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.
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.
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.
Yes. 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.
Apply for a 50MAX permit online
If all the right information has been included with your application it will be processed within five working days.
This depends on the axle spacing – please see table below.
| Axle spacing | 50MAX Final |
| 16.0 but less than 16.8 | 44 |
| 16.8 but less than 17.4 | 45 |
| 17.4 but less than 18.0 | 46 |
| 18.0 but less than 18.6 | 47 |
| 18.6 but less than 19.4 | 48 |
| 19.4 but less than 20.0 | 49 |
| 20.0 or more | 50 |
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.
No. 50MAX permits will include a list of restricted areas. Please view our online map(external link) 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.
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.
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.
There are specific requirements to apply for a 50MAX permit. You will need to:
complete the 50MAX web application.
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.
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
Attribute sheets were first introduced due to the errors of vehicle data within the Motor Vehicle Register. As most HPMV capable vehicles have either been permitted since or new vehicles entering the permitting system having their correct data recorded into the register, we have moved to remove this requirement.
If vehicle data is missing, we encourage the operator to either seek to have the data corrected by an Inspection agent, or to provide an attribute sheet.
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 0800 4 HIGHWAYS and other website and communication channels.
Find more information about current highway conditions(external link)
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.
You can email info50MAX@nzta.govt.nz or call us on 0800 699 000.
