Class O (oversize light) vehicle restrictions
Find out where you can drive your oversize light vehicle, and requirements you must meet.
What is a Class O (oversize light) vehicle?
An oversized light vehicle, also known as a Class O vehicle, is any car, boat or vehicle combination where its load exceeds either:
- 4.3 metres high
- 2.5 metres wide
- 12.5 metres long for a rigid vehicle
- 19 metres long for a combination.
Do you need a Class O permit?
If you do not exceed the maximum limits below, access is approved on all roads under the authority of the Class O Notice (PDF), therefore a permit is not required:
- 4.6 metres high
- 3.5 metres wide
- 25 metres long
- 4.5 tonnes mass.
Please note, to qualify as a light vehicle, neither your AGGREGATE TRAILER MASS (ATM) or your GROSS VEHICLE MASS (GVM), must exceed 4.5 tonnes.
The ATM, is the unladen tare weight of the trailer including the load.
Please note the GROSS COMBINATION MASS (GCM) of the towing vehicle which is the combined mass of the laden trailer including the towing vehicle, must be compliant with the maximum limits as rated by your manufacturer for the towing vehicle.
You must apply for a Class O Permit if:
- Your light vehicle or combination exceeds the standard dimensions above
- You are transporting over-dimensional equipment (e.g. boats, farm machinery)
- You are travelling through an area with travel restrictions and exceed the specified dimensions (refer to the table under Travel Restrictions).
Note: An over-dimensional load rail permit may also be required when crossing railways and/or tramways.
If you’re carrying a load on a truck or a car, you must also comply with overhang limits.
Class O permits may contain conditions such as approved routes, travel times, and pilot vehicle requirements.
How to apply?
- Download thelight vehicle over dimensional permit application form (PDF)
- upload the completed form to VicRoads and pay for your permit online
- It will cost $80.20, this fee is a non-refundable application fee, and is
- Valid for 12 months.
Travel restrictions
Oversize light vehicles are not permitted on all roads. Specific routes are restricted due to safety, infrastructure, and environmental concerns.
Key restriction zones
| Area | Limits |
|---|---|
| Mountainous Area and Otway Areas | Width > 2.5 m or length > 19 m not permitted |
| Gippsland Ranges and Surf Coast | Width > 3.0 m or length > 22 m restricted |
| Urban or narrow arterial roads | Subject to route-specific bans and conditions |
For full details of Class O restrictions, including areas, routes and times, see:
- Schedule 6 of Victoria's road safety (vehicles) regulations 2021
- View the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s national network map. This includes a layer called ‘Victoria’s Class 1 oversize and overmass agricultural vehicle network map’ showing where vehicles can and can’t drive.
- Victoria’s specification of areas, routes, and times at which certain Class O vehicles (PDF) may be used.
Special provisions and exemptions
Certain vehicles and trailers may operate under modified rules:
Field bins
Oversize light field bins can operate in Victoria’s broad-acre and flat areas without a pilot vehicle.
View a full list of conditions and restrictions.
Gliders and water sport devices
Trailers carrying gliders or water sport devices are exempt from standard rear overhang limits.
View a full list of conditions and restrictions.
Portable traffic signal trailers
Portable traffic signs are used to safely manage the traffic flow when part of a road (such as a single lane) is closed for repair. They can be joined together as a two-trailer unit.
Vehicles aren’t allowed to tow more than one trailer except:
- B-double trucks and road trains
- with an exemption from Department of Transport and Planning.
To get an exemption you’ll need a report from an approved vehicle assessment signatory scheme engineer.