Frequently asked questions

    • What is the port traffic by-law ghent?
      It is the regulatory framework that allows port vehicles, based on their technical specifications, to operate while safeguarding road safety and protecting roads, bridges and structures in the port area.

      Why is there a port traffic by-law?
      Port vehicles that technically deviate from the provisions of the Royal Decree of 15.03.1968 laying down the general technical requirements for motor vehicles, their trailers, their components and their safety equipment (the “Technical Regulations”), may, when they wish to use public roads within the area covered by the Port Traffic By-law Ghent, be recognised as port vehicles under the regime of this by-law (instead of such transport movements falling under the stricter rules of exceptional transport). 

      Which vehicles fall under the port traffic by-law?
      The by-law applies to port vehicles that deviate from the 15.03.1968 Royal Decree (“Technical Regulations”) and that move under their own power on public roads within the port area. 

      Port vehicles are designed for handling and transporting goods and are intended to be used only in the port. 

      Vehicles that remain strictly inside the port and do not use public roads do not need recognition as port vehicles. They are still subject to any safety inspections required by higher regulations, but that falls outside the scope of the port traffic by-law.

    • What are port vehicles?
      Port vehicles are defined as: motor vehicles, trailers, convoys and all specialised vehicles, with or without an engine, intended exclusively for the handling and carriage between loading and unloading quays, storage sites, warehouses and sheds in a port area, excluding passenger cars, dual-purpose vehicles and minibuses. 

      Port vehicles are classified into several categories, to which different provisions apply:

      • A1: port vehicles of special construction which can move under their own power and which, due to their construction and origin, can reach a maximum speed of 30 kilometres per hour on horizontal roads.
      • A3: slow transport port vehicles which can move under their own power and are used for the transport of goods on and between the industrial sites in the port area.
      • A4: port vehicles which can move under their own power and are used for the transport of goods on and between the industrial sites in the port area.
      • B1: port vehicles of special construction which are intended solely to be towed and whose speed is limited to 30 kilometres per hour.
      • B3: slow transport port vehicles intended solely to be towed by other slow transport port vehicles and used for the transport of goods on and between the industrial sites in the port area.
      • B4: port vehicles intended solely to be towed and used for the transport of goods on and between the industrial sites in the port area. 

        In this regard: 
        • port vehicles of special construction: port vehicles which, due to their construction or permanent modification, are intended to be used as equipment for loading, unloading or moving cargo on industrial sites within the port area; 
        • slow transport port vehicles: port vehicles with a maximum speed of 40 kilometres per hour due to their construction or origin. 

      When must a vehicle be recognised as a port vehicle?
      When the vehicle is a port vehicle which technically deviates from the provisions of the Royal Decree of 15.03.1968 laying down the general technical requirements for motor vehicles, their trailers, their components and their safety equipment, in particular Article 32bis, and which moves under its own power on public roads within the port area. 

      Does the port traffic by-law also apply to vehicles that remain on the terminals (or that are transported on a low-loader)?
      For vehicles that are not operated on public roads, recognition as a port vehicle is not required. These vehicles remain subject to any safety inspections imposed by higher-level legislation, but this falls outside the scope of the port traffic by-law. 

      Does the port traffic by-law also apply to vehicles that are only in transit through Ghent (to be put into service elsewhere)?
      These are vehicles in transit and are therefore not registered with the DIV. Consequently, they do not need to be recognised as port vehicles. This falls under the Royal Decree of 20.07.2001 concerning the registration of vehicles (Article 2 §2, 3°). 

      Does the port traffic by-law also apply to company fire engines?
      No. Port vehicles are vehicles intended for the handling and carriage of goods and used solely in the port area. 

      Port vehicles are defined as: motor vehicles, trailers, convoys and all specialised vehicles, with or without an engine, intended exclusively for the handling and carriage between loading and unloading quays, storage sites, warehouses and sheds in a port area, excluding passenger cars, dual-purpose vehicles and minibuses. 

      Fire engines therefore fall outside the scope of the port traffic by-law. 

      May goods be transported with port vehicles A1 and B1?
      No. Port vehicles of categories A1 and B1 are only permitted on public roads in an unladen condition. 

      Must combinations consist solely of port vehicles?
      No. It is permitted to form combinations consisting of port vehicles and non-port vehicles. 

      However: In such a combination, the category to which the port vehicle belongs determines where and how this combination may be used under the port traffic by-law. 

