Do I need an Oversize Overmass (OSOM) Permit?
You may need to apply for a class 1 Oversize Overmass (OSOM) permit if your OSOM combination does not comply with a mass, dimension or operating requirements set out in a gazette notice.
The NHVR processes ALL Oversize Overmass permit applications for travel within and between the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria through the NHVR Portal.
For travel within the Northern Territory and Western Australia you need to apply directly to the relevant state or territory road transport authority.
Please note that VicRoads has updated pilot requirements in Victoria. For more information read the Guide for pilot requirements in Victoria information sheet (PDF, 221KB).
Note: Operators should check that their vehicle complies with the schedules and conditions in the relevant gazette notice as the permit relevant to this application will reference these same conditions.
Gazette notices, permits, and in some cases other laws outside of the Heavy Vehicle National Law, sometimes require third parties and other entities to be contacted and/or consulted to provide permission for travel.
Pilots and escorts
- Providing permit copies to pilot and escort vehicle drivers (PDF, 197KB) - Heavy vehicle operators must provide a copy of their permit to any pilot or escort vehicle driver accompanying them.
- Pilots and escort training and recognition (PDF, 227KB) - Provides a overview of the pilot and escort requirements in all jurisdictions.
State and territory road transport authorities regulate all aspects of piloting/escorting, including who may operate as a pilot/escort vehicle driver and when they are required to accompany a load, except for Victoria.
Approved temporary variation to escorting arrangements in Queensland
Under section 177 of the Heavy Vehicle National Law, the NHVR, in consultation with the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) and Queensland Police Service (QPS), has allowed a temporary variation to escorting arrangements by QPS.
From Tuesday 19 October and for the remainder of the disaster declaration period relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, or until further notice, Operators of Class 1 Oversize and Over Mass (OSOM) loads travelling in Queensland may utilise the below temporary variation to escorting arrangements, provided a copy of the Letter of authority - Temporary variation to Queensland escorting arrangements (PDF, 221KB) is carried and used in conjunction with current exemptions and or permits, and provided to an authorised officer upon request.
This variation is applicable to Class 1 OSOM movements, not exceeding 5.5 metres in width and 35 metres in length.
| Traffic control | Current arrangement | Variation arrangement |
|---|---|---|
| No traffic control required | One (1) QPS escort and two (2) level two escorts | Two (2) level two escorts and two (2) level one pilots |
| Some traffic control required | One (1) QPS escort and two (2) level two escorts | Four (4) level two escorts |
Please note: the temporary variation is NOT valid for:
- Wide loads travelling in convoy; or
- All wide load movements involving contra-traffic flows, reverse direction of travel, traffic control and other manoeuvres contrary to the Qld Road Rules.
The temporary variation and letter will only be in place during the disaster declaration period relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, or until advised otherwise.
For further information, please refer to the Queensland Police Service Temporary Variation to Escorting Arrangements information sheet.
Victoria escort services
In Victoria only, the NHVR provides escort services to the over-dimensional transport industry (all other aspects of piloting/escorting remain with VicRoads).
NHVR Safety and Compliance Officers in Victoria:
- provide escorts for vehicles carrying very large items
- conduct compliance check against permits.
Charges
The charge-out rate for these services is $227 per hour (including GST), with a minimum charge of two hours for weekdays and three hours for weekends and public holidays. These rates and conditions are consistent with those previously applied by VicRoads.
Charging starts from the time of the booking to attend at the pick-up point of the escort until completion of the service. The charge-out rate is the reasonable cost of providing the service and will be reviewed annually.
Cancellation fee
A cancellation fee applies for notice of cancellation received less than 24 hours prior to the service. Minimum charges of two hours on weekdays and three hours on weekends and public holidays will be applied.
Booking a vehicle escort
Before you book an escort service, ensure you have a permit for the journey as bookings cannot be done without a permit. Please also ensure invoices for previous bookings have been paid by the due date.
Please email HVescorts@nhvr.gov.au or call 0417 091 454.
Resources
- Class 1 Oversize/Overmass - Cane Industry Information Sheet (PDF, 197KB) - Provides clarification on applying for an Oversize/Overmass permit for the transport of cane harvesters.
- Multiple Loads on Class 1 Load-Carrying Vehicles (PDF, 722KB) - Clarifies the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) requirements when transporting more than one large invisible item or other goods with a large indivisible item on Class 1 load-carrying vehicles.
Gazette notices - Oversize Overmass access
| State | Notice |
|---|---|
| ACT, NSW, Qld SA, Vic |
Multi-State Class 1 Load Carrying Vehicle Dimension Exemption Notice 2020 (No.1) - Authorises the use of class 1 load carrying vehicles that are up to 5.5m wide, 35m long and 5m high (state and territory dependant). This notice refers to other documents that may be required to be carried including other notices, certificates, codes of practice, maps etc. Please note the following supporting document for this notices:
|
| NSW, Qld SA, Vic |
Multi-State Class 1 Load Carrying Vehicle Mass Exemption Notice 2020 (No.1) - Authorises the use of class 1 load carrying vehicles that are up to 115t (state dependant). Please note the following supporting documents for this notice:
|
| NSW |
New South Wales Class 1 Load Carrying Vehicle Exemption Notice 2019 (No.1) (PDF, 719KB) Exempts certain vehicles from the mass and dimension requirements prescribed in Schedule 1 and Schedule 6 to the Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulation (the Regulation), subject to certain conditions. Please note the following supporting document for this notice: |
| Tas |
Tasmania Class 1 Load Carrying Vehicles Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2017 (No. 1) (PDF, 186KB) - Exempts categories of laden Class 1 load carrying vehicles from the stated prescribed mass and dimension requirements in Schedule 1 and Schedule 6 of the Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulation. Please note the following supporting documents for this notice: |
Online application
Post or fax application
Please note: If you apply through post or fax, all correspondence relating to that application will be done through the same channel.
- Oversize Overmass permit application form (PDF, 695KB)
- Additional Axle Mass and Spacings attachment (PDF, 290KB)
Note: Please right-click on a form and save it to your computer, rather than opening it up directly in your web browser. The form can then be opened locally and saved.