Apply for NT livestock loading scheme permit
Changes to the scheme
From 4 April 2022, new rules will apply to the NT livestock loading scheme.
Anyone who wants to operate under the scheme must apply and get a vehicle inspection. If you’re already a scheme member, you must transition by 3 April 2024.
All members must meet the new conditions. Read below for more information.
If you’re a livestock transport operator, you can apply for a Northern Territory (NT) livestock loading scheme permit that allows increased mass limits for livestock loads.
An NT livestock loading permit is issued for 12 months.
Entry to the scheme is available to both NT and interstate operators, but is not compulsory. Normal mass limits apply to all other livestock vehicles that don’t have a permit under the scheme.
New scheme rules
From 4 April 2022, all operators must follow the new rules of the scheme.
Changes include:
- adjusted concessional mass limits
- new conditions for vehicles, including a speed limit of 90km/h when loaded with cattle.
To find out more, read the NT livestock loading scheme guidelines PDF (884.5 KB).
Current members
If you’re already a member of the scheme, you will need to reapply and have your vehicle inspected.
A 2-year transitional period will be in place from 4 April 2022 to 3 April 2024 to give you time to reapply.
During this period, you can continue to operate under your existing permits under the old scheme.
To find out more, read appendix A of the guidelines.
Interstate members
Mass concessions provided by interstate livestock loading schemes don’t apply in the NT. Without a permit issued under the NT livestock loading scheme, normal mass limits apply.
For interstate registered livestock vehicles without NT livestock loading labels, you can apply for an interstate interim permit.
The interim permit is issued for 12 months to allow time to confirm eligibility.
Before you apply
Vehicles must meet certain technical requirements to be eligible for the scheme.
The following heavy vehicles are eligible based on the following criteria.
Rigid trucks
A rigid truck that has:
- been specially designed and built to carry livestock and
- a dual-tyred, tandem drive-axle group.
Prime movers
A prime mover that has:
- a dual-tyred, tandem drive-axle group and
- a fifth-wheel coupling with a D rating of at least 169 kN.
Semi-trailers
A semi-trailer that has:
- been specially designed and built to carry livestock
- a dual-tyred tri-axle group
- an internal length available for the carriage of livestock of no more than 12.5 metres
- a kingpin with a D rating of at least 193 kN
- a tow-coupling with a D rating of at least 191 kN
- an aggregate trailer mass rating of at least 40 tonnes and
- an unladen mass of no more than 15 tonnes.
Dollies
Tandem axle dollies
A converter dolly that has:
- a dual-tyred tandem axle group
- a fifth-wheel coupling with a D rating of at least 193 kN
- a drawbar tow-eye coupling with a D rating of at least 191 kN and
- an aggregate trailer mass rating of at least 18.5 tonnes.
Tri-axle dollies
A converter dolly that has:
- a dual-tyred tri-axle group
- a fifth-wheel coupling with a D rating of at least 193 kN
- a drawbar tow-eye coupling with a D rating of at least 191 kN and
- an aggregate trailer mass rating of at least:
- 20 tonnes if the dolly has conventional suspension or
- 22.5 tonnes if the dolly has road-friendly suspension.
B-double semi-trailers
A B-double semi-trailer that has:
- been specially designed and built to carry livestock
- a dual-tyred tri-axle group
- a kingpin with a D rating of at least 193 kN
- a fifth wheel coupling with a D rating of at least 193 kN and
- an aggregate trailer mass rating of at least 40 tonnes.
There is no maximum internal length available for carrying livestock for a B-double semi-trailer on its own. But when coupled with a semi-trailer, the combined internal length of both trailers must be no longer than 18.8 metres.
Livestock loading technical inspection
You must present each unit (truck, trailer or dolly) to a government vehicle inspection facility or a weighbridge for a livestock loading technical inspection.
You might need to book first. Check with the relevant facility.
Interstate schemes and interim permits
To apply for a permit, you must provide evidence that the vehicles are certified to operate under a livestock loading scheme in the jurisdiction they are registered in.
For semi-trailers or B-double semi-trailers, you must also provide evidence of its unladen mass. Read section 4 of the guidelines.
