What is the Victoria Platform Trailer Network Pre-Approved Permit-Based Scheme?

Victoria Platform Trailer Network Pre-Approved Permit-Based Scheme is a Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) Scheme that provides access across 23 maps showing all pre-approved arterial roads that operators of a range of prime-mover, dolly, platform trailer, and low loader configurations can access across Victoria’s key corridors. The Scheme is for a range of platform trailer configurations up to 206.0t on key corridors.

Download the Platform Trailer Comparison Tool. This tool was developed for operators to compare their vehicles with the 23 reference vehicle combinations. The tool includes a guide and examples.

Contact the DTP Heavy Vehicles Team at heavyvehicles@transport.vic.gov.au if you need more information.

Reference vehicle minimum ground contact and GCM

Reference vehicles and their minimum ground contact widths (GCW) and gross combination mass (GCM) are listed in Tables 1 - 4. Configurations differ according to whether the permit is a single trip or a period permit. 

Specified low loaders requesting access to the Victoria Platform Trailer Network Pre-Approved Permit-Based Scheme are allowed a single trip permit only. If a multi-trip or period permit is requested, pre-approval cannot be applied, and the application will be sent to the DTP for a complete route assessment of their roads.

For more information, see the Single Trip, Period Permit and Multiple Trip - Information Sheet (PDF, 333KB).

Table 1: Reference vehicles – Single trip permit without dolly

Reference vehicle	Combination type	Minimum GCW trailer (m)	Maximum GCM (t)
1	Prime mover/6x8 platform trailer	4.2m	115.0t
9	Prime mover/7x8 platform trailer	4.3m	130.0t
2	Prime mover/8x8 platform trailer	4.2m	145.0t
10	Prime mover/9x8 platform trailer	4.3m	160.t
11	Prime mover/10x8 platform trailer	4.3m	175.0t
12	Prime mover/11x8 platform trailer	4.3m	190.0t
13	Prime mover/12x8 platform trailer	4.3m	205.0t

Table 2: Reference vehicles – Single trip permit with dolly

Reference vehicle	Combination type	Minimum GCW dolly (m)	Minimum GCW trailer (m)	Maximum GCM (t)
19	Prime mover/2x8 dolly/7x8 platform trailer	3.6m	3.7m	128.0t
5	Prime mover/2x8 dolly/5x8 platform trailer	4.0m	4.2m	131.0t
6	Prime mover/2x8 dolly/6x8 platform trailer	4.0m	4.3m	146.0t
20	Prime mover/2x8 dolly/7x8 platform trailer	4.0m	4.0m	147.0t
3	Prime mover/2x8 dolly/7x8 platform trailer	4.0m	4.2m	161.0t
4	Prime mover/2x8 dolly/8x8 platform trailer	4.0m	4.2m	176.0t
7	Prime mover/2x8 dolly/9x8 platform trailer	4.0m	4.3m	191.0t
8	Prime mover/2x8 dolly/10x8 platform trailer	4.0m	4.3m	206.0t

Table 3: Reference vehicles – Period permit

Reference vehicle	Combination type	Minimum GCW dolly (m)	Minimum GCW trailer (m)	Maximum GCM (t)
16	Prime mover/2x8 dolly/10x8 platform trailer	4.0m	4.2m	176.0t
15	Prime mover/2x8 dolly/11x8 platform trailer	4.0m	4.2m	188.0t
14	Prime mover/14x8 platform trailer	4.0m	4.3m	193.0t

Table 4: Reference vehicles – Low loader single trip permit

Reference vehicle	Combination type	Minimum GCW dolly (m)	Minimum GCW trailer (m)	Maximum GCM (t)
17	Prime mover/5x8 short low loader	N/A	4.2m	100.0t
23	Prime mover/5x8 long low loader	N/A	4.2m	100.0t
22	Prime mover/2x8 dolly/5x8 low loader	3.5m	3.5m	113.5t
18	Prime mover/2x8 dolly/5x8 short low loader	4.0m	4.2m	131.0t
21	Prime mover/2x8 dolly/5x8 long low loader	4.0m	4.2m	131.0t

Axle mass limits

In addition to an upper mass limit, maximum axle and axle group limits apply. These are contained in Table 5.