      In concrete terms, the conditions laid down in the port traffic by-law apply to the port vehicle of the lowest category forming part of the convoy in question. Port vehicles of categories A1 and B1 are considered the lowest category. Port vehicles of categories A4 and B4 are considered the highest category. If a recognised port vehicle is used in combination with a non-recognised port vehicle, the provisions of Article 32bis of the Technical Regulations must be complied with. 

      What additional driving licence requirements does the port traffic by-law impose?
      The following legislation remains applicable:

      • the Royal Decree of 23.03.1998 concerning the driving licence;
      • the Royal Decree of 17.03.2019 concerning the driving licence for port vehicles;
      • the Decree of the Flemish Government of 23.10.2020 determining the conditions for the professional competence of the driver of a longer and heavier convoy. 

        In addition, the port traffic by-law provides for additional driving licence requirements in a limited number of cases.
        • For port vehicles with a maximum speed limited by their construction to 40 km/h or less and with a total length of less than 18.75 metres, a category B driving licence is sufficient (drivers born before 01.10.1982 theoretically do not need a driving licence). This therefore applies to port vehicles of categories A1, B1, A3 and B3.
        • For driving port vehicles of categories A4 and B4 with a total length of less than 18.75 metres, a category C driving licence is required on all roads within the geographical scope of the port traffic by-law.
        • The driver of an operational transport with a total length of more than 18.75 metres carried out on the main roads within the port area must meet the following conditions: 1° hold a certificate of competence for driving a convoy as referred to in Article 4 or 37, first paragraph, of the Decree of the Flemish Government of 23.10.2020 determining the conditions for the professional competence of the driver of a longer and heavier convoy; and 2° have at least five years’ experience in driving vehicle combinations requiring a category C+E driving licence; and 3° not have incurred disqualification from driving during the year preceding the driving of the convoy.

      Download the overview

    • Where does the Port Traffic By-law Ghent apply?
      The Port Traffic By-law Ghent applies:

      • within the port area under the management and operation of North Sea Port Flanders (as defined by the Regional Spatial Implementation Plan “Zeehavengebied Gent”);
      • on the R4 (Dwight Eisenhowerlaan) from the turbo roundabout (N424) up to and including the Schansakker interchange (thus the connection between the Volvo Trucks industrial sites located at the Schansakker exit and the port area, as defined in the RSIP).

      Is there a list available of the road network to which the Port Traffic By-law Ghent applies?
      The roads to which the Port Traffic By-law Ghent applies can be consulted

      • on a map,
      • and in text (in the Decree of the Flemish Government dated 20.12.2024 establishing the scope of application of the by-law on port vehicle traffic in the port of Ghent).

      Download the map

      Which roads are considered main roads?
      The main roads are:

      • John F. Kennedylaan
      • Dwight Eisenhowerlaan from the turbo roundabout to the Schansakker interchange (exit 8).

      What are roads or structures with normal load capacity?
      These are roads or structures that are not by default able to bear the higher weights of port vehicles and where, as a first rule, traffic in terms of weights must comply with the rules for “normal traffic” as laid down in the Royal Decree of 15.03.1968 laying down the general technical requirements for motor vehicles, their trailers, their components and their safety equipment (Technical Regulations – RD 15.03.1968), Article 32bis, supplemented with the rules for LHV (long and heavy vehicles), as set out in the Decree of the Flemish Government establishing the by-law on port vehicle traffic in the port of Ghent, Article 67 §2 and Article 75 §3. 

      These are all roads or structures listed under ‘Roads or structures with normal load capacity’.

      What are roads or structures with limited increased load capacity?
      These are roads or structures that can bear vehicles whose weights comply with the provisions in the left-hand column of Article 67 §1 of the Decree of the Flemish Government establishing the by-law on port vehicle traffic in the port of Ghent, including a maximum total mass of 48 tonnes for a four-axle single vehicle and a maximum axle load of 12 tonnes. 

      These are all roads or structures listed under ‘Roads or structures with limited increased load capacity’.

      On which main roads may port vehicles be used?
      Download the overview

      May recognised port vehicles also be used outside the port area?
      When a recognised port vehicle leaves the geographical scope of the Port Traffic By-law, it loses its special status as a port vehicle and must therefore comply with the Royal Decree of 15 March 1968 laying down the general technical requirements for motor vehicles, their trailers, their components and their safety equipment (the “Technical Regulations”) and the Royal Decree of 1 December 1975 laying down the general traffic regulations and the use of public roads (the “Traffic Regulations”).

