Managing oversize and over-mass vehicles during emergencies
Information sheet - November 2023
There are specific operating conditions that apply to oversize and over-mass (OSOM) vehicles during emergencies. This page outlines these conditions and should be read in conjunction with Section 197 of the Heavy Vehicle National Law.
Victoria Class 1 Emergency Management Mass & Dimension Exemption Notice 2023 (No. 1)
During an emergency, operators of OSOM vehicles may be called upon to operate under the direction of an emergency agency. In such a case, the Victoria Class 1 Emergency Management Mass & Dimension Exemption Notice 2023 (No. 1) applies.
The notice exempts certain OSOM vehicles from prescribed mass and dimension when operating under the direction of the following Victorian agencies:
- Forest Fire Management Victoria;
- Country Fire Authority;
- Emergency Management Victoria;
- Victoria Police;
- Department of Transport and Planning;
- Fire Rescue Victoria;
- Victoria State Emergency Service; and
- Personnel engaged or directed by these agencies to transport equipment and plant when responding to an emergency.
What vehicles can travel under this exemption notice?
OSOM vehicles within the dimension and mass limits outlined in Table 1 vehicles are exempt under the Notice.
Table 1 – Emergency management mass and dimension limits
| Up to 46t GCM | Over 46t and less than 78t GCM | |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Width | 3.0m | 4.0m |
| Maximum Height | 4.5m | 4.5m |
| Maximum Length | 19.0m | 26.0m |
For the full list of conditions and restrictions, refer to the Notice at: Victoria Class 1 Emergency Management Mass & Dimension Exemption Notice 2023 (No.1)
Where can OSOM vehicles operating under the Notice travel?
Two maps specify routes for OSOM vehicles operating under the notice. They can be found at: Emergency & Emergency Preparedness Vehicles.
Is a pilot vehicle required under this notice?
A pilot vehicle is not required for vehicles operating under this notice.
What if the vehicle does not meet the conditions set out in the Notice?
Where an OSOM vehicle responding to an emergency does not meet the conditions set out in the Notice, a Section 197 (S197) permit can be issued under Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL).
A S197 permit is required for OSOM vehicles that:
- Do not meet the mass and dimensions contained in in Table 1; or
- Seek to travel off the gazetted network. S197 permits can be issued by:
- the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR);
- a member of the DTP Heavy Vehicle Consent Team;
- an operator in the Traffic Management Centre; or
- a DTP Emergency Management Liaison Officer (EMLO).
Emergency agencies cannot issue S197 permits.
Section 197
S197 of the HVNL exempts a regulator from compliance with certain conditions in the case of an emergency. This allows one of the above agencies (or a contractor working on behalf of one of these agencies) access to parts of the network in the case of an emergency.
The difference between the Notice and a S197 permit
The Notices authorises travel on the gazetted road network where eligible OSOM vehicles can operate without the need for a S197 permit.
The S197 permits an OSOM vehicle or vehicle combination that falls outside the Notice to travel on designated roads.
How is a S197 permit issued?
The initial point of contact for operators seeking to move an OSOM vehicle during an emergency is the Traffic Management Centre on 1300 107 781. S197 permits are issued in accordance with the flow chart at Appendix 1 below.
When will consent be provided?
Consent will only be granted if DTP determines the vehicle can safely navigate the route.
The map at Appendix 2 is indicative of the parameters DTP uses to grant consent.
What happens if a road or bridge is damaged during emergency operations?
The issuer of the S197 permit is liable for any damage caused by a vehicle operating under the permit.
Is an NHVR permit required as well as a S197 permit?
Recipients of a S197 permit must apply for a retrospective NHVR permit within five business days of the issuance of the S197 permit.
Permits for non emergency purposes
Emergency vehicles operating in non emergency situations like planned burns and relief and recovery work may be eligible for three year permits via the NHVR portal. There are pre approved networks for these permits. The relevant network will be specified on the permit. These networks can be found at: Emergency & Emergency Preparedness Vehicles