South Australian Consolidated Regulations South Australian Consolidated RegulationsSchedule—Standard form conditions
Part 1—All vehicles travelling
under notices
Under regulation 5(1), this Part applies to any vehicle or combination
travelling under a notice.
2—Mass limits relating to tyre width
(1) The mass on an
axle fitted with tyres of a number and width described in Table 1 must not
exceed the mass limit specified in the Table for that axle in relation to the
narrowest tyre on the axle.
Table 1
|
Tyre width of the narrowest tyre on the axle (mm) |
Mass limit if the axle has 2 tyres (tonnes) |
Mass limit if the axle has 4 tyres (tonnes) | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
at least |
but less than | ||
|
190 |
228 |
4.5 |
9.0 |
|
228 |
254 |
5.0 |
9.5 |
|
254 |
279 |
6.0 |
10.0 |
|
279 |
305 |
6.5 |
11.0 |
|
305 |
330 |
7.0 |
12.0 |
|
330 |
356 |
7.5 |
13.0 |
|
356 |
381 |
8.0 |
14.0 |
|
381 |
406 |
9.0 |
14.0 |
|
406 |
458 |
10.0 |
14.0 |
|
458 |
508 |
11.0 |
14.0 |
|
508 | |
12.0 |
14.0 |
(2) The mass on an
axle group fitted with tyres of a number and width described in Table 2
must not exceed the mass limit specified in the Table for that axle group in
relation to the narrowest tyre in the group.
Table 2
|
Tyre width of the narrowest tyre in the group (mm) |
Mass limit for a tandem axle group with 4 tyres (tonnes) |
Mass limit for a tri-axle group with 6 tyres (tonnes) | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
at least |
but less than | ||
|
381 |
406 |
16.5 |
22.0 |
|
406 |
431 |
17.0 |
23.0 |
|
431 |
458 |
17.5 |
24.0 |
|
458 |
482 |
18.0 |
25.0 |
|
482 |
508 |
18.5 |
26.0 |
|
508 | |
19.0 |
27.0 |
(3) For the purposes
of Tables 1 and 2, the tyre width of a radial ply tyre is the number of
millimetres marked on the tyre in the position labelled "Section width in mm"
on the diagram below.
Position of section width marking on radial ply tyre
(4) For the purposes
of Tables 1 and 2, the tyre width of a bias-type tyre is the number of
millimetres equal to 25.4 times the number marked on the tyre in the position
labelled "Width code in inches" on the diagram below.
Position of width code marking on diagonal or bias type tyre
(5) If no section
width or width code is marked on a tyre, the tyre width for the purposes of
Tables 1 and 2 may be determined by measuring the width of the part of the
tyre that normally comes into contact with the road surface.
(1) A vehicle or
combination described in Table 3 must not, together with any load, exceed a
dimension limit specified in the Table for that vehicle or combination, or the
corresponding limit in the vehicle standards or the mass and loading
requirements, whichever is the greater.
Table 3
|
Type of vehicle or combination |
Dimension |
Limit (m) |
|---|---|---|
|
Any except agricultural |
Width |
3.5 |
|
Any except agricultural |
Height |
4.6 |
|
Any combination except agricultural |
Length |
25.0 |
|
Special purpose vehicle |
Length |
14.5 |
|
Other rigid vehicle |
Length |
12.5 |
|
Special purpose vehicle |
Distance from the rear overhang line to rear of the vehicle |
Lesser of 4m and 90% of the wheelbase |
|
Semi-trailer |
Distance from the rear overhang line to the rear of the vehicle (or load) |
Lesser of 5.5m and 25% of the semi-trailer's length |
|
Special purpose vehicle |
Projection in front of the centre of the steering wheel |
3.5 |
Note—
Dimension limits for agricultural vehicles are set out in clause 28.
The combined dimensions of a vehicle and its load must still comply with the
requirements of Table 3 even if the load projects from the vehicle in any
direction.
(2) Any flags, lights
or mirrors required on a vehicle, combination or load must be disregarded when
measuring the dimensions of a vehicle or combination for the purposes of these
regulations.
(3) The centre lines
of adjacent axles in an axle group on an overmass vehicle or combination must
be at least 1.2m apart.
Rigid mobile crane showing dimension limits
4—Making an unloaded vehicle smaller
An oversize vehicle without a load must be reduced to the smallest practicable
dimensions, with any booms fully retracted.
(1) An oversize
vehicle or combination, together with any load, that is wider than 2.5m, or
longer than 25m, must have:
(a) one
warning sign at its front; and
(b) one
warning sign at its rear or, if it is carrying a rear-projecting load, at the
rear of the load; and
(c) 4
brightly coloured red, yellow, or red and yellow, flags, each at least 450mm
long and at least 450mm wide.
(2) One of the flags
must be positioned at each side of the front and rear:
(a) of
any projecting load; or
(b) if
there is no projecting load—of the vehicle or combination.
(3) The flags must be
clearly visible at a distance of 100m to a person of normal vision.
(4) An oversize
vehicle or combination that, together with any load, is not wider than 2.5m,
and whose length is more than 22m but not more than 25m, must have one warning
sign at its rear or, if it is carrying a rear-projecting load, at the rear of
the load.
(5)
Subclauses (1) to (4) do not apply to:
(a) a
road construction vehicle or combination travelling within 1 km of a
construction site, if the vehicle has a warning light; or
(b) a
tractor; or
(c) a
rigid mobile crane less than 3m wide.
(6) If a load projects
more than 150mm beyond one side of an oversize vehicle or combination, and the
projection is less than 500mm thick from top to bottom, there must be:
(a) a
warning light attached to the vehicle or combination; and
(b) at
least two yellow, rigid pieces of material (known as "delineators"), one
attached to the front and the other attached to the rear of the projection.
Note—
If the load projects more than 150mm beyond both sides of the vehicle there
must be at least 4 delineators at least one on each side at the front and at
least one on each side at the rear.
