Land Transport Rule
Vehicle Dimensions and Mass 2002
Rule 41001
Note: This Rule should be read in conjunction with Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Dimensions and Mass Amendment 2005.
Contents
- 1.1 Title
- 1.2 Scope of the rule
- 1.3 Date when rule comes into force
- 1.4 Application of rule provisions
- 1.5 Objective of the rule
Section 2 General requirements for all vehicles
Section 3 Static Roll Threshold (SRT) performance requirements
- 3.1 Scope of this section
- 3.2 Minimum SRT values
- 3.3 Compliance with SRT
- 3.4 Methods for determining SRT
- 3.5 Determining the appropriate loading of a vehicle
- 3.6 Certifying results of SRT test
Section 4 Requirements for specific types of vehicle and vehicle configuration
- 4.1 General requirements for dimension and mass limits
- 4.2 Axle requirements for heavy motor vehicles
- 4.3 Gross mass limits
- 4.4 Trailer:truck mass ratio for heavy combination vehicles
- 4.5 Road mass limits
- 4.6 Towing requirements
Section 5 Permits for overweight vehicles
Section 6 Overdimension motor vehicles and overdimension loads
- 6.1 Scope of this section
- 6.2 Standard motor vehicles transporting overdimension loads
- 6.3 Specialist overdimension motor vehicles
- 6.4 Motor vehicles designed primarily to transport overdimension and overweight loads
- 6.5 Dimension requirements for overdimension motor vehicles
- 6.6 General operating requirements for overdimension vehicles
- 6.7 Lighting requirements for overdimension motor vehicles
- 6.8 Permits
- 6.9 Hazard warning flags
- 6.10 Hazard warning panels
- 6.11 'OVERSIZE' signs
- 6.12 Travel times
Section 7 Piloting requirements
- 7.1 Piloting of overdimension vehicles and overdimension loads
- 7.2 Responsibilities of operators of pilot vehicles
- 7.3 Pilot vehicles
- 7.4 Enforcement officers' vehicles
- 8.1 Responsibilities of operators
- 8.2 Responsibilities of modifiers
- 8.3 Responsibilities of vehicle inspectors and inspecting organisations
- 8.4 Responsibilities of manufacturers
- 8.5 Functions of the Director
- Schedule 1 SRT calculations
- Schedule 2 Maximum mass for heavy motor vehicles
- Schedule 3 Permit to exceed mass limits
- Schedule 4 Specifications for signs
- Schedule 5 Prohibited travel
- Schedule 6 Zones for restricted travel
- Schedule 7 Specific route restrictions
- Schedule 8 Swept path performance measures for maximum standard-sized vehicle
- Schedule 9 Swept path performance measure for maximum Category 1 overdimension vehicle
Objective of the rule
Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Dimensions and Mass 2002 specifies requirements for dimension and mass limits for vehicles operating on New Zealand roads. The rule sets in place a regulatory regime so that vehicles, in particular, heavy truck and trailer combinations, are operated safely.
This rule clarifies, consolidates and rationalises the existing requirements for vehicle dimension and mass limits. It addresses the risks to land transport safety arising from the demands that the road network and the traffic environment place on the manoeuvrability and stability of vehicles. The rule includes new requirements aimed at improving vehicle stability and, thereby, reducing the incidence of rollover and loss-of-control crashes among heavy vehicles. The rule reduces the trailer:truck mass ratio so as to address the tendency of heavy vehicles with trailers to jack-knife while undertaking emergency manoeuvres, in particular, when braking into corners. The rule’s provisions take into account recommendations of the 1996 Parliamentary Inquiry into Truck Crashes.
The rule largely carries over from the previous legislation the maximum envelope of dimensions and mass limits, namely, 20 metres and 44 tonnes respectively. It reduces the complexity of, and removes anomalies in, the limits and how they are administered. The overdimension policy has been rationalised in relation to road-space requirements, hazard warning systems, piloting and travel times for heavy vehicles. Where possible, requirements for overdimension and overweight vehicles that have been allowed to operate outside the limits prescribed by the legislation, by way of a special-permit regime, have been brought into the rule, and the special permit regimes have been ended.
The rule requires compliance with two approved standards. One of these relates to testing for Static Roll Threshold (which is used to determine the stability of a vehicle). The other is an approved standard with which retroreflective materials used for ‘OVERSIZE’ signs and hazard warning panels must comply if the overdimension vehicle is operated at night. The approved vehicle standards are ‘incorporated by reference’ in accordance with section 165 of the Land Transport Act 1998 so that they are effectively part of the rule.
This rule applies to all vehicles in Table A in the rule, as well as to motor vehicles that are not in the table (such as motor scrapers and other vehicles that may operate on public roads) regardless of when they were manufactured or registered.
The rule states who is responsible for ensuring compliance with its requirements: operators, modifiers, vehicle inspectors and inspecting organisations, and manufacturers. This ensures that the rule is linked to relevant provisions of the Land Transport (Offences and Penalties) Regulations 1999.
Extent of consultation
Consultation on Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Dimensions and Mass 2002 began formally with the release, on 30 June 2000, of the red draft for comment by industry and other interested organisations and individuals. Thirty-nine submissions were received.
The Land Transport Safety Authority (LTSA) released the public consultation (yellow) draft of the rule on 2 July 2001 and sent copies to around 600 organisations and individuals who had expressed an interest, or who were considered likely to be interested, in the rule. The availability of the yellow draft was publicised in metropolitan newspapers and in selected regional newspapers, the New Zealand Gazette, Te Maori News and in various industry publications. The draft rule and associated material were accessible on the LTSA’s website and were sent to transport authorities and libraries overseas. 134 submissions were received on the yellow draft.
To assist with the production of the rule, the LTSA appointed a technical advisory group of experts, drawn from the New Zealand Police, Transit New Zealand, the Road Transport Forum of New Zealand, Transport Engineering Research New Zealand Ltd, the Truck Trailer Manufacturers Federation, the Motor Industry Association, bus chassis importers and specialist heavy vehicle certifiers. The members of the technical advisory group provided advice as technical experts rather than as representatives of their respective organisations. They provided the LTSA with useful comments that were taken into account in drafting the rule.
Issues identified in submissions were taken into account in redrafting the rule, and when required, were resolved through discussion with the affected industry group, before the rule was submitted to Cabinet, and to the Minister of Transport for signature.
Part 1 Rule requirements
Section 1 Application
1.1 Title
This rule is Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Dimensions and Mass 2002.
1.2 Scope of the rule
1.2(1) This rule applies to:
- (a) all motor vehicles, including motor vehicles in Table A in Part 2; and
- (b) vehicles of Class AA in Table A.
1.2(2) Except as otherwise provided in this rule, reference to the dimensions and mass of a vehicle includes reference to its load, load restraints, fittings, attachments, equipment and accessories.
1.2(3) Except as provided in sections 3, 6 and 7 and 4.4, a vehicle that was first registered in New Zealand before the date on which this rule comes into force and that complies with dimension and mass limits imposed by or under any enactment in force before the commencement of this rule, may continue to operate under the dimension and mass limits imposed by or under that enactment.
1.3 Date when rule comes into force
This rule comes into force on 1 July 2002, except for those provisions with different dates specified in the rule.
1.4 Application of rule provisions
1.4(1) If there is a conflict between a provision of this rule and the corresponding provision of a document incorporated by reference in the rule, the provision of this rule applies.
1.4(2) If there is a conflict between a provision of this rule and a provision of Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Standards Compliance 2002, the provision of Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Standards Compliance 2002 applies.
1.5 Objective of the rule
1.5(1) The objective of the rule is to manage the risks to road safety resulting from the dimensions and mass of vehicles, and, in particular, to achieve a reasonable balance between the risks that heavy motor vehicles present to public safety, and the efficient operation of the heavy motor vehicle fleet within the constraints imposed by the road network.
1.5(2) The rule aims to achieve its objective by:
- (a) specifying performance requirements with which vehicles must comply so as to operate on a road; and
- (b) specifying dimension and mass limits for vehicles, and their towing requirements; and
- (c) allowing vehicles and their loads that exceed the specified limits in section 4, to operate on a road under conditions imposed by section 5 or section 6, as applicable, provided that the safety of road users and the protection of the road network are not compromised.
[Note: In this rule, dimensions less than one metre are expressed in millimetres (mm). Dimensions of one metre or more are expressed in metres (m).]
Section 2 General requirements for all vehicles
2.1(1) A vehicle and its load must comply with dimension requirements in this rule and must be manoeuvrable, fit safely on a road and interact safely with road users.
2.1(2) The distribution of the gross mass of a motor vehicle over its axles, and the position of the centre of gravity of the vehicle, must ensure that the dynamic handling characteristics of the vehicle remain safe in terms of stability and steering manoeuvres for the design speed of the road.
2.1(3) A vehicle must not be operated on a road if the vehicle or its load is likely to damage any wires, cables or construction lawfully on, over or alongside that road, unless the vehicle is an overdimension motor vehicle of excess height, in which case the operating requirements in Table 6.2 must be complied with.
2.1(4) A load that is being transported on a motor vehicle and that extends more than 1 m to the rear, or more than 1 m forward from, or more than 200 mm out from the side of, the body of the vehicle must be indicated by:
- (a) a clean white flag, or a red, orange or yellow fluorescent flag, which must be at least 400 mm long and 300 mm wide; or
- (b) a frangible hazard warning panel, which must comply with the dimensions in Figure 1 in Schedule 4.
