What is changing?
The main change is that from 1 May 2010 existing weight and dimensions rules for trucks are being amended to allow a new class of vehicle called high productivity motor vehicles (HPMVs). These HPMVs can only operate under permit and on specified routes.
Currently the maximum mass limit for a truck carrying a divisible load without a permit is 44 tonnes. HPMVs will be able to go over that limit and some will be able to be longer than current trucks.
These changes have been made possible through the Vehicle Dimensions and Mass Amendment Rule (2010). The rule amendment also changes lengths for some classes of truck and trailers, and some buses.
Can my existing truck take advantage of these new weights or is it only for new trucks?
We expect that a range of existing trucks will be eligible for HPMV permits but it will depend on the configuration of your truck. Some possible truck configurations are shown in Higher Mass HPMV Vehicle Designs (PDF, 380 KB, 4 pages) and High-Productivity Motor Vehicles (Factsheet 13g).
Permits can allow the vehicle to exceed a gross weight of 44,000 kg, however other factors, including the particular axle configuration of your vehicle and your proposed route, will determine how much over 44,000 kg the vehicle can go.
Some truck components may also need upgrades. We will be discussing HPMV operating conditions with the industry, as some vehicles may need upgrades of components such as brakes, tow couplings, load anchor points, lights and stability controls before they are eligible for a permit.
Over time we would expect more trucks and trailers to come onto the market that are already configured to make use of higher weights.
I operate well within the current weight limits but would like to carry more. Would an HPMV permit allow me to?
Height and width limits are not changing but there is the option to increase length under permit, which could allow you to carry more (see High-Productivity Motor Vehicles (Factsheet 13g) for more information about this).
How do I apply for a permit?
Applications for overweight permits for state highways are managed through our regional offices. We will begin processing applications from 1 May 2010.
We are using a similar process and application form (PDF, 210 KB, 4 pages) to the current overweight permit (OPermit) system.
Councils/RCAs will be responsible for issuing permits on their roads. Permits are issued at the discretion of roading authorities.
If you are planning to use a state highway as part of your trip, talk to your local NZTA office first.
On which roads is an HPMV permit valid?
There is no restriction on where you can apply for an HPMV permit, however we can only approve permits for state highways that we assess as suitable for HPMVs. We generally do not issue permits for local roads. You will need to contact the relevant council for permits on their roads.
We are progressively assessing and planning upgrades of the state highway network where necessary. This will take time and it may be some routes will be restricted.
Permits may have other restrictions that you are required to observe. You are also required to carry signs that identify your vehicle as HPMV permitted (see High-Productivity Motor Vehicles (Factsheet 13g) for more information about this).
How long will issuing an HPMV permit take?
It will depend on the complexity of your route (how many NZTA regions and the number of local council roads you want to use) and the amount of assessment we need to do. If we are concerned about the ability of the infrastructure to handle heavy loads, it may be that your application has to be declined. In that case we will tell you why.
How long do permits last?
Overweight permits are usually issued for up to one year, depending on the routes and the loads. But it might also depend on your freight task and application. Overlength permits will not have an expiry date.
How often can I travel on my permit?
Unless there are specific conditions on your HPMV permit, there is no additional restriction on the number of trips your vehicle can make on the approved route, as long as you fully comply with your permit. Failure to comply with your permit could result in financial penalties and withdrawal of the permit.
I need to make a single trip. Can I get a permit for that?
You can apply for a single trip permit but you may find the time needed to make the application and assess it makes it less suitable than a general HPMV permit that allows a number of journeys over time.
What happens if I want to travel off an approved HPMV route?
Your HPMV permit allows you to travel at weights above 44 tonnes but only on approved routes. Your HPMV permit does not allow you to carry those higher axle weights off approved routes, even when operating below 44 tonnes.
If you want to leave an approved route you must comply with the usual limits for axle weights and gross mass. As long as you comply with these rules there are no special restrictions on travel.
I want to get a new truck/trailer, how can this rule benefit me?
We have been talking with truck and trailer suppliers about the rule amendment. Talk to your vehicle supplier about the best options for your business. We have also developed some ‘pro forma’ vehicle designs that may be of help (see High-Productivity Motor Vehicles (Factsheet 13g) for more information about this).
I was involved in the HPMV permit trial. Can I get the same permits now?
We will consider any applications for HPMV permits. The trials were run under controlled conditions and not all vehicle combinations that were included will be eligible for HPMV permits (eg 6 axle tractor/semi trailers are NOT eligible).
I hold an overweight permit to move import/export ISO containers to/from the port on a tractor semi trailer. What happens to my current permit? Am I eligible for an HPMV permit?
The rule amendment does not affect your current permit. Permits will still be available under the current policy limits, including the restriction of 44 tonnes gross mass. But some vehicle combinations currently covered by this policy may now be eligible for HPMV permits without the current restrictions being applied.
What does this mean for RUCs?
RUCs are based on vehicle weight. If you want to carry more weight you will have to pay higher RUCs.
What about buses?
There are some specific provisions for buses in the rule amendments (see High-Productivity Motor Vehicles (Factsheet 13g)). There has been an additional allowance for bike racks and an increase in some axle lengths.
