Change use of heavy vehicle

All heavy vehicles have a nominated heavy vehicle use category (NHVC). The NHVC is determined by aggregate weight and/or axle combinations and the number of trailers towed. A vehicle may operate in any combination equal to or less than its nominated category.

Axle limits apply to buses, trucks and trailers and will vary, depending on the configuration of the vehicle and any trailers being towed.The number of axles in a group (i.e. single, tandem or tri-axle) and the number of the tyres in an axle set will also affect how much weight can be placed on the axle.

Information relating to axle limits for heavy vehicles can be found in r. 164 of the Road Traffic (Vehicles) Regulations 2014 (WA).

If you require an Oversize Over-mass Permit, refer to the Main Roads Western Australia website.

Licence fees imposed on heavy vehicles are dependent upon the NHVC in which they will be used.

You must inform the Department of Transport (DoT) of the configuration in which you intend to use the vehicle by choosing a Nominated Heavy Vehicle Category (NHVC).

You or your representative may change the NHVC of the vehicle as often as you wish. Changes to the NHVC are valid from the date (and time) recorded for notification of each new nomination.

Where advising of an increase in NHVC for a portion of a day, the whole of the nominated day will be charged at the higher rate.

A NHVC can be changed through your DoTDirect account or via the Change in heavy vehicle use (Form VL184).

DoTDirect online

Heavy vehicle use can be changed quickly and easily through your DoTDirect account.

Note: Heavy vehicle use for vehicles with a body type code of 'MULTI' cannot be updated using the DoTDirect self-service facility.

Change in heavy vehicle use (Form VL184)

You may also complete the Change in heavy vehicle use (Form VL184) below. The NHVC must be changed prior to the journey. Penalties will apply if a heavy vehicle uses more trailers than the towing vehicle is registered to haul.

Certificate of variation

Every time a change in NHVC has been actioned by DoT, a certificate of variation is sent to the licence holder.

Vehicle licence renewal notices are mailed to owners up to 5 weeks prior to the expiry date. Renewals are calculated at the currently nominated NHVC and include accumulated overcharges and undercharges.

Heavy vehicles may be registered for 3, 6 or 12 month periods.

Vehicle owners must also pay motor injury insurance (MII) insurance. Visit the Motor Injury Insurance (MII) page for fees and more information.

The NHVC must be changed prior to the journey. Penalties will apply if a heavy vehicle uses more trailers than the towing vehicle is registered to haul.