Highways Administration

Abnormal Loads

Permitted Vehicle Weights and Lengths and Designated Roads for Long and Heavy Vehicles

Designated roads

The purpose of the Designated Roads (Long and Heavy Vehicles) Order 1995 (as amended) is to restrict certain goods vehicles to using a limited number of specified roads in the Island. If the vehicles wish to travel elsewhere in the Island, the Department of Transport's written consent is required. For further details click here Exemption from vehicle weight restrictions

Goods vehicles affected by the Order are:-

Any articulated vehicles where the length of the combination exceeds 14 metres, and
Any motor vehicles or articulated vehicles where the laden weight (including any trailer) exceeds 32,520 kg.

Vehicle length

The Road Vehicles (Maintenance and Use) Regulations 1998 set an upper limit of 16.5 metres for articulated vehicles.

Vehicle weight

There are weight restrictions on certain Isle of Man roads. A list of these roads is available for download in PDF format below

Articulated vehicles with five or more axles, or certain special types of vehicles are restricted under the Road Vehicles (Maintenance and Use) Regulations 1998.

Exemption permits may be issued to allow overweight vehicles to travel along certain highways. Applications must be submitted on the Company's headed notepaper to Highways Administration at least 48 hours prior to the date on which travel is requested.

All applications are treated on their own merits and should include:-

the exact route required
the date and times of travel
the registration number and weight of the vehicle wishing to travel

The designated roads which affected vehicles may use without consent are those linking the freight marshalling areas of Douglas, Ramsey Harbours and the various warehouses, stores, distribution centres and industrial or trading estates in the Island. The maximum penalty for contravening the Order is 2,500 on summary conviction.

For further advice on the Authorisation of Special Types of Road Vehicles and on the Road Vehicles (Authorisation of Special Types) General Order 1998, Use of Certain Special Types on Roads. Use the links below to download the relevant document in pdf format.

Downloadable Documents