(7) A delineator must:
(a) be
at least 300mm long and at least 300mm wide; and
(b)
comply with Class 1 or 2 of Australian Standard AS 1906, "Retro-reflective
Materials and Devices for Road Traffic Control Purposes", 1990; and
(c) if
at the front of the projection, be attached so that its reflective surface is
facing forward of the vehicle; and
(d) if
at the rear of the projection, be attached so that its reflective surface is
facing rearward from the vehicle.
(8) In the daytime, an
oversize vehicle or combination must display a warning light if the vehicle,
together with any load, is wider than 3m.
(9) If a vehicle or
combination is not required by a condition of the notice under which it is
travelling to have a warning light, it must not have one that is switched on.
(10) A warning sign
must not be displayed on a vehicle or combination when the vehicle or
combination ceases to travel under the notice and must not be displayed on a
pilot vehicle for the vehicle or combination when the pilot vehicle ceases to
operate as a pilot vehicle.
Note—
As well as complying with subclauses (6), (7) and (8) and clause 6:
• tractors (and
other agricultural vehicles) must comply with the warning requirements in
clause 29; and
• rigid mobile
cranes (and other special purpose vehicles) must comply with the warning
requirements in clauses 23 and 24.
Parts 7 and 8 set out requirements for warning lights and signs.
In addition to the requirements in these regulations, any load projecting more
than 1.2m behind the vehicle must display warning flags in the daytime, in
accordance with the mass and loading requirements.
6—Additional warning devices at night
At night, an oversize vehicle or combination must display:
(a)
lights showing yellow to the front and red to the rear (known as "side
markers") no more than 2m apart along both sides of the vehicle and along any
front or rear projection; and
(b) two
red lights (known as "rear markers") fixed to the rear of any rear-projecting
load, within 400mm of each side of the load, and at least 1m but not more than
2.1m above the ground; and
(c) a
warning light if the vehicle or combination, together with any load, is wider
than 2.5m or longer than 22m.
Note—
Clause 23 sets out additional lighting requirements for special purpose
vehicles travelling at night.
An oversize vehicle, or the front vehicle in an oversize combination, must
have its low-beam headlights on while travelling in the daytime, unless it is
not required under the vehicle standards to have headlights.
8—Travel restrictions at night
At night, a vehicle or combination that, together with any load, is wider than
3.1m or longer than 22m, must not:
(a)
travel outside an urban area; or
(b)
travel in an urban area without being accompanied by a pilot vehicle.
9—No travelling if low visibility
(1) A vehicle or
combination must not begin to travel if, due to circumstances such as fog,
heavy rain, smoke, dust or insect plague:
(a)
visibility is less than 250m in the daytime; or
(b) the
headlights of a vehicle approaching within 250m could not be seen at night.
(2) If a vehicle or
combination is already travelling when visibility is reduced to the level
described in subclause (1), the driver must drive it into the nearest
safe parking area, and wait until visibility improves beyond that level before
continuing to travel.
10—Making way for other vehicles
A person driving a vehicle or combination must, at regular intervals, when it
is practicable to do so and there is not a separate lane available for
overtaking, move off the carriageway to allow other vehicles to overtake.
(1) Before a vehicle
or combination is driven along any route, its driver and operator must be
satisfied that the route has been assessed and that the vehicle or combination
can be driven along it without contravening subclause (2).
(2) A vehicle or
combination must not be driven along a route if to do so would be likely to
cause:
(a)
disruption to telecommunication, electricity, rail, gas, water or sewage
services; or
(b)
damage to a road (including a bridge), sign, post, structure, tree or other
property.
(3) Subclause (2)
does not apply if the authority responsible for the services or property has
given permission for the vehicle or combination to travel along the route, and
the vehicle or combination is driven in accordance with the permission.
12—Responsibility where property damaged
If any damage is caused to a road or property as a result of the passage of a
vehicle or combination—
(a) the
driver of the vehicle or combination must ensure that the damage is reported
to the owner or authority responsible for the maintenance of the road or
property as soon as is reasonably practicable; and
(b) the
owner of the vehicle or the hauling unit of the combination must compensate
the owner or authority for the reasonable costs of making good the damage.
The driver of a vehicle or combination must carry in the driving compartment a
copy of:
(a) the
notice under which the vehicle or combination is travelling; or
(b) any
information sheet issued by the Minister, which sets out the obligations
imposed under the notice.
14—Obligation to comply with other statutory requirements unaffected
The notice under which a vehicle or combination travels, and the conditions of
the exemption granted by the notice, do not relieve the driver or any other
person of the obligation to comply with the requirements of the Road Traffic
Act 1961 , or the regulations or rules under that Act, or any other
statutory provisions, other than the dimension or mass limits from which the
vehicle or combination is exempted by the notice.
Part 2—Load-carrying vehicles travelling under notices
Under regulation 5(2), this Part applies to a load-carrying vehicle or
combination travelling under a notice.
16—Mass limits for axles and axle groups
(1) The mass on a
single axle or axle group described in Table 4 must not exceed the mass limit
specified opposite its description in the Table if it is in a combination
consisting of a tandem drive prime mover towing:
(a) a
low loader; or
(b) a
low loader dolly and a low loader; or
(c) a
jinker; or
(d) a
low loader dolly and a jinker.
Table 4
|
Single axle or axle group |
Mass limit (tonnes) |
|---|---|
|
Steer axle with 2 tyres |
6.0 |
|
Twinsteer axle group without a load-sharing suspension system |
10.0 |
|
Twinsteer axle group with a load-sharing suspension system |
11.0 |
|
Single axle with 8 tyres |
12.0 |
|
Tandem axle group with 8 or more tyres, not on a trailer |
18.5 |
|
Tandem axle group with 16 or more tyres, on a trailer |
21.0 |
|
Tri-axle group with 12 or more tyres |
25.0 |
|
Oversize tri-axle group with 12 or more tyres or quad axle group with 16 or
more tyres |
27.0 |
(2) The sum of the
mass on each of the combination's single axles and axle groups must not exceed
the sum of the mass limits specified for each of them in Table 4.