Mass concessions under the scheme
Eligible vehicle | Axle group | Concessional mass limit under permit |
---|---|---|
Rigid truck | Tandem drive | 18.5 tonnes |
Prime mover | Tandem drive | The lesser of:
|
Semi-trailer | Tri-axle | 24 tonnes |
B-double semi-trailer | Tri-axle | 24 tonnes |
Dolly | Tandem | 18.5 tonnes |
Dolly | Tri-axle | No concessional mass under permit. It must not exceed:
|
How to apply
To apply, follow the steps below.
Step 1. Fill in the relevant application for a livestock loading permit.
VS10(a) Prime mover and dollies livestock loading scheme application PDF (727.4 KB)
VS10(a) Prime mover and dollies livestock loading scheme application DOCX (66.4 KB)
VS10(b) Trailer livestock loading scheme application PDF (256.2 KB)*
VS10(b) Trailer livestock loading scheme application DOCX (65.8 KB).
*Use this additional form if you need to list extra trailers to your application:
- VS10(b) Trailer schedule livestock loading scheme application PDF (195.5 KB)
- VS10(b) Trailer schedule livestock loading scheme application DOCX (60.8 KB).
VS10(c) Rigid truck livestock loading scheme application PDF (594.9 KB)
VS10(c) Rigid truck livestock loading scheme application DOCX (75.4 KB)
Step 2. Submit your form by email to mvr.permits@nt.gov.au or in person to any MVR vehicle inspection facility.
You will need to pay the permit of exemption fees.
You can pay by MasterCard, Visa, Basics Card, Cash or EFTPOS.
Contact
Contact the permits officer on 08 8951 5263.
Change or cancel heavy vehicle configuration
If you want to change or cancel your heavy vehicle’s configuration, you must apply.
You can't drive it with its new configuration until your application has been processed.
It must only be used within the legal mass limits for your type of heavy vehicle.
You can apply:
- for or cancel a temporary heavy vehicle upgrade permit
- permanently change your heavy vehicle configuration – upgrade or downgrade.
Temporary heavy vehicle upgrade permit
To apply for a temporary heavy vehicle upgrade permit or cancel one, you must follow the relevant process below.
How to apply
You can only apply for a permit up to your heavy vehicle’s registration expiry date.
If you want to apply for longer than that, you must renew your vehicle registration first.
To apply, follow these steps:
Step 1. Fill in the R12 application to upgrade a heavy vehicle configuration PDF (552.0 KB).
Step 2. Submit your application and pay the fees by EFTPOS, MasterCard, Visa, BasicsCard, or cash:
- to an MVR office
- by email to mvr@nt.gov.au.
If you’re a business fleet operator, you can apply online through MVR for Business.
How to cancel
To cancel your permit, follow these steps:
Step 1. Fill in the M5 application to cancel an upgrade of a heavy vehicle configuration PDF (549.9 KB).
Step 2. Submit your application to an MVR office.
If you have at least 7 days remaining on your permit, you can receive a refund. An administration fee applies.
Permanently change
To permanently upgrade or downgrade, you must follow the relevant process below.
Upgrade
To permanently upgrade, follow these steps:
Step 1. Fill in the R44 heavy vehicle nomination for registration configuration PDF (2.2 MB).
Step 2. Submit your application to an MVR office or by email to mvr@nt.gov.au, and choose to:
- renew your vehicle registration if it’s due or
- cancel your registration and re-register with new configuration:
- fill in and attach the M01 application to cancel registration PDF (148.7 KB).
- receive a refund if eligible (an administration fee applies).
Step 3. Pay the fees using EFTPOS, MasterCard, Visa, BasicsCard, or cash.
Downgrade
To permanently downgrade, follow these steps:
Step 1. Fill in the:
- M01 application to cancel registration PDF (148.7 KB)
- R44 heavy vehicle nomination for registration configuration PDF (2.2 MB).
Step 2. Submit your application:
- to an MVR office
- by email to mvr@nt.gov.au.
You may be eligible for a refund on your registration. An administration fee will apply.
Apply to operate innovative combination
Innovative vehicle combinations are heavy road combinations.
