Heavy tow trucks bulletin

Published February 2024

Types of towing operations

There are three types of towing operations:

1. Accident towing: This is the removal of a vehicle that has been damaged as a result of an accident and cannot be safely driven on its own from the accident site or cannot be driven on the road without compromising the safety of other road users. This type of accident towing can only be undertaken if the operator of the tow truck holds a towing operator accreditation and a tow truck licence.
2. Disabled vehicle towing: This is the removal of a vehicle from a roadway that has broken down due to a mechanical or system failure.
3. Towing between premises/depots: This is the movement of unladen vehicles between different transport premises/deports.

Types of tow trucks

There are four types of tow trucks that operate throughout Victoria. These tow trucks are identified in Table 1.

Table 1: Types of tow trucks

Permit types

Tow trucks that exceed the regulatory mass and dimension limits may only operate under a Class 3 permit issued by the NHVR. There are four different circumstances in which the permit can be issued under:

1. Circumstance A: Type A Permit - Standard hook and under lift tow truck with standard mass limits and conditions for operators who do not require higher masses or increased dimensions;
2. Circumstance B: Type B Permit - Heavier hook and underlift tow truck for operators who tow heavier combinations such as B-doubles;
3. Circumstance C: Type C Permit - Tilt tray tow truck with an increased laden height limit
4. Circumstance D: Type D Permit - Low deck semi-trailer tow truck with increased laden mass, height and length limits.

These permits are available from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR).

Note: the operating conditions and access provisions under these permits are applicable only for travel on the Victorian road network. Permits for travel outside Victoria will be assessed separately by the NHVR.

Type A Permit - Standard hook and underlift tow truck permit

Unladen travel

Standard hook and underlift tow trucks operating unladen under a Type A Permit can be up to the mass and dimension limits outlined in Table 2.

Table 2: Type A Permit mass and dimension limits - unladen tow truck with a hook and underlift towing mechanism

* Heights must also comply with any route restrictions as outlined in the Height Clearance Map.

Unladen standard hook and underlift tow trucks operating under Type A Permit can have increased mass on the steer axle of up to 7.0t. This mass increase assists in maintaining steering when towing a vehicle. To be eligible for increased mass, you must comply with conditions of operation for 6.5t steer axle. Evidence of compliance must be presented when applying for permits.

Laden travel - Towing between premises/depots

Standard hook and underlift tow trucks operating laden under a Type A Permit can undertake towing between premises and depots on the Victorian road network. Table 3 outlines the mass and dimension limits for operation.

Table 3: Type A Permit mass and dimension limits - laden tow truck with a hook and underlift towing mechanism towing between premises/depots

* Heights must also comply with any route restrictions as outlined in the Height Clearance Map.

Laden travel-Accident and disabled (incapacitated) vehicle towing

Standard hook and underlift tow trucks operating laden under a Type A Permit can undertake accident and disabled (incapacitated) vehicle towing on the Victorian road network. Table 4 outlines the mass and dimension limits for operation.

Table 4: Type A Permit mass and dimension limits - laden tow truck with a hook and underlift towing mechanism towing accident and disabled (incapacitated) vehicles

* Heights must also comply with any route restrictions as outlined in the Height Clearance Map.

If the tow truck exceeds the general access limit of 18.5 tonne on the tandem axle or 26.0m overall length (except when towing an articulated bus) the following conditions apply:

• Travel is restricted to clear an accident site or remove an incapacitated vehicle from a road or road related area that is blocking a carriageway only,
• The incapacitated vehicle must be towed to the first safe and practical area for breaking up and/or unloading in order to comply with general access limits,
• When breaking up and/or unloading, all relevant Dangerous Goods and Occupational Health and Safety legislations must be followed and the placement of triangles as outlined in Rule 227 of the National Road Rules,
• Travel over any bridge off the arterial High Mass Limits Network must be at a maximum speed of 10km/h with travel in the lanes nearest the centre of structures,
• The vehicle and vehicle combination must not cross any timber bridges.

Note: this towing is exempted from any oversize vehicle travel time restrictions until it reaches the first safe and practical location.

If the damaged or disabled vehicle is operating under an oversize or over mass Class 1, Class 2 or Class 3 vehicle permit then the damaged or disabled vehicle may only be towed along the authorised routes for that vehicle whilst towing under a Type B Permit.

Towed vehicle

The maximum axle and axle group mass of the towed vehicle should not exceed the dimensions outlined in Table 5.