2.1(5) A motor vehicle that is transporting a load specified in 2.1(4) during the hours of darkness must, instead of a flag or frangible hazard warning panel, be fitted, and be operated, with the following lights:
- (a) for a load exceeding 1 m in width extending from the rear of the vehicle, one red lamp fitted on each side of the load at the rear of the load;
- (b) for a load that is 1 m in width or less extending from the rear of the vehicle, one red lamp fitted centrally at the rear of the load;
- (c) for a load exceeding 1 m in width extending from the front of the vehicle, one white or amber lamp fitted on each side of the load at the front of the load;
- (d) for a load that is 1 m in width or less extending from the front of the vehicle, one white or amber lamp fitted centrally at the front of the load;
- (e) for a load that extends more than 200 mm beyond the side of the body of the vehicle:
- (i) one red lamp fitted on each side of the load at the rear; and
- (ii) one white or amber lamp fitted on each side of the load at the front.
2.1(6) A lamp in 2.1(5) must be clearly visible in clear weather at a distance of at least 200 m during the hours of darkness.
2.1(7) Subclause 2.1(4) is subject to 2.1(5), 6.9 and 6.10.
2.1(8) Subclause 2.1(5) is subject to 6.7.
Section 3 Static Roll Threshold (SRT) performance requirements
3.1 Scope of this section
This section sets out Static Roll Threshold (SRT) performance requirements for heavy motor vehicles. These requirements are intended to ensure the stability of heavy motor vehicles when negotiating corners within posted advisory speeds, and when undertaking evasive manoeuvres to avoid a collision.
3.2 Minimum SRT values
Subject to 3.3(4), a vehicle of Class NC or Class TD, whether laden or unladen, must comply with an SRT of at least 0.35 g.
3.3 Compliance with SRT
3.3(1) A vehicle of Class TD, other than a vehicle in 3.3(4), that was first registered before 1 July 2002 must, by the first date of renewal of a certificate of fitness occurring after 1 July 2003:
- (a) comply with the SRT specified in 3.2; and
- (b) if it has a body height or load height above the ground that exceeds 2.8 m, be certified for SRT in accordance with 3.4 to 3.6.
3.3(2) A vehicle of Class TD, other than a vehicle in 3.3(4), that is first registered on or after 1 July 2002 must, by the first date of renewal of a certificate of fitness occurring on or after 1 January 2003:
- (a) comply with the SRT specified in 3.2; and
- (b) if it has a body height or load height above the ground that exceeds 2.8 m, be certified for SRT in accordance with 3.4 to 3.6.
3.3(3) A vehicle of Class NC, other than a vehicle in 3.3(4), must:
- (a) on or after 1 January 2003, comply with the SRT specified in 3.2; and
- (b) if checked for compliance with SRT, have the SRT determined by one of the methods specified in 3.4.
3.3(4) The following vehicles of Class NC and Class TD do not have to comply with the minimum SRT requirements:
- (a) a vehicle of Class NC that does not have a deck or body on which to carry a load and is fitted with a turntable coupling to tow a semi-trailer;
- (b) a vehicle operating under section 6, or with a vehicle axle index above 1.1 and operating under an overweight permit, or both, provided that the operator of the vehicle complies with the conditions of the permit and the applicable requirements in section 6;
- (c) a vehicle that is being used on a road or portion of a road that is designated as a road construction zone under regulation 12 of the Heavy Motor Vehicle Regulations 1974;
- (d) a vehicle that is being used on a road or portion of a road that is a roadworks zone approved by the road controlling authority;
- (e) a vehicle that is not normally used on a road and that a road controlling authority has authorised to cross a road;
- (f) a vehicle that is designed exclusively for transporting earth or other bulk material and that may only be used unladen on a road;
- (g) a vehicle with a tipping body, but only when the tipping body is raised for the purpose of discharging a load at a speed not exceeding 10 km/h;
- (h) a vehicle recovery service vehicle that is principally designed to tow or transport a heavy motor vehicle;
- (i) a vehicle first registered before 1 January 1940.
3.4 Methods for determining SRT
SRT must be determined by one of the following methods:
- (a) a physical test of the vehicle on a tilt table according to the procedure in the SAE J2180-DEC 1998 of The American Society of Automotive Engineers and carried out using a procedure approved by International Accreditation New Zealand; or
- (b) a calculation using the ‘SRT Calculator’ computer program approved by the Director; or
- (c) a calculation using the method in Schedule 1; or
- (d) a procedure, approved by the Director, other than that in (a).
3.5 Determining the appropriate loading of a vehicle
3.5(1) The following procedures must be applied to determine the appropriate vehicle loading:
- (a) for mixed freight loads and uniform density loads:
- (i) if the vehicle is loaded to the maximum internal body height or to the maximum height specified in section 4, the maximum allowable gross mass must be determined;
- (ii) if the vehicle is loaded to the maximum allowable gross mass specified in section 4, the maximum allowable load height must be determined;
- (b) for all other loads, for a particular height above ground level of the centre of gravity of the load, the maximum allowable gross mass of the vehicle and its load must be determined.
3.5(2) The combination of load height and load mass in 3.5(1) applies for a particular standard type of loading that must be appropriate for the particular type of deck or body with which a heavy motor vehicle is fitted, and must be one of the following types of load:
- (a) mixed freight, where 70% of the load mass is in the bottom half of the load space and 30% of the load mass is in the top half of the load space;
- (b) uniform density, where the load is uniformly distributed between the load bed and the top of the load so that the centre of gravity of the load lies midway between the load bed and the load height;
- (c) ‘other loads’, where the height above ground of the centre of gravity of the load is entered in the calculation.
3.5(3) If the deck or body fitted on a heavy motor vehicle is changed to allow a different type of load to be carried, the SRT must be determined, and the vehicle recertified, for the new loading.
3.5(4) A motor vehicle with a retractable axle or axles must be assessed under the procedures in 3.5(1) with its axles in a non-retracted position.
3.6 Certifying results of SRT test
3.6(1) SRT test results must be:
- (a) verified for compliance with loading and mass specifications by a vehicle inspector or an inspecting organisation; and
- (b) specified in a document of compliance that complies with a form approved by the Director.
3.6(2) SRT test results must be displayed on a vehicle’s certificate of loading with the options for load height and gross mass specified on the certificate as follows:
‘SRT 0.35 g X1/Y1, Y2/X2
where:
X1 = maximum allowable load height above ground in metres to two decimal places
Y1 = maximum safe gross mass to nearest tonne to meet SRT of 0.35 g
Y2 = maximum allowable gross mass to nearest tonne
X2 = maximum safe load height above ground in metres to two decimal places to meet SRT of 0.35 g’
[Note: X1/Y1 represents the maximum allowable load height (X1) of the vehicle that is used to calculate the maximum safe gross mass (Y1) of the vehicle to meet an SRT of 0.35 g.
Y2/X2 represents the maximum allowable gross mass (Y2) of the vehicle when loaded that is used to calculate the maximum safe load height (X2) of the vehicle to meet an SRT of 0.35 g.
The procedure is fully explained in 3.5.]
Section 4 Requirements for specific types of vehicle and vehicle configuration
4.1 General requirements for dimension and mass limits
4.1(1) Except as otherwise provided in this section and in 1.2(3), a vehicle must comply with the applicable requirements in Table 4.1, and with other applicable requirements in this section.
4.1(2) An overdimension motor vehicle that does not comply with a dimension requirement in Table 4.1 may comply instead with the equivalent requirement in Table 6.1 or Table 6.2, and:
- (a) if the width limit in Table 4.1 is exceeded, the inter-vehicle spacing requirement in 4.1(8) does not apply;
- (b) if the length limit in Table 4.1 is exceeded, the rear trailing unit distance requirement in that table may also be exceeded;
- (c) if the width, forward distance or length limit in Table 4.1 is exceeded, the outside turning circle for a 360-degree turn requirement in Table 4.1 may also be exceeded.
4.1(3) A vehicle designed principally to transport overdimension or overweight loads, or both, does not have to comply with the ground clearance requirements in Table 4.1 when the vehicle’s suspension is lowered temporarily to enable the vehicle to clear an overhead obstruction.
