Here you will find everything you need to know about 50MAX – what your vehicle will need to look like, who can help you certify your vehicle, what you need to apply and where you can travel.
On this page:
What is 50MAX?
50MAX gives freight operators an option to carry increased payloads on parts of the network that, while economically important to New Zealand, are unable to carry high productivity motor vehicles (HPMVs).
Am I eligible for a 50MAX permit?
Find out if you are eligible for a 50MAX permit with our 50MAX chart .
50MAX application form
Apply for a 50MAX permit onlineApply for a 50MAX permit online
Please ensure you attach a completed 50MAX ready pro-forma and a 50MAX vehicle combination attribute sheet for each combination to your application. The attributes check form needs to be completed and signed by a heavy vehicle specialist certifier.
View a list of approved heavy vehicle specialist certifiers
If you have any problems with the application form, please contact us on info50MAX@nzta.govt.nz .
Map of 50MAX routes
View our interactive 50MAX map
If you are having trouble viewing the interactive 50MAX map, or if you wish to print individual maps, please view the PDF maps below.
50MAX book of maps
North Island maps
South Island maps
50MAX vehicle designs
Below are specific details about the configurations and specifications for 50MAX vehicles.
22-metre B-train 50MAX
Download 22-metre B-train 50MAX
23-metre B-train 5680 50MAX
Download 23-metre B-train 5680 50MAX
23-metre B-train 5700 50MAX
Download 23-metre B-train 5700 50MAX
23-metre B-train long tractor 50MAX
Download 23-metre B-train long tractor 50MAX
23-metre B-train long trailer 50MAX
Download 23-metre B-train long trailer 50MAX
23-metre logging combination 50MAX
Download 23-metre logging combination 50MAX
23-metre long drawbar 50MAX
Download 23-metre long drawbar 50MAX
23-metre truck & full trailer 50MAX
Download 23-metre truck and trailer 50MAX
Download 23-metre truck and trailer 50MAX23-metre truck & long full trailer 50MAX
Download 23-metre truck and long trailer 50MAX
50MAX permit for HPMV to exceed mass limits
23-metre log truck and full trailer – amendment 2014
By attaching this document to your existing 50MAX permit for HPMV to exceed mass limits for log truck and full trailer, this new 23 metre log truck and full trailer design replaces the existing design. Your existing design is now void. Note: This only applies to 50MAX.
New amendment 2014 pro-forma logging truck 23-metres
Frequently asked questions
What is 50MAX?
50MAX is a new generation of truck that allows for safe and more efficient transport of freight goods. 50MAX trucks are slightly longer than standard 44-tonne vehicles, have an additional axle (9 in total) and can have a total weight of up to 50 tonnes.
Can retractable axles be fitted to my vehicle?
Retractable axles (including suspensions that transfer load from one axle to others outside of load sharing requirements) are not to be fitted, unless configured to only retract when the vehicle is unladen and meets all other legal requirements for retractable axles.
Are 50MAX trucks replacing the standard 44 tonne trucks?
No. 50MAX is an option for industry to use if they choose. It gives operators another option to carry increased payloads on parts of the network that, while economically important to New Zealand, are unable to carry HPMVs.
Will I need a permit to operate a 50MAX truck?
Yes. The Transport Agency is accepting area-wide 50MAX permit applications for state highways nationwide and most local roads.
Apply for a 50MAX permit online
How long will it take before my permit is issued?
If all the right information has been included with your application it will be processed within five working days.
What gross mass is available under a 50MAX permit?
This depends on the axle spacing – please see table below.
The shaded columns are the ones to use for the Class 1 table extension for 50MAX.
What about road user charges (RUC) – what do I need to know?
Anyone using New Zealand's roads contributes towards their upkeep. Most road users pay levies in the prices of their fuel. Others, such as drivers of light diesel vehicles and diesel-powered heavy vehicles such as trucks, pay through road user charges (RUC). You may be better off on another RUC type than the one you currently use.
Can I take my 50MAX truck anywhere with my area-wide permit?
No. 50MAX permits will include a list of restricted areas. Please view our online map for details on where you can and can't travel. This map is updated regularly, so 50MAX operators should always revisit the map before planning their route.
What about local roads in parts of the country that are not cleared on the map?
To drive on local roads that aren't cleared on the map, 50MAX operators will need to apply for higher mass HPMV route permits from local authorities. The local authorities that are not yet signed up for 50MAX can be found in the North Island/South Island 50MAX book of maps, in the tables at the front of each document.
What are a 50MAX operator's obligations in relation to truck safety?
50MAX can improve road safety because of the reduction in truck trips to move the same amount of freight – fewer trucks on the road will mean a reduction in the crash risk.
50MAX trucks must meet the same high safety standards as other HPMVs, including increased resistance to roll over and the inclusion of electronic braking systems. A number of operators are investing in speed limiting, GPS monitoring, weight load cells, electronic stability control, electronic road-user charges and other safety measures. The Transport Agency recommends that all road transport operators consider the use of such available technology.
What do I need to apply?
There are specific requirements to apply for a 50MAX permit. You will need to:
have a 50MAX combination attribute check sheet completed by an approved certifier to confirm you have quality-assured 50MAX pro-forma vehicle
complete a 50MAX pro-forma diagram
complete the 50MAX web application.
What parts of the state highway are included?
All of the state highways have been assessed for 50MAX, and a number of ‘do not cross bridges’ have been identified. The full list can be found in the tables at the front of the North Island and South Island book of maps.
The Transport Agency is also delivering on a bridge strengthening plan and a number of key bridges are already being strengthened, or identified for strengthening to better support 50MAX and other HPMV. When these bridges become available the maps will be updated.
How do I know if there are changes to the network?
Check the maps on the website at least monthly to pick up the calendar month update cycle. Urgent changes will be flagged on the road itself (eg during a flood or other event).
The agency also sends out a monthly 50MAX newsletter outlining the major changes occurring each month. If you are a 50MAX permit holder and not receiving this please contact info50MAX@nzta.govt.nz or call us on 0800 699 000.
Read past issues of 50MAX update , our 50MAX newsletter
Why do we need more different attribute sheets for the same vehicles?
One of the major causes of errors in HPMV applications was with the existing vehicle attribute check sheets. 50MAX has allowed new processes to be designed with the focus on quick turnaround and simple processing.
To simplify and speed up processing and provide clarity on vehicle performance the 50MAX combination check sheet was developed. The certifier (who is qualified to do this work) states the combination is suitable for 50MAX and confirms the correct gross mass for 50MAX use. This form can also be used for overlength applications.
Costs can be reduced for new vehicles by requesting your certifier to provide all the documentation at once (both individual and combination sheets that are appropriate).
Why are there different permits for the North and South Islands?
As freight journeys across the islands are logically split by the need to cross Cook Strait, it was decided to split the permits to better manage the size of maps and exception lists of bridges and structures, as well as providing the agency with better visibility of how 50MAX is being utilised.
What if part of the network is closed due to weather or another reason?
It is the responsibility of the operator/truck driver to obey all local and state highway restrictions in the normal way. The 50MAX permit is always secondary to any acute changes to route availability. You should check the local sources of journey information as well as for state highways, eg 08004HIGHWAYS and other website and communication channels.
Find more information about current highway conditions
What if I find restrictions on specific structures are really affecting my business?
If there are critical bottlenecks in the 50MAX network we need to know where they are and the demand for them. Please let us know using the info50MAX@nzta.govt.nz email address.
How can I find out more about 50MAX?
You can email info50MAX@nzta.govt.nz or call us on 0800 699 000.