(3) In addition, the
total mass of the combination and any load must not exceed:
(a) 49.5
tonnes if the distance between the centre line of the rearmost axle of the
towing vehicle and the centre line of the foremost axle of the combination's
rear axle group is 6m or more; or
(b) 49.5
tonnes decreased by 1 tonne for every 0.3m by which the distance referred to
in paragraph (a) is less than 6m.
Illustration of distance for the purpose of subclause (3)
(4) The mass on an
axle group or single axle must not exceed the relevant limit set by the mass
and loading requirements if it is:
(a) not
described in Table 4; or
(b) on a
load-carrying vehicle or combination except one described in
subclause (1).
(1) If a load can be
safely loaded in more than one way, it must be loaded in a way that minimises
the width of the vehicle or combination and its load.
(2) An unladen low
loader, low loader dolly or jinker, with 4 tyres on each axle, must not be
wider than 2.5m.
(3) An unladen low
loader, low loader dolly or jinker, with 8 tyres on each axle, must not be
wider than 2.7m.
18—Carrying goods in addition to a large indivisible item
(1) A vehicle or
combination must not carry more than one large indivisible item unless:
(a) the
vehicle or combination and its load complies with the mass limits in the mass
and loading requirements; and
(b) the
carrying of additional large indivisible items does not cause the vehicle or
combination and its load to exceed a dimension limit in the mass and loading
requirements that would not have been exceeded by the carrying of one of the
large indivisible items.
(2) A vehicle or
combination carrying one or more large indivisible items must not carry any
other goods unless:
(a) the
vehicle or combination and its load complies with the mass limits in the mass
and loading requirements; and
(b) the
other goods are contained within the dimension limits in the mass and loading
requirements.
(3) In spite of
subclause (2), a vehicle or combination carrying a special purpose
vehicle or agricultural vehicle may also carry any equipment, tools,
substances or detached parts to be used in conjunction with the vehicle being
carried.
19—Towing a low loader dolly with an unladen low loader
An unladen low loader must not be towed in a combination with a low loader
dolly unless:
(a) the
combination is 2.5m wide or less; and
(b) it
would be unreasonable to require the dolly to be loaded onto the low loader
because of the short distance to be travelled, or special difficulties in
loading or unloading the dolly due to the nature of the site.
Part 3—Special purpose vehicles travelling under notices
Under regulation 5(3), this Part applies to a special purpose vehicle
travelling under a notice.
21—Mass limits for axles and axle groups
(1) The mass on a
single axle or axle group described in Table 5 must not exceed the mass limit
specified opposite its description in the Table.
Table 5
|
Type of Axle or Axle group |
Mass limit (tonnes) |
|---|---|
|
Single axle or single axle group fitted with: | |
|
(a)
single tyres |
7 |
|
(b) dual
tyres |
10 |
|
Twinsteer axle group: | |
|
(a)
without a load-sharing suspension system |
10 |
|
(b) with
a load-sharing suspension system |
14 |
|
Tandem axle group fitted with single tyres |
14 |
|
Tri-axle group fitted with single tyres |
18 |
(2) The mass on a
tandem axle group fitted with dual tyres, where the centre lines of the axles
are less than 1.35m apart, must not exceed 20 tonnes:
(a)
decreased by 1 tonne for each 100mm by which the axle group's ground contact
width is less than 2.4m; or
(b)
increased by 1 tonne for each 100mm by which the axle group's ground contact
width exceeds 2.5m, but not increased to more than 27 tonnes.
(3) The mass on a
tandem axle group fitted with dual tyres, where the centre lines of the axles
are at least 1.35m apart, must not exceed 23 tonnes:
(a)
decreased by 1 tonne for each 100mm by which the axle group's ground contact
width is less than 2.4m; or
(b)
increased by 1 tonne for each 100mm by which the axle group's ground contact
width exceeds 2.5m, but not increased to more than 27 tonnes.
(4) The mass on a
tri-axle group fitted with dual tyres, where the centre lines of the axles are
less than 1.35m apart, must not exceed 25 tonnes, decreased by 1 tonne for
each 100mm by which the axle group's ground contact width is less than 2.4m.
Note—
Under clause 3(3) the centre lines of the axles must be at least 1.2
metres apart.
(5) The mass on a
tri-axle group fitted with dual tyres, where the centre lines of the axles are
at least 1.35m apart, must not exceed 27 tonnes, decreased by 1 tonne for each
100mm by which the axle group's ground contact width is less than 2.4m.
22—Total mass limits for special purpose vehicles
The total mass of a special purpose vehicle must not exceed the least of:
(a) the
sum of the mass allowed for each single axle and axle group on the vehicle;
and
(b) 40
tonnes; and
(c) the
mass worked out using the following formula:
where:
L is the distance in metres between the centre lines of the vehicle's foremost
and rearmost axles; and
G is a number of tonnes:
(a) to
be added at the rate of 1 tonne for each 100mm by which the ground contact
width of the rearmost axle exceeds 2.5m; or
(b) to
be subtracted at the rate of 1 tonne for each 100mm by which the ground
contact width of the rearmost axle is less than 2.4m.
Illustration of distance "L"
23—Side lights for travel at night
(1) When travelling at
night, a special purpose vehicle with a projection extending more than 1.2m in
front of the vehicle body must have a yellow light fixed on each side of the
projection, mounted as far forward as possible, and shielded from the driver's
view.
(2) Both lights must
be visible to any traffic approaching the vehicle from its front, and at least
one of the lights must be visible to any traffic approaching the vehicle from
either side.
24—Markings for special purpose vehicles
(1) Rear marking
plates complying with rule 119 of the vehicle standards must be displayed at
the rearmost part of the body of a special purpose vehicle.
(2) A pattern covering
an area one of at least 0.16 square metres and consisting of diagonal stripes
at least 150mm wide and alternately coloured:
(a) red
and white; or
(b)
black and white,
must be displayed on the left and right sides of any rigid projection
extending more than 1.2m in front of the body of a special purpose vehicle, if
it is practicable to do so.