Table 5: Maximum axle and axle group of vehicles towed under Type A Permit and Type B permit

The towed vehicle or vehicle combination must have a lightboard that:

• Can be securely placed on the rear of the towed vehicle and connected electrically or wirelessly to the tow truck;
• Includes lights and reflector lamps that would, if attached to the rear of the tow truck, meet the standards for registration that apply to a tow truck;
• Includes tail lights, number plate lights, brake lights, reversing lights, direction indicator lights and rear reflectors; and
• Displays the number plate of the tow truck.'

Where the towed vehicle or vehicle combination has side marker lights and is being towed at night or low visibility, they must be lit. If they are not working, portable side marker lights must be fitted at 2.0m intervals.

Type B Permit - Heavier hook and underlift tow truck

Unladen travel

Standard hook and underlift tow trucks operating unladen under a Type B Permit can be up to the mass and dimension limits outlined in Table 6.

Table 6: Type B Permit mass and dimension limits - unladen tow truck with a heavier hook and underlift towing mechanism

* Heights must also comply with any route restrictions as outlined in the Height Clearance Map.

Unladen heavier hook and underlift tow trucks operating under Type A Permit can have increased mass on the steer axle of up to 7.0t. This increase assists in maintaining steering when towing a vehicle. To be eligible for increased mass you must comply with conditions of operation for 6.5t steer axle. Evidence of compliance must be presented when applying for permits.

Laden travel - Towing between premises/depots

Heavier hook and underlift tow trucks operating laden under a Type B Permit can undertake towing between premises and depots on the Victorian road network. Table 7 outlines the mass and dimension limits for operation.

Table 7: Type B Permit mass and dimension limits - laden tow truck with a heavier hook and underlift towing mechanism towing between premises/depots

* Heights must also comply with any route restrictions as outlined in the Height Clearance Map.

Laden travel - Accident and disabled (incapacitated) vehicle towing

Heavier hook and underlift tow trucks operating laden under a Type B Permit can undertake accident and disabled (incapacitated) vehicle towing on the Victorian road network. Table 8 outlines the mass and dimension limits for operation.

Table 8: Type B Permit mass and dimension limits - laden tow truck with a heavier hook and underlift towing mechanism towing accident and disabled (incapacitated) vehicles

* Heights must also comply with any route restrictions as outlined in the Height Clearance Map.

If the tow truck exceeds the general access limit of 18.5 tonne on the tandem axle, 21.0t on the tri axle group or 26.0m overall length (except when towing an articulated bus) the following conditions apply:

• Travel is restricted to clear an accident site or remove an incapacitated vehicle from a road or road related area that is blocking a carriageway only,
• The incapacitated vehicle must be towed to the first safe and practical area for breaking up and/or unloading in order to comply with general access limits,
• When breaking up and/or unloading, all relevant Dangerous Goods and Occupational Health and Safety legislations must be followed and the placement of triangles as outlined in Rule 227 of the National Road Rules,
• Travel over any bridge off the arterial High Mass Limits Network must be at a maximum speed of 10km/h with travel in the lanes nearest the centre of structures,
• The vehicle and vehicle combination must not cross any timber bridges.

Note: this towing is exempted from any oversize vehicle travel time restrictions until it reaches the first safe and practical location.

If the damaged or disabled vehicle is operating under an oversize or over mass Class 1, Class 2 or Class 3 vehicle permit then the damaged or disabled vehicle may only be towed along the authorised routes for that vehicle whilst towing under a Type B Permit.

Onboard weighing devices

To prevent damage and stresses to road infrastructure and furniture, tow trucks operating under a Type B Permit must have an operating onboard weighing device. It must measure the mass on the rear axle group and readily display the recording to view by a National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) authorised officer or Victoria Police Officer.

Flat towing

To minimise axle loadings and the resulting stress on bridges, flat towing or only partially lifting of the towing vehicle's steering axle should occur whenever possible and safe to do so.

Towed vehicle

The maximum axle and axle group mass of the towed vehicle should not exceed the dimensions outlined in Table 5.

Table 5: Maximum axle and axle group of vehicles towed under Type A Permit and Type B permit

The towed vehicle or vehicle combination must have a lightboard that:

• Can be securely placed on the rear of the towed vehicle and connected electrically or wirelessly to the tow truck;
• Includes lights and reflector lamps that would, if attached to the rear of the tow truck, meet the standards for registration that apply to a tow truck;
• Includes tail lights, number plate lights, brake lights, reversing lights, direction indicator lights and rear reflectors; and
• Displays the number plate of the tow truck.'