    • Which port vehicles must be registered with the DIV?
      Port vehicles that move under their own power and use public roads in the port area must be registered with the DIV (the Directorate for Vehicle Registration).

      In concrete terms, only port vehicles of categories A1, A3 and A4 fall under the obligation to register with the DIV. 

      Towed or drawn port vehicles of categories B1, B3 and B4 are exempt from registration (Article 2, §2, 6° of the Royal Decree of 20.07.2001 concerning the registration of vehicles). 

      A trailer of category B4 which is used solely as a port vehicle within the port area is therefore not necessarily required to be registered and consequently does not have its own license plate. The trailer is then fitted with a duplicate of the license plate of the towing vehicle.

      How can I re-register my vehicle (as a port vehicle) if I no longer have all the documents for this vehicle?
      For re-registration, you must have a fully completed and signed application for registration for each vehicle, accompanied by an insurance sticker, with box X10 explicitly stating that it concerns re-registration as a port vehicle. The old registration certificate must also be enclosed for each vehicle.

      If you no longer have the old registration certificate, you must request a certificate of loss from the police.

      No approval is required for the re-registration of vehicles under the PO category, and no approval number needs to be entered during the registration procedure.

      For vehicles that already have a European-format license plate, this plate can be entered in box A of the registration application so that these vehicles can keep the plate and only a new registration certificate will be issued.

      For vehicles that do not yet have a European-format license plate, both a new plate and a new registration certificate will be issued.

      In accordance with Article 2, §2, 6° of the Royal Decree of 20 July 2001 on the registration of vehicles, a semi-trailer/trailer does not need to be registered if it is used as a port vehicle and therefore only drives within the port area.
      The semi-trailer/trailer must only be equipped with a duplicate of the towing vehicle and, in that case, does not need to be registered (you can have the current license plate removed).

      Can a vehicle be recognised as a port vehicle without being registered with the DIV?
      No – recognition as a port vehicle implies that the vehicle will be used on public roads and therefore registration with the DIV is always* required first.

      *Subject to certain exceptions to the registration requirement for vehicles, as provided for in the Royal Decree of 20.07.2001 concerning the registration of vehicles: towed or drawn port vehicles of categories B1, B3 and B4 are exempt from registration.

      Under which code must port vehicles be registered with the DIV?
      A port vehicle may be registered with the type “company equipment” (J1: MT on the registration certificate) or as type “Port vehicle” (J1: PO on the registration certificate).

      Do vehicles that already have a DIV license plate need to apply for a new one, or can the existing DIV license plate be kept?
      Vehicles that are already registered with the DIV may retain this registration, and therefore also keep their current DIV license plate. After recognition as a port vehicle, they also receive a port license plate in addition.

      What is the advantage of putting a port license plate on a vehicle that already has a ‘regular’ (DIV) license plate?
      Port vehicles that technically deviate from the provisions of the Royal Decree of 15.03.1968 laying down the general technical requirements for motor vehicles, their trailers, their components and their safety equipment (the “Technical Regulations”), may, when they wish to use public roads within the scope of the Port Traffic By-law Ghent, be recognised as port vehicles under the regime of this by-law and can then be visually identified as such via the port license plate affixed to the vehicle. 

      If such port vehicles are used on public roads within the port area and are not approved as port vehicles, they must comply with the general regulations on exceptional transport. The port traffic by-law therefore introduces a port-specific permit system for so-called “exceptional transport”.

    • How is a vehicle approved as a port vehicle?
      In order to be (and remain) approved as a port vehicle, a control body carries out a prior inspection and subsequently a periodic (annual) inspection. 

      The owner wishing to have a vehicle approved as a port vehicle must therefore contact a control body authorised for the intended category of port vehicle. 

      The owner of the port vehicle then provides the port operations coordination centre in due time with the required inspection certificates (via havenvoertuigen@northseaport.com), so that the vehicle can be approved/registered as a port vehicle.

      How can vehicles for which we do not have a Proces-verbaal van Benaming (official designation report -PvB)/ Proces-verbaal van Goedkeuring (approval report -PvG) be recognised as port vehicles?
      Where a vehicle does not have a PvB or PvG, the inspection certificate (issued by the control body) replaces the PvB and PvG.