Table 5: Axle mass limits

Reference vehicle	Axle type	Maximum mass limit (t)
1-18, 21 and 23	Steer axle	6.5t*
	Drive group (no dolly)	18.5t
	Tandem dolly (eight tyres)	31.0t
	Drive group and tandem dolly	49.5t
	Axle on platform trailer (eight tyres) with single trip permit	15.0t per line
	Axle on platform trailer (eight tyres) with period permit (reference vehicles 14, 15 and 16 only)	12.0t per line
	Low loader (5-axle)	15.0t per line
19	Steer axle	6.5t*
	Drive group (no dolly)	18.5t
	Tandem dolly (eight tyres)	26.0t
	Drive group and tandem dolly	44.5t
	Axle on platform trailer (eight tyres) with single trip permit	11.0t per line
20	Steer axle	6.5t*
	Drive group (no dolly)	18.5t
	Tandem dolly (eight tyres)	31.0t
	Drive group and tandem dolly	49.5t
	Axle on platform trailer (eight tyres) with single trip permit	13.0t per line
22	Steer axle	6.5t*
	Drive group (no dolly)	18.5t
	Tandem dolly (eight tyres)	26.0t
	Drive group and tandem dolly	44.5t
	Low loader (5-axle)	12.5t per line
* Please note: The listed steer axle mass limit of 6.5 tonnes is only applicable for a complying steer axle. Otherwise, the mass limit of 6.0 tonnes applies. When operating at 6.5 tonnes, the steer axle must comply with the requirements specified in Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulations (MDL Regulation).

Dimension limits

Dimension limits and specific requirements for dimensions are contained in Tables 6 and 7.

Table 6: Dimension limits

Width	Height*	Rear overhang	Deck height	Length^
6.0m	6.0m	7.3m	1.2m	46.0m
* The maximum height limit is subject to available clearance on the network. Refer to the Height clearance on roads. ^ Reference vehicles have varying lengths, and readers should refer to the 'Platform trailer combination reference vehicle designs' section of this page.

Table 7: Specific requirements related to height

Route condition	Vehicle height	Requirement
No overhead structures	< 6.0m	Nil
No overhead structures	> 6.0m	Transport Management Plan (TMP)
Overhead electrical or telecommunications infrastructure	> 5.0m	Third party permission
Crossing rail tracks in a metropolitan area	> 4.9m	Rail permit
Crossing tram tracks	> 4.3m	Rail permit

Axle-spacing limits

Minimum and maximum dimensions between axles on reference vehicle platform trailers are specified in Table 8.

A maximum 50mm tolerance (plus or minus) is permitted on specified axle spacings to allow for manufacturing error. Only one tolerance is permitted per vehicle. Cumulative tolerances are not permitted. Tolerances are not permitted on new vehicles.

Table 8: Axle-spacing limits

Group or axle*	Minimum spacing	Maximum spacing
Last axle of the drive group to first axle of the platform trailer (no dolly) except reference vehicle 23	6.0m	6.3m
Last axle of the drive group to first axle of the platform trailer (no dolly) reference vehicle 23 only	8.9m	10.1m
Last axle of the drive group to first axle of the tandem dolly	2.6m	3.6m
Last axle of the tandem dolly to first axle of the platform trailer, except reference vehicle 21	6.0m	6.3m
Last axle of the tandem dolly to first axle of the platform trailer reference vehicle 21 only	8.9m	9.1m
Between each axle of a platform trailer for reference vehicles 1-16, 19, 20	1.8m	1.83m
Between each axle of a platform trailer for reference vehicles 17, 18, 21-23	1.2m	1.22m
* Axle spacings specific to each reference vehicle can be found below under 'Platform trailer combination reference vehicle designs'.

Travel conditions

Platform trailers are only permitted to travel during the periods specified in Table 9. A ‘holiday period’ means a period of three or more consecutive days consisting of any of the following: 

• a state-wide school holiday; 
• a public holiday; 
• a Saturday or a Sunday. 
• A ‘public holiday’ means any day ratified by the Victorian Government as a public holiday.

A ‘rural area’ means an area of operation in Victoria other than the following: 

• Colac Surf Coast area; 
• Gippsland Ranges area; 
• Melbourne and Geelong urban area; 
• Mountainous area; and 
• Otway area. 

A platform trailer combination must not travel from 23 December to 3 January inclusive on: 

• the Calder Highway; or 
• the Hume Highway; or 
• a freeway outside the Melbourne and Geelong urban areas.

Table 9: Permitted travel times*

Road or area	Day	Up to 5.0m wide and/or 30.0m long	Over to 5.0m wide and/or 30.0m long
Melbourne and Geelong urban area	Monday-Saturday	9am-4pm 12am-6am	1am-5am
	Sunday and public holidays	12am-4pm	1am-5am
Rural area	Any day	Sunrise – sunset	Sunrise – sunset
Freeway/Hume Highway	Any day (all times)	Except for the day of a holiday period	Except for the day before and of a holiday period (as an eligible vehicle also complies with up to 5.0m wide and or 30.0m long).
* With the exception of the Hume Highway, where a freeway transitions to a highway, the rural area travel conditions apply.

