Heavy vehicle permits
Heavy and overweight vehicles
New Zealand has strict rules regarding Mass Limits. This limits how heavy any one axle is allowed to be on a vehicle (up to 46 tonnes). To protect delicate structures like bridges, operators must obtain an overweight permit before driving on the road network.
Applying for an overweight permit
As of 14 August 2017, Waipā District Council, Waikato District Council and Hamilton City Council operate a centralised permitting office for overweight vehicles.
If your overweight permit is granted, it will be issued to you as soon as it is ready, and you will be invoiced by Council at the end of the month.
High-productivity motor vehicles
High Productivity Motor Vehicles (HPMVs) are allowed under new legislation. The vehicle configuration for full HPMV allows for freight operators to carry increased payloads on parts of the network where bridges have been assessed/upgraded to carry heavier weights.
The maximum weight of an HPMV depends upon the vehicle configuration and the route capacity.
50MAX Vehicle combinations
50MAX vehicle combinations have nine axles (one more than conventional 44-tonne vehicle combinations), meaning the overall truckload is spread further and there is no additional wear on roads per tonne of freight.
This means 50MAX gives operators an option to carry increased payloads on parts of the network that, while economically important to New Zealand, carry lower volumes of freight
Applying for a HPMV or 50MAX permit
If you are driving a high-productivity motor vehicle then you can see approved routes and restricted bridges in our District here HPMV (High Productivity Motor Vehicle) Approved Routes and Restricted Bridges
To discuss the permitting process further, you can contact a consultant by emailing LA.OWPermits@beca.com or phone 07 577 7971.
Over-dimension loads
If you are shifting a house or extra-large load, you will need an over-dimension permit.
The Land Transport Rule lists a series of sizes for standard motor vehicles carrying loads. To protect delicate overhead structures (power lines, overhead signs, bridges) and avoid damaging the grass berm or vegetation on the sides of narrow roads, operators must obtain over-dimension permits before driving on the road network.
NZTA issues over-dimension permits, visit the NZTA website for further information.
Bridges with weight or size restrictions
The following district bridges have a weight, speed, or other restriction to protect the structure from damage. Please observe the restriction signs otherwise you risk damaging your vehicle the bridge or both.
Council recovers all damage costs from drivers where they can be identified, and some bridges have CCTV to monitor use.
| Bridge name and location | Restrictions |
| Victoria Street bridge (high-level bridge) in Cambridge | Max
weight: 3 tonne
Max speed: 30km per hour Max height: 3m Max width: 2.1m Campervans and large trailers can be too wide and high to cross this bridge. |
| Baffin Street bridge in Pirongia | Max
weight: 12 tonne. This is a narrow single-lane bridge, and wide vehicles can
get stuck.
Max speed: 20km per hour |
| Maungatautari Road bridge | Max weight: 44 tonne (Class 1) |
| Pokuru Road bridge (across Puniu River) | Max weight: 44 tonne (Class 1) |
| Bowman Road bridge near Te Awamutu | Max weight: 44 tonne (Class 1) |
| Te Pahu Road bridge (between SH39 and Hodgson Road, Te Pahu) | Max weight: 44 tonne (Class 1) |
| Hydro Road- Karapiro Dam | Max
Weight 3 tonne
Max Width 2.2m Max Length 5.0m The dam is a single lane with a tight bend and longer and wider vehicles will get stuck. |
Fees and charges
| Description | Fees and charges 2026-27 |
|---|---|
| Single Overweight Permit fee (5 day processing) - per application | $171.00 |
| Single Overweight Permit fee (24 hour processing) - per application | $186.00 |
| Overweight Permit fee (24 month period) - per application | $263.00 |
| Over Dimension Damage - new fee | Staff time & actual and reasonable costs |
Note:
- Charged in accordance with the Waka Kotahi Overweight Permit Manual.
