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.

Maximum allowable Railway Tramway
Height 4.9 metres 4.3 metres
Width 3.0 metres 3.0 metres
Length 26.0 metres 26.0 metres

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 a NHVR oversize/overmass permit or to view over dimensional routes, visit the VicRoads Heavy Vehicles web page.

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.

To apply for an over dimensional load permit, please complete the application form. 

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

For details of permit fees and penalties, see the permit fees and penalties section of this page. To discuss payment options please contact the department.

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 2019, 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.

Permit fees

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

Penalties

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

Download a list of the penalties below:

Contact us

Department of Transport
GPO Box 2797 Melbourne VIC 3000
Telephone: (03) 8392 7720
Mobile (Transport Compliance Officer): 0417 054 626
Fax: (03) 8392 7540
Email: [email protected]