Heavy tow trucks

Tow trucks that exceed the mass and/or dimension limits of the Heavy Vehicle National Law require an access permit.

Access permits for travel on Transport for NSW (TfNSW) managed roads contain access conditions. These aim to:

  • facilitate efficient access to roads
  • allow the quick removal of disabled heavy vehicles and combinations from road corridors
  • manage the risks to road infrastructure and safety from the operation of oversize and/or overmass heavy tow trucks.

Heavy tow truck permits

Operators can apply for Class 3 heavy tow truck permits in NSW online. Visit the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) online portal

Access on TfNSW managed roads

TfNSW is introducing changes in access permit conditions, following consultation with the heavy tow truck industry, from 1 September 2016 for access permits that involve travel on TfNSW managed roads. The key changes to access permits issued from this date include:

  • Maximum length of up to 50 metres, however, a heavy tow truck must only tow a disabled heavy vehicle or combination on the disabled heavy vehicle or combination’s approved route
  • Providing more certainty and flexibility to industry through allowing dual tyre tandem axle drive heavy tow trucks (20 to 22 tonnes) to tow a disabled heavy vehicle an area of a 450 kilometre radius from the point of first towing a disabled heavy vehicle or combination
  • Enabling the quick and efficient removal of disabled heavy vehicles and combinations from the road corridor to which an oversize travel curfew or restriction applies through allowing heavy tow trucks to tow a disabled heavy vehicle or combination either off the road/zone or to a location on the road/zone to which the oversize travel curfew or restriction applies using the shortest practical route.

Please refer to your access permit for the access conditions applicable to your heavy tow truck.

Frequently asked questions
 

How can I take advantage of the new access conditions for travel on Transport for NSW roads?

There are three options:

  1. Apply for a new access permit through either the NHVR or TfNSW. New access permits issued will include the new conditions.
  2. If you hold an existing NHVR access permit, you may apply to the NHVR for an amendment to include the new conditions in the amended access permit.
  3. Apply for renewal of a current NHVR or TfNSW access permit. New access permits issued will include new conditions. (Note: Renewal applications through the NHVR may only be submitted up to 6 weeks prior to expiration of current permit.).

How long can I get an access permit for?

Access permits issued by the NHVR are for a maximum of three years.

What is the maximum distance a heavy tow truck can travel?

A heavy tow truck must only tow a disabled heavy vehicle on the disabled heavy vehicle’s approved route. The distance based travel restrictions contained in the below 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.