Light rigid vehicles

This factsheet describes the legal requirements in the Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Dimensions and Mass 2002 relating to the dimension limits for light rigid vehicles. Please refer to Factsheet 13 for general dimension and mass limits and general towing requirements.

There were no changes made by the Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Dimensions and Mass 2010 Amendment, in force from 1 May 2010, that affect light rigid vehicles. For definitions of dimension and axle terms see Factsheet 13.

What is a light rigid vehicle?

Light vehicles are those with a maximum gross vehicle mass (GVM, usually specified by the manufacturer) of 3500kg or less.

A rigid vehicle has at least two axles, a driver's position, a steering system, motive power (pedals or a motor to drive the wheels) and a single rigid chassis.

Light rigid vehicles include cycles, mopeds, motorcycles, cars, light vans, light mobile homes, light forklifts, light tractors, and light self-powered agricultural and light construction machines.

What are the dimension requirements?

Definitions of length

The definitions of length depend on the definitions of rear axis and wheelbase which vary with different vehicle design configurations (See Factsheet 13 for definitions).

Height (including load)

The maximum height above ground is 4.25 metres. An additional 25mm above 4.25 metres is allowed for tarpaulins, lashings, straps, chains, covers and related connectors and tensioning devices which aren't permanently or rigidly fixed to the vehicle.

Width (including load)

The maximum width for a rigid vehicle with two wheels is 1 metre.

The maximum width for a vehicle with three or more wheels is 2.5 metres or 1.25 metres from each side of the longitudinal centre line of the vehicle (excluding side marker lights, direction indicators and the bulge towards the bottom of a tyre). The only extra width you're allowed is:

• 240mm each side for collapsible mirrors
• 25mm each side for ropes, lashings, straps, chains, connectors and tensioning devices that aren't permanently or rigidly fixed to the vehicle, or J-hooks (to secure stock crates or bins),
• 50mm for exterior grab rails on the cab (to help the driver and passengers get in and out safely).

Overall length (excluding collapsible mirrors)

The maximum length for a light rigid vehicle not towing a trailer is 12.6 metres (including any load). However, t he maximum length for a rigid vehicle towing a trailer is 11.5 metres (including any load). This means that if your vehicle is longer than 11.5 metres you cannot tow a trailer or other vehicle.

Forward distance

Forward distance for a rigid vehicle means the distance from the rear axis to the front of the vehicle or its load, whichever is foremost (excluding collapsible mirrors).

The maximum forward distance for rigid vehicles without a tow coupling is 9.5 metres. Rigid vehicles with a tow coupling are restricted to a maximum forward distance of 8.5 metres. This assumes that the vehicle will be towing at some time and the forward distance then cannot exceed 8.5 metres.

Rear overhang

Rear overhang means the distance from the rear axis to the rear of the vehicle or its load, whichever is greater. It depends on the definitions of rear axis (See Factsheet 13 for definitions). For a rigid vehicle without a rear steering axle, the maximum rear overhang is 4 metres.

Ground clearance

There is no minimum ground clearance requirement for light rigid vehicles. If a light motor vehicle's suspension is modified so the ground clearance is less than 100mm, the modified suspension must be approved by a low volume vehicle certifier.

Front overhang

The maximum front overhang (measured from the front edge of the driver's seat when in its rearmost position to the foremost point of the vehicle or its load) is 3 metres.

Outside turning circle

A vehicle (including projections) must be able to complete a 360 degree turn, both to the left and to the right, within a circle with a wall-to-wall diameter of 25 metres. The only projections that can be outside this circle are collapsible mirrors.

What are the limits for projecting loads?

Vehicles may carry loads that are higher, longer or wider than the dimensions of the vehicle itself, provided that the load doesn't exceed the maximum permitted dimensions for that class and type of vehicle. The vehicle must be able to be moved safely when so loaded. It's the operator's responsibility to ensure the load is properly secured to the vehicle so that the vehicle remains stable at all times.

Please note: you might need an Overdimension permit if the load exceeds any of the standard dimension limits. See Factsheet 53.

Loads that overhang the outside of the body or deck of the vehicle by more than 1 metre to the front or rear, or more than 200mm to the left or right side, need to carry special warning devices attached to the overhanging end(s) of the load as follows.

During the hours of daylight, there must be either:

• a clean white, or fluorescent red, orange or yellow flag, at least 400mm long by 300mm wide, or
• a frangible hazard warning panel, at least 400mm long by 300mm wide showing an orange diagonal stripe (200mm wide) against a yellow green background, facing forwards or rearwards.

During the hours of darkness, the flags or hazard panels must be replaced with lights attached to the load. For loads:

• over 1 metre wide and extending more than 1 metre from the rear of the vehicle, one red lamp (facing toward the rear) on each side of load
• up to 1 metre wide and extending more than 1 metre from the rear of the vehicle, one red lamp (facing toward the rear) at the centre of load
• over 1 metre wide and extending from the front of the vehicle, one white or amber lamp (facing toward the front) on each side of load
• up to 1 metre wide and extending more than 1 metre from the front of the vehicle, one white or amber lamp (facing toward the front) at the centre of load
• extending more than 200mm beyond the side of the body of the vehicle, one red lamp (facing toward the rear) on each side of the load at the rear and one white or amber lamp (facing toward the front) on each side of the load at the front.

These lights must be clearly visible in clear weather at a distance of at least 200 metres during the hours of darkness. Displaying these lights at night is an operating requirement. It applies to all vehicles, no matter when they were first registered.

Where you can find out more

• Factsheets 13, 13a, 13c, 13d, 13e, 13f and 13g
• Factsheet 53, Overdimension vehicles and loads
• See Guide to safe loading and towing for light vehicles
• Land Transport Rule 41001: Vehicle Dimensions and Mass.

Contact the NZ Transport Agency:

• Email us: info@nzta.govt.nz.
• Phone our contact centre: 0800 699 000.
• Write to us: NZ Transport Agency, Private Bag 6995, Wellington 6141.