Road Safety (Vehicles) (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1999 (Vic)
Road Safety (Vehicles) (Vehicle Standards)
Regulations 1999
S.R. No. 54/1999
TABLE OF PROVISIONS
Regulation Page
1. Objectives 1 2. Authorising provisions 1 3. Principal Regulations 2 4. Definitions 2 5. Amendment of vehicle registration regulations 3 6. Revocation and amendment of various offences 3 7. Non-compliance with standards for registration 4 8. Amendment of Schedule 1 4 9. Amendment of Schedule 2 6 10. Amendment of Schedule 3 7 11. New Schedule 8 inserted 7 SCHEDULE 8—VEHICLE STANDARDS 7 PART 1—INTRODUCTORY 7 Division 1—General 7
1. Vehicle Standards 8 2. Object of Vehicle Standards 8
Division 2—Some features of the Vehicle Standards 8
3. Definitions 8 4. Diagrams 12 5. Notes 12 6. Examples 12 PART 2—APPLICATION OF THE VEHICLE
STANDARDS 12
7. Application to vehicles on roads and road-related areas 12 8. What is a road? 13 9. What is a road-related area? 13 10. Vehicles to which the Vehicle Standards do not apply 13 11. Non-application of Vehicle Standards—exemption under other laws 13
i
Regulation Page 12. Non-application of Vehicle Standards—inconsistent ADR
requirements 14 13. Non-application of Vehicle Standards—Motor Vehicle
Standards Act approvals 14
PART 3—AUSTRALIAN DESIGN RULES 15 Division 1—Interpretation 15
14. What is an ADR? 15 15. What is a national standard? 16 16. References to national standards 16 17. What is a second edition ADR? 16 18. What is a third edition ADR? 16
Division 2—Compliance with ADRs 16
19. Compliance with second edition ADRs 16 20. Compliance with third edition ADRs 17 21. Exception to compliance with ADRs—vehicles that are not road vehicles 18 22. Exception to compliance with ADRs—Motor Vehicle Standards Act 18 23. Partial exception to compliance with ADRs—personally imported vehicles 19
PART 4—ADOPTED STANDARDS 20
24. What is an adopted standard? 20 25. Reference to adopted standards 20 26. Exception to compliance with adopted standards 20
PART 5—GENERAL SAFETY REQUIREMENTS 20 Division 1—All vehicles 20 27. Steering 20
28. Turning ability 21 29. Ability to travel backwards and forwards 21
30. Protrusions 21
31. Driver's view and vehicle controls 21
32. Seating 22
33. Mudguards and spray suppression 22 34. Horns, alarms etc. 23 35. Rear vision mirrors 24 36. Rear vision mirrors—surfaces 25 37. Additional rear vision mirrors 25 38. Automatic transmission 25 39. Diesel engines 25
ii
Regulation Page
40. Bonnet securing devices 26 41. Electrical wiring, connections and installations 26 42. Television receivers and visual display units 26 43. Windscreens and windows 27 44. Window tinting 28 45. Windscreen wipers and washers 29 46. Wheels and tyres—size and capacity 30 47. Pneumatic tyres generally 30 48. Pneumatic tyres—carcass construction 30 49. Pneumatic tyres—size and capacity 30
50. Tyres—defects 31
51. Tyres for use on vehicles with GVM over 4⋅5 tonnes 31 52. Tyres—manufacturer's rating 31
53. Retreads 32
54. Tyre tread 33
Division 2—Additional requirements for motor cycles 33
55. Steering gear and handlebars 33 56. Foot rests 34 57. Chain guards 34
PART 6—VEHICLE MARKING 34
58. Vehicle and engine identification numbers 34 59. White or silver band on certain vehicles 35 60. Warning signs for vehicles over 22 metres long 35 61. Warning signs for pilot and escort vehicles 36 62. Specifications for warning signs 36 63. Left-hand drive signs 37 PART 7—VEHICLE CONFIGURATION AND
DIMENSIONS 38 Division 1—Axles 38
64. Axle configuration 38 65. Relation between axles in axle group 39
Division 2—Dimensions 39 66. Width 39
67. Length of single motor vehicles 39 68. Length of single trailers 39 69. Length of combinations 40 70. Rear overhang 40 71. Trailer drawbar length 40
72. Height 40
73. Ground clearance 40
iii
Regulation Page
PART 8—LIGHTS AND REFLECTORS 40 Division 1—General requirements for lights 40
74. Certain requirements apply only at night 40 75. Prevention of glare 40 76. Pairs of lights 41
Division 2—Headlights 41
77. Headlights to be fitted to vehicles 41 78. How headlights are to be fitted 42 79. How single headlights are to be fitted 42 80. How additional headlights are to be fitted 42 81. Performance of headlights 43 82. Effective range of headlights 43 83. Changing headlights from high-beam to low-beam position 43
Division 3—Parking lights 44
84. Parking lights 44
Division 4—Daytime running lights 45
85. Daytime running lights 45
Division 5—Tail lights 46
86. Tail lights generally 46 87. Pattern of fitting tail lights 47 88. Performance of tail lights 47 89. Wiring of tail lights 48
Division 6—Number plate lights 48
90. Number plate lights 48
Division 7—Clearance lights 48
91. Front clearance lights 48 92. External cabin lights 49 93. Rear clearance lights 49
Division 8—Side marker lights 50
94. Vehicles needing side marker lights 50 95. Location of side marker lights 50 96. Performance of side marker lights 52 97. Side marker lights and rear clearance lights 52
Division 9—Brake lights 52
98. Fitting brake lights 52 99. Performance and operation of brake lights 53
iv
Regulation Page
Division 10—Reversing lights 54 100. Reversing lights 54 Division 11—Direction indicator lights 54 101. Direction indicator lights on motor vehicles 54 102. Direction indicator lights on trailers 55 103. Location of direction indicator lights 55 104. Operation and visibility of direction indicator lights 56 Division 12—Fog lights 57 105. Front fog lights 57 106. Rear fog lights 58 Division 13—Interior lights 59 107. Interior lights 59 Division 14—Reflectors generally 59 108. General requirements for reflectors 59 Division 15—Rear reflectors 59 109. Rear reflectors 59 Division 16—Side reflectors 60 110. Compulsory side reflectors on pole-type trailers 60 111. Optional side reflectors 60 Division 17—Front reflectors 60 112. Compulsory front reflectors on trailers 60 113. Optional front reflectors 61 Division 18—Warning lights and signs on buses carrying children 61 114. Application of Division 61 115. Fitting of warning lights and signs 61 116. Operation and performance of warning lights 62 117. Specifications for warning signs 63 Division 19—Other lights, reflectors, rear marking plates or signals 64 118. Other lights and reflectors 64 119. Rear marking plates 65
v
Regulation Page
