Kobe City: Special Vehicles on Port Roads

What is the Special Vehicle Passage Approval System?

Large and heavy cargoes increase the risk of damage to roads and bridges. Prior approval from the road administrator is required for the passage of vehicles exceeding a certain size or weight (called “special vehicles”).
For roads managed by the Kobe Port and Harbor Bureau (see the schematic diagram at the bottom of this page), please apply for approval at the Kobe Port Management Office.

Application for Road Approval

Items and Criteria that Require Application

Please refer to “Approval Criteria for Special Vehicles (from April 1, 2020)” (PDF: 213KB) for items and criteria that require application.
If the width, height, length, gross weight, axle weight, etc. of the vehicle exceed these standards, please apply for approval.

Documents required for application for approval

Please submit two copies each of the following 1 to 5.

Application for approval of special vehicles

Application Form (WORD: 17KB)
Example of application form [Single vehicle] (PDF: 282KB)
Example of application form [Couple car] (PDF:284KB)

2. Description of Vehicle Specifications

You may use “Separate Form 1” and “Separate Form 1-2-1” from the “Forms Related to Application for Permission for Passage of Special Vehicles (for Handwritten Application)” section in the Special Vehicles Permit System (external link) on the website of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.
Regular application: Please use “Separate Form 1”.
A regular application refers to a case in which the number of vehicles applied for is one.
Comprehensive Application: Please use “Form 1-2-1”.
Comprehensive application refers to a case where the number of vehicles applying is two or more (limited to vehicles of the same type, route, cargo, and period of operation).

A copy of the vehicle registration certificate

4. Route map

5. Truck/Tractor Personal Translations (in the case of comprehensive application)

Vehicle translation form (EXCEL: 31KB)

6. Return envelope with a self-addressed stamp attached (in case you wish to receive the pass approval letter by mail)

How to submit and receive

Applications can be submitted at the Kobe Port Management Office or by mail.
Port Island Building (external link) 6F, 4-1-1 Minatojima-nakamachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0046
Port Island Building, Port and Harbor Bureau, Kobe City
Tel: 078-304-2500

The approval letter will be delivered to the applicant together with one copy of the submitted application documents after the completion of procedures at the office (approximately 10 days to 2 weeks). If you wish to have the application mailed, please also prepare a stamped return envelope when submitting the application.

Roads managed by the Kobe Port and Harbor Bureau

The map below is a schematic diagram. For details, please contact the administrator of each road.

• Rokko Island, Eastern construction area, Nada Pier
• Port Island and other Chuo Ward (except Airport), Maya Wharf
• Kobe Airport Island, Airport Bridge
• Hyogo, Nagata and Suma wards

Eastern District (Rokko Island, Eastern construction area, Nada Wharf)

Eastern Area Enlarged Map (PDF:287KB)

Central District (Port Island, Maya Wharf – Shinko – Harbor Land)

Central Area Enlarged Map（PDF：405KB)

Kobe Airport Island and Airport Bridge

Airport Island and Airport Bridge Enlarged View (PDF:172KB)

Western Area (Hyogo, Nagata and Suma Wards)

Enlarged map of the Western District (PDF:357KB)