They use approved or complying trailer components to transport goods in a more efficient way. They must use the right combination without compromising safety.
Innovative vehicles operate under a permit of exemption. A general exemption is place for BAB and ABB quad combinations.
Find out what type of combination your innovative vehicle combination fits into under 'before you apply'.
Before you apply
Types of innovative combination
BAB and ABB Quad innovative vehicle combinations:
'Quad' refers to the number of trailers in the combination – not number of axles within an axle group.
A BAB-Quad is B-double towing a dolly converter towing two semi-trailers.
An ABB-Quad is an articulated vehicle towing a dolly converter towing three semi-trailers.
These specific innovative vehicle combinations are approved to operate within the NT without the requirement for a permit of exemption.
BAB and ABB Quads must still comply with all road train rating requirements.
Proposed new innovative vehicle combinations
All new proposed innovative vehicle combinations are required to:
- be made up of complying vehicles that meet the national standards (go to the Australian Government Department of Industry and Regional Development website for the Australian Design Rules, and go to the National Transport Commission website for the Australian Light Vehicle Standards Rules)
- and have better overall on-road dynamic performance than that of a normal vehicle combination for the particular load being carried.
If your innovative combination has some dimensions that don't fit with the national standards, it may still be considered for approval on a case-by-case basis.
You must show that these dimensions don't affect the combination's on-road performance.
Existing and in-service innovative vehicle combinations
Existing approved combinations currently operating under permits of exemption in the Northern Territory (NT) may continue to operate, as long as the combination's configuration remains unchanged and dynamic performance remains satisfactory.
Any proposed changes to your existing combination must be approved by the MVR and they must not affect the combination's dynamic performance.
You may need to:
- get a dynamic performance report
- and undertake an on-road assessment of the combination.
You may be allowed to use a substitute vehicle – such as a prime mover or trailer – as a substitute for short term or maintenance purposes. You need to ensure that the substitute unit of the combination has the same performance ratings and dimensions.
How to apply
You will need complete an application to operate innovative combination, including all of the following:
- a detailed drawing of the proposed combination
- intended use
- intended routes of travel
- any loading concessions sought.
Application to operate innovative combination PDF (871.4 KB)
Interstate registered and approved combinations must present proof of approval to operate in their home state (permit to operate).
You must mail your completed application form and other documents to:
Registrar of Motor Vehicles via the Senior Engineering Officer
GPO Box 2520
Darwin NT 0801
You can also submit your application form in person at a MVR office.
Further step for approval
You will be notified in writing if your application has been accepted.
If it is successful and your vehicle combination has been endorsed to proceed, you then need to supply a dynamic performance simulation report.
This is a report on performance measures including, but not necessarily limited to, those measures that are primarily associated with the high speed dynamic performance.
The simulation must also include a comparison with a high productivity (non-permit) base-line vehicle combination for the particular commodity carried.
More information
For more information get a copy of V33 Innovative vehicle combinations PDF (1.3 MB).
Buying and selling a heavy vehicle
If you are buying or selling a heavy vehicle, you must transfer the registration from the previous owner to the new owner's name.
If you're the buyer
You can transfer the registration of a heavy vehicle to your name if you are:
- the registered owner or
- the nominated operator and have written authority to do so.
Before you start
The buyer is responsible for paying the transfer of ownership fee and any other charges.
The buyer must also:
- notify the MVR of the new nominated operator
- remove the former nominated operator from the vehicle's record.
The buyer must fill in the R13 application to nominate the operator of a vehicle form PDF (886.9 KB) and submit this form to the MVR.
Only one person or representative of a body corporate can be recorded as being the nominated operator and they must be nominated by the registered owner.
Where a heavy vehicle is registered in joint names or a body corporate, only one person can be nominated as the nominated operator - even though the joint parties or body corporate may be the legal owners.
You will need:
- to complete an application for transfer registration signed by both you and the seller
- evidence of identity and residency
- proof of ownership - if requested by the MVR
- your R13 form.
How to transfer
You can submit the above completed forms and pay the transfer of ownership fee and other charges at an MVR office.
You can also submit by emailing to mvr@nt.gov.au or mailing to:
Motor Vehicle Registry
GPO Box 530
Darwin NT 0801
You can pay your fee by Visa or MasterCard by calling 1300 654 628.