      Which companies are recognised as control bodies for port vehicles?
      Under ‘Get your port vehicle inspected’ on our Port Traffic By-law page you will find an overview of the control bodies authorised for each category of port vehicle. 

      Where can I get approval for A4 and B4 vehicles with a length < 18.75m?
      For this type of vehicle SBAT or a KOV partner is authorised.

      What about vehicles longer than 18.75m?
      The owner wishing to have a vehicle approved as a port vehicle of category A4 or B4 that is used as a port vehicle in convoys of port vehicles of those categories with a length exceeding 18.75 metres, submits to the port operations coordination centre a report issued by a technical service as referred to in Article 16ter of the Royal Decree of 15.03.1968, showing that the vehicle complies with the technical requirements for those categories of port vehicles established under the said Decree. 

      That report serves as an inspection certificate of conformity. 

      After approval by the port operations coordination centre, the port license plate can be collected from said coordination centre.

      Which documents must be submitted to the control body?
      The owner of the vehicle must submit the following documents to the control body:

      • the international motor vehicle insurance card,
      • the most recently issued inspection certificate,
      • the registration certificate of the competent Federal Public Service,
      • the reference report lifting equipment/towing vehicle, referred to in Article 281 of the ARAB,
      • the proces-verbaal van goedkeuring (PVG) or proces-verbaal van benaming (PvB).

      Are there costs associated with having a vehicle approved as a port vehicle?
      The control bodies may charge costs for carrying out the inspections. The cost of carrying out the inspections is determined by the control bodies or the KOV partners and is also invoiced directly by them to the owner of the vehicle. North Sea Port is not involved in this. North Sea Port does not charge any fees for the approval/registration as a port vehicle, nor for making the port license plate available.

      When is a provisional inspection certificate issued?
      The control body issues a provisional inspection certificate of conformity if the inspection shows that not all administrative requirements have been met. The provisional inspection certificate is valid for thirty days. If the international motor vehicle insurance card is not submitted to the control body at the time of inspection, the provisional inspection certificate is valid for only fifteen days. 

      The control body converts the provisional inspection certificate into an inspection certificate of conformity if the owner of the port vehicle demonstrates that all administrative requirements have been met. The owner must demonstrate this within the validity period of the provisional inspection certificate to the control body that issued the provisional inspection certificate.

      When must a port vehicle undergo the annual inspection again?
      A port vehicle must undergo the prescribed inspection annually. This inspection must take place again no later than one year later. The annual inspection may take place no earlier than sixty days before the expiry date of the inspection certificate of conformity. If the annual inspection takes place before the expiry date of the current inspection certificate of conformity, the new validity period begins on the expiry date of the earlier inspection.

      How does the annual inspection of port vehicles relate to the quarterly inspection of lifting equipment?
      The quarterly inspections required for lifting equipment remain applicable. These fall outside the scope of the port traffic by-law and are imposed by other legislation. 

      For port vehicles of categories A1-B1-A3-B3, the recognised control bodies also hold the required accreditations to carry out the quarterly inspections of lifting equipment. 

      The inspection of the technical requirements may be carried out simultaneously with the periodic inspections in the context of occupational safety.

      What is a port license plate?
      Every vehicle approved as a port vehicle has a port license plate issued by the port operations coordination centre.

    • Which transport movements (relocation or operational transport) may be carried out without a route permit?
      When the transport movement remains within the conditions listed below, it may be carried out without a route permit:

      • the operational transport does not involve port vehicles of category B3;
      • the total mass of the vehicle or convoy, including the load, does not exceed 60 tonnes;
      • the total length of the vehicle or convoy, including the load, does not exceed 25.25 metres;
      • the height of the vehicle or convoy, including the load, does not exceed 4.5 metres;
      • the width of the vehicle or convoy, including the load, does not exceed 3.5 metres;
      • the distance between the rearmost axle or axle group of the vehicle and the coupled vehicle is at least 3 metres;
      • the axle loads do not exceed the values listed in the table referred to in Article 67, 8° of the Port Traffic By-law;
      • the conditions set out in the first or second paragraph of Article 67 of the Port Traffic By-law are met;
      • the port operations coordination centre has not granted an exemption for the port vehicle
      • the transport movement is not carried out by port vehicles with automatic guidance*.

        * port vehicles with automatic guidance: unmanned port vehicles which, during relocation or operational transport via public roads, travel a route using a guidance system monitored remotely by one or more operators who can always take over all functions of the driver. 
         