25—Prohibition on towing other vehicles
A special purpose vehicle must not tow a vehicle unless another law of this
jurisdiction allows it to do so.
Note—
A crane travelling under a permit may tow a trailer under certain conditions.
See Part 5A.
Part 4—Agricultural vehicles travelling under notices
Under regulation 5(4), this Part applies to an agricultural vehicle or
agricultural combination travelling under a notice.
The mass on an axle described in Table 6, on an agricultural machine or
implement with 2 axles, must not exceed the mass limit specified opposite
its description in the Table.
Table 6
|
Number of tyres on an axle |
Mass limit (tonnes) |
|---|---|
|
Axle fitted with 2 tyres |
9.0 |
|
Axle fitted with 4 tyres and a ground contact width less than 2.51m |
9.0 |
|
Axle fitted with 4 tyres and a ground contact width at least 2.51m but not
more than 3.5m |
10.5 |
|
Axle fitted with 4 tyres and a ground contact width more than 3.5m |
12.0 |
(1) The height of an
agricultural vehicle must not exceed 4.6m.
(2) On an agricultural
machine or implement, the distance from the rear overhang line to the rear of
the vehicle must not exceed 4.5m (except for augers or conveyors, on which the
distance must not exceed 5.5m).
(3) The length of an
agricultural machine must not exceed 12.5m.
(4) The width and
length of an agricultural machine or combination described in Table 7, in an
area determined by the Minister to be in a category specified in Table 7, must
not exceed the limits specified opposite that category in the Table.
Table 7
|
Category of Area |
Width limit for an agricultural machine or agricultural combination |
Length limit for an agricultural combination |
|---|---|---|
| |
metres |
metres |
|
Category 1 |
2.5 |
19 |
|
Category 2 |
3.5 |
25 |
|
Category 3 |
3.7 |
25 |
|
Category 4 |
7.5 |
30 |
29—Warning devices for agricultural vehicles
(1) An agricultural
vehicle or combination which is wider than 2.5m, or an agricultural
combination which is longer than 22m, must have a warning light fixed to its
highest practicable point when it is on a road specified as being a major road
in the notice under which the vehicle or combination is travelling.
(2) A warning sign
must be displayed at the rear of an agricultural implement being towed by a
tractor.
Note—
Under clause 5, single tractors do not have to be fitted with warning
signs.
(3) A pattern covering
an area of at least 0.16 square metres and consisting of diagonal stripes at
least 150mm wide and alternately coloured:
(a) red
and white; or
(b)
black and white;
must be displayed at the sides of the rear of any auger, conveyor, or
harvester comb carried on a comb trailer.
(4) Any part of an
axle extending more than 150mm from the outside wall of a tractor's tyre must
be painted fluorescent yellow or have yellow fluorescent or other
high-visibility material wrapped around it.
Note—
See clauses 5 and 6 for additional warning requirements for agricultural
vehicles.
30—Pilot vehicle requirements for agricultural vehicles
(1) An agricultural
vehicle or combination of a width described in Table 8 must be accompanied by
pilot vehicles in accordance with the Table when operated in an area
determined by the Minister to be in a category specified in the Table and on a
road of a kind specified in the Table.
Table 8
|
Category of area and kind of road |
Width of vehicle in metres |
Requirement as to pilot vehicles |
|---|---|---|
|
Category 1—any road |
≯ 2.5 |
Pilot vehicles not required |
|
Category 2—any road |
> 2.5 ≯ 3.5 |
Pilot vehicles not required but may be used at the discretion of the operator |
|
Category 3—any road |
> 2.5 ≯ 3.0 |
Pilot vehicles not required |
|
> 3.0 ≯ 3.7 |
One pilot vehicle required unless there is a clear view of the agricultural
vehicle or combination from all points on the road on which it is operating
within 500 metres ahead of or behind the vehicle or combination | |
|
Category 4—major road |
> 2.5 ≯ 3.7 |
Pilot vehicles not required |
|
> 3.7 ≯ 6.0 |
One pilot vehicle required unless there is a clear view of the agricultural
vehicle or combination from all points on the road on which it is operating
within 500 metres ahead of or behind the vehicle or combination | |
|
> 6.0 ≯
7.5 |
Two pilot vehicles required | |
|
Category 4—any road other than a major road |
> 2.5 ≯ 3.7 |
Pilot vehicles not required |
|
> 3.7 ≯ 7.5 |
One pilot vehicle required unless there is a clear view of the agricultural
vehicle or combination from all points on the road on which it is operating
within 500 metres ahead of or behind the vehicle or combination |
(2) For the purposes
of Table 8, a reference to a major road is a reference to a road specified as
being a major road in the notice under which the vehicle or combination is
travelling.
31—Agricultural vehicles not to use freeways
An oversize agricultural vehicle or combination must not be driven on a
freeway.
32—Agricultural implements not to carry loads
An agricultural implement must not carry a load.
33—Speed limits for agricultural implements without brakes
An agricultural implement without brakes must not be towed at a speed greater
than the lesser of:
(a) 20km
an hour less than the speed limit set under the Road Traffic Act 1961 ;
and
(b) 50km
an hour.
34—Exemption from requirement for rear vision mirrors
A vehicle towing an agricultural implement wider than 3.5m, which obscures the
view to the rear of the vehicle, is exempt from any requirement under the
vehicle standards to have a rear vision mirror fitted.
Part 5—All vehicles travelling under permits
Under regulation 5(5), this Part applies to any vehicle or combination
travelling under a permit.
36—Mass limits relating to tyre width
(1) The mass on an
axle fitted with tyres of a number and width described in Table 9 must not
exceed the mass limit specified in the Table for that axle in relation to the
narrowest tyre on the axle.