If you're the seller
When selling a vehicle, the registered owner must lodge a notice of disposal to MVR within 14 days of sale.
A notice of disposal can be either:
- a notice of disposal - attached to the back of the vehicle's registration certificate
- or an R6 notice of disposal - application for transfer form PDF (555.6 KB) - signed by both former and new owner.
The notice must include the following information:
- the full name and address of the buyer, which may be a body corporate
- buyer's date of birth - not required for a body corporate
- the date of the sale or disposal of the vehicle
- the price paid for the vehicle
- the vehicle identification - including registration number, make, model, VIN/chassis number, engine number.
Both the buyer and the seller must sign the notice.
Any notice that has not been completed properly will be returned to the registered owner for correction. This means the registered owner (seller) may still be held responsible for the vehicle – including traffic infringements and demerit points – until the MVR accepts the notice of disposal.
How to transfer
You can submit the above completed forms to the MVR by email to mvr@nt.gov.au or at an MVR office.
You can also mail your forms to:
Motor Vehicle Registry
GPO Box 530
Darwin NT 0801
Heavy vehicle accreditation and driving interstate
You need to register your heavy vehicle in the Northern Territory (NT) if you are operating in the NT for more than three months. You don't need national heavy vehicle accreditation.
Heavy vehicles are regulated by the Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR).
NT heavy vehicle operators must comply with NT WorkSafe work, health and safety regulations – including fatigue management. To download the code of practice How to manage work health and safety risks, go to the NT WorkSafe website.
Operators have open access for road trains to all industrial areas, and 100% access to the road network for higher mass limits unless road restrictions apply.
NT operators crossing borders (except WA)
You can choose to join the National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme.
This is a voluntary scheme and offers concessions on mass, maintenance and fatigue.
Follow a step-by-step guide to submitting your national heavy vehicle accreditation scheme application on the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator website.
You will also have to pay the NHVAS fee as outlined on the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator website.
For example, you may need national accreditation in order to:
- access specific roads
- or manage fatigue requirements.
You must use the national work diary from at least the last major rest break before you've left the NT.
NT operators crossing into WA
If you are driving in Western Australia (WA), you will be regulated by WA laws and you may need WA heavy vehicle accreditation. You will also have to pay the accreditation fee.
There are guidelines and application forms available online.
You must also comply with the Western Australian fatigue management system.
Interstate operators
All heavy vehicles in states and territories - except the NT and WA - are regulated by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR).
If you are driving within the NT for less than seven days, you should continue to fill out your national driver work diary.
Securing loads for heavy vehicles over 12 tonnes
If you carry a loose bulk load on a vehicle with a gross vehicle mass (GVM) over 12 tonnes, you must secure it with a suitable load cover.
Loose bulk loads are materials that can be dislodged by rough roads or wind if they are not secured properly.
They include:
- sand
- soil
- gravel
- rocks
- other quarried material.
Tarpaulins, load covers and load nets can be used to restrain loose bulk loads in open topped vehicles.
The use of wetting or skinning agents alone is not acceptable but may be used alongside a suitable load cover.
Loose loads should never be transported on flat bed or platform type vehicles without sides or gates, or tipper bodies without tailgates.
Bodies with poorly fitting sides and gates should not be used to transport fine particle materials such as sand.
More information
For more information, read the v64 load restraint information bulletin PDF (362.7 KB).
Transporting concrete panels
If you're transporting heavy tilt-up precast concrete panels, you must ensure the panels:
- are carried in a near vertical or angled orientation
- have a total restraint system that is fit for purpose
- meet the performance standards - read the v64 load restraint information bulletin PDF (362.7 KB).
Load restraints may be comprised of any of the following:
- chains
- webbing straps
- a fastening and locking component of an engineered frame
- a combination of any or all of these.
The suitability of the restraint will depend on the type and size of concrete panel being transported and the type of vehicle being used.
General considerations
Checker-plate steel decks can be just as slippery as smooth flat steel decks.
You must not load directly onto steel decks or steel A-frames without appropriate friction material in place.
