Heavy Vehicle National Law

Tasmania Class 1 Load Carrying Vehicles Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2016 (No. 2)

Statutory Instrument Series:  

Class 1 Heavy Vehicle Exemption Notice - Mass and Dimension Exemption

 

 

Revocation

This Notice repeals and replaces the Tasmania Class 1 Load Carrying Vehicles Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2016 (No. 1).

 

1                      Purpose

The purpose of this Notice is to exempt categories of laden Class 1 load carrying vehicles from the stated prescribed mass and dimension requirements in Schedule 1 and Schedule 6 of the Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulation.

Notes—

1         A class 1 heavy vehicle is defined in section 116 of the Heavy Vehicle National Law.

2         Nothing in this Notice exempts the driver or operator of an eligible vehicle from complying with legislation regulating the use of heavy vehicles, including, but not limited to, compliance with—

3         Some vehicles included in this Notice may travel unladen under the Tasmania Class 1 Heavy Vehicle Unladen Low Loader Semitrailer Dimension Exemption Notice 2016.

 

2                      Authorising Provision

This Notice is made under section 117 of the Heavy Vehicle National Law as in force in each participating jurisdiction.

3                      Commencement

This Notice commences on 1 December 2016.

4                      Expiry

This Notice expires on 30 November 2021.

 

5                      Definitions and interpretation

(1)         Unless otherwise stated, words and expressions—

(a)          used in this Notice have the same meanings as those defined in the HVNL; and

(b)          used in the Tasmanian Class One Load Carrying Vehicle Guide have the same meanings as those defined in this Notice; and

(c)          used in this Notice have the same meanings as those defined in the Tasmanian Class One Load Carrying Vehicle Guide.

(2)         A reference in this Notice to a heavy vehicle includes a reference to the vehicle together with its load, except so far as the context or subject matter otherwise indicates or requires.

(3)         In this Notice—

certified pilot vehicle means a pilot vehicle operated by a certified pilot vehicle driver

certified pilot vehicle driver means a person who holds a current ‘Certified Pilot Vehicle Driver Authority’ Card issued by VicRoads.

closed quad-axle group means a group of four axles at least 1.2m apart where the horizontal distance between the centre-lines of the outermost axles is not more than 4.9m.

closed tandem axle group means a group of two axles at least 1.2m apart where the horizontal distance between the centre-lines of the 2 axles is not more than 2.0m.

closed tri-axle group means a group of three axles at least 1.2m apart where the horizontal distance between the centre-lines of the outermost axles is not more than 3.2m.

eligible vehicle means a load-carrying vehicle specified in the LCVG, carrying a large indivisible item, that does not comply with a prescribed mass or dimension requirement.

ground contact width means the distance between the outermost points of ground contact of the outside tyres on each end of an axle.

 

      Image describing ground contact width

Figure 1- Illustration of ground contact width of an axle

HVNL means the Heavy Vehicle National Law.

LCVG means the Tasmanian Class One Load Carrying Vehicle Guide published by the Tasmanian government.

MDL National Regulation means the Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulation.

 

spread quad-axle group means a group of four axles where—

(a)          the distance between the first and second axle is at least 1.2m; and

(b)          the distance between the second and third axle is at least 2.4m; and

(c)          the distance between the third and fourth axle is at least 1.2m; and

(d)          the horizontal distance between the centre-lines of the outermost axles is not more than 4.9m.

spread tri-axle group means a group of three axles at least 1.8m apart where the horizontal distance between the centre-lines of the outermost axles is not more than 3.7m.

TLC1 means a load carrying vehicle that complies with the prescribed mass requirements applying to the vehicle but does not comply with a prescribed dimension requirement applying to it.

vehicle designator means the alphanumeric text listed next to the “Vehicle Designator” label in the LCVG and includes a TLC sub-category where relevant.

6                      Application

(1)          This Notice applies in Tasmania.

(2)          This Notice applies to an eligible vehicle that does not exceed any of the following limits—

(a)          5.5m wide; or

(b)          30.0m long; or

(c)          5.0m high; or 

(d)          a mass of 103.0t.

7                      Exemption from prescribed dimension requirements

(1)         Except as noted in (2), this Notice exempts an eligible vehicle to which it applies from the following dimension requirements in Schedule 6 of the MDL National Regulation to the extent provided in this Notice—

(a)          section 3(1)(a) – Length—general; and

(b)          section 4(2) – Length—trailers; and

(c)          section 5(1)(a) and (b) - Length—rear overhang; and

(d)          section 7(1) – Width; and

(e)          section 8(d) – Height; and

(f)           section 13(b)(ii) – Front and side projection of load.

Note—

Section 13(b)(ii) only refers to side projection of a load.

(2)         The exemptions in (1) do not apply in the following cases:

(a)     Section 7(1)(a) does not apply to TLC1 designated vehicles that are trucks, trucks towing pig trailers, and trucks towing dog trailers.