Table 9
|
Tyre width of the narrowest tyre on the axle (mm) |
Mass limit if the axle has 2 tyres (tonnes) |
Mass limit if the axle has 4 tyres (tonnes) | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
at least |
but less than | ||
|
190 |
228 |
4.5 |
9.0 |
|
228 |
254 |
5.0 |
9.5 |
|
254 |
279 |
6.0 |
10.0 |
|
279 |
305 |
6.5 |
11.0 |
|
305 |
330 |
7.0 |
12.0 |
|
330 |
356 |
7.5 |
13.0 |
|
356 |
381 |
8.0 |
14.0 |
|
381 |
406 |
9.0 |
14.0 |
|
406 |
458 |
10.0 |
14.0 |
|
458 |
508 |
11.0 |
14.0 |
|
508 | |
12.0 |
14.0 |
(2) The mass on an
axle group fitted with tyres of a number and width described in Table 10
must not exceed the mass limit specified in the Table for that axle group in
relation to the narrowest tyre in the group.
Table 10
|
Tyre width of the narrowest tyre in the group (mm) |
Mass limit for a tandem axle group with 4 tyres (tonnes) |
Mass limit for a tri-axle group with 6 tyres (tonnes) | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
at least |
but less than | ||
|
381 |
406 |
16.5 |
22.0 |
|
406 |
431 |
17.0 |
23.0 |
|
431 |
458 |
17.5 |
24.0 |
|
458 |
482 |
18.0 |
25.0 |
|
482 |
508 |
18.5 |
26.0 |
|
508 | |
19.0 |
27.0 |
(3) For the purposes
of Tables 9 and 10, the tyre width of a radial ply tyre is the number of
millimetres marked on the tyre in the position labelled "Section width in mm"
on the diagram below.
Position of section width marking on radial ply tyre
(4) For the purposes
of Tables 9 and 10, the tyre width of a bias-type tyre is the number of
millimetres equal to 25.4 times the number marked on the tyre in the position
labelled "Width code in inches" on the diagram below.
Position of width code marking on diagonal or bias type tyre
(5) If no section
width or width code is marked on a tyre, the tyre width for the purposes of
Tables 9 and 10 may be determined by measuring the width of the part of the
tyre that normally comes into contact with the road surface.
(1) If a vehicle or
combination is not required by a condition of the permit under which it is
travelling to have a warning light, it must not have one that is switched on.
(2) A warning sign
must not be displayed on a vehicle or combination when the vehicle or
combination ceases to travel under the permit and must not be displayed on a
pilot vehicle for the vehicle or combination when the pilot vehicle ceases to
operate as a pilot vehicle.
38—Making way for other vehicles
A person driving a vehicle or combination must, at regular intervals, when it
is practicable to do so and there is not a separate lane available for
overtaking, move off the carriageway to allow other vehicles to overtake.
39—Responsibility where property damaged
If any damage is caused to a road or property as a result of the passage of a
vehicle or combination—
(a) the
driver of the vehicle or combination must ensure that the damage is reported
to the owner or authority responsible for the maintenance of the road or
property as soon as is reasonably practicable; and
(b) the
owner of the vehicle or the hauling unit of the combination must compensate
the owner or authority for the reasonable costs of making good the damage.
The driver of a vehicle or combination must carry in the driving compartment a
copy of the permit under which the vehicle or combination is travelling.
41—Obligation to comply with other statutory requirements unaffected
The permit under which a vehicle or combination travels, and the conditions of
the exemption granted by the permit, do not relieve the driver or any other
person of the obligation to comply with the requirements of the Road Traffic
Act 1961 , or the regulations or rules under that Act, or any other
statutory provisions, other than the dimension or mass limits from which the
vehicle or combination is exempted by the permit.
Part 5A—Special purpose vehicles travelling under permits
Under regulation 5(5a), this Part applies to a special purpose vehicle
travelling under a permit.
41B—Restriction on towing other vehicles
(1) A special purpose
vehicle must not tow a vehicle.
(2) However, a crane
may tow a trailer if the following conditions are complied with:
(a) the
conditions specified in clause 41C;
(b) any
other conditions under which the exemption is given.
41C—Conditions under which a crane may tow a trailer
(1) Unless another law
of this jurisdiction allows it:
(a) a
crane towing a trailer must have no more than 5 axles; and
(b) when
the crane and trailer are coupled, the length of the combination must not be
greater than 19m.
(2) The manufacturer's
limit for any component of the crane, including the tow coupling, must not be
exceeded.
(3) The load on the
trailer must include only items that are associated with the operation of the
crane.
Note—
Items associated with the operation of a crane include crane counterweights,
chains, pulley blocks and anchors.
(4) The mass of the
trailer must not exceed the limits stated in clauses 1, 2 and 3 of
Schedule 1 Part 1 of the Road Traffic
(Mass and Loading Requirements) Regulations 1999 .
(5) The swept path of
the combination when turning a corner must not be greater than the swept path
of the crane if the crane were turning the corner without towing the trailer.
Part 6—Vehicles travelling under notices or permits—conditions
relating to pilot and escort vehicles
Under regulation 5(6), this Part applies to a vehicle or combination
travelling under a notice or permit if the vehicle or combination is required
by a condition of the notice or permit to be accompanied by a pilot vehicle or
escort vehicle.
43—Requirements for a pilot vehicle
(1) A pilot vehicle
must have 4 or more wheels and a GVM of:
(a) 6.5
tonnes or less in the case of a rear pilot vehicle if two pilot vehicles are
required; or
(b) 4.5
tonnes or less in any other case.
(2) A pilot vehicle
must have a warning sign on its roof.
(3) A pilot vehicle
must only have a warning light attached:
(a)
above or below the sign; or
(b) at
each side of the sign.
Note—
Parts 7 and 8 set out requirements for warning lights and signs.
44—Requirements for an escort vehicle
(1) An escort vehicle
other than a police motor cycle must have:
(a) 4 or
more wheels; and
(b) a
GVM of 4.5 tonnes or less; and
(c) on
its roof a light that flashes or two lights that flash when switched on.
(2) A light referred
to in subclause (1) must flash yellow unless the vehicle is a police
vehicle or a vehicle authorised by the Minister and the light is of a colour
approved under the vehicle standards.
