Industrial machinery transport permit: everything you need to know to obtain it

29 January, 2025

As with other vehicles, in order to drive construction machinery, it is necessary to have a heavy machinery circulation permit.

Before purchasing an excavator, motor grader, forklift,  dumpers,  rigid trucks, or any other heavy machinery vehicle, there are some essential requirements that must be met for its operation.

Below, we outline the different types of permits for driving industrial machinery and everything you need to know to obtain the circulation permit.

What is the industrial machinery permit?

It is an official document that allows the circulation of heavy or industrial machinery, such as excavators or backhoe loaders, on public roads.
 

The main purpose of this circulation permit is to ensure that the machinery  complies with all safety regulations, traffic laws, and environmental protection, both for the safety of the operators and other public road users.
Additionally, this permit is mandatory to drive these machines safely and legally.

Are there different types of permits to drive industrial machinery?

There are different types of permits to drive industrial machinery. These may vary depending on the machine and the specific requirements of each region or country.

Below, we present the main types of permits and certifications that exist for driving industrial machinery:

1. Industrial machinery driving permit

This permit is for machinery operators driving machinery on public roads or construction sites. These permits are specific to heavy machinery, such as excavators, cranes, among others, and their requirements vary depending on the legislation of each country or region.

2. Agricultural machinery driving permit

This permit allows the operation of heavy machinery intended for agricultural work, such as harvesters and tractors.
 

These permits can also be specific depending on local regulations, and in some places, they are only required for heavy machinery used on public roads.

3. Machinery transport permit

In some cases, industrial machines are transported from one location to another, either within a construction site or between different work sites. For these cases, a special permit may be required for transporting industrial machinery, authorizing the movement of large or heavy equipment on roads and public highways.

4. Exceptional load transport permit

This permit is mandatory for the circulation of machinery that exceeds certain dimensions or weights established by transport authorities.
 

As the term suggests, this permit allows the machinery to be transported safely without damaging road infrastructure or endangering other operators or drivers.

5. Licenses for specific machines

In some cases, there are specific permits for certain heavy machines, as each one has different operational and safety requirements.
 

Some of these include:

Crane operation permit

Cranes usually require a specialized permit since they are capable of transporting heavy loads and performing complex movements.
 

Crane operators must be trained and certified to safely operate this equipment.

Aerial platform operation permit

Aerial platforms, such as articulated boom lifts, require specific training for operators.
 

Operators must have certification ensuring their ability to work at heights and in safety conditions.

Demolition machinery operation permit

Machines used in demolition also require additional permits, as their operation involves high risks and may be regulated by specific safety regulations.

Everything you need to know to obtain the industrial machinery circulation permit

To obtain the industrial machinery circulation permit, the following steps must be followed:

Training course

The first step to obtaining the circulation permit is to enroll in and complete a specialized course that covers the operational aspects of the machinery, safety regulations, and risk management.

Evaluation and exam

After completing the course, the operator must pass a theoretical and practical exam to demonstrate that they have acquired the necessary skills to operate industrial machinery.

Machinery registration

If the industrial machinery needs to circulate on public roads, it must be registered in the appropriate registry.
In this registry, documents such as the purchase invoice, technical details of the machine, and approval of the technical inspection must be presented.

Once all of the above steps are completed, the relevant authorities issue the machinery's circulation permit.

What to keep in mind before obtaining the circulation permit

Before obtaining the heavy machinery circulation permit, the following points should be considered:

• Verify local regulations and specific requirements for the machinery.

• Ensure the machinery is in good condition and passes the technical inspection.

• The operator must show proper certification and meet safety requirements.

• Obtain suitable insurance for the industrial machinery.

• Be aware of the costs associated with the permit and any additional requirements, such as modifications or special permits.

To obtain the industrial machinery circulation permit, it is important that the machine is in good condition and that the operator is properly trained.
 

Additionally, the necessary documentation must be in place.

If you already have a heavy machinery operator's license and are looking to acquire machinery, at CYCLICA, we have semi-new machinery  ready for your next project.