Where the towed vehicle or vehicle combination has side marker lights and is being towed at night or low visibility, they must be lit. If they are not working, portable side marker lights must be fitted at 2.0m intervals.

Type C Permit - Tilt tray tow truck

Tilt tray tow trucks operating under a Type B Permit can undertake towing between premises and depots as well as accident and disabled (incapacitated) vehicle towing on the Victorian road network. The vehicle must have a tandem rear axle group and a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) rating of at least 23.0t and operate at the mass and dimension limits show in Table 9.

Table 9: Type C Permit mass and dimension limits - tilt tray tow truck towing between premises and deports or accident and disabled (incapacitated) vehicles

* Heights must also comply with any route restrictions as outlined in the Height Clearance Map.

Type D Permit - Low loader tow truck

Low loader tow trucks operating under a Type C Permit can undertake towing between premises and depots as well as accident and disabled (incapacitated) vehicle towing on the Victorian road network. Table 10 outlines the mass and dimension limits for operation.

Table 10: Type D Permit mass and dimension limits - low loader tow truck towing between premises and deports or accident and disabled (incapacitated) vehicles

* Heights must also comply with any route restrictions as outlined in the Height Clearance Map.

**To operate above 20.0t on a tri axle group, the distance between the centre of the last axle on the prime move and the centre of the first axle on the trailer must be a minimum of 6.0m.

*** The prime mover and semi-trailer must not exceed 19.0m long. The towed vehicle may protrude out the rear of the trailer by up to 4.9m from the centre of the axle group.

Responsibilities and operating conditions

The following responsibilities and operating conditions apply to all tow trucks and towing operations.

Safe travel

The registered operator of a tow truck, the driver of the tow truck and any person who permitted for the vehicle to be driven are responsible for planning each journey must ensure that the vehicle adheres to all restrictions on roads throughout the journey. It is the responsibility of both the operator and driver of a tow truck to:

1. Comply with the Transport Act 1983, the Road Safety Act 1986, Accident Towing Services Act 2007, Accident Towing Services Regulations 2008 and any other regulations, codes of practice, rules or standards made under those Acts; and
2. Comply with the requirements of any licence or permit issues in relation to the operation of the relevant tow truck; and
3. Follow the requirements set out here when travelling in mountainous areas; and
4. Ensure that the documents stated in the permit are carried in the driving compartment of a tow truck; and
5. Ensure that disruption to other road users is kept to a minimum.

General bridge restrictions

A tow truck cannot cross any mass restricted bridges where the vehicle or vehicle combination exceeds the posted mass limit. Towing vehicles by a hook or under lift mechanism across large culverts and bridges with other heavy vehicle traffic should be avoided.

When a tandem axle group exceeds 16.5 tonnes or a tri-axle group exceeds 20.0 tonnes in either a tow truck or towed vehicle, the combination must not cross any timber beam, timber truss or timber deck bridges.

When following any other heavy or oversize vehicle on a bridge, the tow truck must maintain a distance of 200 metres from that vehicle to minimise stress on structures, except:

• When overtaking the vehicle in front; or
• When the vehicle in front is stopping; or
• When there is a separate lane for overtaking; or
• In an urban area where it is impractical to maintain a distance of 200 metres.

Allowing vehicles to overtake

If traffic is banking up behind the tow truck due to its slower speed, the tow truck should (where safe) move to the left and if necessary, stop to let following vehicles overtake.

Minimum steer axle mass

To maintain adequate and safe steering in all conditions when towing, the tow truck minimum seer axle mass must meet the Australian Design Rules and Vehicle Standards Bulletin 6 - Heavy vehicle modifications - Section T - Tow Trucks.

Steer axle mass above 6.0 tonnes

Heavy vehicle tow trucks first registered as a tow truck in Victoria after 1 September 2009 with a steer axle mass above 6.0 tonnes must have:

1. An engine complying with the emission control requirements of Australian Design Rule 80-01,
2. A front underrun protection device and a cabin that comply with Regulation 29 of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE),
3. Appropriately rated tyres, axle and suspension.

Exemption from travel time restrictions

A tow truck engaged in the recovery of a damaged or disabled (incapacitated) heavy vehicle or vehicle combination on a road is generally exempt from the travel time restrictions in their permit.

Crossing tramway tracks and railway crossings

Tow trucks that cross railways or tramways in Victoria and exceed the dimensions prescribed under the Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) Act 1983 require a permit. Further information regarding the dimensions and how to apply for a permit can be found at the Department of Transport and Planning Over dimensional load permits page.

