Dimensions and Mass Rule

The following has been extracted from the Vehicle Dimensions & Mass Rule 2002. Rule 41001

By now everyone will be aware that the new Dimensions & Mass Rule came into effect on 1 July 2002 and that there would be a three month “overlap” whereby operators could work under either the old or new rule.

From 1 October ONLY the provisions of the new rule will apply. Although the Land Transport Safety Authority produced and distributed Factsheet 53 in June many members of the Power Crane Association are still a little confused about the requirements. Therefore to try to eliminate the confusion we have produced this document which lists the main points of the new rules and any actions that you should take to ensure you get the maximum benefit while at the same time observing the rule. 

• Forget about the Permit booklet that you have used up until now. It DOES NOT apply after 30 September. 
• Any crane over 2.5m wide OR longer than 8.5m from the centre of the rear tandem to the foremost point of the crane (the end of the boom) is an overdimension vehicle. 
• Any crane which is 2.5m wide or less and less than 8.5m from the centre of the rear tandem to the foremost point of the crane (the end of the boom) may still be overdimensional if the front overhang, measured from the front edge of the drivers seat (in its rearmost position) to the foremost point of the vehicle or its load is greater than 3m. (See LTSA Factsheet 13a). 
• ALL overdimension cranes must display a revolving amber light during the hours of darkness and have 2 rear facing red lights each 50 square centimetres (approx 7cm x 7cm). 
• “Oversize” sign is only to be used if the crane is over 3.1m wide. 
•  Hazard warning signs must be attached to all overdimension cranes – (see LTSA Factsheet 53 for sizes & colours). 
• There is no restriction on travel times for cranes up to 3.1m wide provided: 

1. the crane does not project outside the lane in which it is traveling; and 
2. the crane has been certified by an LTSA approved certifier as meeting the swept path requirements as outlined in Schedule 8 of the rule 

• You MUST observe any travel restrictions that are placed on your overweight permit issued by either Transit New Zealand or the local authorities.