NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has released additional revised 50MAX proforma designs as operators prepare to transition away from permits.
The requirement to hold 50MAX permits has been removed as part of the heavy vehicle productivity rule reform programme.
Operators must move from their existing 50MAX and overlength permits to approved proforma designs before their current permits expire or by November 6, whichever comes first.
The additional proformas cover vehicles operating under discontinued designs and are listed on the NZTA website under “Revised proformas for legacy vehicles”.
NZTA says it is working to ensure approved proformas are available for all 50MAX vehicles before the transition period ends.
Operators holding permits for vehicle combinations that do not yet have an available proforma are being asked to contact the agency.
Operators responsible for compliance
Before moving to a revised proforma, operators must ensure their vehicles comply with all requirements of the relevant approved design.
These include limits and specifications covering mass, dimensions, axle spacing, tyres, lighting, electronic braking systems and other required safety equipment.
Trailer tyre requirements include the use of twin tyres where specified.
Operators do not need to notify NZTA which proforma a vehicle is using.
However, drivers must be able to produce the relevant proforma documentation during a roadside inspection, either digitally or as a hard copy.
Vehicles must also continue operating only on the approved 50MAX route network, which remains unchanged.
NZTA says operators become responsible for maintaining compliance with the design and its conditions once a vehicle moves from a permit to a proforma.
*Go to NZTA for more information.
