Media statement | 1 March 2007

New rules for heavy vehicle brakes

New safety requirements for heavy vehicle brakes come into force today (1 March).

The Heavy-vehicle Brakes Rule aims to improve safety for all road users by improving the performance of heavy vehicle brakes and reducing crashes.

Brake defects are a leading contributing factor in heavy vehicle crashes involving vehicle faults. The rule requires newly registered heavy vehicles to meet approved international brake standards by 1 July 2008. In practice this means vehicles must be fitted with ‘load-sensing valves’ or antilock braking systems such as ABS or EBS.

The rule also introduces improved brake testing procedures to ensure that heavy vehicles and heavy vehicle combinations can brake safely in all conditions of loading. Vehicles will be tested in a semi-laden (partially loaded) condition, or with ‘tie down’ straps used to simulate loads. The improved brake testing procedures will be phased in over a two-year period while testing stations install new equipment.

Land Transport NZ National Manager Vehicle Certification Unit Alex Sims said the new testing procedures had been developed in consultation with testing agents and the heavy vehicle industry.

“We’re committed to working with the transport industry and applying regulations fairly to protect all road users. The new brake tests for heavy vehicles will provide the highest degree of confidence in brake safety without causing major disruptions to testing stations or the heavy vehicle industry.”

More information about the Heavy-vehicle Brakes Rule and the implementation process can be found at www.landtransport.govt.nz/rules/q-and-a/heavy-vehicle-brakes-2006.html.  

For media queries:

Andy Knackstedt
Media Manager
Land Transport New Zealand
Ph: 04 931 8829 or 0212 763 222