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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

Objective of the rule

Extent of consultation

Part 1     Rule requirements

Section 1     Application

Section 2     General requirements for all vehicles

Section 3     Static Roll Threshold (SRT) performance requirements

Section 4     Requirements for specific types of vehicle and vehicle configuration

Section 5     Permits for overweight vehicles

Section 6     Overdimension motor vehicles and overdimension loads

Section 7     Piloting requirements

Section 8     Responsibilities

 

Part 2     Definitions

 

Part 3     Schedules

 

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:

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:

[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:

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:

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:

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:

3.3(3)     A vehicle of Class NC, other than a vehicle in 3.3(4), must:

3.3(4)     The following vehicles of Class NC and Class TD do not have to comply with the minimum SRT requirements:

 

3.4     Methods for determining SRT

SRT must be determined by one of the following methods:

 

3.5     Determining the appropriate loading of a vehicle

3.5(1)     The following procedures must be applied to determine the appropriate vehicle loading:

 

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

4.2(15)     A simple trailer must be supported by one of the following:

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:

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:

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:

4.3(5)     The combined gross mass of a towing vehicle and a full trailer must not exceed 42,000 kg, except if:

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:

Gross mass of rear trailer / (Gross mass of towing vehicle + front trailer) = 1.5 or less.

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:

Gross mass of trailer / Gross mass of towing vehicle = 1.5 or less.

 

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:

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:

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:

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:

5.1(8)     A permit issued under this section may specify conditions including the following:

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:

 

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:

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:

6.2(3)     A standard motor vehicle may transport more than one overdimension load, provided that the loads:

6.2(4)     Despite 6.2(1), a standard motor vehicle may transport:

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:

 

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:

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:

6.4(2)     A motor vehicle in 6.4(1) may transport more than one overdimension load, provided that the loads:

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:

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:

6.4(6)     A motor vehicle to which 6.4(5) applies may transport divisible loads provided that the loads, if loaded:

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:

 

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
during
daylight
hours:


One Class 2
pilot required,
if:

(a) exceeds
3.1 m in
width and
exceeds
40 km/h; or

(b) required
under
section 7

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:

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:

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:

6.7(4)     A revolving amber light must be fitted to the cab roof of an overdimension motor vehicle and must operate:

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:

6.8(2)     If travelling on a road, the operator of a motor vehicle to which this clause applies must:

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:

 

    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:

 

6.9     Hazard warning flags

6.9(1)     A hazard warning flag displayed on an overdimension motor vehicle as required in Table 6.1:

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:

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:

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:

 

    ‘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:

6.12(6)     A motor vehicle in 6.12(4) must not travel:

 

    ‘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:

6.12(8)     A motor vehicle in 6.12(7) must not travel:

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:

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:

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).

7.2(3)     The requirements are:

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:

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:

 

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:

 

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