Special purpose vehicle requirements

Operators of cranes and other special purpose vehicles (SPVs) that are not eligible to operate under an access Notice in South Australia, or whose journey requires operation off the approved network under a notice, will need to apply to the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) for a permit through the NHVR portal.

Permit-based schemes

Permit-based schemes are agreements in place between the NHVR and a road manager to issue permits without the NHVR requesting written road manager consent for each permit application received.

Examples of South Australian SPV permit-based schemes

Pre-approval

Update

Class 1 - All terrain mobile cranes fitted with 4, 5 or 6 axles

Eligible vehicles under this  permit-based scheme include:

  • 4 axle all terrain mobile crane (length up to 14.5 metres)
  • 5 axle all terrain mobile crane (length up to 16.5 metres)
  • 6 axle all terrain mobile crane (length up to 18 metres).

This permit-based scheme is transitioning to notice-based access.

The South Australia Class 1 4-Axle to 6-Axle All Terrain Mobile Crane Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice has replaced this scheme and includes telematics as a condition of access.

Operators may continue to apply for permits through the NHVR Portal until 31 December 2026, when the scheme will cease.

From 1 January 2027, operators will no longer require permits to access the approved networks, provided they comply with the telematics requirements of the exemption notice by 31 December 2026.

Cranes towing trailers

Operators of 3 axle and 4 axle all terrain mobile cranes can apply for a permit through the NHVR portal to tow an equipment trailer on roads under the care and control of participating road managers (Participating road managers for cranes towing trailers) that are published to the 4 Axle Crane Network on the NHVR National Network Map.

For further information, read the fact sheet (PDF 602.1 KB).

Contact National Heavy Vehicle Regulator

Email: info@nhvr.gov.au

Web: www.nhvr.gov.au

Phone: 13 64 87 (13 NHVR)

Fax: (07) 3309 8777

Post:
PO Box 492
Fortitude Valley QLD 4006


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    Page last updated 10 September 2026

    Provided by:
    Department for Infrastructure and Transport
    URL:
    https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/driving-and-transport/heavy-vehicles/operating-a-heavy-vehicle/special-purpose-vehicles
    Last Updated:
    10/09/26
    Printed on:
    11/09/26
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