120. Signalling devices 66 121. Mechanical signalling devices 66 122. Turn signals 67 Division 20—Vehicles not required to have lights or reflectors 67 123. Certain vehicles used in daytime 67 124. Certain vehicles used for collection or exhibition purposes 67 PART 9—BRAKING SYSTEMS 67 Division 1—Brake requirements for all vehicles 68 125. Parts of a braking system 68 126. Provision for wear 68 127. Supply of air or vacuum to brakes 68 128. Performance of braking systems 69 Division 2—Motor vehicle braking systems 71 129. What braking system a motor vehicle must have 71 130. Operation of brakes on motor vehicles 72 131. Air or vacuum brakes on motor vehicles 72 Division 3—Trailer braking systems 73 132. What brakes a trailer must have 73 133. Operation of brakes on trailers 73 134. Air or vacuum brakes on trailers 74 Division 4—Additional brake requirements for B-doubles and long road trains 74 135. Application of Division to certain road trains 74 136. Braking system design for a prime mover in a B-double 74 137. Braking system design for motor vehicles in road trains 75 138. Braking system design for trailers in B-doubles or road trains 75 139. Air brakes of motor vehicles in B-doubles or road trains 75 140. Air brakes in a B-double or road train: least favoured chamber 76 141. Recovery of air pressure for brakes in B-doubles and road
trains 77 142. Air supply for brakes in B-doubles and road trains 77 143. Brake line couplings 77 144. Simultaneous parking brake application 78 145. Capacity of air reservoirs 78 PART 10—CONTROL OF EMISSIONS 78
vi
Regulation Page
Division 1—Crank case gases and visible emissions 78 146. Crank case gases 78 147. Visible emissions 78 Division 2—Exhaust systems 79 148. Exhaust systems 79 Division 3—Noise emissions 80 149. Silencing device for exhaust systems 80 150. Stationary noise levels—car-type vehicles and motor cycles and trikes 80 151. Stationary noise levels—other vehicles with spark ignition
engines 81 152. Stationary noise levels—other vehicles with diesel engines 81 153. Measurement of stationary noise levels 81 PART 11—LPG FUEL SYSTEMS 82 154. LPG-powered vehicles 82 PART 12—MAXIMUM ROAD SPEED LIMITING 82 155. Speed limiting 82 156. Exemptions from speed limiting 83 PART 13—MECHANICAL CONNECTIONS BETWEEN VEHICLES 83 Division 1—Couplings on all types of vehicles 83 157. General coupling requirements 83 158. Drawbar couplings 84 Division 2—Additional coupling requirements for B-doubles and long road trains 84 159. What is a long road train? 84 160. Couplings for B-doubles and long road trains 84 161. Selection of fifth wheel couplings for B-doubles and long road trains 85 162. D-value of a fifth wheel coupling 85 163. Mounting of fifth wheel couplings on B-doubles and long road trains 86
164. Branding of fifth wheel couplings and turntables on
B-doubles and long road trains 86 165. Selection of kingpins for B-doubles and long road trains 86 166. Attachment of kingpins on B-doubles and long road trains 88 167. Branding of kingpins on B-doubles and long road trains 88
vii
Regulation Page
168. Selection of couplings and drawbar eyes for long road
trains 88
169. Attachment of couplings and drawbar eyes on long road
trains 88
170. Branding of couplings and drawbar eyes on long road
trains 89 171. Tow coupling overhang on long road trains 89 PART 14—OTHER MATTERS 91 172. Vehicle equipment 91 173. Restored vehicles 91 174. Interpretation of certain second edition ADRs 91
12. Amendment of Road Safety (Drivers) Regulations 1999 92 13. New regulation 106 inserted in Road Safety (General) Regulations 1999 93
106. Certificate under section 84 93
14. Further amendment of Road Safety (General) Regulations 1999 93
═══════════════
NOTES 95
viii
STATUTORY RULES 1999
S.R. No. 54/1999
Road Safety Act 1986
Road Safety (Vehicles) (Vehicle Standards)
Regulations 1999
The Governor in Council makes the following Regulations:
Dated: 11 May 1999Responsible Minister:
GEOFF CRAIGE
Minister for Roads and Ports
BILL ZISIMOPOULOS
Acting Clerk of the Executive Council
1. Objectives
The objectives of these Regulations are—
(a) to amend the Road Safety (Vehicles) Regulations 1999 to provide for the vehicle standards that are to form the standards for registration of vehicles under the Road Safety Act 1986; and (b) to make minor amendments to the Road Safety (Vehicles) Regulations 1999, the Road Safety (Drivers) Regulations 1999 and the Road Safety (General) Regulations 1999.
2. Authorising provisions
These Regulations are made under section 95 of the Road Safety Act 1986.
Road Safety (Vehicles) (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1999
| r. 3 | S.R. No. 54/1999 |
3. Principal Regulations
In these Regulations, the Road Safety (Vehicles)
Regulations 19991 are called the PrincipalRegulations.
4. Definitions
In regulation 105 of the Principal Regulations—
(a) insert the following definitions—
' "ADR" has the meaning given in clause 14
of Schedule 8;
"articulated bus" means a bus with at least
2 rigid sections that allow passengers
access between the sections and are
connected to allow rotary movement
between the sections;
"Australian Standard" means a standard approved for publication on behalf of the Council of the Standards
Association of Australia as in force from time to time2;
"bus" means a motor vehicle built mainly to
carry people that seats over 9 adults
(including the driver);
"ground clearance", of a vehicle, means the minimum distance to the ground, measured with the vehicle fully laden,
from a point on the underside of the
vehicle, except a point on a tyre, wheel,
wheel hub, brake backing plate or
flexible mudguard or mudflap of the
vehicle;
"high-beam", for a headlight or front fog
light fitted to a vehicle, means that the
light is built or adjusted so, when the
vehicle is standing on level ground, the
Road Safety (Vehicles) (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1999
S.R. No. 54/1999 r. 5 top of the main beam of light projected
is above the low-beam position;
"yellow" includes amber;';
(b) the definitions of "ADR 13/00", "AS 1744" and "AS 1906.1" are revoked; (c) for the definition of "standards for ' "standards for registration" means the
Vehicle Standards set out in
Schedule 8;';
(d)
for the definition of "VIN" substitute— ' "VIN" means the vehicle identification
number marked on a vehicle in
accordance with clause 58 ofSchedule 8;'.
