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High productivity motor vehicle permits. Pro-forma designs

Updated: 27 January 2012

The NZ Transport Agency has approved several 'pro-forma’ (approved non standard) vehicle combination designs for general access to New Zealand roads at standard axle mass.

You can use these approved designs when applying for a high productivity motor vehicle (HPMV) permit. Using a pro-forma design in your application will make the approval process simpler.

On this page

Pro-forma designs and your permit application

If you wish to build or operate a pro-forma vehicle combination that is identified below, you will need to apply for a permit. The approval will be granted, and there will not be an expiry date on the permit.

Each individual vehicle in the overlength HPMV combination must in itself meet the dimensional requirements of the Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Dimensions and Mass 2002 unless specified otherwise.

Some other general conditions will also be required. The vehicle must:

  • meet the dimension thresholds provided on the NZTA pro-forma design.
  • have an 'H' sign at front and rear of the vehicle combination that meets the specifications in the Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Dimensions and Mass 2002. This must be displayed at all times while you are operating under the permit.
  • not operate on any road with a prescribed length restriction if the vehicle exceeds that restriction.
  • have lights at the rear of the combination, these must be of the light emitting diode (LED) type to address voltage drop.
  • have repeater side indicator lights placed approx midway along the side of the trailer.
  • only have original truck manufacturer approved modifications made to the truck frontal protection area.
  • have conspicuity tape in red/ white meeting DOT C-3 that outlines the shape of the vehicle from both sides and rear, or LED side marker lamps or reflectors fitted at a maximum of 2m intervals along the side of the vehicle as close as practical to the load bed.
  • Roll Stability Control (RSC): All trailers must have roll stability control fitted and active.

Using a pro-forma design in your application

Please print off the applicable vehicle design below, complete your actual vehicle dimensions, and include this with your HPMV application.

Using other designs

If you wish to use a longer vehicle that is not a pro-forma design, then the NZTA can again approve the dimensional variation, however this will be route restricted and you will need to gain permission to operate from each local road controlling authority (RCA) affected.

Approval of new pro-forma designs

The process for the NZTA approval of a pro-forma design is for an industry group to agree a productive design that suits them, and then have a report prepared by an engineering consultancy with respect to both high speed stability and low speed maneuvering. The NZTA will then review the design and report, and if acceptable will approve the new pro-forma and update this web page.

The HPMV pro-forma designs

22.3 metre truck and full trailer

22.3 metre truck and full trailer (pro forma design).

24.3 metre truck and simple trailer (eg car transporter)

24.3 metre Truck and simple trailer (pro forma design).

24.3 metre truck and simple trailer 8130 (eg car transporter)

24.3 metre Truck and simple trailer (pro forma design).

22 metre B-train

22 metre B-train (pro-forma design).

22.3 metre B-train 5680

22.3 metre B-train 5680 (pro-forma design).

22.3 metre B-train 5700

22.3 metre B-train 5700 (pro-forma design).

22.3 metre log truck and full trailer

22.3 metre log truck and full trailer.

19.45 metre quad semi

19.45 metre quad semi.