Table 4.1 Dimension requirements1 for vehicles and vehicle combinations
| Dimension | Distance (metres except where indicated otherwise) |
|---|---|
| Width2 | |
| Two-wheeled vehicles of Classes AA, AB, LA, and LC | 1.0 |
| All other vehicles | 2.5, or 1.25 from each side of the longitudinal centre-line of the vehicle |
| Overall length (excluding collapsible mirrors) |
|
| Towing vehicle, full trailer, simple trailer, pole trailer (excluding load) |
11.5 |
| Rigid vehicle (not towing) | 12.6 |
| Towing vehicle and semi-trailer, articulated bus |
18.0 |
| Towing vehicle and full trailer, towing vehicle and simple trailer, towing vehicle and pole trailer, A-train, B-train, towing vehicle and two trailers, towing vehicle in combination with a motor vehicle other than a trailer |
20.0 |
| Height3 | |
| All vehicles | 4.25 |
| Forward distance (excluding collapsible mirrors) |
|
| Rigid vehicle | 8.5 if fitted with tow coupling; 9.5 otherwise |
| Full trailer, simple trailer, pole trailer with drawbar at full extension, articulated bus (both front and rear sections), semi-trailer |
8.5 |
| Rear overhang | |
| Heavy rigid vehicle | 4.0 or 70% of wheelbase (whichever is less) for a vehicle whose rearmost axle is a non-steering axle 4.25 or 70% of wheelbase (whichever is less) for a vehicle whose rearmost axle is a steering axle |
| Articulated bus, heavy semi-trailer, heavy simple trailer, heavy pole trailer with one axle set |
4.0 or 50% of forward distance (whichever is less) |
| Heavy full trailer, heavy pole trailer with two axle sets |
4.0 or 50% of wheelbase (whichever is less) |
| All other vehicles | 4.0 |
| Minimum ground clearance4 | |
| Heavy motor vehicle | The greater of 100 mm or 6% of the distance from the nearest axle to the point where the ground clearance is measured (except when vehicle is loading or unloading) |
| Light motor vehicle | No requirement |
| Front overhang | |
| Semi-trailer | 2.04 radius arc ahead of kingpin centre |
| Simple trailer | 2.04 radius arc ahead of tow coupling centre |
| Full trailer | 2.04 radius arc ahead of turntable centre |
| Pole trailer | 2.04 radius arc ahead of turntable centre on towing vehicle |
| All other vehicles | 3.0 |
| Rear trailing unit distance | |
| A-train, B-train, towing vehicle and two trailers | 14.5 |
| Articulated vehicle point of attachment (excluding articulated buses) |
No further rearward than the rearmost axle of the towing vehicle or rearmost axle of the leading trailer, and if the towing vehicle is a rigid vehicle and has more than one axle in its rear set, not more than 300 mm rearward of the rear axis of the towing vehicle |
| Tow coupling position5 (for towing heavy trailer) |
|
| Full trailer | 40% of wheelbase of towing vehicle |
| Simple trailer | At least 700 mm rearward of the rear axis of the towing vehicle and not more than a distance equal to 50% of wheelbase |
| Articulated bus | 40% of wheelbase of the leading unit |
| Coupling point distance6 | |
| A-train | 30% of forward distance of semi-trailer |
| Inter-vehicle spacing (between towing vehicle and trailer, except for a laden pole trailer)7 |
4.0 |
| Outside turning circle in either direction for 360-degree turn8 |
25.0 diameter (wall to wall, excluding collapsible mirrors) |
Notes:
1 Unless otherwise stated, the dimensions in Table 4.1 are maximum dimensions.
2 For items not included in determining whether a vehicle complies with width restriction, see 4.1(4).
3 For restrictions on height, see 4.1(5); for items not included in determining whether a vehicle complies with height restrictions, see 4.1(6).
4 For items not included in determining the ground clearance for a heavy motor vehicle, see 4.1(7).
5 The tow coupling position is the distance rearward from the motor vehicle’s rear axis to the centre of the tow coupling.
6 The coupling point distance (for an A-train) is the distance between the rear axis of the semi-trailer and the tow coupling centre of the full trailer.
7 For other requirements relating to the inter-vehicle spacing between a towing vehicle and a full trailer, see 4.1(8).
8 Includes all attachments to vehicles except collapsible mirrors. For requirements relating to turning circle, see 4.1(9) and 4.1(10).
Specific requirements for mass and dimension limits
4.1(4) The following items are not included in determining whether a vehicle complies with the width requirements in Table 4.1:
- (a) side marker lamps and direction indicators;
- (b) collapsible mirrors that extend not more than 240 mm beyond the side of the vehicle or its trailer;
- (c) ropes, lashings, straps, chains, and related connectors or tensioning devices that extend not more than 25 mm from either side of the vehicle and are neither permanently nor rigidly fixed to the vehicle;
- (d) J-hook assemblies that extend not more than 25 mm from either side of the vehicle, not more than 1.275 m when measured from the vehicle’s longitudinal centre-line, and that comply with the ratings specified on the manufacturer’s plate affixed to the stockcrate or bin that is being secured;
- (e) central tyre inflation system hoses that extend not more than 75 mm beyond the outside of the tyre on the drive axles of a heavy motor vehicle;
- (f) hubodometers that extend not more than 75 mm beyond the 2.5-m width limit from a non-lifting, non-steering axle whose outer casings are of a light colour, provided the hubodometer is fitted on the axle that causes the least overwidth;
- (g) cab exterior grabrails that extend not more than 50 mm from either side of the vehicle;
- (h) the bulge towards the bottom of a tyre;
- (i) trolley bus poles and their safety cables, when extended to collect electric power from overhead conducting wires, provided there is a 2.5-m ground clearance outside the body of the bus.
4.1(5) The load height of a towing vehicle and of a trailer with an open deck may be restricted for reasons of stability, as specified in 3.5(1)(a)(ii).
4.1(6) The following items are not included in determining whether a vehicle complies with the height requirements in Table 4.1:
- (a) load-restraining devices, such as ropes, lashings, straps, chains, covers and related connectors and tensioning devices, that extend not more than 25 mm above the body or load of the vehicle, and that are neither permanently nor rigidly fixed to the vehicle;
- (b) trolley bus poles, when extended to collect electric power from an overhead conducting wire.
4.1(7) Ground clearance for a heavy motor vehicle does not include flexible mudflaps, wheels, tyres or devices designed to discharge static electricity.
4.1(8) The inter-vehicle spacing between a towing vehicle and a full trailer, when in a straight line, must not be less than the greater of 1 m or half the width of the foremost point of the trailer (including its load but excluding the drawbar and front dolly assembly).
4.1(9) An articulated bus must be able to complete a 360-degree turn in either direction without any part of the vehicle, except for collapsible mirrors, encroaching within a concentric internal radius of 5.3 m.
4.1(10) In carrying out a 360-degree turn at the 25-m diameter, as specified in Table 4.1, no part of a vehicle in a combination, other than its articulation mechanism, may come into contact with the other vehicle in the combination.
Drawbars and drawbeams
4.1(11) Subclauses 4.1(12) to 4.1(15) apply to a drawbar or a drawbeam between a towing vehicle and a full trailer.
4.1(12) A drawbar may have only one operating position and must not be extendable, except if 4.1(13) or 4.1(14) applies.
4.1(13) A drawbar may be retractable only to facilitate the through loading or unloading of livestock or goods, provided that the drawbar has only one set of holes for locking pins and that the holes are positioned so that the drawbar is fully extended when locked.
4.1(14) A trailer that is used to transport logs may have a drawbar with up to three fixed positions and one sliding position, provided that the drawbar has:
- (a) one sliding position for long logs; and
- (b) one or two fixed positions for short logs; and
- (c) a fixed position for storage of the drawbar when it is out of use while the trailer is being transported on a rigid vehicle or another trailer.
4.1(15) A drawbeam must not be sliding or adjustable.
4.2 Axle requirements for heavy motor vehicles
4.2(1) A heavy rigid motor vehicle must be supported by:
- (a) one axle set towards the front of the vehicle, which must be either a single axle set or a twin-steer axle set; and
- (b) one axle set towards the rear of the vehicle, which must be a single axle set, a tandem axle set or a tri-axle set.
4.2(2) Except as provided in 4.2(3), 4.2(4) and 4.2(11), a heavy motor vehicle must not have any rear steering axles.
4.2(3) A forklift, the rear unit of an articulated bus, or a mobile crane may have one or more rear steering axles.
4.2(4) A rigid vehicle without a heavy tow coupling or a semi-trailer (other than a semi-trailer in an A-train combination or a B-train combination) may have steering axles in the rear axle set, if no more than half of the axles within the axle set steer at any time.
4.2(5) A mobile crane must have at least one rear axle locked so that it is non-steering, when the mobile crane is being operated on a road.
4.2(6) A rigid motor vehicle or semi-trailer, fitted with rear steering axles, must comply, in all configurations, with the rear overhang requirements and forward distance requirements in Table 4.1.
4.2(7) The axle sets, except a twin-steer axle set, of a heavy motor vehicle must be load sharing.
4.2(8) If a tandem axle set has a large single-tyred axle with a load-share ratio of 60%:40% or 55%:45%, the manufacturer of the vehicle must securely affix to the vehicle an indelible plate, so that it is clearly visible to the person who is weighing the vehicle, that specifies the:
- (a) load-share ratio of the axle set; and
- (b) tyre size on each axle; and
- (c) maximum individual axle ratings.
4.2(9) An A-train must have two motor-driven axles in a tandem axle set or a tri-axle set, or three motor-driven axles in a tri-axle set.
4.2(10) A semi-trailer must be supported by one axle set only, which must be set towards the rear of the vehicle and must be:
- (a) a single axle set; or
- (b) a tandem axle set; or
- (c) a tri-axle set; or
- (d) a quad-axle set (except if the semi-trailer is in an A-train combination or a B-train combination).
4.2(11) A semi-trailer with a quad-axle set must have two steering axles within the quad-axle set, provided that they are either:
- (a) the two rearmost axles, which must be capable of turning in the same direction through an angle of at least 15 degrees; or
- (b) the foremost axle and the rearmost axle, which must be capable of turning in opposite directions through an angle of at least 15 degrees.
4.2(12) A steering axle in 4.2(11) must be certified for compliance with 4.2(11)(a) or (b) by a vehicle inspector or inspecting organisation.
4.2(13) The axle set towards the front of a full trailer must connect all wheels for that part of the trailer to the drawbar steering system, and must be either a single axle set or a tandem axle set.
4.2(14) The axle set towards the rear of a full trailer must be one of the following:
- (a) a single axle set;
- (b) a tandem axle set;
- (c) a tri-axle set, provided that the front axle set is a tandem axle set.
4.2(15) A simple trailer must be supported by one of the following:
- (a) a single axle set;
- (b) a tandem axle set;
- (c) a tri-axle set.
4.2(16) A pole trailer with one axle set may only carry poles or long loads that are not part of the trailer, and must be supported by a single axle set, a tandem axle set or a tri-axle set.
4.2(17) For a pole trailer with two axle sets, the axle set towards the front of the trailer must connect all wheels for that part of the trailer to the drawbar steering system, and must be either a single axle set or a tandem axle set.
4.2(18) The axle set towards the rear of a pole trailer with two axle sets must be one of the following:
- (a) a single axle set;
- (b) a tandem axle set;
- (c) a tri-axle set, provided that the front axle set is a tandem axle set.
