Sharing the road safely with oversize vehicles or loads
Meeting an oversize vehicle, or a vehicle with an oversize load, is a situation that demands caution, care and common sense.
What is an oversize vehicle or load?
An oversize vehicle or load is one that exceeds the normal maximum dimensions for vehicles operating on the road in New Zealand.
Oversize vehicles and loads vary greatly in size, from those that are only slightly larger than normal sized trucks, to extremely large loads that can block the entire road.
Oversize vehicles and loads are allowed to travel on New Zealand roads because they play an important role in the country's economy. To minimise disruptions and ensure the safety of other road users, they are subject to special operating conditions.
Next we'll look at the measures that are used to identify oversize vehicles and loads, and to help motorists manoeuvre around them safely.
The OVERSIZE sign
An oversize vehicle may be wide, high, long, or any combination of the three. It will display the OVERSIZE sign.
Pilot vehicles
Smaller oversize vehicles and loads usually travel on their own.
Larger oversize vehicles and loads must be escorted by a pilot vehicle. Pilot vehicles have revolving lights and more specific signs warning about the oversize vehicle or load that follows.
Extremely long or wide oversize vehicles or loads are relatively rare. They may have two pilot vehicles in front and a rear pilot vehicle behind. The pilot vehicles will be in constant communication with each other.
Signs and lights that pilot vehicles display
Wide load
If the load that follows is very wide, the pilot vehicle will have revolving amber lights on the roof and a sign reading:
Long load
If the load that follows is very long, the pilot vehicle will have revolving amber lights on the roof and a sign reading:
Remember that vehicles with long loads take up more road width than normal vehicles when cornering.
Extremely large load
If the load that follows is extremely large, the front pilot vehicle will have amber and purple revolving lights on the roof, purple flashing lights on the front, flashing headlights and a large sign reading DANGER: SLOW DOWN.
The second pilot vehicle will be closer to the oversize load. It will have a WIDE LOAD FOLLOWS warning sign.
What to do when you meet an oversize vehicle or load
When you see an oversize vehicle or load coming towards you, slow down.
Smaller oversize vehicle
If there is no pilot vehicle in front of the oversize vehicle, reduce your speed as soon as you see the OVERSIZE sign. Keep your speed down and be prepared to pull over, if necessary, until the vehicle or load has passed by.
Larger oversize vehicle
If a pilot vehicle is in front of the oversize vehicle or load, you must take extra care when allowing it to pass by. Co-operate with the driver of the pilot vehicle if you are signalled to pull over.
The law requires you to make way and, if necessary, stop to allow an oversize vehicle or load to pass by safely.
The oversize vehicle or load may need to use the centre of the road to safely clear roadside structures and parked cars.
Extremely large oversize vehicles or loads
Extremely large oversize vehicles or loads are usually moved late at night or very early in the morning, when few motorists are on the road. If you see a pilot vehicle with flashing purple and amber lights and a DANGER sign, the load it precedes will be extremely large and will be escorted by a second pilot vehicle. Obey the instructions of the pilot drivers, as the road may be completely blocked by the oversize load.
If the pilot vehicle displays a handheld 'stop' sign, you are required by law to stop and obey any instructions that are given.
The drivers will signal you to stop with a portable STOP sign or a red flag during daylight hours, or with a red torch at night.
How to overtake an oversize vehicle or load
The large size and slow speed of oversize vehicles means that extra care is needed when overtaking.
If you see the OVERSIZE sign on the back of a truck, slow down and be patient. The oversize vehicle should pull over, when it can, to let you pass.
When a rear pilot vehicle trails a load, it will display a warning sign. If the driver of the rear pilot vehicle waves you through, you may overtake. Pass the rear pilot vehicle and the oversize load in one manoeuvre if possible.
You are then likely to encounter one or two pilot vehicles in front of the truck. These vehicles are likely to be travelling slowly. Overtake them when it is safe to do so.
Problems with oversize vehicles or loads
Serious concerns about the operation of oversize vehicles or loads should be reported to your nearest branch of the Police. Provide as many details as possible, including registration numbers and the name of the firm moving the vehicle or load.
