High productivity motor vehicles (HPMV)

High productivity motor vehicles (HPMV) including 50MAX are trucks that are able to operate above the current 44 tonne weight limit under permit.

More information about the legal requirements of HPMVs

High productivity motor vehicles (HPMV)

• For more information about operating HPMVs including the permitting process go to our HPMV information page
• Apply for a permit via our permits portal(external link)
• Access the full HPMV network map(external link) showing the routes where you can operate HPMVs on a permit
• More information about proforma HPMV designs
• Commonly asked questions about HPMVs

50MAX

• Apply for a new 50MAX permit online
• Apply to renew an existing 50MAX permit online
• Access the interactive 50MAX maps(external link) showing restricted areas and bridges
• You can also view the PDF version of the maps as well as other useful facts on our information for operators and manufacturers
• We also have a page with information for road controlling authorities

What is 50MAX?

50MAX vehicle combinations have one more axle than conventional 44-tonne vehicles combinations, meaning the overall truck load is spread further and there is no additional wear on roads per tonne of freight. This means 50MAX gives operators an option to carry increased payloads on parts of the network that, while economically important to New Zealand, carry lower volumes of freight.

The increased payloads of 50MAX can lead to economic benefits for producers, customers and our communities. Allowing bigger trucks on our roads reduces the number of truck trips needed to move the same amount of freight.

50MAX tyre configurations

Drive axles on tractor units and all trailer axles must be twin tyred for 50MAX truck and trailers, and for B-trains, to meet the 50MAX criteria or neutral pavement wear.

The 50MAX concept relies on neutral pavement wear to be viable on lower strength roads. The TERNZ report clearly shows the extensive use of twin tyres, therefore 50MAX has always been based on twin tyres in order to retain neutral pavement wear and to enhance the opportunity to grow the 50MAX network.

TERNZ report(external link)

Vehicle Dimension and Mass (VDAM)

Vehicle Dimensions and Mass 2016 Rule changes

The VDAM Rule outlines the different legal requirements for vehicles operating on New Zealand Roads, including HPMVs. On 1 February 2017 the new draft Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Dimensions and Mass (2016) came into effect.

Read more about the rule changes

Vehicle dimensions and mass permitting manual

The VDAM manual contains policies, standards, processes and procedures for the permitting of vehicles exceeding standard dimension and mass limits.

Read the VDAM manual

45/46 tonne general access changes

To help address the increasing freight and passenger transport tasks, the VDAM Rule allows for new gross mass limits of:

• 45,000kg (45 tonne) for 7-axle combinations with a minimum wheelbase of 16.8m.
• 46,000kg (46 tonne) for 8-axle combinations with a minimum wheelbase of 17.4m.

Read more about the new 45/46 tonne general access changes

Performance Based Standards (PBS)

While the VDAM Rule sets out the dimension requirements for a standard heavy vehicle, PBS are used to indicate whether non-standard heavy vehicle designs or combinations meet the safety performance requirements equivalent to a standard vehicle.

Performance Based Standards scheme

Road user charges (RUC)

If you need to pay your road user charges then go the RUC section