4.2(19) A heavy motor vehicle, other than an A-train or a B-train, may have a retractable axle, provided that the following requirements are complied with:
- (a) the retractable axle is in a rear axle set;
- (b) the retractable axle has an automated control that ensures the remaining axle or axles and axle set or axle sets in contact with the ground remain within the mass limits in Schedule 2 and within all manufacturer’s component ratings for all retracted axle configurations;
- (c) the forward distance requirements and rear overhang requirements in Table 4.1 are complied with, whether the axle is in contact with the road or is in a retracted position.
4.2(20) A retractable axle must be certified for compliance with 4.2(19) by a vehicle inspector or inspecting organisation.
4.2(21) A specialist overdimension motor vehicle, or a motor vehicle designed principally to transport an overdimension load or an overweight load, or both, must comply with 4.2(7), but does not have to comply with other requirements in 4.2.
4.3 Gross mass limits
4.3(1) The mass on the front axle set or twin-steer axle set of a heavy rigid vehicle must, at all times, be at least 20% of the sum of the axle mass of the heavy rigid motor vehicle.
4.3(2) The combined gross mass of an A-train must not exceed 39,000 kg.
4.3(3) The combined gross mass of a towing vehicle and a pole trailer, a towing vehicle and a semi-trailer, or a B-train must not exceed 39,000 kg, except if the towing vehicle has two motor-driven axles in a tandem axle set or tri-axle set, or three motor-driven axles in a tri-axle set.
4.3(4) The combined gross mass of a towing vehicle and a full trailer must not exceed 39,000 kg, except if the towing vehicle has:
- (a) a twin-steer axle set, or a wheelbase of at least 4.25 m; and
- (b) two motor-driven axles in a tandem axle set or tri-axle set, or three motor-driven axles in a tri-axle set.
4.3(5) The combined gross mass of a towing vehicle and a full trailer must not exceed 42,000 kg, except if:
- (a) the towing vehicle has a twin-steer axle set or a tri-axle set; or
- (b) the trailer is a four-axle trailer with two tandem axle sets; or
- (c) the trailer is a five-axle trailer.
4.3(6) The combined gross mass of a towing vehicle and a simple trailer must not exceed 32,000 kg.
4.4 Trailer:truck mass ratio for heavy combination vehicles
4.4(1) For an A-train, a B-train or a rigid vehicle towing two trailers, the gross mass of the rearmost trailer must not exceed 1.5 times the gross mass of the towing vehicle and front trailer, that is:
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4.4(2) For all other heavy combination vehicles, except those operating under an overweight permit with a VAI exceeding 1.1, or those restricted to an operating speed of 40 km/h or less, the gross mass of the trailer must not exceed 1.5 times the gross mass of the towing vehicle, that is:
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4.5 Road mass limits
4.5(1) A heavy motor vehicle, other than a vehicle that is operating in accordance with section 5, must not exceed the mass limits for road and bridge preservation applicable to axles, axle sets and gross mass in the relevant tables in Schedule 2.
4.5(2) For the avoidance of doubt, the road mass limits and the mass limits for axles, axle sets and gross mass in this rule import the equivalent weight limits.
4.6 Towing requirements
4.6(1) A trailer must be of one of the following types:
- (a) a simple trailer;
- (b) a semi-trailer;
- (c) a full trailer;
- (d) a pole trailer.
4.6(2) Except as provided in 4.6(3), a light motor vehicle may not tow more than one trailer.
4.6(3) Despite 4.6(2), a tractor may tow two light trailers, provided that the tractor manufacturer’s ratings are not exceeded.
4.6(4) A heavy motor vehicle may not tow more than one trailer, except if that vehicle is:
- (a) an A-train; or
- (b) a B-train; or
- (c) a rigid vehicle towing a converter dolly coupled to a semi-trailer; or
- (d) a rigid vehicle towing two trailers whose total gross mass is less than 20,000 kg, provided the rearmost trailer is a light trailer; or
- (e) a vehicle operating under section 5 and section 6.
4.6(5) Except as specified in 4.6(6), a light motor vehicle may tow a trailer, provided that, if the light motor vehicle is towing a heavy trailer, the gross mass of the trailer does not exceed 1.5 times the gross mass of the towing vehicle or the maximum towed mass specified by the manufacturer.
4.6(6) A light passenger service vehicle may not tow a trailer that has a gross vehicle mass of 2000 kg or more.
4.6(7) A heavy passenger service vehicle may not tow a trailer that has a gross vehicle mass exceeding 3500 kg.
4.6(8) An articulated bus may not tow a trailer.
Section 5 Permits for overweight vehicles
5.1(1) A road controlling authority may issue a permit to the operator of a heavy motor vehicle that exceeds the mass limits in section 4, with due consideration for the safety of the vehicle, road users and the durability of roads and bridges.
5.1(2) A vehicle in 5.1(1) may not exceed the gross vehicle mass or maximum towed mass specified by the manufacturer of the vehicle.
5.1(3) A vehicle to which 5.1(1) applies that is required under the Road User Charges Act 1977 to have a road user licence must have a current licence issued under that Act, for the correct weight of the vehicle as specified in the permit.
5.1(4) A permit issued under this section must be issued in Form 1 in Schedule 3, or in a form having the same effect, and must be signed by a duly authorised officer of the appropriate road controlling authority.
5.1(5) A permit issued by a road controlling authority must be for a road that is:
- (a) under the control of that road controlling authority, or of another road controlling authority, if written permission to operate has been granted by the other road controlling authority; and
- (b) classified as being unavailable for use by that heavy motor vehicle under normal operating conditions.
5.1(6) If a permit covers a journey on a road or roads under the control of more than one road controlling authority, the road controlling authority that issues the permit must obtain the consent of all the relevant road controlling authorities for travel on roads under their control. The provisions of this section apply to that permit.
5.1(7) If a road controlling authority issues a permit for a heavy motor vehicle to transport a divisible load for a continuous period exceeding three days, the road controlling authority must:
- (a) publish in a newspaper circulating in the relevant district a notice in Form 2 in Schedule 3 within seven days after the permit has been issued; and
- (b) on receiving an application from a person, issue a permit to allow that person to transport the same commodity on the same road and subject to the same conditions.
5.1(8) A permit issued under this section may specify conditions including the following:
- (a) the heavy motor vehicle’s maximum gross mass and axle mass;
- (b) the period of travel;
- (c) the number of trips the vehicle is allowed to make;
- (d) restrictions on the vehicle’s speed;
- (e) restrictions relating to weather conditions;
- (f) the roads or types of road on which the vehicle may operate;
- (g) the type and amount of the load transported;
- (h) the times of the day during which the vehicle may be operated;
- (i) the circumstances under which the vehicle may be operated;
- (j) any other condition the road controlling authority considers necessary.
5.1(9) The fee for the issue of a permit under this section is prescribed under regulation 7(1A) of the Heavy Motor Vehicle Regulations 1974, and specified in Schedule 4A of those regulations.
5.1(10) A road controlling authority may revoke a permit immediately because of adverse weather conditions, if, in its opinion, the continued operation of the heavy motor vehicle may cause extraordinary damage to the road.
5.1(11) The Director may revoke a permit, or may authorise the Commissioner to do so, if the Director considers there is a significant risk to public safety.
5.1(12) A road controlling authority may revoke a permit if it considers that any of the conditions of the permit have not been complied with.
5.1(13) A revocation under 5.1(11) or 5.1(12) must be made by notice in writing to the operator of the heavy motor vehicle as soon as is practicable, giving reasons for its revocation, and the revocation takes effect immediately.
Section 6 Overdimension motor vehicles and overdimension loads
6.1 Scope of this section
This section applies to motor vehicles that exceed the dimension limits in section 4 or to standard motor vehicles that transport overdimension loads. It specifies the criteria with which those vehicles must comply so as to operate on a road. They may be one of the following:
- (a) a standard motor vehicle transporting an overdimension load;
- (b) a specialist overdimension motor vehicle;
- (c) a motor vehicle designed primarily to transport an overdimension load.
6.2 Standard motor vehicles transporting overdimension loads
6.2(1) A standard motor vehicle may transport an overdimension load that exceeds the dimension limits specified in section 4, provided that the load:
- (a) is indivisible; and
- (b) is loaded in a way that minimises its width, unless the height or instability of the load, or both, make it necessary to transport the load widthways.
6.2(2) A standard motor vehicle may transport an overdimension load as well as a divisible load, provided that the divisible load does not exceed:
- (a) a width of 2.5 m;
- (b) a height of 4.25 m;
- (c) the appropriate requirements for length or rear overhang in section 4.
6.2(3) A standard motor vehicle may transport more than one overdimension load, provided that the loads:
- (a) if loaded side-by-side, do not exceed a width of 2.5 m;
- (b) if loaded one above the other, do not exceed a height of 4.25 m;
- (c) if loaded one behind the other, do not exceed the appropriate requirements for length or rear overhang in section 4.
6.2(4) Despite 6.2(1), a standard motor vehicle may transport:
- (a) a divisible load of hay bales or wool bales, provided that the load does not exceed a width of 2.7 m; or
- (b) concrete pipes with a minimum diameter of 400 mm that are loaded transversely on the deck, provided that the load does not:
- (i) exceed a width of 2.7 m; and
- (ii) project more than 1.35 m beyond either side of the longitudinal centre-line of the vehicle.
6.2(5) The following combination motor vehicles may not exceed the rear overhang or overall length limits in Table 4.1 when transporting an overdimension load:
- (a) a rigid vehicle towing a simple trailer;
- (b) a rigid vehicle towing a full trailer;
- (c) an A-train;
- (d) a B-train.
