limits: the offence of going faster than the stated speed limits ceases as soon as the vehicle is stopped and therefore no prohibition can be issued - records of excess speed while operating under STGO may be brought to the attention of the traffic commissioner if needed
• fail to display STGO signage: the STGO exemption would then be breached and the load would be subject to normal C&U and AW limits in relation to dimensions and weight. Enforcement action, as needed may then be taken

• fail to comply with movement order: if the vehicle does not comply with the notice provided to the relevant authorities in respect of the below, the exemptions will not apply and the necessary enforcement action may be taken:

  • weight
  • dimensions
  • operator
  • route

There is no need for the Movement Order to be carried on board. If the movement is covered by a Special Order (such as weight in excess of 150,000 kg) then this must be carried on board.

NB: Weight: if the axle, gross or train vehicle weight are more than those stated in the notice given to the relevant authorities, of the STGO category, the amount of the overload should be calculated against the AW Regs: for example, 44,000 kgs train weight for a 3x3 artic.

11. Legislation

This guide should be used together with the legislation and regulations about Special Types vehicles (below):

• The Goods Vehicles (Plating & Testing) Regulations 1988

  • Schedule 2(35) Exemption to plating and testing regarding vehicles defined within S42 (special vehicles) The Road Traffic Act 1972

• The Road Traffic Act 1972

• The Road Traffic Act 1988

• The Road Vehicles (Construction & Use) Regulations 1986

• The Road Vehicles (Authorisation of Special Types) (General) Order 2003

  • schedule 1: abnormal indivisible loads
  • schedule 2: mobile cranes
  • schedule 3: engineering plant
  • schedule 4: road recovery vehicles

• The Road Vehicles (Authorised Weight) Regulations 1988

• The Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994

12. Annex A

The rules about loads that overhang the front, rear or sides of vehicles are set out in regulations 81 and 82 of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 (C&U), as amended. This Appendix provides an overview of the main rules.

12.1 Loads overhanging the front or rear of the vehicle

The table below is a summary of the needs for front and rear overhanging loads set out in regulation 82(7) of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 (C&U), as amended.

Length of projection	Action if load projects rearwards	Action if load projects forwards
Not exceeding 1 metre	No requirements specified	No requirements specified
More than 1 m, but not exceeding 2 m	End must be made clearly visible (C&U Schedule 12, para 4)	No requirements specified
More than 2 m, but not exceeding 3.05 m	Marker boards required (C&U Schedule 12, para 3)	Attendant required (C&U Schedule 12, para 2) and Marker boards required (C&U Schedule 12, para 3)
Exceeding 3.05 m	2 clear working days’ notice to police (C&U Schedule 12 paragraph 1), Attendant required (C&U Schedule 12, paragraph 2) and Marker boards required (C&U Schedule 12, paragraph 3)	2 clear working days’ notice police (C&U Schedule 12, paragraph 1), Attendant required (C&U Schedule 12, paragraph 2) and Marker boards required (C&U Schedule 12, paragraph 3)

12.2 Loads overhanging the sides of the vehicle

The table below is a summary of the required needs for loads overhanging the sides of a vehicle as set out in regulation 82 of C&U.

Load projection or overall width	Action required
Over 305 mm lateral projection on either side	2 clear working days’ notice to police (C&U Schedule 12, para 4), Marker boards front and rear (C&U Schedule 12, para 3) and Additional lights required during hours of darkness or poor visibility
More than 2.9 m, but no more than 3.5 m overall width	2 clear working days’ notice to police (C&U schedule 12, para 4), Marker boards front and rear (C&U Schedule 12, para 3) and Additional lights required during hours of darkness or poor visibility
More than 3.5 m, but not exceeding to 4.3 m overall l width	2 clear working days’ notice to police (C&U Schedule 12, para 4, Attendant required (C&U Schedule 12, para 2), Marker boards front and rear (C&U Schedule 12, para 3 and Additional lights required during hours of darkness or poor visibility