HEAVY VEHICLE NATIONAL LAW

National Class 3 20m Long 3-axle Truck and 4-axle Dog Trailer Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2024 (No.1)

1. Purpose

1)      This notice grants mass and dimension exemptions to class 3 combinations consisting of a truck and dog trailer meeting the requirements of a Vehicle Specification envelope. An eligible combination must meet certain Australian Design Rule standards relating to braking and roll stability. An eligible combination is also required to meet specified Performance Based Standards axle spacing limits for Tier 1 bridges.

2)      This notice revokes and replaces the National Class 3 20m Long 3-axle Truck and 4-axle Dog Trailer Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2022 (No.2).

Note: This notice amends the Intelligent Access Program Conditions section of the New South Wales Schedule. All other conditions are unchanged.

2.       Authorising provision

1)      This notice is made under the following provisions of the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL):

a)      section 117 – Regulator’s power to exempt category of class 1 or 3 heavy vehicles from compliance with mass or dimension requirement;

b)      section 23 of Schedule 1 – Regulator’s power to amend or repeal instrument.

3.       Title

This notice may be cited as the National Class 3 20m Long 3-axle Truck and 4-axle Dog Trailer Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2024 (No.1).

4.       Commencement date

This notice commences on 3 May 2024.

5.       Expiry date

This notice expires on 27 September 2027.

6.       Definitions

1)      Unless otherwise stated, words and expressions used in this notice have the same meanings as those in the HVNL and its regulations.

2)      In this notice:

Bin means a rigid box container fixed to the vehicle that has solid sides and floor designed for the carriage of loose material.

Dog trailer has the same meaning as in section 4 of the Heavy Vehicle (Vehicle Standards) National Regulation.

Performance-Based Standards Scheme – the Standards and Vehicle Assessment Rules means the document of that name published by the National Transport Commission, as amended from time to time.

Guide means the National Class 3 20m Long 3-axle Truck and 4-axle Dog Trailer Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice Operator’s Guide, published by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, as amended from time to time.

Vehicle specification envelope means the set of parameters including external dimensions such as vehicle height and length, plus internal dimensions such as draw bar length and axle spacing, that determine a vehicle’s eligibility for access at a given PBS network level.

3)      In this notice, when referring to a vehicle specification envelope, the dimensions specified in Figure 1 correspond to the meanings provided in Table 1:

Figure 1: Parameters for vehicle specification envelope

Table 1: Parameters for vehicle specification envelope

7.       Application

1)      This notice applies to a class 3 heavy vehicle that is a combination consisting of a truck with three axles and a dog trailer with four axles.

2)      The axles on the truck must be:

a)      a single steer axle; and

b)      a tandem drive axle.

3)      The axles on the dog trailer must consist of two tandem axle groups.

4)      This notice applies in a participating jurisdiction subject to the conditions provided in the body of this notice and the conditions of the schedule relevant to that jurisdiction.

5)      A heavy vehicle to which this section applies and that complies with the conditions of this notice is an eligible vehicle.

8.       Exemption – Prescribed mass requirements

1)      An eligible vehicle is exempt from the following mass requirements under Schedule 1 of the Heavy Vehicle (Mass Dimension and Loading) National Regulation (MDL Regulation):

a)      section 2(1) – Mass limits for a single vehicle or combination

b)      section 2(4) – Restriction on ratio of mass of towing vehicle and trailer

c)       section 4 – Mass limits for a single axle or axle group

d)      section 5 – Mass limits relating to axle spacing generally

2)      An exemption in 1) only applies to the extent provided by specific conditional mass limits in section 9 of this notice, or in a schedule.

9.       Conditions – Mass (total mass and axle masses)

1)      An eligible vehicle operating on a PBS network indicated in column 1 of Table 2 may not exceed the masses indicated in column 2 to column 6.

Table 2: Maximum masses (total mass and axle masses)

2)      In this section total mass means the mass of the eligible vehicle including its load.

Note:  Networks are provided under section 14 based on the masses set out in this section.

10.   Exemption – Prescribed dimension requirements

1)      An eligible vehicle is exempt from the following mass requirements under Schedule 6 of the Heavy Vehicle (Mass Dimension and Loading) National Regulation (MDL Regulation):

a)      section 3 – Length (combination or single vehicle)

b)      section 4 – Length (trailers)

c)       section 6 – Length (trailer drawbars)

2)      An exemption in 1) only applies to the extent that specific conditional dimension limits are provided in section 11, 12 and 13 of this notice, or in a schedule.

11.   Condition – Dimension (combination length)

An eligible vehicle must not exceed 20m in length.

12.   Condition – Vehicle specification envelope dimension limits (3.0m high bin combination)

1)      With reference to the terms and definitions set out in section 6(3) of this notice the vehicle specification envelope dimensions of an eligible vehicle with a bin height no greater than 3.0m must not exceed the dimensions indicated in Table 3.

Table 3: Vehicle specification envelope for eligible vehicle with 3.0m high bins

2)      For this section, the width of a heavy vehicle must be measured in the same manner as in section 8 of the Heavy Vehicle (Vehicle Standards) National Regulation.