6.3 Specialist overdimension motor vehicles
6.3(1) A motor vehicle that is not designed primarily to transport overdimension or overweight loads may exceed the dimension limits in section 4, if the vehicle’s primary purpose is to carry out a specialist function that requires overdimension equipment, and:
- (a) dismantling of the vehicle’s equipment would make the equipment unusable for its intended purpose; or
- (b) it would take more than four hours to dismantle the vehicle’s equipment.
6.3(2) A specialist overdimension motor vehicle of a type specified in 6.3(1) that is transporting a divisible load may not exceed the dimension limits in section 4, if those limits can be complied with by reducing the vehicle’s divisible load.
6.3(3) A motor vehicle that is being operated on a road or a portion of a road that is designated as a road construction zone under regulation 12 of the Heavy Motor Vehicle Regulations 1974, or that is a road works zone operated under a traffic management plan approved by a road controlling authority, may exceed the limits in section 4.
6.3(4) A motor vehicle that is being operated in accordance with 6.3(3) does not have to comply with the requirements of section 6 or section 7.
6.4 Motor vehicles designed primarily to transport overdimension and overweight loads
6.4(1) A motor vehicle designed primarily to transport an overdimension or overweight load, or both, may transport a load that exceeds the dimension limits in section 4, provided that the load:
- (a) is indivisible; and
- (b) is loaded in a way that minimises its width, unless the load’s height or instability, or both, makes it necessary to transport the load widthways.
6.4(2) A motor vehicle in 6.4(1) may transport more than one overdimension load, provided that the loads:
- (a) if loaded side-by-side, do not exceed a width of 2.5 m;
- (b) if loaded one above the other, do not exceed a height of 4.25 m;
- (c) if loaded one behind the other, do not exceed the appropriate requirements for length, front overhang or rear overhang in section 4, unless they comply with 6.4(3).
6.4(3) If two or more overdimension loads have the same departure and destination points, and one of the loads exceeds 5 m in width, the loads may be carried one behind the other on a semi-trailer, provided that:
- (a) the forward distance of the semi-trailer does not exceed 20 m; and
- (b) the overall length does not exceed 35 m; and
- (c) the rear overhang does not exceed 7 m.
6.4(4) A motor vehicle in 6.4(1) must be reduced to the smallest dimension practicable, if it is not transporting an overdimension load.
6.4(5) A motor vehicle in 6.4(1) may not transport a divisible load, except if:
- (a) one direction of the vehicle’s journey requires an overdimension vehicle to transport an indivisible load; or
- (b) the weight or instability of the divisible load requires the use of an overdimension motor vehicle.
6.4(6) A motor vehicle to which 6.4(5) applies may transport divisible loads provided that the loads, if loaded:
- (a) side-by-side, do not exceed the width of the vehicle reduced to its smallest position;
- (b) one above the other, do not exceed a height of 4.25 m;
- (c) one behind the other, do not exceed the length of the vehicle reduced to its smallest position.
6.4(7) Two motor vehicles to which 6.4(1) applies that have the same point of departure and the same point of destination may travel together, provided that:
- (a) traffic volumes do not exceed 50 vehicles an hour; and
- (b) the vehicles are escorted by at least one Class 1 pilot vehicle and three Class 2 pilot vehicles.
Table 6.1 Overdimension requirements dependent on width, length, forward distance, front overhang and rear overhang (Ref. 6.6(2))
| Category1 | Size limits1 | Operating requirements | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hazard warning equipment |
Travel times |
Minimum piloting requirements |
||
| Category 11 | Width/forward distance2: exceeding limits in section 4 up to and including 2.5 m/11.4 m, up to and including 3.1 m/10.5 m and up to and including 3.7 m /8.5 m AND/OR Length: up to and including 25 m AND/OR Front overhang: up to and including 7 m AND/OR Rear overhang3: up to and including 7 m |
Operations during daylight hours: Excess projections delineated with flags or panels (see 6.9 and 6.10) ‘OVERSIZE’ sign, if width exceeds 3.1 m and vehicle is piloted (see 6.11) Headlights on low beam |
Restriction Level 1 (see 6.12) |
Operations (b) required |
| Operations during hours of darkness: Revolving amber light (see also 6.7) Hazard panels (see 6.10) ‘OVERSIZE’ sign, if width exceeds 3.1 m |
Operations during hours of darkness: One Class 2 pilot, if width exceeds 3.1 m |
|||
| Category 2(a)1 | [Width/forward distance2: exceeding 2.5 m/11.4 m, exceeding 3.1 m/10.5 m, and exceeding 3.7 m/8.5 m up to and including 2.5 m/13.3 m and up to and including 4.5 m/8.5 m AND/OR Length3: exceeding 25 m, up to and including 35 m AND/OR Front overhang: exceeding 7 m, up to and including 10 m] OR [Rear overhang4: exceeding 7 m, up to and including 10 m] |
Excess projections delineated with panels (see 6.10) ‘OVERSIZE’ sign, if width exceeds 3.1 m (see 6.11) Revolving amber light, if width exceeds 3.7 m or travelling during hours of darkness Headlights on low beam during daylight hours (see also 6.7) |
Restriction Level 2 (see 6.12) |
One Class 2 pilot |
| Category 2(b)1 | [Width/forward distance2: exceeding 2.5 m/11.4 m, exceeding 3.1 m/10.5 m, and exceeding 3.7 m/8.5 m up to and including 2.5 m/13.3 m and up to and including 4.5 m/8.5 m AND/OR Length3: exceeding 25 m, up to and including 35 m AND/OR Front overhang: exceeding 7 m, up to and including 10 m] AND [Rear overhang4: exceeding 7 m, up to and including 10 m] |
Excess projections delineated with panels (see 6.10) ‘OVERSIZE’ sign, if width exceeds 3.1 m (see 6.11) Revolving amber light, if width exceeds 3.7 m or travelling during hours of darkness Headlights on low beam during daylight hours (see also 6.7) |
Restriction Level 2 (see 6.12) |
Two Class 2 pilots |
| Category 3(a)1 | Width/forward distance2: exceeding 2.5 m/13.3 m and exceeding 4.5 m/8.5 m up to and including 2.5 m/20 m, up to and including 5 m/20 m and up to and including 5 m/8.5 m MAY ALSO INCLUDE Length3: up to and including 35 m AND/OR Front overhang: up to and including 10 m AND/OR Rear overhang4: up to and including 7 m |
Excess projections delineated with panels (see 6.10) ‘OVERSIZE’ sign (see 6.11) Revolving amber light Headlights on low beam during daylight hours (see also 6.7) |
Restriction Level 3 (see 6.12) |
One Class 2 pilot plus One Class 1 pilot (Additional pilots if required under section 7) |
| Category 3(b)1 | [Width/forward distance2: exceeding 2.5 m/13.3 m and exceeding 4.5 m/8.5 m up to and including 2.5 m/20 m, up to and including 5 m/20 m and up to and including 5 m/8.5 m MAY ALSO INCLUDE Length3: up to and including 35 m AND/OR Front overhang: up to and including 10 m] AND [Rear overhang4: exceeding 7 m, up to and including 10 m] |
Excess projections delineated with panels (see 6.10) ‘OVERSIZE’ sign (see 6.11) Revolving amber light Headlights on low beam during daylight hours (see also 6.7) |
Restriction Level 3 (see 6.12) |
Two Class 2 pilots plus One Class 1 pilot (Additional pilots if required under section 7) |
| Category 41 | Width/forward distance2: exceeding 5 m/20 m and exceeding 5 m/8.5 m up to and including 11 m/20 m and up to and including 11 m/8.5 m MAY ALSO INCLUDE Length3: up to and including 35 m AND/OR Front overhang: up to and including 10 m AND/OR Rear overhang4: up to and including 10 m |
Excess projections delineated with flags or panels (see 6.10) ‘OVERSIZE’ sign (see 6.11) Revolving amber light Headlights on low beam during daylight hours (see also 6.7) |
Restriction Level 3 (see 6.12) |
Loads up to and including 5 m wide and up to 7 m rear overhang: One Class 2 pilot plus One Class 1 pilot (Additional pilots if required under section 7) Loads exceeding 5 m wide and/or 7 m rear overhang: Two Class 2 pilots plus One Class 1 pilot (Additional pilots if required under section 7) |
Notes:
1 See Figure 6.1.
2 Forward distance is defined in Part 2. However, for forward-distance requirements for vehicle combinations including a load-sharing trailer or a manned steering jinker, see 6.5(4) and 6.5(5).
3 For requirements for loads exceeding 25 m and 30 m in length, see 6.5(1) and 6.5(2).
4 Centre of gravity of the load must be forward of the rear axis. For rear overhang requirements for vehicle combinations including a manned steering jinker or pole trailer, see 6.5(3).
Figure 6.1 Swept path requirements for width/forward distance thresholds1

Notes:
1 Refer to Table 6.1 for limits and operating requirements.
2 The piloting requirements are minimum requirements. Sufficient pilots must be used to comply with section 7.
Table 6.2 Overdimension requirements for excess height
| Height (m) | Operating conditions |
|---|---|
| 4.25 – up to and including 5 |
Written permission from the owner of an overhead obstruction that the vehicle cannot clear safely. Written approval from the relevant rail service operator, if the vehicle travels over a level crossing that does not cross a State Highway, and the vehicle exceeds the height shown on an electrified railway safe height sign. For loads exceeding 4.8 m, a vehicle with a deck height less than 1.3 m above the road must be used. |
| Greater than 5 – up to and including 6.5 |
A vehicle with a deck height less than 1.3 m above the road must be used. Written permission from the owner of overhead wires or cables that the vehicle travels under. |
| Greater than 6.5 | Written approval from the Director. |
6.5 Dimension requirements for overdimension motor vehicles
6.5(1) The operator of an overdimension motor vehicle must obtain written permission from the rail service operator, if the vehicle is to travel over a level crossing and its overall length exceeds 25 m.