(b)     Section 7(1)(b) does not apply to TLC1 designated vehicles that are trucks towing dog trailers.

(c)      Section 7(1)(c) does not apply to TLC1 designated vehicles that are trucks, trucks towing pig trailers, and trucks towing dog trailers.

 

8                      Exemption from prescribed mass requirements

(1)         This Notice exempts an eligible vehicle, except for TLC1 designated vehicles, from the following mass limits in Schedule 1 of the MDL National Regulation to the extent provided in this Notice—

(a)     section 2(1)(a)(iv) and (v) – mass limits for a single vehicle or combination; and

(b)     section 4 as it relates to the general mass limits specified in Table 1 (Axle mass limits table) of Part 2, for the following axle groups—

(i)              a tandem axle group fitted with dual tyres on all axles (16.5t); and

(ii)            a tri-axle group fitted with dual tyres on all axles (20.0t); and

(iii)           a quad axle group fitted with dual tyres on all axles (20.0t); and

(c)      section 5(1) as it relates to an axle spacing specified in Table 2 (Axle spacing mass limits general table) of Part 2.

Note—

A TLC1 is an oversize vehicle only and must operate within general mass limits. Please refer to the LCVG for further details regarding a TLC1.

9                      Permissible dimensions

(1)          An eligible vehicle must not be higher than 5.0m.

(2)          An eligible vehicle of a designation specified in column 1 of Table 1 must not exceed a limit specified for that vehicle in column 3 relating to a dimension specified in column 2.

Table 1 - Maximum width and length for eligible vehicles

Column 1

Column 2

Column 3

 

Dimension

Limit

TLC1*

 

Width

5.5m

Length

30.0m

TLC2

Width

4.5m

Length

26.0m

TLC3

 

Width

5.0m

Length

26.0m

TLC4, TLC5,

TLC6 and TLC7

Width

5.0m

Length

30.0m

* Please refer to section 7(2) for specific conditions regarding rigid trucks, trucks towing pig trailers, and trucks towing dog trailers.  These must operate at their prescribed lengths.

Note—

Please refer to the LCVG for definitions of, and details regarding, the various TLC vehicle designators.

(3)          The rear overhang of an eligible vehicle must not exceed the lesser of—

(a)          5.5m; or

(b)          25% of the length of the vehicle.

In this subsection, the rear overhang line for a spread tri-axle group is a line running parallel to the axles down the centre of the spread tri-axle group.

Note—

Please refer to section 7(2) for specific conditions regarding rigid trucks, trucks towing pig trailers, and trucks towing dog trailers.  These must operate at their prescribed rear overhangs.

(4)          An eligible vehicle, except for a TLC1, TLC2-3B, TLC2-3C, TLC2-4A, TLC2-4B, TLC2-4C or TLC2-5A designated vehicle, must have a minimum distance of 3.2m between the centre-line of the prime mover’s steer axle and the centre line of the prime mover’s foremost drive axle.

(5)          An eligible vehicle, except for a TLC1, TLC2-3B, TLC2-3C, TLC2-4A, TLC2-4B, TLC2-4C or TLC2-5A designated vehicle, must have a minimum distance of 6.0m between—

(a)          the centre-line of the prime mover’s rearmost axle and the centre-line of the foremost axle of the low loader; or

(b)          if a low loader dolly is towed in the combination, the centre- line of the rearmost low loader dolly axle and the centre-line of the foremost axle of the low loader.

 

(6)         For an eligible vehicle that is a TLC2-3B, TLC2-3C, TLC2-4A, TLC2-4B, TLC2-4C or TLC2-5A designated vehicle the aggregate axle load of the combination must not exceed the least of the following:

(a)          The sum of the axle mass limits applicable to the combination;

(b)          If the distance between the centre of the rearmost drive axle and the centre of the first trailer axle is 6 metres or more, the sum of the axle mass limits applicable to the combination;

(c)          If the distance between the centre of the rearmost drive axle and the centre of the first trailer axle is less than 6 metres, the sum of the axle mass limits applicable to the combination decreased by 1 tonne for each 300 millimetres by which that distance is less than 6 metres.

(7)          An eligible vehicle designated as TLC4 or TLC5 in the LCVG must have a distance between the centre-line of the first drive axle and the centre-line of the rearmost low loader dolly axle of no less than 5.0m.

Note—

TLC6 and TLC7 designated vehicles will have a corresponding minimum distance set depending on the combined mass over the drive and dolly axle groups. Please refer to the LCVG for details.

(8)         An eligible vehicle must comply with a minimum axle spacing specified in the LCVG.

 

 

10                   Maximum permissible mass

(1)          An eligible vehicle must not exceed a relevant mass limit for the vehicle designation that is—

(a)          specified in the relevant LCVG table for the vehicle; and

(b)          determined, where relevant, by reference to the minimum ground contact width, or the minimum distance between any axles.