Always consider increasing friction between concrete panels by using wood or rubber material.
When loads settle, the lashings may loosen. Check the tension soon after moving off, and then regularly during the journey.
Consider using step-deck trailers when transporting tall concrete panels to reduce the height of the centre of gravity of the load.
Using A-frames to carry concrete panels
A-frames must be designed to withstand the loads and forces which may act on the frame system during loading, transportation and unloading.
If it doesn't have the right design, you may have to get engineer certification for your A-frame.
A-frames must be separately secured to the vehicle - independent of the concrete panel restraint system - and appropriately blocked to ensure they cannot move around on the deck.
The support feet on the A-frame should have high friction rubber between them and the trailer floor - except when secured using twist-lock systems.
Ensure that the A-frames are not twisted or placed on an uneven floor. Otherwise, the load may become unstable and dislodge.
Diagram notes
Corner protectors under all restraints for both the load and vehicle body as required.
Suggested top strap to hold up safety chain at two thirds the height at front.
Safety chain at two thirds of the height of the load.
Any support frame must be independently restrained (separately to panels) preferably via trailer twist lock system, but may be by other means.
High friction matting is recommended when using steel on steel as well as between the frame and the element being carried.
More information
For more information, read the v64 load restraint information bulletin PDF (362.7 KB).
Heavy vehicle inspection standards
The National Heavy Vehicle Inspection Manual PDF (5.7 MB) provides the minimum requirements for heavy vehicles to pass a roadworthy inspection in the Northern Territory.
The Northern Territory adopted the national inspection standard for heavy vehicles on 1 June 2017. The NT has some minor variations to the national manual. To find out more, read the national heavy vehicle inspection manual bulletin PDF (585.8 KB).
For more information about the national standard on heavy vehicle inspections, go to the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator website.
Heavy vehicle modifications
Modified heavy vehicles may be registered in the Northern Territory (NT) provided they conform to safety standards and are approved by the MVR.
When modifying a heavy vehicle you should consider:
- the manufacturer's guidelines on vehicle modification techniques
- the Heavy Vehicle Modifications Code of Practice on the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator website.
If you have modified your heavy vehicle, it may have to be assessed by the MVR.
Before you apply
You will need to supply all of the following:
- a completed application to modify a vehicle PDF (490.2 KB)
- vehicle details such as month and year of vehicle manufacture
- additional information that will help in the assessment of your vehicle such as:
- photos or sketches
- and certification documents such as engineering approval.
How to apply
To apply, submit your application and any supporting documents by email, mail or in person.
You will be notified in writing about the outcome of the assessment.
Vehicle standards officer
Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics
GPO Box 2520
Darwin NT 0801
vehiclestandards.mvr@nt.gov.au
In person
You can submit your application at an MVR office.
More information
For more information, get the heavy vehicle modifications information bulletin PDF (923.8 KB).
Register an imported heavy vehicle
To register an imported heavy vehicle in the Northern Territory (NT) you need:
- vehicle import approval issued by the Australian Government
- steering conversion modifications (if required)
- engineering certification if required
- an NT roadworthy inspection.
Read below to find out what else you may need for a specific heavy vehicle.
To register an imported heavy vehicle in the Northern Territory (NT), you need:
- vehicle import approval issued by the Australian Government
- steering conversion modifications (if required)
- engineering certification if required
- an NT roadworthy inspection.
Read below to find out what else you may need for a specific heavy vehicle.
Heavy vehicles over 4.5 tonnes GVM
Vehicles over 4.5 tonnes GVM must be right-hand drive except for special purpose vehicles and temporary imported vehicles.
If the vehicle is built on a conventional truck chassis, it will be classed as a truck. If the vehicle has more than nine seating positions, including the driver's seat, it is classed as a bus.
Vehicles imported under this category must have an Australian Identification Plate fitted via the 'Letter of Compliance Scheme', 'RAW Scheme' or 'Low Volume Approval Scheme'.
Special purpose vehicles over 4.5 tonnes GVM
Special purpose vehicles are designed and built for purposes other than the transport of goods or people. For example, purpose-built cranes.
While the NT may accept these vehicles in a left-hand drive configuration, they may not be accepted for registration or operation in another state or territory.