5. Amendment of vehicle registration regulations
In the Principal Regulations—
(a) in regulation 220—
(i) in sub-regulation (3) after "that is" (where twice occurring) insert "or was";
(ii) in sub-regulation (4) paragraph (a) is revoked;
(b)
in regulation 230(3) for "Sub-regulation (1)(c)" substitute "Sub-regulation (1)(c)(i)".
6. Revocation and amendment of various offences
In the Principal Regulations—
(a)
in regulation 803, sub-regulation (2) is revoked;
(b) regulation 806 is revoked;
Road Safety (Vehicles) (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1999
r. 7
| r. 8 | S.R. No. 54/1999 |
(c)
in regulation 807, sub-regulation (1) is revoked;
(d)
in regulation 810(1) for "specified" substitute "provided for".
7. Non-compliance with standards for registration
(1) In regulation 819(2) of the Principal Regulations,
for "section 9(3) of the Act" substitute
"regulation 224(1)".
(2) At the end of regulation 819(4)(d) of the Principal Regulations insert—
"; or
(e)
the vehicle is being repaired, or is being tested in the course of being repaired, so it will comply with the standards for registration; or
(f)
the vehicle is being driven or towed directly to a place where it is to be repaired so it will comply with the standards for registration; or
(g) the vehicle is a trailer—
(i) that is constructed and used exclusively as an agricultural implement or for transporting the combs of a grain header; or
(ii) that is a bulk bin used exclusively for holding grain; or
(iii) that is constructed and used exclusively for the carriage of bulk fruit bins.".
8. Amendment of Schedule 1
Road Safety (Vehicles) (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1999
S.R. No. 54/1999
(1) In Schedule 1 to the Principal Regulations for clause 7 substitute—
"7. Class 1 vehicles only permitted on specified highways
and at specified times
A class 1 vehicle may only be used on a highway—
(a) that is in an area, or on a route; and
(b) at the times—
specified by the Corporation by notice published in
the Government Gazette.".
(2) In Schedule 1 to the Principal Regulations, in
clause 9(6)(b), for "AS 1906.1" substitute
"Australian Standard AS 1906 Retro-reflective
Materials and Devices for Road Traffic Control
Purposes".
(3) In Schedule 1 to the Principal Regulations for clause 10 substitute—
"10. Additional warning lights at night
At night—
(a) a class 1 vehicle that has a load projection must have additional front clearance lights, rear clearance lights and side marker lights on any part of a load that projects out from the vehicle; (b) a class 1 vehicle that is wider than 2·5 metres or longer than 22·0 metres must display a warning light.". (4) In Schedule 1 to the Principal Regulations, in
clause 14(1)(a), for "AS 1906.1" substitute
"Australian Standard AS 1906 Retro-reflective
Materials and Devices for Road Traffic Control
Purposes".
(5) In Schedule 1 to the Principal Regulations, in
clause 17(1), for "AS 1744" substitute
"Australian Standard AS 1744 Forms of Letters
and Numerals for Road Signs".
Road Safety (Vehicles) (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1999
| r. 9 | S.R. No. 54/1999 |
(6) In Schedule 1 to the Principal Regulations, in
clause 37(1) for "ADR 13/00" substitute "third
edition ADR 13".
(7) In Schedule 1 to the Principal Regulations, in
clause 54(1)(a), for "AS 1906.1" substitute
"Australian Standard AS 1906 Retro-reflective
Materials and Devices for Road Traffic Control
Purposes".
(8) In Schedule 1 to the Principal Regulations, in
clause 57(1)(a) and (b), for "AS 1744" substitute
"Australian Standard AS 1744 Forms of Letters
and Numerals for Road Signs".
9. Amendment of Schedule 2
(1) In Schedule 2 to the Principal Regulations, after clause 22 insert—
"22A. Warning signs for certain long road trains
(1) A road train over 30 metres long that includes 1 or more dog trailers must display road train warning signs complying with this clause and clause 62 of Schedule 8. (2) The following vehicles must display road train warning signs, or a long vehicle warning sign, complying with this clause and clause 62 of
Schedule 8—
(a) a road train over 22 metres but not over trailers;
(b) a road train over 22 metres but not over 36⋅5 metres long that does not include a dog
trailer.
(3) Road train warning signs must be used in pairs and
fitted horizontally, one at the front and the other at the
rear of the vehicle.
(4) A long vehicle warning sign must be fitted horizontally at the rear of the vehicle.".
Road Safety (Vehicles) (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1999
S.R. No. 54/1999 r. 10 (2) In Schedule 2 to the Principal Regulations
clause 29 is revoked.
10. Amendment of Schedule 3(1) In Schedule 3 to the Principal Regulations, in clause 32 for sub-clause (1) substitute—
"(1) At night, a vehicle (other than a B-double) carrying a load of baled hay that is wider than 2⋅5 metres must
display—
(a) a warning light; and
(b) if the hay projects beyond the extremities of the vehicle—additional front clearance lights, rear clearance lights and side marker lights on any part of the projecting hay.".
(2) In Schedule 3 to the Principal Regulations, in clause 32 sub-clause (2) is revoked.
11. New Schedule 8 inserted
After Schedule 7 to the Principal Regulations insert—
'SCHEDULE 8—VEHICLE STANDARDS
PART 1—INTRODUCTORY
Division 1—General
Note: This Schedule sets out standards that vehicles must comply with to be eligible for unconditional registration and to be driven on roads and road- related areas.
The ADRs (Australian Design Rules) are rules for designing and building vehicles. Imported vehicles must also comply with the ADRs.
The Vehicle Standards require a vehicle that is subject to an ADR when built or imported to continue to comply with the ADR.
The Vehicle Standards also apply certain other standards (adopted standards) that are intended to complement the ADRs.