6.5(2) A rear steering facility must be used on an overdimension motor vehicle transporting a load that exceeds 30 m in length.
6.5(3) If an overdimension motor vehicle is operated with a manned steering jinker or a pole trailer, the rear overhang is measured between the centre of the rear turntable load support and the rearmost part of the load.
6.5(4) If the vehicle combination includes a load-sharing trailer, the load-sharing trailer does not have to be included in forward-distance calculations if the forward distance is 3.5 m or less. If the forward distance exceeds 3.5 m, this distance must be added to the forward distance of the main trailer, less 3.5 m.
6.5(5) If the vehicle combination includes a manned steering jinker, the forward distance used for determining operating requirements in Table 6.1 is half the distance between the two turntables supporting the load.
6.6 General operating requirements for overdimension motor vehicles
6.6(1) An overdimension motor vehicle must:
- (a) when available, use a route designated by a road controlling authority as suitable for overdimension motor vehicles; and
- (b) comply with the route restrictions in Schedule 7.
6.6(2) An overdimension motor vehicle must comply with the relevant requirements in Table 6.1 for hazard warning equipment, travel times and piloting requirements, unless 6.6(11) or 6.6(12) applies.
6.6(3) A motor vehicle that exceeds 4.25 m in height must comply with the relevant requirements in Table 6.2.
6.6(4) Subject to 6.6(5), an overdimension motor vehicle must not interfere with or damage a traffic control device, bridge, tunnel or other structure, or trees or other foliage, without the road controlling authority’s or owner’s permission.
6.6(5) A traffic control device may be removed temporarily, with the road controlling authority’s or owner’s permission, to allow safe passage of an overdimension motor vehicle, provided that, when the vehicle has passed by the point on the road from which the traffic control device was removed, the traffic control device is immediately re-erected in its original position.
6.6(6) An overdimension motor vehicle must not travel on a road if fog, heavy rain, hail or any other factor restricts ambient visibility to less than 500 m. If, after the vehicle has begun its journey, ambient visibility is reduced to less than 500 m, the vehicle must, at the earliest opportunity, be stopped clear of moving traffic until ambient visibility is no longer less than 500 m.
6.6(7) An overdimension motor vehicle must be operated with due consideration for other road users and where it is safe to do so, other road users must be allowed to pass the vehicle at the earliest opportunity.
6.6(8) The operator of an overdimension motor vehicle must notify emergency services personnel who are operating in the area where the vehicle or its load is likely to restrict a route in a way that would significantly delay emergency services personnel.
6.6(9) An enforcement officer, the Director or a road controlling authority may prohibit the use of a road by an overdimension motor vehicle at any time if that person believes on reasonable grounds that:
- (a) the vehicle does not comply with a condition imposed under section 6; or
- (b) a prohibition is necessary in the interests of safety or traffic management.
6.6(10) A person in 6.6(9) may impose special conditions for an overdimension motor vehicle to be operated on a road, so as to minimise adverse safety effects on other road users.
6.6(11) A Category 1 motor vehicle whose performance dimensions have been verified by a person or organisation approved by the Director as meeting those of a maximum-sized standard motor vehicle, as specified in Schedule 8, does not have to comply with the travel time requirements specified in 6.12(3), provided it does not project outside the lane in which the vehicle is travelling.
6.6(12) A Category 2 motor vehicle whose performance dimensions have been verified by a person or organisation appointed by the Director as meeting the requirements of a Category 1 overdimension motor vehicle, as specified in Schedule 9, may be operated in accordance with the operating requirements for a Category 1 overdimension motor vehicle.
6.7 Lighting requirements for overdimension motor vehicles
6.7(1) The headlights of an overdimension motor vehicle must be operated on low beam during daylight hours.
6.7(2) During the hours of darkness, the lamps in 6.7(3) must be fitted to, and operated on, an overdimension motor vehicle, and must be clearly visible in clear weather at a distance of at least 200 m during the hours of darkness.
6.7(3) The lamps to which 6.7(2) refers are:
- (a) steady white or amber lamps at the front, and steady red or amber lamps at the rear, of the vehicle’s load that:
- (i) have an area of at least 50 cm2;
- (ii) are spaced approximately 1 m apart at the extremities of the load that exceed the width of the vehicle, and at the extremities of the bottom of the load; and
- (b) amber side marker lamps towards the front of the vehicle, spaced approximately 3 m apart; and
- (c) red or amber side marker lamps towards the rear of the vehicle, spaced approximately 3 m apart.
6.7(4) A revolving amber light must be fitted to the cab roof of an overdimension motor vehicle and must operate:
- (a) during the hours of darkness, if the vehicle’s load is 3.7 m in width or less;
- (b) at all times, if the vehicle’s load exceeds 3.7 m in width;
- (c) at all times, if the vehicle is being escorted by a pilot vehicle.
6.7(5) During the hours of darkness, two or more white scene lamps, each with a minimum power output of 100 W, must be fitted to, and operate on, an overdimension motor vehicle whose load exceeds 5 m in width.
6.7(6) The scene lamps in 6.7(5) must illuminate the front of the load, but must not be visible to following traffic.
6.8 Permits
Issue of permits
6.8(1) This clause applies to any of the following:
- (a) a motor vehicle with a width and forward distance combination within Category 3 or Category 4 in Table 6.1;
- (b) a motor vehicle with a height exceeding 5 m;
- (c) a motor vehicle with a front overhang or rear overhang exceeding 7 m;
- (d) a motor vehicle with an overall length exceeding 25 m;
- (e) a motor vehicle whose dimensions exceed the limits specified in Category 4 in Table 6.1;
- (f) a motor vehicle that, although complying with the size limits in Table 6.1, is unable, for a particular reason, to comply with the operational requirements in that table.
6.8(2) If travelling on a road, the operator of a motor vehicle to which this clause applies must:
- (a) apply for, and be issued with, a permit by the Director; and
- (b) pay a fee specified in Schedule 1A of the Traffic Regulations 1976; and
- (c) if the vehicle or load exceeds 5 m in width, notify the Director at least 30 minutes before the journey is to begin.
6.8(3) The Director may include, in a permit, special conditions that the Director considers necessary for the safety and convenience of road users.
6.8(4) The Director may revoke a permit if the Director considers there is a significant risk to public safety.
6.8(5) A revocation under 6.8(4) must be made in writing to the operator of the motor vehicle as soon as is practicable, giving reasons for the revocation, and the revocation takes effect immediately.
6.8(6) If aware of the presence on the road of another overdimension vehicle that may create a hazardous situation, or if advised by the Director of this, the operator of each overdimension vehicle must manage the operation of their vehicle’s movement in relation to that other vehicle.
6.8(7) A road controlling authority may issue a permit only for the operation of a motor vehicle transporting an overdimension load that cannot otherwise be transported within the limits in section 4.
6.8(8) Evidence of permission given under 6.5(1) and 6.6(4) or a verification under 6.6(11) and 6.6(12) or a permit issued under 6.8(2) or 6.8(7) must:
- (a) be produced for inspection on demand to an operator of a pilot vehicle or an enforcement officer; and
- (b) be carried in the vehicle for the period of travel covered by the permit.
Special conditions and prohibitions
6.8(9) The Director may not issue a permit under 6.8(2), if a road controlling authority notifies the Director that it objects to the permit being issued.
6.8(10) Despite 6.8(2), an enforcement officer may:
- (a) approve the immediate use of an overdimension motor vehicle on a road in an emergency or unforeseen circumstance; and
- (b) impose any safety conditions that ensure that the overdimension vehicle is operated safely.
6.9 Hazard warning flags
6.9(1) A hazard warning flag displayed on an overdimension motor vehicle as required in Table 6.1:
- (a) must be attached to the vehicle or its load:
- (b) must be fluorescent yellow and at least 400 mm long and at least 300 mm wide.
6.9(2) An overdimension motor vehicle in Category 1 in Table 6.1 that is required to display a hazard warning flag during daylight hours must display instead warning panels as specified in 6.10, if it is travelling during the hours of darkness.
6.9(3) A motor vehicle or its load may not display a hazard warning flag in 6.9(1) unless the vehicle is overdimension and is required under Table 6.1 or 2.1(4) to display the flag.
6.10 Hazard warning panels
6.10(1) A hazard warning panel required in Table 6.1 to be displayed on an overdimension motor vehicle must:
- (a) be attached:
- (i) on each side of an overwidth load or vehicle at its front and rear, in the position specified in Figure 2 in Schedule 4;
- (ii) at the front of a load with excess front overhang;
- (iii) at the rear of a load with excess rear overhang;
- (iv) at the rear of a load for excess length; and
- (b) comply with AS/NZS 1906.1.1993, Retroreflective materials and devices for road traffic control purposes, Part 1: Retroreflective materials; and
- (c) consist of retroreflective material with a 200-mm-wide chevron pattern with alternate yellow-green, and orange retroreflective sheeting as specified in Figure 1 in Schedule 4; and
- (d) comply with the dimensions in Figure 1 in Schedule 4; and
- (e) be frangible.
6.10(2) A motor vehicle may not display a hazard warning panel unless the vehicle or its load is overdimension and is required under Table 6.1 or 2.1(4) to display the panel.
