Heavy tow trucks
A tow truck is a heavy vehicle that is:
- equipped with a crane, winch, ramp or other lifting device and used or intended to be used for the towing of motor vehicles; or
- attached, temporarily or otherwise, to a trailer or device that is equipped with a crane, winch, ramp or other lifting device and used or intended to be used for the towing of motor vehicles.
Road Access
Tow truck operators seeking access to NSW roads must obtain a permit for travel. Information on applying for a permit is available on the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator website.
What is the maximum distance a heavy tow truck can travel?
A heavy tow truck must only tow a disabled heavy vehicle on the route approved for the disabled heavy vehicle. The distance-based travel restrictions contained in the following table also apply based on the mass of the rear axle group of the heavy tow truck.
Rear Axle Group | Maximum Axle Loads | Travel Restrictions |
Dual tyre single axle | up to 10 tonnes | No travel restrictions. |
Dual tyre tandem axle | up to 18.5 tonnes | No travel restrictions. |
Dual tyre tandem axle | From 18.5 to 20 tonnes | No travel restrictions. Maximum speed on restricted bridges 10 km/h. |
Dual tyre tandem axle | From 20 to 22 tonnes | May be towed a distance not greater than an area of a 450 kilometre radius from the point of first towing the disabled vehicle or combination. Must not travel across any restricted bridges. |
Dual tyre tandem axle | Exceeding 22 tonnes | May be towed off the road if causing danger to people or property, preventing the safe flow of traffic or where directed by a Police Officer only. Must not travel across any restricted bridges. |