Large vehicles and vehicles carrying large items are able to move around Victoria in an efficient manner and, in some circumstances, without the need for a permit to do so. The construction, earthmoving, mining and primary production industries in particular benefit from this initiative.
Vehicles could be oversize or overmass by the nature of the load they carry, or by the special purpose they perform.
Details of the vehicle mass and dimension limits and the operating conditions are described in Schedule 7 of the Road Safety (Vehicles) Regulations 2009.
The following information bulletin summarises the general operating requirements for oversize and overmass vehicles transporting an indivisible item.
An individual permit is not required provided the intended operation complies with all the requirements in the information bulletin and the bulletin is carried in the vehicle.
Oversize Load Carrying Vehicles [PDF, 4,935 KB, 16 pp]
The approved areas of operation and travelling times for load carrying vehicles that comply with all the requirements of the information bulletin are described Victoria Government Gazette Special No 402 - 9 November 2009 [PDF, 277 KB, 16pp]
A special purpose vehicle is a motor vehicle built for a purpose other than carrying a load. Examples of special purpose vehicles include mobile cranes, travel towers, drilling rigs, concrete pumps and fire trucks. It does not include tow trucks or agricultural vehicles.
The general operating requirements for Special Purpose Vehicles, including mobile cranes, can be found here.
A vehicle that does not comply with the mass, dimensions or operating requirements set out in the information bulletins may be able to travel under a specific permit issued by VicRoads. Please contact VicRoads to ascertain whether a permit would be granted.
The following document is attached to each permit that VicRoads issues for oversize or overmass vehicles. It lists operating conditions, including travel time restrictions, escort requirements and the designated Over Dimensional (OD) Routes in Victoria.
Oversize/overmass vehicles additional permit conditions [PDF, 600KB, 8 pp]
The national operating conditions for the movement of oversize vehicles include a requirement for OVERSIZE warning signs to be attached to the front and rear of oversize vehicles.
Since the requirement for rigid signs was introduced, flexible warning signs have become more readily available in the required Class 1 or Class 2 retro-reflective material. Operators of oversize vehicles may prefer flexible warning signs because they can be easily stored when not in use.
Signs must be of an approved type and correctly fitted. Flexible signs if used, must be tied down in a manner that ensures that they are taut, clearly visible and unlikely to furl or otherwise become difficult to read by approaching motorists. If the sign does furl or for any other reason cannot be read by approaching motorists, the fine applicable will be the same as for failing to display a sign.
The provision for flexible OVERSIZE warning signs is published in the Victoria Government Gazette Special No. 35 of 1 February 2006 [PDF, 60 KB, 2pp].
Overdimensional routes are marked to facilitate the movement of oversize and over mass vehicles. These routes are shown on the maps in the above bulletins and are also listed at the rear of the Oversize/Overmass Vehicles Additional Permit Conditions brochure mentioned above.