(2)         In subsection (1) a relevant mass limit includes—

(a)          a maximum mass limit for a single axle or axle group; and

(b)          a maximum combined mass limit for more than one axle or axle group; and

(c)          a maximum total mass limit for all the axles or axle groups, or both, in a combination.

(3)         The minimum mass on a dual-drive tandem axle group on a prime mover must not be less than 14.0t when the combination is loaded and includes a dolly.

Note—

A complying steer axle vehicle remains entitled to the mass adjustments applying to the vehicle, axle spacing, and axle mass limits set out in Schedule 1 of the MDL National Regulation, notwithstanding a lower limit stated in the LCVG.  

11                   Areas or routes to which this exemption applies

 An eligible vehicle—

(a)          may operate on a route specified on the Tasmanian Class One Load Carrying  Network Map published by the Tasmanian Department of State Growth.

(b)          must operate in accordance with any condition or limitation for a route in paragraph (a).

 

Note: The network maps can be found at http://data.stategrowth.tas.gov.au/TLCClass1Network/

12                   General operating conditions - section 119 HVNL

(1)         The conditions stated in Part 1 and 3 of Schedule 8 of the MDL National Regulation apply to an eligible vehicle, a pilot vehicle and an escort vehicle accompanying an eligible vehicle except as excluded, modified or supplemented in this Notice.

Note:

This section also applies to a certified pilot vehicle.

(2)          Any roadside furniture that is removed shall be replaced immediately after the eligible vehicle has passed in the same position and condition as when removed.

(3)         If a load on an eligible vehicle can be safely loaded in more than one way, it must be loaded in a way that minimises the dimensions of the vehicle.

 

 

 

 

 

13                   Night travel

(1)         Section 7 (Travel restrictions at night) of Schedule 8 of the MDL National Regulation is disapplied, except as provided in this section.

(2)         An eligible vehicle may only travel during the daytime, except for a TLC1 designated vehicle or TLC2-3B, TLC2-3C,  TLC2-4A, TLC2-4B, TLC2-4C or TLC2-5A designated vehicle which may travel at night if:

(a)          not wider than 3.5m; or

(b)          no longer than 26m; or

(c)          no heavier than 49.5t GCM.

(3)         A vehicle eligible to travel at night must be accompanied by a pilot vehicle if it exceeds 22 metres in length or 3.1 metres in width.

14                   Modification of prescribed conditions - section 39 MDL National Regulation

(1)          For the purposes of section 11 of Schedule 8 of the MDL National Regulation—

(a)          the driver or operator of an eligible vehicle must undertake a route survey before travel to ensure that the vehicle can do so safely and without—

(i)             damaging a road, structure (including a bridge), rail crossing,  tree, road infrastructure, or roadside furniture; or

(ii)           disrupting essential services, including telecommunication, electricity, rail, gas, water or sewage services.

(b)          prior to commencing a journey the driver or operator of an eligible vehicle must check a route network map mentioned in section 11 of this Notice for updates and any restrictions or limitations applying to the proposed route. 

(2)          For the purposes of section 11(1) of Schedule 8, the driver or operator must, before commencing the relevant journey, identify any relevant road closures and road conditions or restrictions that may inhibit the movement of the eligible vehicle.

Note—

The relevant sources for subsection (2) are published at www.nhvr.gov.au/access-contacts.

(3)         Section 9 of Schedule 8 of the MDL National Regulation is disapplied and instead—

(a)          two eligible vehicles may travel in a convoy on any road they are authorised to travel on; and

(b)          a minimum distance of 60m must be maintained between the eligible vehicle and another eligible vehicle when travelling in a convoy.

Note—

A 60m minimum following requirement must be observed, regardless of whether the road is in a built-up area or is a multi-lane road, or the driver is overtaking.

 

 

 

 

15                  Pilot and escort vehicle requirements

(1)          An eligible vehicle must be accompanied by a pilot or escort vehicle in the circumstances specified in Figure 2.

Note— Additional pilot or escort vehicles may be required depending on the route conditions displayed on the network maps in Section 11 of this Notice.

 Graph of pilot requirements versus width and height of vehicle

Figure 2 - Pilot and escort vehicle requirements

Example for Figure 2— An eligible vehicle that is more than 3.5m wide and less than 26.0m long requires one pilot vehicle.

(2)         A device mentioned in section 31 of Schedule 8 of the MDL National Regulation allowing the driver of a pilot or escort vehicle to communicate with the driver of an eligible vehicle does not include a mobile phone.

 

 

Dated: 25 November 2016

Signature of Sal Petroccitto Chief Executive Officer National Heavy Vehicle Regulator 

 

 

 

 

Sal Petroccitto

Chief Executive Officer

National Heavy Vehicle Regulator