SPV Motor Vehicles (excluding Truck Mounted SPVs) such as All-terrain Cranes

If your SPV is a motor vehicle that is not mounted on a truck chassis and it falls within the mass limits specified within the Mass Tables below, please contact the Department of Transport for licensing requirements.

• Mass Tables for SPV Motor Vehicles (Excluding Truck Mounted SPVs)
• Mass Tables for Three (3) Axle Grader

If your SPV falls outside of the mass limits specified in the above Mass Tables or is a truck mounted SPV, it must undergo a ‘Recommendation for Licensing Assessment’, prior to being licensed. You can apply to have your SPV assessed by completing the form below.

• Application for Recommendation to Licensing

When the assessment requirements are met, Main Roads will forward the information directly to the Department of Transport to license your SPV.

If you intend to build or import an SPV in WA that exceeds dimension and/or mass requirements prescribed in regulations, you should apply for an in-principle approval from Main Roads. This step will determine if your proposed SPV will be able to obtain the necessary permit once it has been built or imported.

You can apply for in-principle approval for your proposed SPV by completing the relevant form below.

• In-Principle Approval Application for Special Purpose Vehicles

Please note that the assessment process for an in-principle approval may take up to four weeks to complete.

If you require a permit for your SPV, you first need to register as an operator and register your SPV(s) by completing the forms below.

• Restricted Access Vehicle Operator Registration Form
• Application to list or update Special Purpose Vehicle Form

An operator of an SPV does not need to be accredited under the WA Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme to obtain a permit for an SPV.

SPVs must be licensed or have a Department of Transport licensing permit (e.g. Greater than 48 Hours Permit), which must be submitted with permit application.

Period Permits

If your SPV falls within the requirements of the Special Purpose Vehicle State-wide Parameters Table below, it may be eligible for a 36-month State-wide SPV period permit, subject to the route restrictions specified within the Special Purpose Vehicle Standard Operating Conditions.

• Special Purpose Vehicle State-Wide Parameters Table

An SPV operating under a period permit must not cross a bridge listed as a restricted bridge where specified in your period permit. The following are standard restricted bridge lists that may be specified in your period permit:

• 2, 3 and 4 Axle Special Purpose Vehicles Restricted Structures
• All Terrain Special Purpose Vehicles Restricted Structures

If your SPV falls outside of the State-wide parameters or is a plant trailer, then you must nominate the Regions and/or Local Government Areas where you would like to operate. These permits can be issued for 12 months only and may be subject to route and bridge restrictions, which will be specified on the permit.

Single Trip Permits

If your SPV is not eligible to have a period permit or you need to operate the SPV on a route not covered by the current period permit, you may apply for a single trip permit. A single trip permit is route specific and must only be used for a single return journey within the valid 30-day period.

Operating Conditions

An SPV operating under a permit must comply with the:

• Special Purpose Vehicle Standard Operating Conditions

Applying for an SPV Permit

You can apply for a period permit or single trip permit for your SPV by completing the relevant form below.

• Cost - $25 for a 12-month permit or a single trip permit
• Cost - $50 for a 36-month permit (if eligible)
• Permit Application Special Purpose Vehicle Motor Vehicle
• Permit Application Special Purpose Vehicle Combination

Please note that the assessment process for a period permit may take up to four weeks to complete.

Bridge Crossing Permits

An SPV Bridge Crossing Permit may be issued to allow an SPV to cross a bridge that is not allowed to be crossed under their current period permit. If you need to cross a restricted bridge, you must obtain an SPV Bridge Crossing Permit before commencing your trip.

You can apply for an SPV Bridge Crossing Permit by completing the relevant form below.

• Cost - $25 valid for 1 month
• Special Purpose Vehicle Bridge Crossing Permit Application 

A Road Crossing Period Permit allows for specified vehicles to cross a public road in a straight line only, at an approved location. To apply for this permit, complete and return the application form below and provide the necessary Traffic Guidance Scheme and Department of Transport licensing permits (for unregistered vehicles) with your permit application.

• Straight Line Road Crossing Permit Application

Our application process includes initially contacting the relevant road manager on your behalf to obtain their support for your application. The necessary assessment is then carried out to ensure the proposed location is safe and suitable for the proposed road crossing requirements.

We are committed to finalising all Road Crossing Period Permit applications as soon as possible. However, required assessments and approvals may be delayed for a variety of reasons, and we will maintain regular contact with stakeholders to inform them of the progress.