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Factsheet 53 — July 2005

Printable version (one file)

Overdimension vehicles and loads

About the 'Vehicle Dimensions and Mass' Rule

This factsheet summarises some requirements of Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Dimensions and Mass 2002.

For full information, obtain a copy of the Rule (available in print from bookshops that sell legislation and some libraries). If there are any differences between the requirements described here and those described in the Rule, follow the Rule.

What is an overdimension vehicle or load?

An overdimension (or oversize) vehicle or load exceeds the maximum dimensions allowed for standard vehicles.

  • If you need information on the maximum sizes for standard motor vehicles, see Factsheet 13a Heavy rigid vehicles and Factsheet 13c Trailers: Full, semi, simple, pole, A-train and B-train, or contact Land Transport New Zealand's helpdesk: (freephone) 0800 699 000.

Overdimension vehicles or loads are only allowed if they can't be made smaller: they must be indivisible. (An indivisible load is a load that can't (without an unreasonable amount of effort or expense, or the risk of damage to the load) be divided into two or more sections for road transport.)

Construction machinery should be loaded so it fits within standard dimension limits, if possible.

There are special operating conditions that overdimension vehicles or loads must meet, based on the size of the vehicles and loads. There are four size categories — 1, 2, 3 and 4 — each larger than the previous one. This factsheet concentrates on the most common size categories, Categories 1 and 2.

  • If you need information on Category 3 or Category 4 overdimension vehicles and loads, contact the Overdimension Permit Issuing Agency (OPIA) Helpdesk: freephone 0800 OVERSIZE (0800 683 774) or fax 06 953 6313.

Note: You need to contact your nearest regional office of Transit New Zealand if your load is overweight — that is, exceeds the mass (weight) limits in Factsheet 13 Vehicle dimensions and mass.

How to use this factsheet

Each section is a different file, which can be printed in the usual way. If you wish to print the whole factsheet, use the printable version (one file).

1. First, read about types of overdimension vehicles and loads:

2. Study the general operating conditions that all overdimension vehicles must comply with:

3. Work out which category your vehicle (including the load) is in:

4. Determine whether you need a permit:

5. You'll need to comply with some specific operating requirements for Category 1 and Category 2 overdimension vehicles. Read about:

6. Make sure you carry this factsheet in your vehicle so you can refer to it.

Where you can find out more

  • Read Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Dimensions and Mass 2002
  • Call the Overdimension Permit Issuing Agency (OPIA) Helpdesk:
    • freephone 0800 OVERSIZE (0800 683 774)
    • fax 06 953 6313.
  • Contact Land Transport New Zealand:
    • Email us: info@nzta.govt.nz.
    • Call our Helpdesk: (freephone) 0800 699 000.
    • Write to us: Land Transport New Zealand, PO Box 2840, Wellington.