Getting a permit

Based on the configuration you choose, a single trip (12-month maximum) or period permit (issued for 3 years) is available to access the Victoria Platform Trailer Network Pre-Approved Permit-Based Scheme. If you choose a configuration that has been assessed at 15.0t per line, a single trip permit will apply. If you choose a platform that has been assessed at 12.0t per line, a period permit will be made available.

For more information, see the Single Trip, Period Permit and Multiple Trip - Information Sheet (PDF, 333KB).

Requirement for a rail permit

Permission is required to cross tram or train tracks where the vehicle exceeds one of the dimensions contained in Table 10.

Table 10: Dimension threshold to seek permission to cross tracks

	Width	Height	Length
Rail	5.0m	4.9m*	26.0m
Tram	3.0m	4.3m	26.0m
* Applies to metropolitan areas only.

For more information on rail permits, refer to the Department of Transport and Planning Over dimensional load permits.

Requirement for third party permission

Where third-party permission is required, the driver of the combination must keep a copy of the approval (physical or electronic) and show it to an authorised officer on request.

For more information, see Third party permission. 

How to apply for the Victorian Platform Trailer Network Pre-Approved Permit-Based Scheme

To begin your permit application, navigate to . If you are not already registered, follow the prompts to set up an account.

Once registered, from the home screen, click on the ‘Application tracker’ tab and select the ‘NEW APPLICATION’ button and enter a reference for your application. So we can correctly identify your application, your reference/application nickname should be 'VIC Platform Trailer Network - Reference vehicle #'.

Note: Where you have an existing permit for an eligible configuration, select the ‘AMEND' application button, which will require the permit number to be entered. Follow the prompts to add the additional routes required. So we can correctly identify your application, ensure you amend and reference the application nickname to 'VIC Platform Trailer Network'.

Step 1 - Click the green ‘SELECT CONFIGURATION’ button and select the 'Oversize and/or Overmass (OSOM)' menu drop-down. Select the ‘Prime Mover towing OS/OM/OSOM Load’. Select 'REMOVE COMPONENT' or 'ADD COMPONENT' to create the relevant reference vehicle for which you are applying. To modify the number of axles, select the image of the component and increase or decrease by selecting the drop-down or using the arrow buttons. 

Step 2 - Once the correct configuration is selected, click on the ‘OVERALL' tab and go to ‘Configuration, mass and dimensions.' The vehicle type will require the following vehicle details:

• 'OSOM type' - select 'Oversize and Overmass (OSOM)'
• unladen and laden dimensions - (as per the reference vehicle you are applying for)
• unladen and laden mass limits - (as per the reference vehicle you are applying for)
• 'Load type' - select 'Indivisible'
• VIN and registration details.

In the component images, you must tick the box ☐ "I confirm selection of the correct component" prior to proceeding to the ‘Travel details’ section of the application.

These details are required for the road manager to assess your application.

Step 3 - In the ‘Travel details’ section, enter the requested period. Based on the configuration you choose, a single trip (12-month maximum) or period permit (issued for 3 years) is available to access the Victoria Platform Trailer Network Pre-Approved Permit-Based Scheme. If you choose a configuration that has been assessed at 15.0t per line, a single trip permit will apply. If you choose a platform that has been assessed at 12.0t per line (reference vehicles 14, 15 and 16 only), a period permit will be made available.

Step 4 - Navigate to the ‘Route’ section of the application. Select the ‘Route type' as 'Single Route'. Eligible vehicle access under the Scheme will be considered on a specific single route (point to point) assessment for each permit application.

• Select the 'LAYERS' tab, scroll to the 'Victoria - Class 1 Vehicles' menu drop-down, and expand to select the relevant reference vehicle network. 
• Plot the route required with the layers active, avoiding restricted roads or structures. 
• Select the ‘CONFIRM’ tab and add any additional information in the ‘Route notes’ section in support of your application. You must tick the box ☐ 'I confirm that the list of roads and associated route notes accurately defines my route requirements for this application' prior to proceeding to the next step of the application. 

Step 5 - In the 'Attachments' section of the application, attach any required supporting documents or additional information.

Step 6 - The 'Additional instructions' section allows the nomination of an approved NHVR Go member of your account (if you will not be the relevant contact for the application). Include any additional instructions required for the application.

Step 7 - In the 'Confirmation' stage, ensure all details of the application have been reviewed and confirmed. The application can then be submitted with the appropriate payment.

