Special Purpose Vehicle

A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) is a vehicle, other than a tow truck or an agricultural vehicle, built for a particular purpose other than carrying a load, unless the load is essential for the operation of the SPV.

If you’re driving an SPV on a public road in WA, it must be licensed or have a Department of Transport licensing permit (e.g. Greater than 48 Hours Permit) and if exceeding a mass or dimension prescribed in Part 8 of the Road Traffic (Vehicle) Regulations 2014, it must also be operated in accordance with the relevant Main Roads Order or permit.

SPV Permits

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.

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.

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:

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:

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.

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.

Acknowledgement of country

The Government of Western Australia acknowledges the traditional custodians throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders both past and present.

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