• A TR Group Site
  • Help
  • Cart
Driving Tests DT logo small
Driving tests
  • Learner licence
    • Car
    • Motorbike
    • Heavy vehicle
    • Learner Licence Plus
  • Courses
  • Tourist
  • Resources
  • Learn
  • Resources
  • Learner licence
    • Car
    • Motorbike
    • Heavy Vehicle
    • Learner Licence Plus
  • Your courses
    • Enrolled courses
  • View all courses
  • Tourist
  • Resources home
  • iOS application
  • Android application
  • Contact us
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy
  • Home
  • /
  • Resources
  • /
  • Heavy Vehicle
  • / Vehicle Dimensions and Mass Rule Change Implemented

Vehicle Dimensions and Mass Rule Change Implemented

On July 8, 2015 changes come into effect to the VDAM rule which introduce graduated penalties for minor infringements and a revised definition of three critical conditions which attract a higher penalty:

  • Exceeding the gross weight on the permit
  • Exceeding a design limit such as gross vehicle mass
  • Failing to observe bridge restrictions.

In the previous rule a permit could be voided if any condition is breached, and disproportionately high penalties could be levied even for minor infringements. With the new provisions, if one condition is breached, e.g. the permit vehicle is overloaded on one axle, a fine will only be imposed for that breach. Fines have been increased for overweight vehicles that don’t have a permit.

NZ Police have trained staff in the new enforcement process, and the Offences and Penalties Regulations have been updated.

A new permit form has been created. It is similar to the previous one but includes a description of critical conditions and clarifies when the permit ceases to be valid.

If you have an existing permit, it continues to be valid until it expires or is replaced.

By Darren Cottingham

Darren has written over 3000 articles about driving and vehicles, plus almost 500 vehicle reviews and numerous driving courses. Connect with him on LinkedIn by clicking the name above

‹ Vehicle registration and licensing
How does roadside advertising affect drivers and traffic safety? ›
Posted in Heavy Vehicle, News
  • DisqusDisqus
Recent Resources
  • The Impact of Weather Conditions on Safe EWP Operation
  • Acoustic Emission Testing for Fibreglass Booms: Why It Matters
  • The Evolution of Gantry Cranes in Modern Manufacturing
  • Understanding Load Capacity and Weight Distribution on EWPs
  • How do you efficiently dig a trench? Tips from the pros
  • How to Choose the Right EWP for Your Project: A Comprehensive Guide
  • Pre-Operational Inspection Checklist for Gantry Crane Operators
  • The Importance of Harness Systems When Working on Boom Lifts
  • Safety Procedures for Working Near Power Lines with EWPs
  • How do you plan efficient dig patterns?

Licences and Courses

  • Car
  • Motorbike
  • Heavy Vehicles
Car
  • Core
  • Behaviour
  • Parking
  • Emergencies
  • Road position
  • Intersection
  • Theory
  • Signs
Motorbike
  • Bike-specific questions
  • Core
  • Behaviour
  • Parking
  • Emergencies
  • Road position
  • Intersection
  • Theory
  • Signs
Heavy Vehicles
  • Class 2
  • Class 3-5
  • Core
  • Behaviour
  • Parking
  • Emergencies
  • Road position
  • Intersection
  • Theory
  • Signs

Vehicle and workplace training

  • About
  • Resources
DT Driver Training TR Group
About
  • About us
  • Contact us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
Resources
  • Homepage
  • Driving Tests Android App
  • Driving Tests iPhone App
  • Getting your learner licence
DT Driver Training TR Group
Copyright 2010-2025 DT Driver Training Ltd, PO Box 12541, Penrose, Auckland, 1642. All rights reserved. Questions and images are used with permission from NZTA; question answers are proprietary.