6.11 ‘OVERSIZE’ signs
6.11(1) An overdimension motor vehicle exceeding 3.1 m in width that is escorted by a pilot vehicle must display an ‘OVERSIZE’ sign that complies with 6.11(2).
6.11(2) An ‘OVERSIZE’ sign that is displayed on an overdimension motor vehicle as required in Table 6.1 must:
- (a) comply with the dimensions specified in Figure 3 in Schedule 4; and
- (b) be mounted at the front and at the rear of the overdimension motor vehicle, so that the sign can be seen clearly by approaching drivers; and
- (c) may be split into two parts, provided that:
- (i) the word ‘OVER’ and the word ‘SIZE’ are on separate parts; and
- (ii) both parts of the sign are mounted at the same height; and
- (iii) the combined length of the parts is at least 1.1 m; and
- (d) be frangible; and
- (e) during daylight hours, have matt black lettering on a yellow-green background with a matt black border; or
- (f) during the hours of darkness:
- (i) consist of retroreflective material with black lettering on a yellow-green background; and
- (ii) comply with AS/NZS 1906.1.1993, Retroflective materials and devices for road traffic control purposes, Part 1: Retroreflective material.
6.11(3) A motor vehicle may not display an ‘OVERSIZE’ sign in 6.11(2) unless the vehicle is overdimension and is required by Table 6.1 to display the sign.
6.12 Travel times
6.12(1) For the purposes of this clause and for Schedule 6, ‘city area’ means the urban areas of Auckland (between Albany and Drury), Christchurch, Dunedin, Hamilton, Hastings, Invercargill, Napier, Nelson, New Plymouth, Palmerston North, Tauranga, Wanganui, Wellington (including all areas south of McKay’s Crossing on State Highway 1 and Te Marua on State Highway 2) and Whangarei.
‘Level 1’ restricted travel times
6.12(2) Except as provided in 6.6(11) and subject to 6.12(9) and 6.12(10), a motor vehicle whose dimensions are within Category 1 in Table 6.1 must comply with the travel restrictions in 6.12(3).
6.12(3) A motor vehicle in 6.12(2) must not travel:
- (a) between:
- (i) 0700 hours and 0900 hours, or 1600 hours and 1800 hours, on Monday to Friday inclusive, in any city area;
- (ii) 1000 hours and 1300 hours, or 1600 hours and 1900 hours, on Saturday or Sunday;
- (b) at times (other than those specified in 6.12(3)(a)), when there are unusually heavy traffic volumes.
‘Level 2’ restricted travel times
6.12(4) Except as provided in 6.6(12) and subject to 6.12(9) and 6.12(10), a motor vehicle whose dimensions are within Category 2 in Table 6.1 must comply with the travel restrictions in 6.12(5) and 6.12(6).
6.12(5) A motor vehicle in 6.12(4) must not travel:
- (a) between 23 December and 3 January inclusive;
- (b) on a national public holiday, or after 1600 hours on the day preceding a national public holiday;
- (c) in a province on its provincial anniversary holiday, or after 1600 hours on the day preceding that anniversary holiday.
6.12(6) A motor vehicle in 6.12(4) must not travel:
- (a) between:
- (i) 0700 hours and 0900 hours, or 1600 hours and 1800 hours, on Monday to Friday inclusive, in any city area;
- (ii) 1000 hours and 1300 hours, or 1600 hours and 1900 hours, on Saturday or Sunday;
- (b) at times (other than those specified in 6.12(5) and 6.12(6)(a)) when there are unusually heavy traffic volumes, or when travel is likely to cause significant delay to other road users.
‘Level 3’ restricted travel times
6.12(7) Subject to 6.12(9) and 6.12(10), a motor vehicle whose dimensions are within Category 3 or Category 4 in Table 6.1:
- (a) must comply with the travel restrictions in 6.12(8); and
- (b) may not travel at the times specified in Schedule 5 within the areas specified in Schedule 6.
6.12(8) A motor vehicle in 6.12(7) must not travel:
- (a) between 22 December and 5 January inclusive;
- (b) on a national public holiday, or for the rest of the day after the commencement of the earliest applicable morning travel restriction time specified in Schedule 5 on the day preceding a national public holiday;
- (c) in a province on its provincial anniversary holiday, or for the rest of the day after the commencement of the earliest applicable morning travel restriction time specified in Schedule 5 on the day preceding that anniversary holiday;
- (d) at times (other than those specified in 6.12(7) and 6.12(8)(a) to (c)) when there are unusually heavy traffic volumes, or when travel is likely to cause significant delay to other road users.
6.12(9) If there is an unforeseen delay in a journey for an overdimension vehicle to which travel restrictions in 6.12(8) apply, and there is no place to safely park, the vehicle may continue its journey provided that the Police are notified and agree to the extended travel time.
6.12(10) An extended travel time in 6.12(9) must not exceed 30 minutes, unless an extended travel time greater than 30 minutes is necessary for the vehicle to reach a destination where it can safely park, and the Police agree to this.
Section 7 Piloting requirements
7.1 Piloting of overdimension vehicles and overdimension loads
7.1(1) The operator of an overdimension motor vehicle must ensure that there is an adequate number of pilot vehicles to accompany the vehicle so as to provide adequate warning to approaching traffic throughout the journey.
7.1(2) An overdimension motor vehicle must be escorted by at least one Class 2 pilot vehicle, if:
- (a) the overdimension vehicle or its load encroaches over the centre-line of the road by 500 mm or more, or over half the available road space where a centre-line is not marked; and
- (b) the overdimension vehicle or its load does not allow sufficient remaining road space for another standard motor vehicle travelling in the opposite direction to pass without a significant reduction in speed; and
- (c) the overdimension vehicle travels on a road where, without a pilot vehicle, there would be inadequate warning to approaching road users of the overdimension hazard.
7.1(3) Subclause 7.1(2) does not apply if the overdimension motor vehicle is travelling less than 500 m during daylight hours and the vehicle can travel safely without impeding other traffic.
7.1(4) An overdimension motor vehicle or overdimension load whose dimensions are within Category 1 in Table 6.1, and whose width exceeds 3.1 m, must be escorted by at least one Class 2 pilot vehicle, if operated:
- (a) at a speed exceeding 40 km/h during daylight hours; or
- (b) at any speed during the hours of darkness.
7.1(5) A motor vehicle whose dimensions are within Category 1 in Table 6.1 and whose width does not exceed 3.1 m does not have to be escorted by a Class 2 pilot vehicle, provided that the vehicle’s compliance with the swept path performance measures in Schedule 8 has been verified by a vehicle inspector or inspecting organisation.
7.1(6) An overdimension load or overdimension motor vehicle whose dimensions are within Category 2 in Table 6.1 must be escorted by at least one Class 1 pilot vehicle and one Class 2 pilot vehicle, if it is travelling on a road during the hours of darkness.
7.1(7) A motor vehicle in 7.1(6) that has been certified as complying with the swept path performance measure in Schedule 9 must be escorted by at least one Class 2 pilot vehicle.
7.1(8) An overdimension load or overdimension motor vehicle that is travelling in the lane for opposing traffic on a median-divided road or at a controlled intersection must be escorted by at least one Class 1 pilot vehicle and must have road controlling authority permission.
7.2 Responsibilities of operators of pilot vehicles
7.2(1) A person who, immediately before 1 July 2002, operated as an A-Grade or B-Grade certified pilot may continue to operate as a Class 1 certified pilot on or after 1 July 2002, provided that the person complies with the requirements in 7.2(3).
7.2(2) A person who, immediately before 1 July 2002, operated as a C-Grade certified pilot may continue to operate as a Class 2 certified pilot on or after 1 July 2002, provided that the person complies with the requirements in 7.2(3).
- (a) the completion of a pilot driver’s course, approved by the Director, by 31 January 2004; and
- (b) compliance with the requirements in this section.
7.2(4) The operator of a pilot vehicle must either be an enforcement officer or have completed a Class 1 or Class 2 pilot driver’s course approved by the Director.
7.2(5) A pilot vehicle must display adequate warning and information concerning the overdimension hazard to approaching drivers.
7.3 Pilot vehicles
7.3(1) A pilot vehicle must have sufficient manoeuvrability and dynamic performance to enable it to carry out its primary duty of providing adequate warning to road users.
7.3(2) A pilot vehicle must be clearly identifiable as a vehicle that is providing a warning of the overdimension motor vehicle that it is escorting.
7.3(3) A pilot vehicle may not carry an overdimension load or tow a trailer with an overdimension load.
7.3(4) All pilot vehicles and overdimension motor vehicles in a convoy must be in radio communication with each other.
7.3(5) A Class 1 pilot vehicle must be substantially white in colour.
Front pilot vehicles
7.3(6) A Class 1 pilot vehicle must be a motor vehicle with a gross vehicle mass not exceeding 3500 kg.
7.3(7) A Class 2 pilot vehicle at the front of an overdimension motor vehicle must be a motor vehicle with a gross vehicle mass not exceeding 7000 kg and a wheel rim diameter not exceeding 17 inches.
7.3(8) A pilot vehicle at the front of an overdimension motor vehicle may not tow another vehicle.
7.3(9) A pilot vehicle at the front of an overdimension motor vehicle must display above its roof a warning sign as specified in Schedule 4 describing the load behind it.
Rear pilot vehicles
7.3(10) Except as provided in 7.3(11), a pilot vehicle at the rear of an overdimension motor vehicle must be a rigid motor vehicle with not more than three axles.
7.3(11) A pilot vehicle at the rear of an overdimension motor vehicle may tow a simple trailer with a maximum of two axles.
7.3(12) A pilot vehicle (or its trailer) at the rear of an overdimension motor vehicle must display a warning sign as specified in Schedule 4 that faces towards the rear of the vehicle (or the trailer, if the pilot vehicle is towing a trailer) and describes the load ahead of it.
