An indivisible load is a load that cannot be split into parts for transport, or can only be split at undue expense or risk of damage. Article 128 of the Turkish Road Traffic Regulation (Karayolları Trafik Yönetmeliği) allows transport exceeding the legal dimensions and weights only for such loads, in compulsory cases where no alternative to road transport exists, and with a permit from the General Directorate of Highways (KGM); a divisible load must be carried within the legal limits.
How does the legislation define indivisibility?
The regulation sets out the criterion explicitly: in compulsory and exceptional cases where no means of transport other than road is available, the carriage of “indivisible vehicles and special loads” that do not comply with at least one of the legal dimensions is possible by obtaining a Special Permit Certificate (Özel İzin Belgesi) for unladen vehicles, or a Special Load Transport Permit Certificate (Özel Yük Taşıma İzin Belgesi) for laden vehicles. The Turkish text does not separately define the measure of indivisibility; it leaves the assessment to the General Directorate of Highways (Karayolları Genel Müdürlüğü, KGM).
The European Union's Directive 96/53/EC is more detailed. It defines an indivisible load as a load that cannot, for the purpose of carriage by road, be divided into two or more loads without undue expense or risk of damage, and which, owing to its dimensions or mass, cannot be carried by a vehicle that complies with the directive in all respects. In practice the same logic applies in Türkiye; thresholds in EU countries are compared in the entry European oversize load limits.
Why does a special permit depend on indivisibility?
Roads, bridges and culverts are designed for the legal dimensions and weights. Every vehicle that exceeds the limits puts extra load on this infrastructure, slows traffic and requires an escort. This cost is acceptable only for a load that has no other option. Carrying a load that can be dismantled in one piece may save the carrier time, but it brings no benefit to the public. The regulation therefore requires first checking whether the load can be carried on a vehicle within the legal limits, and leaves it to KGM's discretion whether that option exists.
Which loads are indivisible and which are divisible?
| Load | Assessment | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Transformer active part | Indivisible | Radiators, bushings and oil are shipped separately; the main body cannot be opened (see power transformer) |
| Welded pressure vessel, column | Indivisible | Cutting the shell would compromise structural integrity |
| Excavator | Partly | If the bucket or counterweight can be removed with reasonable effort, it is expected to be removed |
| Several long beams of the same type | Conditional | More than one piece of the same load may be loaded if the total weight limit is not exceeded |
| Palletised general cargo, rebar | Divisible | Can be split between two vehicles; no permit is granted for overloading |
The fourth row of the table reflects a specific provision of the regulation: for loads that are indivisible in terms of dimensions, more than one item of the same load may be loaded, provided the total weight limit is not exceeded and a vehicle suitable for the load is chosen.
Who decides, and how is it proven?
KGM makes the decision; the applicant, i.e. the vehicle operator or the transport organiser, must demonstrate with a file why the load cannot be divided. The manufacturer's technical statement, an assembled dimension and weight drawing and a list of removable parts form the basis of this file. Once the file is ready, the KGM special permit application can proceed; which tonnage requires a permit is determined by the heavy load thresholds.
Why is a permit refused for a divisible load?
- Putting two machines, each within legal dimensions, on one vehicle and exceeding the weight limit.
- Taking the width above 2.55 m because of an easily removable accessory.
- Wanting to carry excess tonnage of bulk or palletised cargo.
- Arguing that a single trip would be cheaper; cost alone is not considered a reason for indivisibility.
The penalty for transport without a permit or in breach of the permit conditions is set out in Article 65 of Road Traffic Law No. 2918 (2918 sayılı Karayolları Trafik Kanunu); under the regulation the vehicle is also taken off the road. Indivisibility is the legal precondition of the oversize load definition.
How does Voltim Global support you?
Voltim Global handles the KGM special permit process in oversize and heavy load transport. For the Voronezh–Mersin oversize shipment, the special permit was obtained in one day.