The ADRs do not cover:
• vehicles built before 1969 Road Safety (Vehicles) (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1999
| r. 11 | S.R. No. 54/1999 |
• combinations of vehicles of any age • every safety feature for vehicles built between 1969 and 1988. These matters are covered by the Vehicle Standards.
In most cases, if a vehicle complies with the Vehicle Standards, it is suitable for road use.
1. Vehicle Standards
This Schedule contains the Vehicle Standards that form the standards for registration under the Road Safety Act 1986.
2. Object of Vehicle Standards
(1) The object of the Vehicle Standards is to set standards,
about the construction and performance of motor vehicles,
trailers and combinations, that are uniform throughout
Australia.
(2) The standards are intended—
(a)
to promote, throughout the life of motor vehicles, trailers and combinations, their safe use and efficiency and the protection of the environment; and
(b) to reduce the cost of transport administration.
Division 2—Some features of the Vehicle Standards
3. Definitions
In the Vehicle Standards—
"50 millimetre kingpin" means a kingpin meeting the
dimension requirements for a 50 millimetre kingpin in
Australian Standard AS 2175–1990 Articulated
Vehicles Kingpins;
"75 millimetre kingpin" means a kingpin with the dimensions mentioned in clause 165(3);
"90 millimetre kingpin" means a kingpin meeting the
dimension requirements for a 90 millimetre kingpin in
Australian Standard AS 2175–1990 Articulated
Vehicles Kingpins;
"adopted standard" has the meaning given in clause 24; "air brake" means an air-operated or air-assisted brake;
Road Safety (Vehicles) (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1999
S.R. No. 54/1999 r. 11 "braking system", of a vehicle, means all the brakes of the vehicle and all the components of the mechanisms by which they are operated;
"British Standard" means a standard approved for publication on behalf of the British Standards Institution;
Note: Copies of British Standards are available from offices of the Standards Association of Australia.
"British Standards Institution" means the institution of
that name established under royal charter in the
United Kingdom;
"car" means a motor vehicle built mainly to carry people
that—
(a) seats not over 9 adults (including the driver); and (b) has a body commonly known as a sedan, station wagon, coupe, convertible, or roadster; and
(c) has 4 or more wheels; "drive" includes be in control of; "driver", of a vehicle, means the person driving the
vehicle;
"emergency brake" means a brake designed to be used if a
service brake fails;
"emergency vehicle" means—
(a) an ambulance under the control of—
(i) an ambulance service created by section 23 of the Ambulance Services Act 1986 or listed in Schedule 1 to that Act; or
(ii) an ambulance service created under a law in force in another State or in a Territory of the Commonwealth that the Minister, by notice in the Government Gazette,
declares to be an ambulance service to
which this paragraph applies; or
(iii) the Australian Defence Force;
(b) a fire service unit under the control of—
Road Safety (Vehicles) (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1999
| r. 11 | S.R. No. 54/1999 |
(i) the Metropolitan Fire and Emergency Services Board; or
(ii) the Department of Natural Resources and Environment; or
(iii) the Country Fire Authority; or (iv) the Australian Defence Force;
(c) a vehicle under the control of the State Emergency Service;
"front fog light" means a light used to improve the
illumination of the road in case of fog, snowfall,
heavy rain or a dust storm;
"left", for a vehicle, means to the left of the centre of the
vehicle when viewed by a person in the vehicle who
is facing to the front of the vehicle;
"moped" means a motor cycle or trike with an engine cylinder capacity of not over 50 millilitres and a maximum speed of not over 50 kilometres an hour;
"motor trike" means a motor vehicle with 3 wheels, but does not include a 2 wheeled motor vehicle with a sidecar attached to it that is supported by a third
wheel;
"mudguard" means a fitting or device, with or without a mudflap, that is built and fitted to a vehicle in a way that will, as far as practicable, catch or deflect
downwards any stone, mud, water, or other substance,
thrown up by the rotation of the wheel to which thefitting or device is fitted;
"national standard" has the meaning given in clause 15;
"point of articulation" means—
(a) the axis of a kingpin for a fifth wheel; or
(b)
the vertical axis of rotation of a fifth wheel coupling; or
(c)
the vertical axis of rotation of a turntable assembly; or
(d)
the vertical axis of rotation of the front axle group, or single axle, of a dog trailer; or
(e) the coupling pivot point of a semi trailer;
Road Safety (Vehicles) (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1999
S.R. No. 54/1999 r. 11 "police vehicle" means a vehicle driven by a member of the police force in the course of his or her duty;
"rear fog light" means a light used on a vehicle to make it more easily visible from the rear in dense fog;
"repeater horn" means a device that makes a sound
alternating between different tones or frequencies on
a regular time cycle;
"right", for a vehicle, means to the right of the centre of the
vehicle when viewed by a person in the vehicle who
is facing to the front of the vehicle;
"road tank vehicle" has the same meaning as in the sixth
edition of the Australian Code for the Transport of
Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail;
"second edition ADR" has the meaning given in clause 17;
"service brake", for a vehicle, means the brake normally used to decelerate the vehicle;
"spring brake" means a brake using 1 or more springs to store the energy needed to operate the brake;
"Standards Association of Australia" means the
association of that name incorporated in Australia
under royal charter;
"street rod vehicle" means a vehicle that has been modified for safe road use and that—
(a)
has a body and frame that were built before 1949; or
(b)
is a replica of a vehicle the body and frame of which were built before 1949;
"third edition ADR" has the meaning given in clause 18;
"transport enforcement vehicle" means a vehicle being
used to convey an officer of the Roads Corporation or
an employee in the Department of Infrastructure
engaged in connection with the enforcement of—
(a) the Road Safety Act 1986; or
(b) the Transport Act 1983;"turntable" means a bearing built to carry vertical and
horizontal loads, but does not allow quick separation
of its upper and lower rotating elements, and that is
used to connect and allow articulation between—
Road Safety (Vehicles) (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1999
| r. 11 | S.R. No. 54/1999 |
(a) a prime mover and semi-trailer; or
(b)
the steering axle or axle group of a dog trailer and the body of the trailer; or
(c)
a fifth wheel coupling and the vehicle to which it is mounted;
"vacuum brakes" means vacuum-operated or vacuum-
assisted brakes.
