What procedure is required to let a special vehicle travel, for example, which weighs over 20t in total? And what kinds of restrictions are there for a special vehicle travel on the expressway?
In order to let a special vehicle travel exceeding restrictions prescribed by laws and ordinances, a permit from a road administrator or a police etc. is required regarding width and length of vehicle, size and weight of loads.
As for heavy trucks a speed limit is set at the maximum of 80 km/h on the expressway, and an obligation to load a speed adjusting device is imposed. By the way according to a partial amendment of the Road Traffic Law the restriction of a double ride on motorcycles was deregulated.
1. Application for a permit in accordance with the Road Law
The Road Law prescribes maximum limits on width, weight, height and length of vehicles that can travel on roads in order to maintain the structure of roads and to prevent danger in traffic. In principle, any vehicle that exceeds the maximum limits cannot be travel on the roads.
(Maximum limits)
Width - 2.5m, Height- 3.8m (4.1m for vehicles traveling on the designated roads), Length - 12m (16.5m for semi-trailers connected vehicles, 18m for full-trailers connected vehicles, which travel on national expressway), Axle load - 10t, Adjoining axle load - maximum 20t depending on the adjoining wheel base, Wheel load - 5t, Gross weight - 20t (maximum 25t depending on the length and the wheel base of vehicles which travel on national expressway or on the designated roads, and maximum 36t on national expressway and maximum 27t on other roads depending on the wheel base of semi-trailers connected vehicles of definite kinds such as van type semi-trailers connected vehicles, and full-trailers connected vehicles), Minimum turning radius - 12m.
A person wishing to travel a special vehicle that exceeds the above-mentioned limits must firstly apply to a road administrator, who on receiving the application carries out an examination to determine whether the vehicle in question is inevitable due to the specific character of its structure or freight to load. He/She then grants a right of way permit for special motor vehicles under certain condition if necessary.
2. Application for permission to carry cargo over the legal limit under the Road Traffic Law
Since the following limitations are established for loading weight, size and loading method, in the case of operating a vehicle carrying over the limit, a permit from the director of a police station having jurisdiction over the starting location is necessary.
(1) Weight of cargo
Maximum weight of cargo mentioned on a vehicle inspection certificate
(2) Size of cargo
1) Length: Length of vehicle plus 10 percent of the length
2) Width: Width of vehicle
3) Height: 3.8 meters minus the height of loading area of the vehicle
(3) Loading method
1) Cargo must not protrude from in front or behind by more than 10 percent of the vehicle's length.
2) Cargo must not protrude from the sides of the vehicle.
(4) Procedures for obtaining a permit
A person should submit an application for a permit to carry cargo over the legal limit to the police station with jurisdiction over the starting location.
(5) Standards for permit
A permit is issued only when cargo cannot be divided into smaller sections and when a structure of a vehicle, road or traffic condition is deemed not to hinder by limiting loading weight, size or loading method. Certain conditions may be applied to a permit. A permit is generally valid for the period from the start to completion of a single act of transport.
3. Obligation to conform with the Safety Standards under the Road Motor Vehicles Law
Since requirements for the safety and prevention of environmental pollution regarding the structure and equipment of vehicles are prescribed by the Safety Standards for road motor vehicles (Ordinance of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport) in accordance with the "Road Motor Vehicles Law", if a vehicle does not conform with these, it may not be operated on roads.
However, if vehicles that provide special structure or equipment to transport special goods are deemed to be operationally and environmentally safe, the Safety Standards may be relaxed.
In addition, an obligation to load a speed adjusting device for heavy trucks is imposed since September 2003.
4. A double ride on motorcycles on expressway
According to a partial amendment of the Road Traffic Law revised on September 2004, a double ride on motorcycles (over 125cc) has become possible since April 2005 for drivers 20 years or over having more than three years driving experience after acquisition of a driving license for large-sized motorcycles or standard motorcycles. However, a double ride on motorcycles is always restricted within certain section of Metropolitan Expressway.