Main Roads Heavy Vehicle Services (HVS) provides Alternate Vehicle provisions in the Single Trip OSOM Vehicle Standard Operating Conditions to allow transport operators the ability to swap vehicles for unforeseen reasons, on the day of the move, without needing to wait for HVS to amend the permit. 

The Alternate Vehicle provisions are not intended as a substitute for submitting permit amendment applications on the days leading up to the move. HVS will clarify this in the Operating Conditions. 

HVS has also been experiencing instances where the alternate vehicle being used does not meet the requirements of the Alternate Vehicle provisions.  

Transport operators are reminded of the following alternate vehicle requirements:

1. An alternate motor vehicle must be like for like, meaning it must be suitably rated, must have the same axle configuration (other than the steer axles), must be within the allowable axle spacing ranges and must not result in an increase to the approved mass. 
2. An alternate dolly / trailer must be like for like, meaning it must be suitably rated, must have the same axle configuration, the same axle spacings and the same or lesser tare mass.  
3. If being used in conjunction with a Period Permit, the alternate vehicle must have the same type of Period Permit. 

For further information, please contact the Heavy Vehicle Services Helpdesk on 138 486 or email hvs@mainroads.wa.gov.au.

Heavy Vehicle Services

8 May 2025