4. Diagrams
(1) A diagram in the Vehicle Standards is part of the Vehicle
Standards.(2) A diagram of something (except the essential diagram in
clause 165) is an illustrative example of the thing in black
and white, but does not represent its dimensions or the
dimensions of any part of it.
Note: The essential diagram in clause 165 provides the dimensions required for a 75 millimetre kingpin used in a B- double or road train.
5. Notes
A note in the Vehicle Standards is explanatory and is not part of the Vehicle Standards.
6. Examples
(1) An example (whether or not in the form of a diagram) in the
Vehicle Standards is part of the Vehicle Standards.(2) If the Vehicle Standards include an example of the operation
of a provision of the Vehicle Standards—
(a) the example is not exhaustive; and
(b)
the example does not limit, and may extend, the meaning of the provision; and
(c)
the example and the provision are to be read in the context of each other and of the other provisions of the Vehicle Standards, but, if the example and the
provision as so read are inconsistent, the provision
prevails.
PART 2—APPLICATION OF THE VEHICLE STANDARDS
7. Application to vehicles on roads and road-related areas
Road Safety (Vehicles) (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1999
S.R. No. 54/1999 r. 11 The Vehicle Standards apply to motor vehicles and trailers on roads and road-related areas.
8. What is a road?
A "road" is defined in section 3(1) of the Act as—
(a)
an area that is open to or used by the public and is developed for, or has as one of its main uses, the driving or riding of motor vehicles; or
(b)
a place that is a road by virtue of a declaration under sub-section (2)(a) of the Act—
but does not include a place that is not a road by virtue of a
declaration under sub-section (2)(a) of the Act.9. What is a road-related area?
A "road-related area" is defined in section 3(1) of the Act as—
(a) an area that divides a road; or
(b) a footpath or nature strip adjacent to a road; or
(c)
an area that is open to the public and is designated for use by cyclists or animals; or
(d)
an area that is not a road and that is open to or used by the public for driving, riding or parking vehicles; or
(e)
a place that is a road related area by virtue of a declaration under sub-section (2)(a) of the Act—
but does not include a place that is not a road related area by
virtue of a declaration under sub-section (2)(a) of the Act.10. Vehicles to which the Vehicle Standards do not apply
The Vehicle Standards do not apply to—
(a) a vehicle designed to be controlled by a person walking next to it; or (b) a vehicle propelled by a motor with a maximum power output of not over 200 watts. 11. Non-application of Vehicle Standards—exemption under other laws
Road Safety (Vehicles) (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1999
| r. 11 | S.R. No. 54/1999 |
(1) A provision of the Vehicle Standards does not apply to a
vehicle if the vehicle is exempt from—(a) the provision under another law of this jurisdiction; or
(b)
the corresponding provision of the law of another jurisdiction.
(2) However, the vehicle is exempt only if all conditions of the
exemption (if any) are being complied with.Example An exemption permitting a greater dimension limit for a vehicle is subject to conditions about the route where, and times when, the vehicle is permitted to travel, and the escort vehicles required to accompany the vehicle. A relevant provision of the Vehicle Standards does not apply to the vehicle only if the conditions are complied with. 12. Non-application of Vehicle Standards—inconsistent ADR requirements
A provision of Parts 5 to 13 of the Vehicle Standards does not apply to a vehicle if—
(a)
the provision is inconsistent with a requirement of a second or third edition ADR applying to the vehicle; and
(b) the vehicle complies with the requirement.
13. Non-application of Vehicle Standards—Motor Vehicle Standards Act approvals
A provision of Parts 5 to 13 of the Vehicle Standards does not apply to a vehicle if—
(a) the vehicle does not comply with a requirement of an ADR applying to the vehicle; and (b) the provision of the Vehicle Standards corresponds to the requirement of the ADR; and (c) despite the non-compliance, approval has been given, under section 10A(2) or (3) of the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 of the Commonwealth, to place identification plates on vehicles of that type; and (d) the vehicle complies with the approval conditions (if any).
Note 1: Section 10A(2) of the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 (Cwlth) deals with vehicles that do not comply with an
Road Safety (Vehicles) (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1999
S.R. No. 54/1999 r. 11 ADR, but the non-compliance is only in minor and inconsequential respects.
Note 2: Section 10A(3) of that Act deals with vehicles that do not comply with an ADR, and the non-compliance is not minor and inconsequential, but the vehicle will be safe to
use if conditions are complied with.
PART 3—AUSTRALIAN DESIGN RULES
This Part applies the second and third edition ADRs to various vehicles.
Under the Part, a vehicle that is subject to ADRs when it is built generally remains subject to the ADRs throughout its life. However, a vehicle need not comply with a standard if the standard is replaced by, or inconsistent with, a later standard and the vehicle complies with the later standard. Older vehicles may, therefore, be fitted with any equipment allowed on newer vehicles.
Vehicles that are modified must continue to comply with the Vehicle
Standards.The following provisions of the Vehicle Standards extend the application of particular second or third edition ADRs to vehicles to which the ADRs are not expressed to apply:
• Clause 41(4) (electrical wiring, connections and installations) • Clause 119 (rear marking plates) • Clause 136(1) and (2) (braking system for prime mover in B-double) • Clause 137 (braking system design for motor vehicles in road trains) • Clause 138(1) and (3) (braking system design for trailers in B-doubles or road trains) • Clause 155(1) and (2) (speed limiting). The following provisions of the Vehicle Standards apply to a vehicle instead of the corresponding ADR requirement:
• Clause 44(5) and (6) (window tinting) • Clauses 51 and 52 (tyre speed category requirements) • Clause 115 (warning lights and signs on buses carrying children) • Clause 118(4) (display of certain lights and reflectors).
Division 1—Interpretation
14. What is an ADR?
Road Safety (Vehicles) (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1999
| r. 11 | S.R. No. 54/1999 |
An "ADR" (Australian Design Rule) is a national standard.
15. What is a national standard?
A "national standard" is a national standard under the
Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 of the Commonwealth.
16. References to national standards
Unless the contrary intention appears, a reference in the national standard as in force from time to time.
17. What is a second edition ADR?
A "second edition ADR" is a national standard incorporated in the document described as the Australian Design Rules for Motor Vehicle Safety, Second Edition, originally published by the then Commonwealth Department of Transport.