13.   Condition – Vehicle specification envelope dimension limits (3.3m high bin combination)

1)      With reference to the terms and definitions set out in section 6(3) of this notice the vehicle specification envelope dimensions of an eligible vehicle with a bin rim height greater than 3.0m in height but no greater than 3.3m must not exceed the dimensions indicated in Table 4.

Table 4: Vehicle specification envelope for eligible vehicle with 3.3m high bins

2)      For this section, the width of a heavy vehicle must be measured in the same manner as in section 8 of the Heavy Vehicle (Vehicle Standards) National Regulation.

14.   Conditions – Areas and routes

1)      An eligible vehicle complying with the conditions of this notice is authorised to operate on areas and routes stated in a schedule.

2)      For the purposes of section 119(1)(a) of the HVNL, a network specified in a schedule of this notice is a stated area or route to which this notice applies.

3)      Where a network is specified in a schedule, the designation of that network as a “T&D Level 1” or a “T&D Level 2” network means that it is a T&D Level 1 or T&D Level 2 network for the purpose of this notice.

4)      An eligible vehicle operating on an area or route specified in this notice or its schedules must comply with the following conditions as specified for routes and areas set out on that map:

a)      Road conditions pursuant to section 160 of the HVNL; and

b)      Travel conditions pursuant to section 161 of the HVNL; and

c)       Vehicle conditions pursuant to section 162 of the HVNL.

5)      An eligible vehicle operating on a network set out in a schedule of this notice must comply with the conditional total mass and axle mass limits for that level specified in section 9 of this notice.

15.   Conditions – Vehicle conditions

1)      An eligible vehicle must be fitted with the following systems:

a)      an anti-lock brake system compliant with:

1. for the truck: Australian Design Rule 35/04 or a later version of that rule.
2. for the trailer: Australian Design Rule 38/05 or a later version of that rule.

b)      the trailer must have a Roll-over control compliant with Australian Design Rule 38/05 or a later version of that rule.

c)       Full contour conspicuity markings compliant with Appendix A of the Australian Design Rule 13/00 (ADR 13/00), or a later version of that rule, and without the variation specified in clause 10.14.

Note: Appendix A of ADR13/00 contains the UN R 48/06 which sets out the requirements for full contour conspicuity markings at clause 6.21.

The operation of section 15(1)(c) is intended to make the application of full contour conspicuity markings compliant with ADR (13/00) mandatory under this notice, despite the variation made at clause 10.14.

2)      If drawbar length exceeds 5m, the outermost surface of the drawbar must be fitted with yellow reflective material that complies with Class C material requirements of United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Regulation No. 104 Uniform provisions concerning the approval of retro-reflective markings for vehicles of category M, N and O.

3)      Any system or equipment specified in this section must be functioning when an eligible vehicle is operating under this notice.

16.   Condition – Axle spacing limits (Tier 1 Bridge Formulae)

1)      The axle spacing of an eligible vehicle must comply with the Tier 1 Bridge Formulae as published in the Performance-Based Standards Scheme – the Standards and Vehicle Assessment Rules, for each corresponding level of access under this notice.

2)      The Tier 1 Bridge Formulae are:

a)      For access to a Level 1 network under this notice:

M = 3L + 12.5 for M <= 42.5 t; and

M = L + 32.5 for M >= 42.5 t

b)      For access to a Level 2 network under this notice:

M = 3L + 12.5 for M <= 46.5 t; and

M = 1.5L + 29.5 for M >= 46.5 t

17.   Conditions – Access to Truck & Dog Level 2 networks

1)      An eligible vehicle that is carrying a load may only operate on a Truck & Dog (T&D) Level 2 if a minimum of 20% of the vehicle’s total mass is on the truck drive axle group.

2)      An eligible vehicle may only operate on a T&D Level 2 if it meets either of the following requirements:

a)      the operator of the heavy vehicle holds mass management accreditation for the vehicle; or

b)      any axle that exceeds general mass limits prescribed under Schedule 1 of the Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulation is fitted with a certified road-friendly suspension system.

18.   Conditions – Intelligent access program conditions (IAP conditions)

1)      This section only applies in jurisdictions that have an intelligent access program condition in the relevant schedule.

2)      Pursuant to s402(1)(a) and (b) of Chapter 7 of the HVNL, the following conditions of this notice are intelligent access program conditions:

a)      any condition relating to mass or dimensions; and

b)      any condition relating to stated areas or routes to which the authority applies, including any relating to speed or time of travel.

3)      Pursuant to s402(1)(c) of Chapter 7 of the HVNL, an eligible vehicle must be monitored by an approved intelligent transport system as set out in the intelligent access program conditions of a schedule to this notice.

Peter Austin

Director, Policy Implementation

National Heavy Vehicle Regulator

Schedule 1 Australian Capital Territory

1. Application

This schedule applies in the Australian Capital Territory.

