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Height exemption permit - Definition & Meaning | Logistics Glossary

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GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 26, 2026

Height exemption permit

Unlike a width permit, which governs lateral dimensions, a height exemption permit authorises vehicles or loads that exceed the maximum permissible height – 4.00 metres in Switzerland and across most EU member states.

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Unlike a width permit, which governs lateral dimensions, a height exemption permit authorises vehicles or loads that exceed the maximum permissible height – 4.00 metres in Switzerland and across most…

The competent cantonal or national authority issues the permit and prescribes an approved route, because low bridges, tunnel portals, and overhead power lines create site-specific obstacles that must…

Before departure, the carrier is required to survey and document clearance heights along the entire itinerary.

Last updated: 26 June 2026Published: 22 November 2025

Source: https://www.ch.ch/en/transporting-large-transportation/

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Height exemption permit

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Definition & Explanation

Unlike a width permit, which governs lateral dimensions, a height exemption permit authorises vehicles or loads that exceed the maximum permissible height – 4.00 metres in Switzerland and across most EU member states. The competent cantonal or national authority issues the permit and prescribes an approved route, because low bridges, tunnel portals, and overhead power lines create site-specific obstacles that must be assessed individually. Before departure, the carrier is required to survey and document clearance heights along the entire itinerary. Escort vehicles become mandatory above certain height thresholds, and in extreme cases temporary measures such as de-energising overhead lines may need to be coordinated with infrastructure operators. Travelling without a valid permit exposes the haulier to significant fines and civil liability for any infrastructure damage caused.

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Recommended format: Source: Freight Academy – Height exemption permit (https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/height-exemption-permit), accessed 2026-09-26
APA style: Freight Academy Editorial Team. (2025). Height exemption permit. Freight Academy. https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/height-exemption-permit
BibTeX: @misc{heightexemptionpermit2025, title = {Height exemption permit}, author = {{Freight Academy Editorial Team}}, year = {2025}, url = {https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/height-exemption-permit}, note = {Freight Academy, accessed 2026-09-26} }

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