45—Headlights on a pilot or escort vehicle
The low-beam headlights on a pilot vehicle or escort vehicle must be switched
on when it is accompanying an oversize vehicle or combination during the
daytime.
46—Restrictions on towing and loading
A pilot or escort vehicle must not tow a trailer or carry a load, but it may
carry tools, equipment or substances for use in connection with the oversize
vehicle or combination that it is accompanying or for restraining the load on
that vehicle or combination.
47—Travelling position of pilot vehicles
(1) When 1 pilot
vehicle accompanies an oversize vehicle or combination, the pilot vehicle must
travel:
(a)
behind the oversize vehicle or combination if they are on a divided road; or
(b) in
front of the oversize vehicle or combination if they are on a road that is not
divided.
(2) When 2 pilot
vehicles accompany an oversize vehicle or combination, one pilot vehicle must
travel in front of the oversize vehicle or combination, and the other behind
it.
(3) A pilot vehicle
must travel far enough away from the oversize vehicle or combination it is
accompanying to give adequate warning to other road users of the presence of
the oversize vehicle or combination, taking into account traffic speed,
weather, visibility and other driving conditions.
48—Communication between drivers
(1) An oversize
vehicle or combination and any accompanying pilot or escort vehicle must have
an electronic device that allows the drivers to communicate effectively with
each other.
(2) Subclause (1)
does not apply to:
(a) an
oversize agricultural machine; or
(b) an
oversize combination that includes an agricultural machine.
Part 7—Vehicles travelling under notices or permits—conditions
relating to warning lights
Under regulation 5(7), this Part applies to a vehicle or combination
travelling under a notice or permit if the vehicle or combination is required
by a condition of the notice or permit to have a warning light or to be
accompanied by a pilot vehicle or escort vehicle.
50—Characteristics of warning lights
When switched on, a warning light on an oversize vehicle or combination or
pilot vehicle must:
(a) emit
a rotating, flashing, yellow coloured light; and
(b)
flash between 120 and 200 times a minute; and
(c) have
a power of at least 55 watts; and
(d) not
be a strobe light.
51—Visibility of warning lights
(1) A warning light on
an oversize vehicle or combination or a pilot or escort vehicle must be:
(a)
clearly visible at a distance of 500m in all directions; or
(b)
supplemented by one or more additional warning lights so that the light
emanating from at least one of them is clearly visible at a distance of 500m
in any direction.
(2) In spite of
subclause (1), in the case of a pilot vehicle travelling in front of an
oversize vehicle or combination, a filter may be placed behind the warning
light on the pilot vehicle, to reduce the intensity of the light directed to
the driver of the oversize vehicle or combination.
52—Warning lights to be on if required
(1) Any warning light
which an oversize vehicle or combination is required to have must only be
switched on when the vehicle or combination is travelling or is stationary in
a position that is likely to cause danger to other road users.
(2) Any warning light
which a pilot or escort vehicle is required to have must be switched on when
the vehicle is travelling and accompanying an oversize vehicle or combination.
53—Warning lights to be permanently wired
(1) Any warning light
which an oversize vehicle or combination or a pilot or escort vehicle is
required to have must be permanently connected into the electrical system of
the vehicle with the on/off switch located within easy reach of the driver's
seating position in the vehicle.
(2) In spite of
subclause (1), permanently wired standard automotive electrical
connectors may be used to allow easy electrical disconnection and removal of
the warning light when it is not required for use.
Part 8—Vehicles travelling under notices or permits—conditions
relating to warning signs
Division 1—Application of Part
(1) Under
regulation 5(8), this Part applies to a vehicle or combination travelling
under a notice or permit if the vehicle or combination is required by a
condition of the notice or permit to have a warning sign or to be accompanied
by a pilot vehicle.
(2) A warning sign on
the vehicle or combination or a pilot vehicle accompanying the vehicle or
combination must comply with the specifications in this Part.
Division 2—Oversize vehicles and pilot vehicles
55—Face of a warning sign—oversize and pilot vehicles
(1) The face of a
warning sign must have a yellow surface which complies with Class 1 or 2
of Australian Standard AS 1906, "Retro-reflective Materials and Devices for
Road Traffic Control Purposes", Parts 1 to 4 (inclusive).
(2) The face of the
warning sign must have a black border at least 20mm wide.
(3) The outermost edge
of the border must be set at least 10mm in from the edge of the sign unless
the sign has been made with a box edge.
(4) The warning sign
must display, in block letters not over 10mm high:
(a) the
sign manufacturer's name or logo; and
(b) the
brand and class of retro-reflective material used.
(5) The manufacturer's
name or logo may appear in any visible location on the sign, other than in a
bottom corner of a sign used on a pilot vehicle.
56—Material for a warning sign—oversize and pilot vehicles
(1) A warning sign
must be made of stiff, flat, weatherproof material.
Note—
Zincalume at least 0.8mm thick, and aluminium at least 1.6mm thick are
examples of material which would comply with subclause (1).
(2) However, a warning
sign may be made of flexible material if the sign:
(a) is
fitted so that it is taut and can be easily read by other road users; and
(b)
complies with all other specifications in this Part.
(3) A flexible warning
sign that furls, becomes displaced or otherwise becomes difficult for other
road users to read, does not comply with this Part.
57—Keeping signs clean and readable—oversize and pilot vehicles
(1) A warning sign on
a vehicle must be kept clean enough so that it can be easily read by other
road users.
(2) A flexible warning
sign on a vehicle must be kept taut and in place so that it can be easily read
by other road users.
Division 3—Oversize vehicles only
58—Size of a warning sign—oversize vehicles
(1) A warning sign on
an oversize vehicle or combination must be at least 1200mm long and at least
450mm high.
(2) The sign may be
split into two parts, in which case the combined length of its parts must be
at least 1200mm.