      If these conditions are not met and/or the thresholds mentioned are exceeded, the transport movement may only be carried out with a route permit.

      For which transport movements (relocation or operational transport) is a route permit required?
      A route permit is required:

      • for operational transport carried out with port vehicles of category B3;
      • when one or more of the following dimensions of the vehicle or vehicle combination are exceeded:
        ◦ mass > 60 tonnes
        ◦ length > 25.25 metres
        ◦ height > 4.5 metres
        ◦ width > 3.5 metres
        ◦ axle distance between the rearmost axle or axle group of the towing vehicle and the towed vehicle < 3 metres
        ◦ the masses and axle distances exceed the values listed in the table referred to in Article 67, 8°.
      • when the vehicle has obtained an exemption for certain technical requirements;
      • when the transport movement is carried out by port vehicles with automatic guidance.

      What is the validity period of a route permit?
      The permit is granted for an indefinite duration. 

      The route permit may, however, be withdrawn in certain cases:

      • in the event of temporarily or permanently changed traffic situations on the permitted routes,
      • if safety cannot or can no longer be guaranteed,
      • when the person to whom the permit has been granted does not comply with the conditions stated in the permit.

      Can a granted route permit be used for several vehicles of the same type?
      Yes. The applicant may apply the granted permit to all relocations of port vehicles and to operational transports with port vehicles in their possession, if all of the following conditions are met:

      • the relocations or operational transports involve the same category of port vehicles with the same composition of port vehicle convoys;
      • the total length, width, height and mass, including any load, and the axle loads are not exceeded;
      • the start and end points of the relocations and operational transports are located within the route for which the permit or the conditional permit has been granted. 


      When applying for the permit, different port registration numbers can be added for which a single route permit can be reused, for port vehicles of the same category, in the same composition, with maximum identical dimensions, mass and axle loads. 

      It is also possible to add at a later stage port vehicles of the same category, in the same composition, with maximum identical dimensions, mass and axle loads to a granted route permit.

      Can a route permit cover the entire area where the Port Traffic By-law applies, or only a specific route from point A to point B?
      A route permit cannot apply to the entire scope of the Port Traffic By-law. When assessing the permit application, the port operations coordination centre takes into account the load capacity of the public roads and structures to be used by the port vehicles and the need to guarantee traffic safety for the requested route. The route is therefore assessed per application, depending on the type of port vehicle and its characteristics. Consequently, a route permit is always valid only for the permitted route, and not for the entire area (on all roads) of the port.

      How to apply for a route permit?
      A route permit can be applied for via the form “Application route permit” (Dutch only). The application must be submitted to havenvoertuigen@northseaport.com.

      Are there costs associated with applying for a route permit?
      North Sea Port does not levy any fees for applying for/granting a route permit.

      Can a rented vehicle use a route permit issued to the client for the same type of vehicle?
      A route permit is granted to the applicant, who may use it for the same route for port vehicles of the same category, in the same composition, with maximum identical dimensions, mass and axle loads. A lessee may apply for a route permit for a rented vehicle or add it to an existing route permit when the rented vehicle(s) are of the same type and have the same mass, dimensions and axle loads already listed on the existing route permit.

    • For which movements is escort or assistance required?
      An escort vehicle must be provided for transport movements (relocation and operational transport) if the port vehicle is wider than 3 metres and traffic from the opposite direction is hindered. In addition, the port operations coordination centre may impose assistance on other relocations and operational transports with port vehicles.

      What is the difference between a signalman and an assistance coordinator?
      The assistance coordinator and the signalmen ensure that the relocation or operational transport proceeds safely and smoothly. They provide the necessary instructions to other road users. If necessary, they can stop other traffic and prevent overtaking or passing of the relocation or operational transport. 

      The assistance coordinator is a signalman who also has the following tasks:

      • he is in charge of escorting the relocation;
      • prior to departure he takes all measures required to ensure that the relocation proceeds safely and smoothly;
      • he ensures that the escort conditions for carrying out the transport movement (as laid down in the Port Traffic By-law and the additional conditions and modalities which may be imposed by the port coordination centre) are complied with;
      • he gives the necessary instructions to the driver of the port vehicle and to the other signalmen;
      • he gives the signal for departure of the relocation.

