Over 3.1 m wide
- OVERSIZE sign, front and rear: Category 1 over 3.1 m only when a pilot vehicle is with you; Category 2 over 3.1 m; Category 3 and 4: Schedule 6 lists it with no width condition. Do not display it when it is not required (6.18(3)).
- Category 1 over 3.1 m wide: at least one Class 2 pilot if travelling over 40 km/h in daylight hours, or at any speed in hours of darkness. Categories 2 to 4 have their own pilot numbers.
- Over 3.7 m: amber beacon on at all times.
- Over 5 m wide, under a permit: the operator must notify the Director (NZTA) at least 30 minutes before the journey is to begin.
More detail
- Over 5 m wide at night: two or more white scene lamps (6.19(5)).
- Hazard warning flags or panels go on each side at the front and rear of an overwidth load (6.14, 6.15).
- Category 1 has peak-hour travel limits in city areas and set weekend times (6.21).
- Let other traffic pass at the first safe chance.
- Auckland Harbour Bridge, the Auckland motorways, Wellington Motorway and toll routes have their own width limits (Schedule 8). Toll routes have their own limits unless NZTA gives explicit authority, and NZTA lists an authority for the Tauranga Eastern Link, which bypasses Te Puke.
Where this comes from: Rule 6.8(6), 6.14, 6.15, 6.18, 6.19, 6.21, 6.33, 6.37, 6.54; Schedule 8
Width by category
| Category | Width | Pilots |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Up to 2.55 m | None for width |
| Category 1 | Over 2.55 m up to 3.7 m | 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) | 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 | 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 | 1 Class 1 + 2 Class 2 at all times, plus any permit conditions |
| Category 4B | Over 11 m, or beyond any 4A limit | 1 Class 1 + 2 Class 2, plus permit conditions |
Where this comes from: Rule 6.8, 6.33 to 6.35; 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.