18. What is a third edition ADR?
A "third edition ADR" is a national standard incorporated
in the document described as the Australian Design Rules
for Motor Vehicles and Trailers, Third Edition, published by
the Federal Office of Road Safety of the CommonwealthDepartment of Transport and Regional Development.
Division 2—Compliance with ADRs
19. Compliance with second edition ADRs
(1) If a second edition ADR recommends that the ADR should
apply to the design and construction of a vehicle, the vehicle
must comply with the ADR.
(2) If a second edition ADR contains a requirement for a type of
equipment fitted to a vehicle built on or after a stated time
any equipment of the same type fitted to the vehicle after it
is built must comply with—
(a) the requirement as in force when the vehicle was built; or (b) if the requirement is amended after the vehicle is built as in force—
(i) when the vehicle was built; or
Road Safety (Vehicles) (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1999
S.R. No. 54/1999 r. 11 (ii) when the equipment was fitted; or
(iii) at any time between when the vehicle was built and the equipment was fitted.
(3) However, a vehicle, or equipment fitted to a vehicle, need
not comply with a recommendation or requirement of a
second edition ADR if—
(a)
the recommendation or requirement is replaced by, or is inconsistent with, a requirement of a third edition ADR applying to the vehicle or equipment; and
(b)
the vehicle or equipment complies with the requirement of the third edition ADR.
(4) If a second edition ADR allows a vehicle built on or after a
stated time to be fitted with equipment, a vehicle built
before the time may also be fitted with the equipment.
20. Compliance with third edition ADRs
(1) If a third edition ADR applies to the design and construction
of a vehicle, the vehicle must comply with the ADR.(2)
If a third edition ADR contains a requirement for a type of equipment fitted to a vehicle built on or after a stated time, any equipment of the same type fitted to the vehicle after it is built must comply with—
(a) the requirement as in force when the vehicle was built; or (b) if the requirement is amended after the vehicle is built as in force—
(i) when the vehicle was built; or
(ii) when the equipment was fitted; or(iii) at any time between when the vehicle was built and the equipment was fitted.
(3) However, a vehicle, or equipment fitted to a vehicle, need
not comply with a requirement of a third edition ADR if—
(a)
the requirement is replaced by, or is inconsistent with, a requirement of a later version of the ADR applying to the vehicle or equipment; and
(b)
the vehicle or equipment complies with the requirement of the later version.
Road Safety (Vehicles) (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1999
| r. 11 | S.R. No. 54/1999 |
(4) If a third edition ADR allows a vehicle built on or after a
stated time to be fitted with equipment, a vehicle built
before the time may also be fitted with the equipment.21. Exception to compliance with ADRs—vehicles that are not road vehicles
A vehicle need not comply with an ADR applied by vehicle for that Act.
clause 19(1) or 20(1) if a determination or declaration under
section 5B of the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 of the22. Exception to compliance with ADRs—Motor Vehicle Standards Act
(1) A vehicle need not comply with an ADR applied by clause 19(1) or 20(1) if—
(a)
despite non-compliance with the ADR, approval has been given, under section 10A(2) or (3) of the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 of the Commonwealth, to
place identification plates on vehicles of that type;
and(b)
the vehicle complies with the approval conditions (if any).
Note: See notes to clause 13.
(2) A vehicle need not comply with an ADR applied by clause 19(1) or 20(1) if—
(a) the vehicle may be supplied to the market under sub-section 14A(1) of the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 of the Commonwealth; and (b) for a vehicle for which an approval has been given under that sub-section—the vehicle complies with the approval conditions (if any).
(3) A vehicle need not comply with an ADR applied by clause 19(1) or 20(1) if—
(a)
the vehicle may be used in transport in Australia under sub-section 15(2) of the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 of the Commonwealth; and
Road Safety (Vehicles) (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1999
S.R. No. 54/1999 r. 11
(b) for a vehicle for which an approval has been given under that sub-section—the vehicle complies with the approval conditions (if any).
23. Partial exception to compliance with ADRs—personally imported vehicles
(1) In this clause—
"personally imported vehicle" means a vehicle built after
1968 that is imported into Australia by a person
who—
(a) owned and used the vehicle for a continuous period of at least 3 months before it was imported into Australia; and (b) when the vehicle was imported into Australia, was— (i) an Australian citizen or permanent resident or a person who had applied to become an Australian citizen or permanent resident; and
(ii) old enough to hold a licence or permit to drive the vehicle; and
(c)
within the previous year, had not imported into Australia another vehicle owned by the person.
(2) A personally imported vehicle must be fitted with—
(a) seat belts that are as effective as seat belts that meet an Australian Standard or British Standard for seat belts as in force when this clause commenced; and (b) seat belt anchorages that meet the number and location requirements of second or third edition ADR 5; and (c) child restraint anchorages that meet the number, location, accessibility, thread size and form requirements of second edition ADR 34 or third edition ADR 5 or 34; and (d) head restraints that meet the number, location and size requirements of second or third edition ADR 22.
(3) However, a personally imported vehicle need only meet the requirements of an ADR mentioned in sub-clause (2) if the ADR recommends that it should apply, or applies, to a
vehicle of the same type.
Road Safety (Vehicles) (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1999
| r. 11 | r. 11 | S.R. No. 54/1999 |
(4) A personally imported vehicle need not otherwise comply with an ADR applied by clause 19(1) or 20(1).
PART 4—ADOPTED STANDARDS
24. What is an adopted standard?
An "adopted standard" is a standard, except a national standard, that is applied, adopted or incorporated by the Vehicle Standards.
Example:
Clause 62(7) adopts Australian Standard AS 1906 Retro- reflective Materials and Devices for Road Traffic Control Purposes.
25. Reference to adopted standards
Unless the contrary intention appears, a reference in a clause or sub-clause to an adopted standard is a reference to the standard as in force when the clause or sub-clause commenced.
26. Exception to compliance with adopted standards
A vehicle need not comply with an adopted standard if—
(a)
the standard is replaced by, or is inconsistent with, a later version of the standard; and
(b)
the vehicle complies with the later version of the standard.
PART 5—GENERAL SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Note: For a vehicle to be operated safely, the vehicle needs to be properly designed to minimise the potential for accidents and harm to other road users.