For more information on applying for a permit, refer to the NHVR access permit applications webpage, or contact us. 

General operating requirements

The platform trailer’s suspension system must be capable of load sharing across all axles. 

The coupling on a gooseneck connection must be height adjustable so that the platform can be levelled prior to travel. 

Platform trailers with a gooseneck must be arranged in a three-point connection to maintain stability, as per Figure 1.

If a gooseneck connection has a mass compensating mechanism, it must remain operational and maintain a constant mass on the tandem drive.

To maintain traction when towing a laden trailer, the mass on the drive group must exceed 14.0t. The laden combination must not exceed 70km/h. 

A standby prime mover must accompany the combination when the total mass of the platform combination exceeds 150.0t. 

A vehicle-mounted variable message sign (VMS) is required when crossing any structures at 5km/h when the posted speed limit is 100km/h.

Requirement for warning signs, flags and lights 

A platform trailer combination that, together with its load, is wider than 2.5m or longer than 25.0m must have: 

• a warning sign attached to the front of the vehicle; and 
• a warning sign attached to the rear of the vehicle or, if a load projects from the rear of the vehicle, to the rear of the load; and 
• four brightly coloured red, red and yellow, or yellow flags, each at least 450mm by 450mm, fixed as follows: 
• at each side of the front of the vehicle or, if a load projects from the front of the vehicle, at each side of the front of the load; 
• at each side of the rear of the vehicle or, if a load projects from the rear of the vehicle, at each side of the rear of the load. 

If a load projects more than 150mm beyond a side of a platform trailer, and the projection is less than 500mm thick from top to bottom, a warning light and two delineators must be attached to the vehicle. Schedule 8, Part 1 of the MDL Regulation specifies the minimum requirements for lights and delineators. 

If a platform trailer, together with any load, is wider than 3.0m, a warning light must be attached to the vehicle while it is being used in the daytime. 

The prime mover towing the platform trailer must have its low-beam headlights or front fog lights on while being used in daytime. 

A warning light attached to a platform trailer combination must only be switched on when the heavy vehicle is travelling or stationary in a position that is likely to pose a danger to other road users. 

If a platform trailer is being used at night: 

• side markers must be displayed, not more than 2.0m apart, along the total length of each side of the vehicle and any load projecting from the front or rear of the vehicle; and 
• two rear markers must be fitted to the rear of any load projecting from the rear of the vehicle, within 400mm of each side of the load and at least 1.0m, but no more than 2.1m, above the ground; and 
• a warning light must be attached to the combination if it, together with any load, is wider than 2.5m or longer than 22.0m; and 
• a pilot vehicle is required when the unladen platform has a width greater than 3.1m, but not more than 3.5m.

Requirement for skid rails

Non-conductive skid rails, designed in accordance with electricity authority requirements, must be attached to the top of the load in the direction from front to rear for the entire length of the load when the vehicle height exceeds: 

• 4.8m under tram wires; and 
• 5.0m under railway, electricity authority and telecommunication wires.

Rear overhang

For information, see Rear overhang limits. 

Requirements for pilots

Pilots must comply with the pilot requirements set out in Schedule 8 of the MDL Regulation. A minimum of two certified pilots is required per load. Additional pilots may be required as per the Pilot and Escort Requirement Guide.

Requirements for jinkers

Where a jinker is used and the overall length exceeds 40.0m, high-visibility webbing is to be placed along the entire length of the load to alert other road users.

Requirements for push-pull vehicles

Push-pull vehicles may need to be assessed for use on routes that involve steep inclines or descents. You will be advised of this requirement during your permit application

Requirements during unladen travel

The MDL Regulations specify that when operating unladen, a platform trailer must be kept at its smallest practicable dimensions. This requires the deck to be fully closed and any deck or gooseneck extensions retracted. 

The dolly must be removed from the combination but may be carried as a load. 

An unladen platform trailer combination cannot exceed the following maximum dimensions: 

• Maximum length: 30.0m 
• Maximum width: 3.5m 
• Maximum height: 4.6m

The unladen platform trailer combination must not exceed the following mass limits: 

• Steer axle: 6.5t 
• Drive axle: 18.5t 
• Eight-tyred axle: 5.0t per line

Unladen platform trailers that comply with the above may apply for annual permits to operate on Victoria’s Oversize & Overmass Network.