For special purpose vehicles in the left-hand drive configuration, left-hand drive signage requirements will apply.
You must display this sign on the rear of the vehicle:
- with words of a font size of at least 75mm high
- in colour contrast with the background of the words.
Military personnel vehicles
A status of forces agreement (SOFA) allows temporary importation of vehicles owned by overseas military personnel for personal use during their tour of duty.
Vehicles entering the NT under this agreement are not exempt from NT registration requirements.
NT registration requirements include the following:
- the vehicle must comply with the roadworthy requirements of the home (overseas) jurisdiction in which it was most recently registered - verification evidence may be requested
- the vehicle must comply with the roadworthy condition as outlined in the NT inspection manual for heavy vehicles PDF (5.7 MB).
These vehicles are not required to be converted to right-hand drive.
For more information or to apply for a SOFA, go to the Australian Government's Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications website.
Modify your imported heavy vehicle
If you want to undergo modifications, or your imported vehicle has undergone modifications, it may be subject to an inspection.
Find out more about vehicle modifications.
More information
For more information, get the V48 imported vehicles information bulletin PDF (695.0 KB).
Register your heavy vehicle in the NT
To register your heavy vehicle in the Northern Territory (NT), you must go through the Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR).
You can register a heavy vehicle if you’re:
- an individual or joint owner
- a managing director or secretary who acts on behalf of a company - e.g. body corporate or incorporated association
- a representative or agent who conducts business on behalf of another person or company.
For joint owners, you can nominate who is named first on the registration certificate. This affects demerit points for shared vehicles.
You don't need to display registration stickers on heavy vehicles in the NT.
Registration periods
You can register your heavy vehicle for a period of:
- one month
- 3 months
- 6 months
- 9 months
- 12 months.
How to register
To register, follow the steps below.
Step 1. Nominate an operator
You must nominate an operator who is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the heavy vehicle.
Step 2. Get an inspection and compliance check
You must check if your vehicle needs an inspection. If your vehicle is oversize or overmass, you must register as a special purpose vehicle, so you'll need an inspection.
If it needs a repair, you may get a temporary licence on a case by case basis.
You may also need to get a compliance check at a government vehicle inspection facility.
Step 3. Prepare application and supporting documents
You must have the following documents:
- vehicle inspection report
- conditional registration - for special purpose vehicles
- national heavy vehicle number plates application - if applicable
- completed R11 application to register a vehicle PDF (1.1 MB)
- evidence of identity and residency in the NT
- proof of vehicle ownership.
For joint owners and shared vehicles, you must also provide extra supporting documents.
Joint owners
To register your vehicle in joint names, all parties must attend an MVR office. If one of you can't attend, the other joint owner can apply on your behalf if you:
- provide written authority
- are both already customers on the MVR database.
Body corporate or incorporated association
Body corporate or incorporated associations must also submit:
- a letter of authority to act on behalf of the company
- current copy of the company extract from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC)
- certificate of incorporation from the relevant issuing authority (if applicable)
- proof of garage address in the NT - this can be one of the following:
- certificate of land title of land ownership for the premises
- lease agreement, written authorisation from landowner, or rent book showing address of the property
- taxation assessment notice in relation to the premises
- council rate notice
- utility (power, water and sewerage) accounts relating to the premises.
Representatives or agents of the owners
Representatives or agents must also submit:
- written authority of their representative or agents status to act on behalf of the company
- proof of garage address in the NT.
Step 4. Submit application and pay fee
Submit your application and supporting documents at an MVR office.
You must pay the heavy vehicle registration fee and the:
- general issue number plate fee of $40
- standard national heavy vehicle number plates fee of $25 per set - if applicable
- special purpose vehicle fee - if applicable.
You can pay by EFTPOS, MasterCard, Visa, BasicsCard or cash.
After you register
Once you've completed step 4, you will get your number plate and registration certificate.
The certificate will show the:
- name and garage or postal address of the nominated operator
- name and address of the registered owner/s - if different to the nominated operator
- vehicle information.
Renew or cancel your heavy vehicle registration
Renew registration
To renew your registration, your heavy vehicle must pass a roadworthy inspection every 12 months.