This Part sets out various requirements covering the driver's view from a vehicle, the driver's control of a vehicle, protection of vehicle occupants and other road users, and other general safety features.
Division 1—All vehicles
27. Steering
Road Safety (Vehicles) (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1999
S.R. No. 54/1999 r. 11
(1) A motor vehicle with a GVM over 4⋅5 tonnes must have a right-hand drive. (2) A motor vehicle with a GVM not over 4⋅5 tonnes must have a right-hand drive if the vehicle is less than 30 years old. (3) A motor vehicle has a right-hand drive if the centre of at
least 1 steering control of the vehicle is to the right of, or in
line with, the centre of the vehicle.(4) A component of the steering system of a motor vehicle that is essential for effective steering of the vehicle must be built to transmit energy by mechanical means only. (5) Failure of a non-mechanical component of the steering system must not prevent effective steering of the vehicle.
(6) This clause does not apply to a vehicle if the vehicle is built
or used mainly for a purpose other than the transport of
goods or people by road.
28. Turning ability
(1) A motor vehicle must be able to turn in a circle not over 25 metres in diameter, measured by the outer edge of the tyre track at ground level. (2) The vehicle must be able to comply with sub-clause (1) whether it turns to the left or to the right.
29. Ability to travel backwards and forwards
A motor vehicle with an unloaded mass over 450 kilograms must be able to be driven both backwards and forwards when the driver is in the normal driving position.
30. Protrusions
(1) An object fitted to a vehicle must be designed, built and
fitted to the vehicle in a way that minimises the likelihood
of injury to a person making contact with the vehicle.(2) However, sub-clause (1) does not apply to an object fitted to
a vehicle if—
(a)
the vehicle was designed before 1965 and the object was part of the design of the vehicle; or
(b)
the object was fitted to the vehicle before 1965 in accordance with the law of the place where the object was fitted.
31. Driver's view and vehicle controls
Road Safety (Vehicles) (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1999
| r. 11 | S.R. No. 54/1999 |
A motor vehicle must be built—
(a)
to allow the driver a view of the road and of traffic to the front and sides of the vehicle so the driver can drive the vehicle safely; and
(b)
with its controls located so the driver can drive the vehicle safely.
32. Seating
A seat for a driver or passenger in a vehicle must be securely attached to the vehicle.
33. Mudguards and spray suppression
(1) A vehicle must have firmly fitted—
(a)
a mudguard for each wheel or for adjacent wheels; and
(b)
for each axle group and single axle on a vehicle that is part of a B-double—spray suppression devices complying with Parts 1 and 2 of British Standard AU200–1984 Spray Reducing Devices for Heavy Goods Vehicle.
(2) However, sub-clause (1)(a) does not apply to a vehicle if—
(a)
the construction or use of the vehicle makes the fitting of mudguards unnecessary or impracticable; or
(b)
the body or part of the body of the vehicle acts as a mudguard.
Examples of vehicles to which sub-clause (2)(a) applies:
1. Timber jinkers.
2. Most road-making plant.
3. Some agricultural equipment.
(3) A mudguard fitted to a vehicle with a GVM over 4⋅5 tonnes must, when the wheels of the vehicle are in position to move
straight ahead—
(a)
reduce the danger of a person contacting the moving wheels; and
(b) for the rear wheels—
(i) cover the overall tyre width of the wheel or wheels to which it is fitted; and
Road Safety (Vehicles) (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1999
S.R. No. 54/1999 r. 11 (ii) be fitted so the height above ground level of the lowest edge of the rear of the mudguard is not over one-third of the horizontal distance between the edge and the centre of the rearmost axle.
(4) However, a mudguard may be up to—
(a) 230 millimetres above ground level; or
(b)
on a vehicle built to be used off road— 300 millimetres above ground level.
(5) The outside of a rear mudguard, except a mudflap, of a
vehicle that can be seen from the rear of the vehicle must be
coloured white or silver if the vehicle—(a) is at least 2⋅2 metres wide; and
(b)
has a body the vertical measurement of which is under 300 millimetres at the rear, measured from the lowest point of the body above ground level to the highest point; and
(c)
is not fitted with rear marking plates in accordance with clause 119.
(6) For the purposes of sub-clause (5)(a), the width of a vehicle
is measured disregarding any anti-skid device mounted on
wheels, central tyre inflation systems, lights, mirrors,
reflectors, signalling devices and tyre pressure gauges.
34. Horns, alarms etc.
(1) A motor vehicle must be fitted with at least 1 horn or other
device that can give sufficient audible warning to other road
users of the approach or position of the vehicle.(2) A motor vehicle must not be fitted with a device that can
make a sound like the sound of a siren, bell, exhaust whistle,
compression whistle or repeater horn.(3) However, sub-clause (2) does not apply to—
(a) a police vehicle; or
(b) an emergency vehicle; or
(c) a transport enforcement vehicle; or
(d) an Australian Protective Service vehicle; or
(e) an Australian Customs Service vehicle; or
(f) an Airservices Australia vehicle; or
Road Safety (Vehicles) (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1999
S.R. No. 54/1999
(g)
a vehicle at least 25 years old that is fitted as a police or emergency vehicle if—
(i) the vehicle is used for exhibition purposes; or
(ii) it is part of a collection of former police or emergency vehicles; or
(h)
an anti-theft alarm if the alarm cannot be operated while the vehicle's ignition is on.
(4) Also, a motor vehicle may be fitted with a device that emits
a regular, intermittent sound while the vehicle is reversing
or in reverse gear.(5) The device must not be louder than is necessary so the
driver, and a person near the vehicle, can hear the device
when it is operating.
35. Rear vision mirrors
(1)
A rear vision mirror or mirrors must be fitted to a motor vehicle as required by this clause so that a driver of the vehicle can clearly see by reflection the road behind the vehicle and any following or overtaking vehicle.
(2) At least 1 rear vision mirror must be fitted to—
(a) a car; and
(b) a motor trike with 2 front wheels; and
(c)
a motor cycle, or motor trike with 1 front wheel, built before July 1975.
(3) At least 1 rear vision mirror must be fitted to each side of— (a) a motor vehicle with a GVM over 3⋅5 tonnes; and
(b)
a motor cycle, or motor trike with 1 front wheel, built after June 1975.