      What are the training requirements for signalmen and assistance coordinators?
      An assistance coordinator and a signalman must meet one of the following two conditions: 1° be recognised as escort type 1 for signalman or type 2 for assistance coordinator in accordance with the Decree of the Flemish Government of 30.10.2020 laying down the recognition requirements of escort undertakings and escorts of exceptional transport and amending the Decree of the Flemish Government of 20.12.2013 concerning the protection of traffic infrastructure in the case of exceptional transport; 2° cumulatively meet the following three conditions:

      • a) hold a certificate showing that the training modules as provided for in Article 62 of the Port Traffic By-law have been successfully completed;
      • b) have held for at least three years a valid driving licence for the escort vehicle used;
      • c) not have been declared disqualified as a principal penalty from the right to drive a motor vehicle for longer than one month during the past three years. 

      Compliance with the conditions must be demonstrable during the execution of the transport movement (relocation or operational transport).

      Are the training courses ‘signalman’ and ‘assistance coordinator’ compulsory?
      Yes. The assistance coordinator and the signalmen ensure that the relocation or operational transport proceeds safely and smoothly. They provide the necessary instructions to other road users. If necessary, they can stop other traffic and prevent overtaking or passing of the relocation or operational transport. 

      Only duly qualified persons may exercise these powers. These may be own employees, provided that they meet the training requirements. Assistance is therefore a crucial factor to ensure that the movements with port vehicles on public roads are carried out safely. 

      That is why training requirements are provided for these persons to be authorised to exercise these powers. When assistance of port vehicles is required, regular external escort services may also be used.

      Am I obliged to train my own employees as signalmen and assistance coordinators?
      No. You may also use regular external escort services. However, since assistance of port vehicles will be frequent in many companies and relocation and operational transport with port vehicles cannot always be planned far in advance or may take place over short distances, it is often less practical to rely solely on external escort services. 

      For these reasons, the Port Traffic By-law provides, in addition to such escort services, the possibility for companies using port vehicles to carry out the assistance themselves. This takes place within a defined framework of conditions to ensure that port vehicle traffic is always safe, and is aligned with the Decree of the Flemish Government of 30.10.2020 laying down the recognition requirements of escort undertakings and escorts of exceptional transport and amending the Decree of the Flemish Government of 20.12.2013 concerning the protection of traffic infrastructure in the case of exceptional transport.

      What clothing requirements apply to signalmen and assistance coordinators?
      The clothing of the assistance coordinator and the signalman must comply with the obligations set out in Article 27/1 of the Royal Decree of 02.06.2010 concerning the road traffic of exceptional vehicles. 

      Signalmen and assistance coordinators wear high-visibility clothing in compliance with type NBN EN 471+A1:2008 and following, of class 3 or equivalent, consisting of a yellow jacket and optionally trousers of the same colour or an overall of the same colour. 

      On the back of the jacket or on the upper part of the overall there must be a square black logo on a yellow background. This logo must be at least 25 cm wide. 

      The same logo must also be displayed on the front, where it must be at least 8 cm wide. 

      The jacket or the upper part of the overall must also have reflective stripes on the front and back.

      What requirements must an escort vehicle meet?
      An escort vehicle may be a passenger car, a dual-purpose vehicle or a light truck. An escort vehicle must be fitted with the following signalling:

      • at the front and rear, diagonal alternating white and red stripes 7.5 to 10 cm wide at an angle of 45 to 60 degrees over a minimum area of 0.5 m²; the white stripes at the front are retro-reflective and the red stripes at the rear are retro-reflective;
      • at the front and rear, a square panel of 50 cm (minimum area 0.25 m²) bearing a black logo on a yellow retro-reflective background;
      • on the sides, retro-reflective panels with open arrows in red and white, or in red and yellow, at least 1 metre wide and 30 cm high, pointing towards the front of the escort vehicle;
      • on the roof, at least two yellow-orange rotating or flashing lights visible all around; during relocation or operational transport these rotating or flashing lights and the dipped-beam headlights must be in operation at all times;
      • if an escort vehicle must be provided behind the port vehicles involved in the relocation or operational transport, the escort vehicle must have a roof-mounted light bar with orange directional warning arrows;
      • during the execution of the transport movements, the dipped-beam headlights of the escort vehicle and the signalling must always be in operation. The port operations coordination centre may at any time impose additional conditions and modalities for the relocation of a port vehicle.
    • How are infringements of the provisions of the Port Traffic By-law sanctioned?
      Infringements of the Port Traffic By-law are sanctioned on the basis of the Decree of 03.05.2019 concerning the port operations coordination centre and the Decision of the Flemish Government of 16.12.2022 on the implementation of this Decree. These concern the amounts of the immediate collection of fines that may be proposed in the event of an infringement of a Port Traffic By-law. These amounts are determined according to the seriousness of the infringement.

