Heavy lift tow trucks are not exempt from statutory mass and dimension requirements. When an approved heavy lift tow exceeds a statutory mass or dimension limit, it must be operated in accordance with the Heavy Lift Tow Truck Period Permit.

This permit provides approved heavy lift tow trucks additional mass limits on tandem and tri drive axle groups and approval to exceed certain statutory dimension limits, such as the statutory length limit for a vehicle combination, when towing a heavy vehicle or a heavy vehicle combination from a location on the public road network.

 Eligibility Requirements

All heavy lift tow trucks must meet all the requirements specified in the Heavy Lift Tow Truck Period Permit Supporting Evidence & Eligibility Checklist.

Note: A 6-month moratorium from 3 July 2023 to 5 January 2024 is in place for the telematics and on-board mass requirements only. This is provided to enable adequate time for operators to have the respective systems fitted to the vehicle.

 Applying for a permit

To apply for this permit, complete the permit application form below and provide all the necessary supporting evidence with your permit application.

• Cost - up to $336 for 12 months, $1008 for 36 months
• Heavy Lift Tow Truck Period Permit Application

 Operating Conditions and Restricted Bridge List

• Heavy Lift Tow Truck Period Permit Operating Conditions
• Heavy Lift Tow Truck Tandem Drive Restricted Structures
• Heavy Lift Tow Truck 23.5t Tri Drive Restricted Structures
• Heavy Lift Tow Truck 27.0t Tri Drive Restricted Structures

 Heavy Lift Tow Truck Single Movement Permit Applications

If an operator does not wish to obtain the Heavy Lift Tow Truck Period Permit, they may apply for a Heavy Lift Tow Truck Single Movement Permit each time by completing the Heavy Lift Tow Truck Single Movement Permit Application form.

These requests will continue to be assessed in accordance the Tow Truck Licensing and Permit Requirements Guidelines. 

Heavy Lift Tow Truck Single Movement Permits will be issued by Main Roads in accordance with the Procedure for Heavy Lift Tow Truck Single Movement Approvals.