What are oversized cargo permits?
Oversized cargo permits are authorizations issued by the Vialidad Directorate of the Chilean Ministry of Public Works (MOP) that allow transport of cargo exceeding regulatory dimensions, weights or configurations under the Traffic Law (Law 18,290).
They are mandatory for moving oversized cargo, indivisible cargo, mining machinery, project cargo and special vehicles. Without the permit, fines can reach several million pesos.
Maximum dimensions and weight in Chile (without permit)
These are the regulatory limits without special permit. If your cargo + vehicle exceeds any of these, you need SPSI.
| Configuration | Max length | Max width | Max height | Max GVW |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simple truck (2 axles) | 13.20 m | 2.60 m | 4.20 m | 18 t |
| 3-axle truck | 13.20 m | 2.60 m | 4.20 m | 25 t |
| Tractor + semitrailer | 20.50 m | 2.60 m | 4.30 m | 45 t |
| Tractor + 6-axle semitrailer | 20.50 m | 2.60 m | 4.30 m | 48 t |
| Tractor + 7+axle semitrailer | 20.50 m | 2.60 m | 4.30 m | 52 t |
Source: DS 158 / Law 18,290 (Chile Traffic Law). Reference values — always verify with MTT and MOP.
Types of permits in Chile
SPSI Vialidad
Special Circulation Permit (SPSI)
Document issued by MOP Vialidad authorizing vehicles or cargo exceeding regulatory dimensions, weights or axles.
Length > 20.50 m, width > 2.60 m, height > 4.30 m, or regulatory gross vehicle weight.
Vialidad Permit
Tonnage Permit
Authorization to circulate with gross weight above allowed. Can be per-trip or seasonal.
When gross vehicle weight exceeds what's allowed for the axle combination.
Municipal
Municipal Permit
Some urban segments require additional municipal authorization.
Transit through restricted urban zones, especially Santiago, Valparaíso and mining centers.
Indivisible
Indivisible Cargo Permit
For cargo that cannot be divided into smaller pieces (machinery, transformers, mining shovels).
Mining equipment, industrial infrastructure, energy, generators, shovels, mills.
How to apply for SPSI Vialidad: step by step
- 1
Define exact route
Origin, destination, transit through intermediate regions, bridges and tunnels.
- 2
Weigh cargo and loaded vehicle
Real gross vehicle weight (GVW) certified at official weighing.
- 3
Get exact dimensions
Length, width and height of vehicle + cargo.
- 4
Technical sketch
Dimensioned drawing of cargo and vehicle (requirement for indivisible cargo).
- 5
Vehicle documentation
Circulation permit, technical inspection, mandatory insurance, registration.
- 6
Submit permit at Vialidad
Present at the Regional Vialidad Directorate corresponding to origin.
- 7
Pay fees
Amount calculated per kilometer and excess category.
- 8
Receive permit
Physical or digital document with specific conditions.
Application in mining, project cargo and industrial cargo
The Chilean mining industry moves enormous quantities of oversized cargo: shovels, SAG mills, crushing equipment, generators, transformers. All require SPSI.
Typical corridors run from ports (San Antonio, Mejillones, Iquique, Antofagasta) to mining sites in the Andes. These routes usually require:
- • Multi-regional permit (each MOP region authorizes its segment)
- • Police escort for very large cargo
- • Route study with structural analysis of bridges and walkways
- • Coordination with electric companies to cut/raise power lines
- • Municipal permits in urban zones
- • Special permits for nighttime or restricted-hour circulation
Common mistakes that cause fines or delays
- ✗Applying with approximate dimensions — Vialidad rejects if real values don't match.
- ✗Not considering height restrictions from bridges or power cables.
- ✗Forgetting municipal permits in urban zones.
- ✗Starting the trip outside authorized hours.
- ✗Not having current technical inspection or insurance.
- ✗Moving cargo without pilot vehicle when required.
- ✗Late processing: 5-15 business days minimum.
