Level crossings: the Rule, then KiwiRail’s own conditions
- THE RULE (6.13): over 25 m long, you must have written permission from the access provider before any level crossing. Carry it in any readable format and show it to an enforcement officer.
- THE RULE (Schedule 6 Part 3): over 4.3 m high and above the electrified railway safe height sign, at a level crossing that is not on a State Highway, you must have written approval from the access provider.
- KIWIRAIL’S OWN AGREEMENT (not the Rule) is wider. It asks for a KiwiRail crossing permit for long, wide, high or heavy loads, or a long overhang, at its level crossings. Ask KiwiRail before you plan the route, and check the current agreement for its limits.
- A metal-tracked vehicle may not cross under its own power without protection and supervision put in place by KiwiRail.
More detail
- Use KiwiRail’s application form. KiwiRail’s website explains how to apply and who to contact.
- Allow plenty of time. KiwiRail needs notice, and a crossing that needs KiwiRail supervision or protection takes longer.
- Your KiwiRail permit shows a protection code. Some codes mean you ring Train Control and wait for confirmation before you cross. Others mean you wait for KiwiRail staff on site to tell you to go.
- A permit is for a named operator and named crossings, and is not transferable. Carry a copy and show it to any KiwiRail employee or regulator officer. Ring Train Control when you are clear of the crossing.
- This is based on KiwiRail’s Operator Agreement as linked from its over-sized loads page (read 10 Oct 2026). KiwiRail can change it, so check the current version.
KiwiRail Operations Support Desk: +64 4 474 2323
Where this comes from: Rule 6.13 and Schedule 6 Part 3 (the Rule). KiwiRail Operator Agreement (KiwiRail).
Over 25 m long
- You need an overdimension permit.
- Over 25 m long, the Rule (6.13) requires written permission from the access provider before any level crossing. KiwiRail’s own agreement asks for a crossing permit from 25 m or longer.
- Over 35 m is Category 4B, unless the combination has a manned steering jinker. With a jinker, Category 3 and 4A go up to 50 m, and over 50 m is Category 4B.
More detail
- Carry the rail permission with the vehicle, in any readable format, and show it to an enforcement officer on demand. The operator, including a fleet manager or dispatcher, is covered by the rule, not just the driver.
- Over 30 m and loaded: you must have a rear steering facility.
- Category 4B needs an engineering assessment of the route with the permit application (6.51(3)).
- A hazard warning panel goes at the rear for excess length (6.14, 6.15).
- Category 2 (25 to 35 m) has one Class 2 pilot by day (two for Category 2C), and a Class 1 plus a Class 2 at night.
- Signs for a long load under 3.1 m wide: LONG LOAD FOLLOWS on a front pilot, and LONG LOAD AHEAD on a rear pilot if you have one.
Where this comes from: Rule 6.8(7), 6.13, 6.14, 6.34, 6.49, 6.51(3); Schedule 6
General information only. Not legal advice and not a permit. The Rule, your permit conditions, NZTA and road signs come first. Rules change, so check the current Rule before every move. Checked 9 Oct 2026 against the Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Dimensions and Mass 2016, as at 6 Aug 2026. If you are unsure, ring NZTA’s permitting team on 0800 683 774.