7.3(13) The operator of an overdimension motor vehicle must ensure that appropriate measures are taken to minimise the risks to the safety of road users presented by a pilot vehicle that is operating at the rear of an overdimension vehicle, particularly when the pilot vehicle has stopped.
Pilot signs
7.3(14) A Class 1 pilot vehicle must clearly display on its front doors a pilot logo that is approved by the Director.
7.3(15) A Class 2 pilot vehicle may display on its front doors a pilot logo that is approved by the Director.
7.3(16) A pilot warning sign must comply with the size and colour specifications in Schedule 4, and must be frangible.
7.3(17) The pilot warning sign specified in Schedule 4 may be displayed only when the vehicle is escorting an overdimension vehicle.
Lighting requirements for pilot vehicles
7.3(18) Except as provided in 7.3(23), the headlamps of a pilot vehicle must be operated on low beam when the pilot vehicle is escorting an overdimension motor vehicle during daylight hours.
7.3(19) The lighting in 7.3(20) to 7.3(24) may be operated only when a pilot vehicle is escorting an overdimension motor vehicle.
7.3(20) Except as provided in 7.3(21), a Class 2 pilot vehicle must have fitted to its roof one or two flashing or revolving amber beacons.
7.3(21) An overdimension motor vehicle whose load exceeds 5 m in width must be escorted by at least one Class 1 pilot vehicle and at least two Class 2 pilot vehicles, each of which has fitted to its roof and operates:
- (a) during daylight hours, two amber flashing or revolving beacons on the right, and two purple flashing or revolving beacons on the left; and
- (b) during the hours of darkness, one amber flashing or revolving beacon on the right, and two purple flashing or revolving beacons on the left.
7.3(22) In addition to the beacons required under 7.3(21), the pilot vehicle that is travelling furthest ahead of an overdimension motor vehicle whose width exceeds 5 m must display one pair of alternately flashing auxiliary lamps that emit a purple light.
7.3(23) During daylight hours, the pilot vehicle travelling furthest ahead of an overdimension motor vehicle whose width exceeds 5 m may operate with one pair of alternately flashing headlamps, which must be operated on low beam.
7.3(24) During the hours of darkness, a pilot vehicle must be fitted with one or two lamps that emit a white light to illuminate a roof-mounted warning sign, provided that the light is not directly visible from the rear of the vehicle.
7.4 Enforcement officers’ vehicles
Nothing in 7.2 or 7.3 applies to an enforcement officer piloting an overdimension vehicle and load, provided the pilot vehicle displays blue and red flashing lights.
Section 8 Responsibilities
8.1 Responsibilities of operators
8.1(1) A person who operates a vehicle must ensure that the vehicle complies with this rule.
8.1(2) A person who operates an overdimension motor vehicle must comply with the applicable operating requirements in section 6.
8.1(3) A person who operates a motor vehicle under a permit that is issued under section 5 must comply with all the requirements of that permit.
8.1(4) A person who operates a motor vehicle under a permit that is issued under 6.8 must comply with all the requirements of that permit.
8.2 Responsibilities of modifiers
A person who modifies a motor vehicle must:
- (a) ensure that the modification does not prevent the vehicle from complying with this rule; and
- (b) notify the operator if the vehicle must be inspected, and, if necessary, certified, because there is reason to believe it is:
- (i) a light motor vehicle that has been modified to become a low volume vehicle; or
- (ii) a heavy motor vehicle that has been modified to affect its safety performance or compliance with this rule.
8.3 Responsibilities of vehicle inspectors and inspecting organisations
A vehicle inspector or inspecting organisation must not certify a motor vehicle under Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Standards Compliance 2002 if they have reason to believe that the vehicle does not comply with sections 3, 4 and 6 of this rule.
8.4 Responsibilities of manufacturers
A person who manufactures a motor vehicle, or installs fittings or attachments to that vehicle, must ensure that the relevant requirements of this rule are complied with.
[Note: A breach of a responsibility in this section is an offence, as provided in the Land Transport (Offences and Penalties) Regulations 1999, and is subject to a penalty as specified in those regulations.]
8.5 Functions of the Director
[Note: In addition to the functions of the Director as summarised in 8.5, the Director has the authority under section 166 of the Land Transport Act 1998, where circumstances justify this, to grant an exemption from a specified requirement in this rule.]
The Director may:
- (a) issue a permit, as specified in 6.8, to allow the operation of a motor vehicle that exceeds the dimension or load limits in section 4;
- (b) set conditions in a permit issued under 6.8;
- (c) revoke a permit issued under section 5 if the Director considers that there is a significant risk to public safety;
- (d) revoke a permit issued under 6.8 if the Director considers that the conditions of the permit have not been complied with or there is a significant risk to public safety;
- (e) approve computer programs and procedures, as specified in 3.4, for testing the performance of a motor vehicle;
- (f) approve a pilot driver’s course for a Class 1 or Class 2 certified pilot;
- (g) approve pilot logos for use on a Class 1 or Class 2 pilot vehicle;
- (h) issue a permit, with any conditions to ensure the safety and convenience of road users, for a vehicle that exceeds the dimension limits in section 4 and section 6;
- (i) approve a form for the purposes of 3.6(1)(b), 6.6(11) and 6.6(12);
- (j) define the rear axis of a vehicle for the purposes of paragraph (f) of the definition of ‘rear axis’ in Part 2.
Part 2 Definitions
- Articulated bus
- means a bus consisting of two or more rigid sections that:
- (a) articulate relative to each other; and
- (b) have interconnecting passenger compartments that allow passengers to move freely between them; and
- (c) are not easily detachable from each other without specialist equipment.
- Articulated vehicle
- means any motor vehicle with a semi-trailer attached, so that part of the semi-trailer is superimposed upon the motor vehicle and a substantial part of the weight of the semi-trailer and of its load is borne by the motor vehicle.
- A-train
- means an articulated vehicle towing a full trailer.
- Axle
- means one or more shafts, spindles, or bearings in the same vertical transverse plane by means of which, in conjunction with wheels mounted on those shafts, spindles, or bearings, a portion of the weight of the vehicle is transmitted to the roadway, and:
- (a) if two or more wheels of a motor vehicle are substantially in the same line transversely and some or all of them have separate axles, the axles of all those wheels are to be treated as one axle;
- (b) if the longitudinal centre-line of an axle of a motor vehicle is less than 1 m distant from the longitudinal centre-line of another axle, the two axles are to be treated as one axle (‘a dual axle’);
- (c) for the purposes of measuring the distance of a dual axle from any other axle, the measurement is taken from the longitudinal centre-line of the axle that is nearer to the axle from which the distance is to be measured.
- Axle set
- means a single axle set, a tandem axle set, a twin-steer axle set, a tri-axle set, or a quad-axle set.
- B-train
- means a motor vehicle comprising a towing vehicle and two semi-trailers connected at two points of articulation where the forward distance of the longer trailer divided by the forward distance of the shorter trailer does not exceed 1.3.
- Class
- in relation to vehicles, means a category of vehicle of one of the Groups A, L, M, N and T, as specified in Table A: Vehicle classes.
- Combination vehicle
- means a towing vehicle in combination with one or more trailers or other motor vehicle that is being towed.
- Commissioner
- means the Commissioner of Police.
- Converter dolly
- means an individual trailer unit with a fifth wheel coupling used to convert a semi-trailer to a full trailer. A dolly must have either:
- (a) a rigid drawbar associated with an oscillating fifth wheel and a single axle or a tandem axle set; or
- (b) a tandem axle set with a hinged drawbar with a fixed fifth wheel.
- Direction-indicator
- means a lamp used for signalling an intention to change direction to the right or to the left.
- Director
- means the person who is the Director of Land Transport Safety appointed under section 186 of the Land Transport Act 1998.
- Emergency services personnel
- means any member of the New Zealand Police, New Zealand Fire Service or an ambulance service.
- Enforcement officer
- means:
- (a) a sworn member of the Police; or
- (b) a non-sworn member of the Police who is authorised for the purpose by the Commissioner; or
- (c) a person who is appointed to that office by warrant under section 208 of the Land Transport Act 1998 or who holds that office by virtue of the Land Transport Act 1998.
- First registered
- means first registered in New Zealand.
- Forklift
- means a motor vehicle (not fitted with self-laying tracks) designed principally for lifting, carrying and stacking goods by means of one or more tines, platens or clamps.
- Forward distance
- means:
- (a) in relation to a rigid vehicle, or the front section of an articulated bus, the distance from the rear axis to the front of the vehicle or its load, whichever is foremost;
- (b) in relation to a full trailer, the distance from the rear axis to the front of the trailer (excluding the drawbar and front axle set with its associated carriage) or its load, whichever is foremost;
- (c) in relation to a simple trailer, or the rear section of an articulated bus, the distance from the rear axis to the centre of the point of attachment to the towing vehicle;
- (d) in relation to a semi-trailer, the distance from the rear axis to the centre of the kingpin;
- (e) in relation to a pole trailer with only one axle set, the distance, excluding load, from the trailer’s rear axis to the centre of the point of attachment to the towing vehicle with the drawbar fully extended;
- (f) for a pole trailer having two axle sets, the distance, excluding load, from the trailer’s front axis to the centre of the point of attachment on the towing vehicle with the drawbar fully extended.
- Frangible
- means breakable or readily deformable.
- Front axis
- means:
- (a) the centre point of the front axle set of a trailer that has two axle sets and is steered by the front axle set; or
- (b) the centre of the foremost axle of a rigid vehicle with motive power.
- Front overhang
- means t
