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Find out whether...
- your heavy vehicle fits within standard dimension requirements
- your trailer fits within standard dimension requirements.
Overweight vehicles
There are strict controls on the weight and axle loads of vehicles. This is to protect our road network. If your vehicle exceeds the limits because of the load you're carrying, or the vehicle's design, you need to apply for an overweight permit before you travel.
Download the application form (Word, 530 KB) or pick up a copy from any of our offices.
Find out the detail on requirements for overweight vehicles.
Before you buy an extremely heavy vehicle
Check section 2.2 of our Overweight permit manual to see if it will qualify for an overweight permit. Not all vehicles qualify - and if the vehicle is too big, you'll not be able to use it on New Zealand roads.
Overdimension vehicles
The standard dimensions of vehicles, loads and how much loads can overhang are set by law. However, the law also provides for occasions when loads and vehicles exceed the standard limits.
There are four categories of overdimension vehicles and loads. In some cases you must apply to us for an overdimension permit which sets a number of requirements, including:
- pre-travel route checks
- required permissions, eg from railway operators
- vehicle lighting
- emergency service notifications.
You may also have to engage one or more suitably qualified load pilots to supervise the journey. There are two classes of load pilots, each requiring different levels of training. See more about the detailed requirements for pilots and for overweight and oversize vehicles.
Want to get an overdimension permit?
Contact the Overdimension Permit Issuing Agency (OPIA), freephone 0800 OVERSIZE (0800 683 774) or fax (06 953 6313).
High productivity motor vehicles
If you want to carry divisible loads, such as logs, milk powder or freight, more productively, you may be able to operate on a high productivity motor vehicle permit from 1 May 2010.