General responsibilities

The Victoria Platform Trailer Network Pre-Approved Permit-Based Scheme does not absolve a driver or a transport company of their responsibilities. Before the driver operates on the approved routes, they must: 

• show the details of their permit to any pilot escorting the load; 
• ensure there is sufficient clearance under wires, structures and trees, and sufficient ground clearance at rail level crossings; 
• determine any road closures or conditions by checking the VicTraffic map and the Victoria’s Big Build website.
• Ensure that any road furniture removal is to be undertaken by staff other than the driver of the pilot or escort vehicle. Road furniture removal and reinstatement are the responsibility of the transport company.

What if my platform trailer exceeds dimension limits?

Platform trailer combinations that exceed the dimension limits in Table 8 (except for deck height, which must be 1.2m or less) may operate on the approved network provided a Transport Management Plan (TMP) forms part of the permit application. 

Road manager consent on approved arterial roads will not be required where the TMP demonstrates, through a swept-path analysis, that the combination can safely navigate the route without the need to remove road furniture or operate contra-flow (in the opposite direction to the traffic). The TMP should also include evidence of third-party permission as per Table 10.

What if my platform trailer doesn’t match one of the reference vehicles?

A structural assessment will be required if your vehicle: 

• exceeds the axle limits specified in Table 5; or
• does not comply with the dimensions or axle spacings specified in Table 6, 7 or 8; or 
• exceeds 206.0t GCM. 

An assessment may incur costs, particularly if the platform exceeds more than 15.0t per line.

Platform trailer combination reference vehicle designs

The following are the available platform trailer combination reference vehicles. All measurements on these vehicles are in millimetres.

Reference vehicle 1

Prime mover and 6x8 platform trailer combination up to 115.0 tonnes. Minimum ground contact width: 4.2m.

Reference vehicle 2

Prime mover and 8x8 platform trailer combination up to 145.0 tonnes. Minimum ground contact width: 4.2m.

Reference vehicle 3

Prime mover, 2x8 dolly and 7x8 platform trailer combination up to 161.0 tonnes. Minimum ground contact width: 4.2m.

Reference vehicle 4

Prime mover, 2x8 dolly and 8x8 platform trailer combination up to 161.0 tonnes. Minimum ground contact width: 4.2m.

Reference vehicle 5

Prime mover, 2x8 dolly and 5x8 platform trailer combination up to 131.0 tonnes. Minimum ground contact width: 4.2m.

Reference vehicle 6

Prime mover, 2x8 dolly and 6x8 platform trailer combination up to 146.0 tonnes.

Reference vehicle 7

Prime mover, 2x8 dolly and 9x8 platform trailer combination up to 191.0 tonnes.

Reference vehicle 8

Prime mover, 2x8 dolly and 10x8 platform trailer combination up to 206.0 tonnes.

Reference vehicle 9

Prime mover and 7x8 platform trailer combination up to 130.0 tonnes

Reference vehicle 10

Prime mover and 9x8 platform trailer combination up to 160.0 tonnes.

Reference vehicle 11

Prime mover and 10x8 platform trailer combination up to 175.0 tonnes.

Reference vehicle 12

Prime mover and 11x8 platform trailer combination up to 190.0 tonnes.

Reference vehicle 13

Prime mover and 12x8 platform trailer combination up to 205.0 tonnes.

Reference vehicle 14

Prime mover and 14x8 platform trailer combination up to 193.0 tonnes.

Reference vehicle 15

Prime mover, 2x8 dolly and 11x8 platform trailer combination up to 188.0 tonnes. Minimum ground contact width: 4.2m.

Reference vehicle 16

Prime mover, 2x8 dolly and 10x8 platform trailer combination up to 176.0 tonnes. Minimum ground contact width: 4.2m.

Reference vehicle 17

Prime mover and 5x8 low loader combination up to 100.0 tonnes. Minimum ground contact width: 4.2m.

Reference vehicle 18

Prime mover, 2x8 dolly and 5x8 low loader combination up to 131.0 tonnes. Minimum ground contact width: 4.2m.

Reference vehicle 19

Prime mover, 2x8 dolly and 7x8 platform trailer combination up to 128.0 tonnes. Minimum ground contact width: 3.7m.

Reference vehicle 20

Prime mover, 2x8 dolly and 7x8 platform trailer combination up to 147.0 tonnes. Minimum ground contact width: 4.0m.

Reference vehicle 21

Prime mover, 2x8 dolly and 5x8 low loader combination up to 131.0 tonnes. Minimum ground contact width: 4.2m.

Reference vehicle 22

Prime mover, 2x8 dolly and 5x8 low loader combination up to 113.5 tonnes. Minimum ground contact width: 3.5m.

Reference vehicle 23

Prime mover, 5x8 long low loader combination up to 100.0 tonnes. Minimum ground contact width: 4.2m.