59—Face of a warning sign—oversize vehicles
(1) A warning sign on
an oversize vehicle or combination must show the word "OVERSIZE", in black
upper-case lettering, conforming with Australian Standard AS 1744, "Forms
of Letters and Numerals for Road Signs", in typeface Series C(N).
(2) The lettering must
be at least 200mm high.
(3) The top and the
bottom of the lettering must be at least 125mm from the top and bottom of the
sign, respectively.
(4) If the sign is
split into two parts:
(a) the
part mounted on the left must show the letters "OVER" and the part mounted on
the right must show the letters "SIZE"; and
(b)
there must be no border between the two parts, in spite of clause 55(2)
and (3).
Illustration of a warning sign for an oversize vehicle or combination
60—Mounting a warning sign—oversize vehicles
(1) A warning sign on
an oversize vehicle or combination must be mounted vertically.
(2) The lower edge of
the sign must be:
(a)
above the bottom of the bumper bar; or
(b) if
there is no bumper bar—at least 500mm from the ground level.
(3) If the sign is
split into two parts, each part must be fitted at the same height as the
other.
Division 4—Pilot vehicles only
61—Size and shape of a warning sign—pilot vehicles
(1) A warning sign on
a pilot vehicle must be at least 1200mm long and at least 600mm high.
(2) The sign may have
bottom corner cut-outs not more than 150mm wide and not more than 100mm high
if they are needed for mounting the warning lights.
62—Faces of a warning sign—pilot vehicles
(1) Both faces of a
warning sign on a pilot vehicle must show:
(a) the
word "OVERSIZE", in black upper-case lettering at least 200mm high, conforming
with Australian Standard AS 1744, "Forms of Letters and Numerals for Road
Signs", in typeface Series C(N); and
(b) the
words "LOAD AHEAD", in black upper-case lettering at least 100mm high,
conforming with Australian Standard AS 1744, "Forms of Letters and Numerals
for Road Signs", in typeface Series D(N).
(2) The bottom of the
lettering of the word "OVERSIZE" must be at least 300mm from the bottom of the
sign.
(3) The bottom of the
lettering of the words "LOAD AHEAD" must be at least 100mm from the bottom of
the sign.
Illustration of a warning sign for a pilot vehicle
63—Mounting a warning sign—pilot vehicles
A warning sign on a pilot vehicle must not lean back so that there is more
than 200mm measured horizontally from the top of the sign to a vertical line
running through the bottom of the sign.
Illustration of maximum slant of warning sign
Part 9—Interpretation
64—References to vehicles and combinations
In these regulations, a reference to:
(a) a
vehicle or combination is a reference to a vehicle or combination that is
oversize or overmass or both;
(b) an
oversize vehicle or combination is a reference to a vehicle or combination
that is oversize, or oversize and overmass; and
(c) an
overmass vehicle or combination is a reference to a vehicle or combination
that is overmass, or overmass and oversize.
(1) A note does not
form part of these regulations.
(2) Unless the
contrary intention appears, a diagram in these regulations is illustrative
only and does not form part of these regulations.
66—Measuring the distance between parallel lines
In these regulations, a reference to a distance between 2 lines that are
parallel means the distance measured at right angles between the lines.
67—Application to retractable axles
For the purposes of these regulations, a retractable axle must be taken to be
an axle when it is in the lowered position and must be taken not to be an axle
when it is in the raised position.
68—Application of mass limits where more than one applies
If two or more mass limits apply to the same axle or axle group as a result of
the application of provisions in Table 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 9 or 10, or in any two
or more of those Tables, the axle or axle group must comply with the lower or
lowest of those limits.
In these regulations, unless the contrary intention appears:
ADR (Australian Design Rule) means a national standard under the Motor Vehicle
Standards Act 1989 of the Commonwealth as in force from time to time;
agricultural combination means a combination that includes at least one
agricultural vehicle;
agricultural implement means a vehicle without its own motive power, built to
perform agricultural tasks;
agricultural machine means a machine with its own motive power, built to
perform agricultural tasks;
Note—
Examples of agricultural implements are irrigating equipment, augers,
conveyors, empty field bins, harvester fronts, and machinery fully carried on
the three-point linkage of a tractor.
Examples of agricultural machines are tractors and harvesters.
agricultural vehicle means an agricultural implement or agricultural machine;
at night means during the period between sunset and sunrise;
Australian Standard means a standard, published by or under the authority of
Standards Australia (alone or jointly with others), as in force at the
commencement of these regulations, or, if the provision in which the
expression appears commenced after the commencement of these regulations, as
in force at the commencement of that provision;
axle means one or more shafts positioned in a line across a vehicle, on which
one or more wheels intended to support the vehicle turn;
axle group means a single axle group, tandem axle group, twinsteer axle group,
tri-axle group or quad axle group;
centre line , in relation to an axle, means:
(a) in
the case of an axle consisting of one shaft—a line parallel to the
length of the axle and passing through its centre; and
(b) in
the case of an axle consisting of 2 shafts—a line that is in the
vertical plane passing through the centre of both shafts and that passes
through the centres of the wheels on the shafts;
centre of an axle group means:
(a) a
line located midway between the centre lines of the outermost axles of the
group; or
(b) if
the group consists of 2 axles, one of which is fitted with twice the number of
tyres as the other axle—a line located one third of the way from the
centre line of the axle with more tyres towards the centre line of the axle
with fewer tyres;
Centre of a typical quad axle group fitted with an equal number of tyres on
each axle
Centre of a typical tandem axle group fitted with an unequal number of tyres
on each axle
combination means a group of vehicles consisting of a motor vehicle connected
to one or more vehicles;
converter dolly means a trailer with one tandem axle group or single axle and
a fifth wheel coupling, designed to convert a semi-trailer into a dog trailer;
daytime means the period beginning at sunrise and ending at sunset;
escort vehicle means a vehicle that is being used:
(a) to
transport a police officer, or other person authorised to direct traffic; and
(b) to
warn other road users of the presence of an oversize vehicle or combination;
fifth wheel coupling means a device, other than the upper rotating element and
