Over dimensional load permits for travel across railways and tramways

Loads that cross railways or tramways in Victoria and exceed dimensions prescribed under the Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) Act 1983 require a permit. Over dimensional load (ODL) permits contain conditions that users must follow to ensure the safe movement of vehicles, freight and large loads over railways and tramways in Victoria.

When is a permit required?

Loads that cross railways or tramways and exceed the following dimensions require a permit.

There is no weight limit for loads travelling across railways or tramways unless specified by a National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) permit.  To apply for an NHVR oversize/overmass permit, visit nhvr.gov.au. 

For further information regarding over dimensional routes, visit the VicRoads heavy vehicle webpage. 

Download the ODL rail permits fact sheet [PDF 155KB].

Apply for a permit

Permit applications must be submitted at least five business days before the intended crossing date, unless discussed with the department.

Application form

Permit applications must be submitted at least five business days before the intended crossing date, unless discussed with the department.

Applications for a permit and payment by credit card can be made on the VicRoads website.

Once an application form is received, a risk assessment will be made and the appropriate permit will be issued.

Department of Transport will process the application on behalf of MTM (manager of the metropolitan passenger rail network) and Yarra Trams.

Department of Transport will notify the applicant when consultation and/or approval from V/Line and/or ARTC is required. The applicant is then responsible to consult and/or obtain consent directly.

For details of permit fees and penalties, see the permit fees and penalties section of this page. 

Permit changes and cancellations

Changes and cancellations can be made up to five business days before the intended crossing date. Changes and cancellations made within five business days of the intended crossing date may require a new permit application and fees may be charged if attendance by the department or transport operators has been organised. The department will use its discretion to assess permit changes and cancellation requests, as last-minute changes may affect rail and tram operations.

Permit fees and penalties

From 1 July 2020, in accordance with the Monetary Units Act 2004 the value of a fee unit is $14.81 and the value of a penalty unit is $165.22.

The fees have been frozen for 1 July 2020 and remain as 2019.

Permit fees

A list of fees prescribed under the Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) Act 1983 is available for download below:

• 2020-21 Over Dimensional Load Fees (PDF 109 KB)
• 2020-21 Over Dimensional Load Fees (XLSX 23 KB)

Penalties

Failure to obtain a permit or comply with permit conditions may result in penalties prescribed under the Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) Act 1983.

Contact us

Mobile (Transport Compliance Officer): 0417 054 626
Email: [email protected]