Permits online, NZTA permitting team (OPIA) by phone
- Apply for an overdimension permit through the NZTA online form. NZTA’s permitting team is on 0800 683 774.
- You need an overdimension permit for: Category 3 or 4 width and forward distance, height over 5 m, front or rear overhang over 7 m, overall length over 25 m, or when you cannot meet your Category’s operating requirements (6.49).
- Your permit can add speed limits, a set route, extra pilots, a set vehicle configuration, and other conditions the Director considers necessary (6.52(2)). The Rule and the permit both apply.
OPIA, for your load: 0800 683 774
Apply for a permit (NZTA website)
Where this comes from: NZTA overdimension permits page; Rule 6.49, 6.52
Carry with you
- Your overdimension permit, if your load needs one (6.49).
- Your KiwiRail crossing permit, if any level crossing on your route needs one (see the KiwiRail card).
- A mass permit, if you have one: carry it in any readable format and show it on demand to an enforcement officer, an authorised agent of NZTA or the Director, or a road controlling authority (Rule 5.5(2)).
More detail
- Overdimension permit: carry it in any readable format for the period of travel it covers, and produce it on demand for a pilot vehicle operator or an enforcement officer (Rule 6.54(3)).
- The Rule requires you to have the written OKs for overhead obstructions and wires (Schedule 6 Part 3). NZTA’s operating requirements page says to carry evidence of these permissions in a readable format and show it to an enforcement officer on request.
- A permit is only good for the vehicle and load described, the named operator, and as issued (6.55). You must stay within the dimensions on it (plus no more than 0.5 m on a stated width) and provide the pilots it names (6.53).
Where this comes from: Rule 5.5, 6.13, 6.53, 6.54, 6.55
NZTA permit pages
- Apply for an overdimension permit NZTA online application. Apply well in advance. NZTA’s permitting team is on 0800 683 774.
- Overdimension permits overview NZTA. When a permit is needed and how it works.
- Operating requirements and route restrictions NZTA. Harbour Bridge, motorways, tunnels and toll roads.
- Roles, responsibilities and permit conditions NZTA. Who does what, and what a breach costs.
- Travel-time or route exemption form NZTA. For travel-time and Schedule 8 exemptions.
- Overweight permits (needed if the load is also overweight)
- High-productivity motor vehicle (HPMV) permits
- Types of overdimension vehicles and loads
- Requirements when driving an overdimension vehicle
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.