Picture of the Grootdok in North Sea Port’s Ghent sub-area.

This is where the rules apply

Want to know where the Port Traffic By-law covers Ghent? Check the full map. Got questions about port vehicles? Drop us a quick email. We’ll steer you in the right direction.

Get your port vehicle inspected

Every port vehicle needs a green light from an accredited inspection body. Here you’ll find the right forms, addresses and how to request permission for inspection outside the port.

  • Use the form for categories A1, B1, A3 and B3 to do a quick pre-check yourself. For info only! The official inspection is always carried out by an accredited inspection body.

    Picture of tyre tracks of a bulldozer at Sagro Decom’s offshore terminal in North Sea Port’s Vlissingen sub-area.
  • OCB – Koningin Astridlaan 60, 2550 Kontich – +32 3 451 37 00 – info@ocb.be 

    SGS – Noorderlaan 87, 2030 Antwerpen – +32 3 545 48 84 – be.ssb.lhhaven.antwerpen@sgs.com

    Vinçotte  – Noordersingel 23, 2140 Antwerpen – +32 3 221 87 67 – dmlplanningnorth@vincotte.be

    Picture of a bulldozer at Sagro Decom’s offshore terminal in North Sea Port’s Vlissingen sub-area.
  • GLE Gent (trailers) – John F. Kennedylaan, Haven 3880 A, 9042 Gent – +32 9 395 16 20 – gnt.services@gle-group.eu (appointments)

    Tailormade Logistics – Hulsdonk 29, 9042 Desteldonk – +32 498 88 68 93 – fleet@tml.group (appointments) 

     Mervielde – Monumentstraat 13, 9940 Ertvelde-Rieme – +32 9 341 96 97 – garage@mervielde.be

    Picture of a bulldozer at the site of De Mol Recycling in the Ghent sub-area of North Sea Port.
  • SBAT Inspection Centre Wondelgem – Industrieweg 2, 9032 Wondelgem – autokeuring.wondelgem@sbat.be 

    Please note: For the inspection of a port vehicle in category A4 – B4 at an inspection body outside our port area, you always need permission to move your vehicle first. To submit your application, please fill in the form below and send it to havenvoertuigen@northseaport.com.

    Picture of the steering wheel of a bulldozer at De Mol Recycling in North Sea Port’s Ghent sub-area.
  • You can simply have a technical report drawn up by an accredited technical service of your choice.

    These three technical services have the necessary qualifications to draw up such a report for you:

    Vinçotte: Jan Olieslagerslaan 35, 1800 Vilvoorde, +32 2 674 57 11 

    ESTL: Wafelstraat 46, 8540 Deerlijk, +32 56 77 86 00 

    CHTS: Parklaan 43, 8450 Bredene / Leuvensesteenweg 643, 1930 Zaventem, +32 479 76 28 77

Picture of a reach stacker and containers at DFDS in North Sea Port’s Ghent sub-area.

Relocation, route permit, load capacity

Moving a port vehicle and/or applying for a route permit? Find all forms, deadlines and info on bridges and roads here. No surprises, just smooth sailing.

Apply for a route permit

To get on the road, apply for your route permit via havenvoertuigen@northseaport.com. Please use the form and complete your request in full. Need a hand? We’re glad to help by email.

Relocation notice

Moving a port vehicle? Report it at least five days ahead through the online form to the port operations coordination centre. Send your notice to havenvoertuigen@northseaport.com

Roads and bridges with normal load capacity

Two bridges in Ghent are ready for normal load: Wegbrug Terdonk (#1893) and Everstein Bridge W18 on N458 (Wondelgemkaai, #453). You’ll find more info in the document below.

Roads and bridges with limited increased load capacity

Ghent has no bridges or roads with limited increased load capacity.

Picture of Saskia Walters, adviser prevention, supervision and enforcement at North Sea Port.
Get in touch

Too many rules on your horizon or need a permit fast? Saskia Walters, our in-house specialist, will steer you through with ease. Reach out now.