the kingpin (which are parts of a semi-trailer), used with a prime mover,
semi-trailer or a converter dolly to permit quick coupling and uncoupling and
to provide for articulation;
flexible warning sign means a warning sign made of flexible material;
freeway means a length of road to which a freeway sign applies in accordance
with the Australian Road Rules ;
ground contact width :
(a) in
relation to an axle, means the distance between the outermost point of ground
contact of the outside tyres on each end of the axle; and
(b) in
relation to an axle group, means the greatest ground contact width of all the
axles in the group;
Illustration of ground contact width of an axle
GVM of a vehicle means the maximum loaded mass of the vehicle:
(a) as
specified by the vehicle's manufacturer; or
(b) as
specified by an Australian Authority if:
(i)
the manufacturer has not specified a maximum loaded mass;
or
(ii)
the manufacturer cannot be identified; or
(iii)
the vehicle has been modified to the extent that the
manufacturer's specification is no longer appropriate;
hauling unit means the lead motor vehicle which forms part of a combination;
jinker means an axle or axle group which is built to support part of a load,
and is connected to the vehicle in front of it by a pole or cable or the load
itself, if any;
km means kilometres;
large indivisible item means an item that:
(a)
cannot be divided without extreme effort, expense or risk of damage to it; and
(b)
cannot be carried on any vehicle or combination without exceeding a mass or
dimension limit in the mass and loading requirements;
load of a vehicle, or in or on a vehicle, means:
(a) all
the goods, passengers and drivers in or on the vehicle; and
(b) all
fuel, water, lubricants and readily removable equipment carried in or on the
vehicle and required for its normal operation; and
(c)
personal items used by a driver of the vehicle; and
(d)
anything that is normally removed from the vehicle when not in use,
and includes a part of a load as so defined;
load-carrying , in relation to a vehicle or combination, means a vehicle or
combination that is carrying, or is built to carry, goods;
load-sharing suspension system means an axle group suspension system that:
(a) is
built to divide the load between the tyres on the group so that no tyre
carries a mass more than 10% greater than the mass it would carry if the load
were divided equally; and
(b) has
effective damping characteristics on all axles of the group;
low-beam , in relation to a headlight or front fog light fitted to a vehicle,
means built or adjusted so that, when the vehicle is standing on level ground,
the top of the main beam of light projected is:
(a) not
higher than the centre of the headlight or fog light, when measured at a point
8m in front of the vehicle; and
(b) not
more than 1m higher than the level on which the motor vehicle is standing,
when measured at a point 25m in front of the vehicle;
Illustration of a low-beam headlight
low loader means a gooseneck semi-trailer with a loading deck no more than 1m
above the ground;
low loader dolly means a mass-distributing device that:
(a) is
usually coupled between a prime mover and a low loader; and
(b)
consists of a gooseneck rigid frame; and
(c) does
not directly carry any load on itself; and
(d) is
equipped with one or more axles, a king pin and a fifth wheel coupling;
m means metres;
mm means millimetres;
mass and loading requirements means the mass and loading requirements
contained in the Road Traffic (Mass and Loading Requirements)
Regulations 1999 ;
notice means an oversize or overmass vehicle exemption granted by the Minister
under Part 4 of the Act by notice published in the Gazette;
overmass means having a mass that, including the mass of any load, exceeds a
relevant mass limit in the mass and loading requirements;
oversize means having a dimension that, including the dimension of any load,
exceeds a relevant dimension limit in the vehicle standards or the mass and
loading requirements;
oversize tri-axle group means a group of 3 axles in which the horizontal
distance between the centre lines of the outermost axles is more than 3.2 m;
permit means an oversize or overmass vehicle exemption granted by the Minister
under Part 4 of the Act by instrument in writing;
pilot vehicle means a vehicle being used to warn other road users of the
presence of an oversize vehicle or combination;
prime mover means a motor vehicle built to tow a semi-trailer;
quad axle group means a group of 4 axles, in which the horizontal distance
between the centre lines of the outermost axles is more than 3.2m but not more
than 4.9m;
rear overhang line means:
(a) if
there is a single axle at the rear of the vehicle—the centre line of the
axle; or
(b) if
there is an axle group at the rear of the vehicle—the centre of the axle
group, determined without regard to the presence of any steerable axle or
retractable axle in the group unless all axles in the group are steerable or
retractable;
retractable axle means an axle that can be raised so that the tyres on the
axle do not touch the ground;
Note—
See clause 67 as to the application of this Schedule to vehicles with
retractable axles.
semi-trailer means a trailer that has:
(a) one
axle group or single axle towards the rear; and
(b) a
means of attachment to a prime mover that would result in some of the load
being imposed on the prime mover;
single axle means an axle not forming part of an axle group;
single axle group means a group of 2 or more axles, in which the horizontal
distance between the centre lines of the outermost axles is less than 1m;
special purpose vehicle means a motor vehicle, other than a tow truck or an
agricultural vehicle, built for a purpose other than carrying a load, except
for water in the case of concrete pumps and fire trucks;
Standards Australia means:
(a)
Standards Association of Australia; or
(b)
Standards Australia International Limited; or
(c)
Standards Australia Limited (ACN 087 326 690);
tandem axle group means a group of at least 2 axles, in which the horizontal
distance between the centre lines of the outermost axles is at least 1m, but
not more than 2m;
tri-axle group means a group of at least 3 axles, in which the horizontal
distance between the centre lines of the outermost axles is more than 2m, but
not more than 3.2m;
twinsteer axle group means a group of 2 axles:
(a) with
single tyres; and
(b)
fitted to a motor vehicle; and
(c)
connected to the same steering mechanism; and
(d) the
horizontal distance between the centre lines of which is at least 1m, but not
more than 2m.
vehicle standards means the Road Traffic (Vehicle Standards) Rules 1999 ;
warning light means a light that complies with the specifications in Part 7;
warning sign means a sign that complies with Part 8;
wheelbase , in relation to a vehicle, means the distance from the centre line
of the vehicle's foremost axle to the rear overhang line.