2.       Conditions – Areas and routes (Networks)

An eligible vehicle of total mass not exceeding the mass in column 1 of Table 1, may operate at the T&D Level specified in column 2 on the networks named in column 3:

Table 1: Australian Capital Territory T&D Networks

Note: The networks named in column 3 of Table 1 are published and maintained by the Australian Capital Territory government and are available on its City Services website.

Schedule 2 New South Wales

1. Application

This schedule applies in New South Wales.

2.       Conditions – Areas and routes (Networks)

1)      An eligible vehicle of total mass not exceeding the mass in column 1 of Table 1, may operate at the T&D Level specified in column 2 on the networks named in column 3:

Table 1: New South Wales T&D Networks

Note: The networks named in column 3 of Table 1 are published and maintained by Transport for New South Wales and are available on its website.

2)      In addition to the networks in Table 1, an eligible vehicle that is a truck and dog combination which does not exceed 57.5t and categorised as a T&D Level 2, may operate on the Great Western Highway between the M4 Western Motorway/Russell Street interchange at Emu Plains, and the Great Western Highway/ Castlereagh Highway interchange at Marrangaroo.

3.       Conditions - Intelligent access program conditions (New South Wales)

1)      Pursuant to section 18 of this notice, an eligible vehicle operating on a network under this schedule must be enrolled in and comply with the following approved intelligent transport systems, approved by Transport Certification Australia (TCA):

a)      For vehicles operating at GML or CML mass limits:

Road Infrastructure Management (RIM)

Note: Enrolment in higher assurance telematics applications, such as Telematics Monitoring Application (TMA) or Intelligent Access Program (IAP) are also acceptable alternatives to RIM.

b)      For vehicles operating at HML mass limits:

Intelligent Access Program (IAP); or

Telematics Monitoring Application (TMA)

2)      Any approved intelligent transport system required under this section must be functioning while operating under this notice.

Schedule 3 Queensland

1. Application

This schedule applies in Queensland.

2.       Conditions – Areas and routes (Networks)

1)      An eligible vehicle of total mass not exceeding the mass in column 1 of Table 1, may operate at the T&D Level specified in column 2 on the networks named in column 3:

Table 1: Queensland T&D Level 1 Networks

2)      Access to all roads on the T&D Level 1 network is restricted by the conditions found in the Queensland T&D Level 1 Restrictions section of the Guide.

Note: The networks named in column 3 of Table 1 are published and maintained by the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads and are available on the Queensland Globe website.

3.       Condition – Requirements relating to tandem axle groups at greater than 16.5t

1)      An eligible vehicle that has a tandem axle group with a mass greater than 16.5t must comply with one of the following conditions:

a)      the operator of the vehicle must hold Mass Management Accreditation, or;

b)      the vehicle must comply with both of the following conditions:

1. the axle must be equipped with functioning road friendly suspension, and
2. pursuant to section 18 of this notice, the eligible vehicle must be enrolled in and comply with the following approved intelligent transport system, approved by Transport Certification Australia:

1. For vehicles enrolled from 1 December 2022 – Telematics Monitoring Application
2. For vehicles enrolled before 1 December 2022 – Intelligent Access Program

Note: The option in subsection (1)(b) to comply using IAP will be removed from 1 June 2024.

2)      In this section, Intelligent Access Program means the approved intelligent transport system of that name administered by the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads.

3)      At the time of operation under this notice, an eligible vehicle to which this section applies must be enrolled in and be compliant with the conditions of the required approved intelligent transport system.

4.       Conditions - Self Declaration

1)      This section applies to an eligible vehicle that is operating under an approved intelligent transport system pursuant to section 3 of this Schedule.

2)      If an Approved Intelligent Transport System utilises a Self-Declared Input Device (SDID), the relevant information must be entered into the SDID by:

a)      the driver, if the SDID is fitted in or on the vehicle; or

b)      the participating operator, if the SDID is fitted in a place other than the place mentioned in subsection (a).

3)      The relevant information must be true and accurate and must be re-entered irrespective of the mass of the vehicle whenever:

a)      there is a change to the vehicle mass or configuration; or

b)      if prompted by the SDID.

4)      For the purpose of this subsection relevant information means information relating to the mass or configuration of the vehicle.

Schedule 4 South Australia

1. Application

This schedule applies in South Australia.

2.       Conditions – Areas and routes (Networks)

An eligible vehicle of total mass not exceeding the mass in column 1 of Table 1, may operate at the T&D Level specified in column 2 on the networks named in column 3:

Table 1: South Australia T&D Networks

Note: The networks named in column 3 of Table 1 are published and maintained by South Australian Department for Transport and Infrastructure and are available on its RavNet website.

Schedule 5 Victoria

1. Application

This schedule applies in Victoria.

2.       Conditions – Areas and routes (Networks)

An eligible vehicle of total mass not exceeding the mass in column 1 of Table 1, may operate at the T&D Level specified in column 2 on the networks named in column 3:

Table 1: Victorian T&D Networks

Note: The networks named in column 3 of Table 1 are published and maintained by VicRoads and are available on its website.