An “abnormal indivisible load” means a load that cannot, without undue expense or risk of damage, be divided into two or more loads, for the purpose, of being carried on a road and that:
(b) On account of its weight, cannot be carried on a motor vehicle of category N3 or a trailer of category O4 (or by a combination of such vehicles) that complies in all respects with—
(i) The Authorised Weight Regulations (or, if those Regulations do not apply, the equivalent provisions in Part 4 of the Construction and Use Regulations); and
(ii) Part 2 of the Construction and Use Regulations
Abnormal indivisible load vehicles (AILV)
AIL vehicles can be used if a load cannot 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 cannot 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):
Speed limits:
Cat 2 (not exceeding 80,000 kgs):
Speed limits:
Cat 3 (Not exceeding 150,000 kgs):
Speed limits:
There is no need to carry movement order notices in all categories of these types of vehicle.
Special order movements
You must have a special order for vehicles more than:
You will need to give:
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.
Vehicle signage
This sign must be fixed in a vertical position to the front of the drawing vehicle.
Multiple loads
Non-UK AIL vehicles usually display
“Convoi Exceptionnel “signs.
Generally, multiple loads cannot be carried, but they are allowed in 2 special cases:
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.
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).
Plating and testing
Vehicles and trailers operating under STGO and Special Order do not 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.
Drivers’ hours and tachograph regulations
Goods vehicles operating under STGO and Special Order have to follow EU drivers’ hours and tachograph regulations.
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 will not 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 is not suitable if the driver cannot see fully down the side of the trailer past a wide load. Drivers must have a clear view regardless of whether there is an escort vehicle. However, 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
Source – DVSA
