A special purpose vehicle (SPV) is a vehicle built for a purpose other than carrying goods such as a mobile crane, a concrete pump or drill rig. An SPV exceeds one or more of the general mass and dimension limits set out in the Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulation, and is a Class 1 heavy vehicle.
Check permit requirements and find out what heavy vehicle network routes apply.
No permit required
In South Australia, a permit is not required for a SPV when it:
- Complies with the relevant mass and dimension requirements outlined in the National Class 1 Special Purpose Vehicle Notice (the Notice).
- Is travelling on one of 2 South Australian networks published on the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator's (NHVR) National Network Map:
- '3 Axle Crane Network', for three-axle all terrain mobile cranes.
- '40t Special Purpose Vehicle' Network, for all other SPVs operating under the Notice.
Permit required
Operators of SPVs that are not eligible to operate under the Notice in South Australia will need to apply to the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) for a permit through the NHVR portal.
Mobile cranes
Mobile cranes that are not covered by the Notice may operate under an access permit and travel on one of the following networks as shown on the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator's (NHVR) National Network Map.
- 4 axle crane network.
- 5 axle crane network (up to 3.1 metres wide):
- 24/7 travel on the ‘5 Axle Crane Network - Level One’.
- Requires one permit that references ‘5 Axle Crane Network - Level One’.
- 5 axle crane network (between 3.1 metres and 3.2 metres wide):
- 24/7 travel on the ‘5 Axle Crane Network - Level Two’ and daytime travel on the ‘5 Axle Crane Network - Level One’.
- Requires one permit that references the ‘5 Axle Crane Network - Level Two’ network (for 24/7 travel) and one permit that references ‘5 Axle Crane Network- Level One’ network (for daytime travel).
- 6 axle crane network - day travel.
Pre-approvals
A pre-approval is an agreement in place between the NHVR and a road manager to issue permits without individual written road manager consent for each application. The link below lists participating road managers in the pre-approval for 3 axle and 4 axle cranes towing an equipment trailer on the 4 axle crane network.
Participating road managers for cranes towing trailers - pre-approval list.
Examples of South Australian Crane pre-approvals are shown below:
Pre-approval | Update |
|---|---|
Class 1 - All terrain Cranes (4, 5 and 6 axle up to 12t per axle) | Length limit for 4 axle cranes is 14.5 metres. |
| 2 Axle Pick and Carry Crane | Operators can apply for a NHVR access permit for 2 Axle Pick and Carry Crane (4 tyres per axle, maximum 28t GVM) on the following network:
For further information:
|
Cranes towing trailers | Operators of 3 axle and 4 axle cranes can apply for a permit to tow an equipment trailer on roads under the care and control of participating road managers that are published to the 4 Axle Crane Network on the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator's (NHVR) National Network Map. For further information:
|
| Class 1 – All terrain mobile cranes with more than 6 axles | Operators of eligible mobile cranes can apply to the NHVR for a permit to operate on specified networks published on the Department’s all-terrain cranes with 6 or more axles map. Eligible cranes include:
Eligible cranes must:
For further information regarding telematics monitoring visit Special Purpose Vehicle Monitoring Schemes (South Australia). |
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
