New Zealand sorts oversize (overdimension) loads into Standard and Categories 1 to 4. The category depends on how wide, long and far forward your load is, and it sets the permit and pilot vehicle requirements. The rules come from the Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Dimensions and Mass 2016 (Section 6 and Schedules 6 to 10).
The categories at a glance
| Category | Width | Length | Permit | Pilots |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Up to 2.55 m | Within the standard for your vehicle | No | None for width |
| Category 1 | Over 2.55 m up to 3.7 m | Up to 25 m | None for these sizes (a permit is listed if the vehicle cannot meet its Category requirements, Rule 6.49(1)(e)) | 1 Class 2 over 3.1 m wide, if over 40 km/h in daylight hours or at any speed in hours of darkness (Rule 6.33(1)). A pilot can be needed at any size (6.33(2)) |
| Category 2 | Beyond the Category 1 line, up to 4.5 m (at 8.5 m forward distance) | Over 25 m up to 35 m | Not for width. Yes for length over 25 m or overhang over 7 m | 1 Class 2 by day, 1 Class 1 + 1 Class 2 at night (2 Class 2 by day for 2C) |
| Category 3 | Beyond the Category 2 line, up to 5 m. A standard-width load with forward distance over 13.3 m up to 20 m is also Category 3 | Up to 35 m (50 m with a manned steering jinker) | Yes | 1 Class 1 + 1 Class 2 at all times (1 Class 1 + 2 Class 2 at all times if rear overhang over 7 m) |
| Category 4A | Over 5 m up to 11 m | Up to 35 m (50 m with a jinker) | Yes | 1 Class 1 + 2 Class 2 at all times, plus any permit conditions |
| Category 4B | Over 11 m, or beyond any 4A limit | Beyond 4A | Yes, with an engineering assessment | 1 Class 1 + 2 Class 2, plus permit conditions |
Where this comes from: Rule 6.8, 6.33 to 6.35, 6.49; Schedule 6. This table is a summary. Forward distance, overhang and combinations can change your category, so use the load check or the Rule itself.
Work out your category
The free HAULR load check takes your width, length, height, overhang and weight and shows the category, pilots, signs and lights, with the Rule clause beside each line.
Where to go next
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.