Travel over the West Gate Bridge

If a tandem axle group exceeds 18.5 tonnes or a tri-axle group exceeds 20.0 within a tow truck or towed vehicle, it must adhere to the following conditions when crossing the West Gate Bridge:

1. The tow truck must travel in one of the two right hand lanes nearest the centre median; and
2. If it is incapable of maintaining a speed of at least 65 km/h:

• One rotating yellow warning light must be affixed to the rear of the tow vehicle if it is more than 3.5 metres wide; or
• Two rotating yellow warning lights must be affixed to the rear of the towed vehicle if it is more than 3.5 metres wide; or
• A pilot vehicle must travel at the rear of the towed vehicle within a distance of 50 metres; or
• A Department of Transport Incident Management Officer, NHVR Authorised Officer or Police Officer must travel at the rear of the towed vehicle.

Accessing emergency lanes on freeways

To enable access to a clear a damaged or disabled vehicle, a tow truck is permitted to travel in the emergency stopping lanes on freeways providing it is:

1. Only for the purpose of accessing and removing a damaged or disabled vehicle from that freeway; and
2. Only at times when driving in other lanes is not possible or will extend travel time to the vehicle excessively due to congestion or an obstruction; and
3. Utilising the vehicles flashing or rotating warning lights; and
4. Not travelling above 40km/h; and
5. Always allowing clear passage for emergency vehicles.

Warning devices

Where the tow truck and towed vehicle combinations length exceeds 22.0 metres but not more than 25.0 metres, an 'OVERSIZE' warning sign must be affixed to the rear of the combination. If it is wider than 2.5 metres or longer than 25.0 metres, an 'OVERSIZE' warning sign must be affixed at the front and rear of the combination and four red or/and yellow flags (at least 450mm x 450 mm) attached to the extremities of the vehicle and any load.

The 'OVERSIZE' warning sign must:

1. Have the word OVERSIZE in black upper-case lettering that conforms with typeface Series C(N) in Australian Standard AS 1744 Forms of Letters and Numerals for Road Signs; and
2. Have a Class 1 or Class 2 yellow retro-reflection background, and
3. Have the manufacturers name or trademark and the brand and class of retro-reflection material permanently marked in block letters. The letters should be at least 3mm but no more than 10 mm high, have a black border at least 20mm wide, and be made of flat, weatherproof material; and
4. Be mounted vertically with its bottom edge above the bottom of the bumper bar or at least 500mm above the ground if there is no bumper bar; and
5. If in two parts, have the word OVER on the left part of the sign and the word SIZE on the right part and be mounted at the same height; and
6. Be taut and affixed vertically so that the whole sign can be clearly seen.

Thin load projections

Where any load projects more than 150mm from the side of a vehicle and is less than 500mm thick, a warning light must be attached to the vehicle and a yellow rigid retro-reflective delineator, at least 300mm x 300mm must be attached to the front and rear of the projection.

Night travel

When travelling at night (between sunset and sunrise), the tow truck must:

1. Have side marker lights fitted and operating at 2.0 metre intervals along any part of a load projecting from a vehicle; and
2. Have a yellow rotating warning light displayed on the tow truck and at the rear of the vehicle combination that is wider than 2.5 metres or longer than 22.0 metres. This light must flash between 120 and 200 times a minute and have a power of 55 watts. It must be visible from 500 metres in all directions. If one warning light is not visible from 500 metres, additional warning lights must be used to ensure that at least one light is always visible; and
3. Have an accompanying pilot vehicle if the towed truck and vehicle combination exceeds 2.5 metres wide or 25.0 metres long.

Low visibility

A tow truck must not travel if visibility is less than 250 metres in the daytime or if the headlights of an approaching vehicle within 250 cannot be seen at night. If a vehicle is already travelling and visibility is reduced to this level or it is necessary to remove a vehicle from a road, the driver must drive to the first safe and practical place and wait until visibility improves. In such circumstances, the towed vehicle combination must be accompanied by a NHVR Authorised Officer, Police Officer or a pilot vehicle.

Escort and pilot vehicles

In some scenarios, an escort or pilot vehicle may be required to accompany a tow truck. Detailed information regarding these requirements can be found on the Escort and pilot vehicles page.

Insurance

It is the responsibility of the registered operator and driver of the vehicle to ensure that there is appropriate insurance cover for the operation that is being completed.

Regulatory definitions

Table 11 outlines the regulatory definitions for key terms used throughout this bulletin:

Table 11: Regulatory definitions

Applying for tow truck permits

Applications for tow truck permits are via the NHVR portal. Please refer to NHVR for detailed information relating to this process.