From 1 May 2010, the weight and dimensions rules for vehicle combinations were amended to allow a new class of vehicle called high productivity motor vehicles (HPMVs). Previously the maximum mass limit for a vehicle combination carrying a divisible load without a permit was 44 tonnes. HPMVs will be able to go over that limit, and some will be able to be longer than the usual 20-metre overall length.
Find out more about High Productivity Motor Vehicles from the NZTA »
Kawerau District has approved all of its roads excluding the Waterhouse Street Bridge for use by HPMV vehicles. Permits for HPMV use on approved Kawerau District Council roads can be obtained through NZTA. NZTA will issue a permit covering both state highways and local roads on your proposed HPMV route.
Application Process
Apply for an HPMV permit via the New Zealand Transport Agency
50MAX Permits
In 2013, NZTA identified that most road bridges constructed across the country could safely carry 50-tonne loads. NZTA has developed a further new class of heavy vehicle which can have a maximum combined total mass of 50 tonnes, an increase on the standard 44 tonnes. 50MAX is therefore a new generation of truck that allows for the safe and more efficient transport of freight goods.
50MAX trucks are slightly longer than standard 44 tonne vehicles, have an additional axle (9 in total) and can have a total weight of up to 50 tonnes. 50MAX trucks are not replacing the standard 44 tonne trucks; they are an option for industry to use if they choose. It gives operators another option to carry increased payloads on parts of the network that, while economically important to New Zealand, are unable to carry High Productivity Motor Vehicles (HPMVs).
A permit is required to operate a 50MAX truck. Whilst 50MAX vehicles can operate on most roads, there are some bridges that they cannot travel over due to load restrictions on the bridge.
Find out more about 50MAX from the NZTA »
Application Process
Apply for a 50MAX Permit for operation on both the State Highway network and Kawerau District Council local roads, via the New Zealand Transport Agency.
45/46 Tonne Heavy Vehicle Permits
The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) has approved two new classes of heavy commercial vehicle to operate on New Zealand Roads from 1 February 2017.
These new vehicles are 45 tonne (7 axle combination) and 46 tonne (8 axle combination) truck and trailer units.
As the overall mass of these vehicles is below 50 tonnes, Kawerau District Council has approved these new heavy vehicle combinations for travel on all roads excluding the Waterhouse Street Bridge within the Kawerau District, as it has for 50MAX vehicles.
Permits are required to be obtained from NZTA for 45/46 tonne vehicles, as it is for 50MAX vehicles