HEAVY VEHICLE NATIONAL LAW

Tasmania Class 1 Load Carrying Vehicles Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2024 (No.2)

1. Purpose

1)      This notice exempts categories of laden and unladen class 1 load carrying vehicles from prescribed mass and dimension requirements.

2)      This notice also disapplies certain requirements under Schedule 8 of the Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulation (MDL Regulation).

3)      This notice revokes and replaces the Tasmania Class 1 Load Carrying Vehicles Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2024 (No.1).

2.       Authorising Provision

1)      This notice is made under the following sections 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 Tasmania Class 1 Load Carrying Vehicles Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2024 (No.2).

4.       Commencement

This notice commences on 16 August 2024.

5.       Expiry

This notice expires on 9 May 2027.

6.       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 its regulations; 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)      In this notice:

2.7m low loader means a low loader semitrailer that:

a)      is fitted with 8 tyres on each axle; and

b)      does not exceed 2.7m wide as constructed; and

c)       has a loading deck no more than 1m above the ground; and

d)      cannot be reduced to comply with prescribed width requirements under the MDL Regulation.

2.7m low loader dolly means a device for distributing mass that:

a)      is fitted with 8 tyres on each axle; and

b)      does not exceed 2.7m as constructed; and

c)       cannot be reduced to comply with prescribed width requirements under the MDL Regulation.

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

b)      a combination which does not comply with a prescribed dimension requirement which is a prime mover towing:

(i)           an unladen low loader; or

(ii)         an unladen 2.7m low loader; or

(iii)        a low loader dolly and an unladen low loader; or

(iv)        a low loader dolly and an unladen 2.7m low loader; or

(v)         a 2.7m low loader dolly and an unladen low loader; or

(vi)        a 2.7m low loader dolly and an unladen 2.7m low loader.

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

Figure 1: Illustration of ground contact width of an axle

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

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.

7.       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.

8.       Exemption from prescribed dimension requirements

1)      Except as noted in (2) of this section, this notice exempts an eligible vehicle to which it applies from the following dimension requirements in Schedule 6 of the MDL 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(a)(ii) – Front and side projection of a load, single vehicle

g)       section 13(b)(ii) – Front and side projection of load, combination.

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

a)      Section 8(1)(a) does not apply to TLC1 designated vehicles that are trucks, or truck and trailer combinations.

b)      Section 8(1)(b) does not apply to TLC1 designated vehicles that are trucks, or truck and trailer combinations.

c)       Section 8(1)(c) does not apply to TLC1 designated vehicles that are trucks, truck and trailer combinations or unladen low loader combinations

9.       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 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.

10.   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

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

Please refer to section 8(2) of this notice for specific conditions regarding rigid trucks, or truck and trailer combinations.  These must operate at their prescribed lengths.

3)      A loaded vehicle higher than 4.8m must carry its load on an eligible vehicle or trailer with a deck height no more than 1.2m above the ground.

4)      The rear overhang of a loaded prime mover and trailer combination must not exceed the lesser of the limits in table 2, or 25% of the length of the combination. 

Table 2 – Maximum rear overhang – prime mover and trailer combination

Note:  Please refer to section 8(2) of this notice for specific conditions regarding truck and trailer combinations.  These must operate at their prescribed rear overhangs.

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 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.

6)      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.

7)      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.

8)      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.

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

11.   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 Regulation, notwithstanding a lower limit stated in the LCVG. 

12.   Areas or routes to which this notice applies

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

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

3)      In this notice a reference to a network is a reference to a map or stated route pursuant to section 119(2) of the HVNL.

4)      An eligible vehicle that complies with the conditions of this notice may operate on the routes and areas provided in the following network:

Tasmanian Class 1 Load Carrying Vehicle Network Map

5)      Regardless of any access granted under this section, an eligible vehicle must comply with any conditions or restrictions applied to a given area or route in Tasmanian Class 1 Load Carrying Vehicle Network Map.

6)      In this section:

Network means a map or stated route, including a list or database, presented electronically or otherwise, that represents the stated areas and stated routes authorised under this notice.

7)      An eligible vehicle operating on an area or route specified in a schedule must comply with any of the following conditions prescribed for that area or route:

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.

13.   General operating conditions - Section 119 HVNL

1)      The conditions stated in Part 1 and 3 of Schedule 8 of the MDL 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.

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.

4)      The following vehicle types in any combination or quantity do not count as a load when determining if the low loader semitrailer is unladen:

a)      a pilot vehicle; or

b)      a low loader dolly; or

c)       a jinker.

14.   Disapplication of Schedule 8 of the MDL Regulation

1)      Pursuant to section 39(5) of the MDL Regulation, under this notice the conditions in Schedule 8 of the MDL Regulation are disapplied and amended to the extent indicated in this section.

2)      Section 9 (minimum following distance) 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.

3)      Section 7 (Travel restrictions at night) is disapplied, except;

a)      An eligible vehicle may travel at night if it is:

(i)           not wider than 3.5m; and

(ii)         not longer than 26.0m.

4)      Section 11 (Assessing routes) is disapplied and instead;

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 12 of this notice for updates and any restrictions or limitations applying to the proposed route. 

c)       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 c) of this section are published by the Tasmanian Government.

5)      Section 14(1)(a) (Towing a low loader dolly with an unladen low loader) is disapplied.

Note: The maximum dimensions requirements for unladen low loader combinations under section 10 of this notice still apply, regardless of this disapplication.

15.   Pilot and escort vehicle requirements

An eligible vehicle must be accompanied by pilot or escort vehicles in the circumstances specified within the Tasmanian Load Carrying Vehicle Pilot and Escort Guideline.

Note: The Tasmanian Load Carrying Vehicle Pilot and Escort Guideline is maintained and published by the Tasmanian Department of State Growth.

Peter Rouse

Acting Director, Policy Implementation

National Heavy Vehicle Regulator