If your vehicle doesn't need an inspection, you can renew your registration now.
Cancel registration
Read more on how to cancel or refund your vehicle registration.
Road train routes
Recommended travel routes
Greater Darwin Region PDF (468.7 KB)
Permit guidelines for road trains, oversize and overmass vehicles: maps
Darwin rural road train route PDF (190.1 KB)
Katherine road train route PDF (144.2 KB)
Tennant Creek road train route PDF (141.5 KB)
Check the weight of your heavy vehicle
If you drive a heavy vehicle in the Northern Territory (NT), it must not exceed the manufacturer's mass limit or the legal mass limit.
A vehicle is considered heavy if it is rated over 4.5 tonne Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM).
To check if your vehicle complies with mass limits, you can take it to your nearest weighbridge.
Weighbridges are available for voluntary and mandatory weight checks.
There are 4 weighbridges in the NT:
- Darwin
- Katherine
- Tennant Creek
- Alice Springs.
If you drive a heavy vehicle and see a weighbridge sign open, you must proceed as instructed to the weighbridge.
If it's manned, an enforcement officer will tell you what to do.
If it's unmanned, you can get a print-out of the recorded weight of the vehicle by following a set of instructions.
You can use unmanned weighbridges 24 hours a day, 7 days a week including public holidays.
Weighbridge locations
Find your local weighbridge below.
Berrimah, Darwin
If you go to the Berrimah weighbridge in Darwin, you can now use your smartphone or tablet device to check the weight of your vehicle.
The new ticketing system allows you to get the following information displayed on your device:
- individual axle group weights
- GVM
- Gross Combination Mass (GCM).
You will then have the option to send the details to your email account.
To find out more, get the Berrimah weighbridge electronic system guide PDF (776.6 KB).
You can still choose to get your vehicle's weight information by printing out a weigh docket.
Where to stop and assemble your heavy vehicle
If you drive a heavy vehicle on Northern Territory roads and need a temporary place to stop, you can use the Darwin road train assembly area (RTAA).
The RTAA is a short term use facility. You must not leave vehicles or trailers in the area for more than 48 hours.
What you can do in the assembly area
You can do all of the following at the Darwin RTAA:
- park safely off road
- stop for a short rest
- reassemble your vehicle
- carry out emergency repairs
- use the loading ramps for doubling up or loading vehicles.
You cannot use the facility for:
- loaded livestock vehicles or trailers
- loading and unloading freight.
Rules you must follow
When using the RTAA, you must:
- meet occupational health and safety practices at all times
- obey posted speed limits
- only park in designated parking bays
- pick up any rubbish
- not carry out mechanical servicing or repairs
- make sure you do not cause any waste, oil or fuel spillage if carrying out emergency repairs
- not damage the facility
- clean up any accidental oil spills - an RTAA oil spill kit is available from the service station
- clear up any excrement from empty livestock trailers or vehicles
- follow all necessary safety precautions when using the loading ramps
- not block access to the loading ramps.
How to get there
The road train assembly area, Truck Central Darwin, is located on the corner of Tiger Brennan Drive and Wishart Road.
Report damage or issues
To report any damage or issues at the facility, contact the traffic operations hotline on 08 8999 4449 during business hours or email roadsdarwin.ntg@nt.gov.au.
Heavy vehicle registration fees
The fees and charges provided for heavy vehicles are subject to change at any time without notice.
For confirmation of exact fees and charges of registration, contact the MVR office.
Find heavy vehicle fees for:
- buses
- converter dolly and dog trailer
- B-double trailer
- permit of exemption fees
- pig trailers
- prime mover hauling one, two or more semi-trailers
- rigid trucks
- heavy vehicle upgrades of configuration
- semi trailers
- special purpose vehicle.
Temporary licences to drive an unregistered vehicle
For vehicles under 4.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass (GVM) or aggregate trailer mass (ATM), the fee is $53.05.
For vehicles over 4.5 tonnes GVM/ATM, the fee is $37.05 plus 1/52 of the annual registration charge.
Oversize load pilot operator fee
For oversize load pilot applications, the renewal fee is $24.