NSW Event Classifications: Understanding Traffic Management Requirements

September 2025

In New South Wales, events that impact local roads or traffic are classified by Transport for NSW (TfNSW) into four categories. These NSW event classifications determine the level of planning, permits, and traffic management required. Whether you are organising a major city festival, a community parade, or a local film shoot, knowing your event’s classification is essential to securing approvals and ensuring safe road use.

Class 1 – Major Impact Events

Class 1 events have a state or region-wide impact on traffic flow and require the most extensive planning.

Examples: City2Surf, Vivid Sydney, New Year’s Eve celebrations in Sydney.

What’s required:

  • Liaison with local council and NSW Police

  • A full Traffic Management Plan (TMP)

  • A Special Event Transport Management Plan

  • Formal lodgement to Transport for NSW

Planning Timeline: Minimum 4 months before the event.

Class 2 – Local Impact Events

Class 2 events mainly affect local traffic networks without broader state disruption.

Examples: Local fun runs, charity walks, town parades.

What’s required:

Planning Timeline: 1-2 months before the event

Class 3 – Minor Impact Events

Class 3 events have a low impact and usually affect only small sections of local roads.

Examples: School fetes, small street activations, minor community gatherings.

What’s required:

Planning Timeline: 3-6 months before the event

Class 4 – Minor Impact Events

Common for TV/film shoots using kerbside only

May require:


Planning Timeline: 1-2 weeks

In New South Wales, events that impact local roads or traffic are classified by Transport for NSW (TfNSW) into four categories.
Class 1 | City of Sydney New Years Eve Celebrations
CATO Safety services for TV and film productions in Australia
Class 4 | Filming Kerbside

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