(4) A motor vehicle with a GVM not over 3⋅5 tonnes (except a motor vehicle mentioned in sub-clause (2) or (3)) must be
fitted with—
(a)
at least 1 rear vision mirror on the right side of the vehicle; and
(b)
at least 1 rear vision mirror on the left side of the vehicle or inside the vehicle.
(5) A rear vision mirror fitted to a motor vehicle with a GVM over 3⋅5 tonnes must not project over 150 millimetres
Road Safety (Vehicles) (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1999
S.R. No. 54/1999 r. 11 r. 11 beyond the widest part (excluding lights, signalling devices
and reflectors) of the vehicle or combination.(6) However, the rear vision mirror may project not over
230 millimetres beyond the widest part of the vehicle or
combination if it can fold to project not over 150 millimetres
beyond the widest part.
36. Rear vision mirrors—surfaces
(1) A rear vision mirror required to be fitted to the side of a motor vehicle with a GVM over 3⋅5 tonnes must have a reflecting surface of at least 150 square centimetres. (2) A rear vision mirror required to be fitted to the right side of a motor vehicle with a GVM over 3⋅5 tonnes must have a flat reflecting surface if— (a) the motor vehicle has only 1 steering control; and
(b)
the centre of the steering control is to the right of, or in line with, the centre of the motor vehicle.
(3) The reflecting surface of the rear vision mirrors that are
required to be fitted to a motor cycle or moped must—
(a) each be of the same curvature; and
(b) if convex, be part of a notional sphere with a radius of at least 1⋅2 metres.
37. Additional rear vision mirrors
A motor vehicle may be fitted with additional rear vision mirrors or mirror surfaces that are flat or convex or a combination of flat and convex surfaces.
38. Automatic transmission
(1) A motor vehicle fitted with an automatic transmission must
have an engine starter mechanism that cannot operate whenthe transmission control is in a position to drive the vehicle.
(2) A vehicle built after 1975 that is fitted with an automatic
transmission must have an indicator in the driver's
compartment showing the transmission control position.(3) Sub-clauses (1) and (2) do not apply to a motor vehicle with
less than 4 wheels.
39. Diesel engines
A motor vehicle propelled by a compression ignition engine (commonly known as a diesel engine) must be fitted with a
Road Safety (Vehicles) (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1999
| r. 11 | S.R. No. 54/1999 |
device preventing the engine from being started accidentally
or inadvertently.
40. Bonnet securing devices
(1) A motor vehicle with a moveable body panel forward of the
windscreen that covers an engine or luggage storage or
battery compartment, must have a device to secure the
panel.(2)
However, if the panel opens from the front in a way that partly or completely obstructs the driver's forward view through the windscreen, the panel must have primary and
secondary devices to secure the panel.
41. Electrical wiring, connections and installations
(1) The wiring of electrical equipment of a vehicle, except the high tension ignition wiring, must—
(a)
be supported at intervals of not over 600 millimetres, unless the vehicle is a pole-type trailer with a pole with an adjustable length, or an extendible trailer; and
(b) be insulated at each of its joints; and
(c) be located where it cannot—
(i) become overheated; or
(ii) contact moving parts; or(iii) come near enough to the fuel system to be a fire hazard; and
(d) be protected from chafing.
(2) The electrical connectors between motor vehicles and
trailers, for operation of the vehicle lights required by the Vehicle Standards, must comply with Australian Standard AS 2513–1982 Electrical Connections for Trailer Vehicles.
(3) A trailer must be equipped with an electrical conductor,
independent of the trailer coupling, that provides a return
path between the electrical circuits of the trailer and towing
vehicle.
(4) The electrical wiring, connections and installations of a semi-trailer, dog trailer or converter dolly used in a road train over 19 metres long after June 1998 must comply with
third edition ADR 63, whether or not it was built before the
date stated in the ADR for vehicles of that type.
42. Television receivers and visual display units
Road Safety (Vehicles) (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1999
S.R. No. 54/1999 r. 11 (1) A television receiver or visual display unit must not be
installed in a vehicle so any part of the image on the screen
is visible to the driver from the normal driving position.
(2) However, sub-clause (1) does not apply to—
(a)
a television receiver or visual display unit that cannot be operated when the vehicle is moving; or
(b)
a driver's aid in any vehicle or a destination sign in a bus.
Examples of driver's aids:
1. Closed-circuit television security cameras.
2. Dispatch systems.
3. Navigational or intelligent highway and vehicle system
equipment.
4. Rearview screens.
5. Ticket-issuing machines.
6. Vehicle monitoring devices.
(3) A television receiver, or visual display unit, and its
associated equipment in a vehicle must be securely mounted
in a position that—
(a) does not obscure the driver's view of the road; and
(b)
does not impede the movement of a person in the vehicle.
43. Windscreens and windows
(1) Transparent material used in a windscreen, window, or an interior partition, of a motor vehicle must be of approved material if—
(a) the vehicle was built after June 1953; or
(b)
the material was first fitted to the vehicle after June 1953.
(2) In this clause—
"approved material" means material with the same
characteristics as material mentioned in any of the
following standards—
Road Safety (Vehicles) (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1999
| r. 11 | S.R. No. 54/1999 |
(a) Australian Standard AS R1–1965 Safety Glass for Land Transport; (b) Australian Standard AS R1–1968 Safety Glass for Land Transport; (c) Australian Standard AS 2080–1977 Safety Glass for Vehicles; (d) British Standard BS 857:1967 Specification for Safety Glass for Land Transport; (e) British Standard BS 5282:1975 Road Vehicle Safety Glass; (f) British Standard BS AU178:1980 Road Vehicle Safety Glass; (g) Japanese Industrial Standard JIS R 3211–1979 Safety Glasses for Road Vehicles; (h) American National Standard ANSI Z26.1–1980 Safety Code for Safety Glazing Materials for Glazing Motor Vehicles Operating on Land Highway; "transparent material" does not include any coating
added to the windscreen, window or partition after its
manufacture.
44. Window tinting
(1) Glazing used in a windscreen of a motor vehicle must have
a luminous transmittance of at least—(a) for a motor vehicle built after 1971—75%; or
(b) in any other case—70%.
(2) Windscreen glazing of a motor vehicle must not be coated in a way that reduces its luminous transmittance.
(3) However, sub-clauses (1) and (2) do not apply to the area of
a windscreen that is—
(a)
above the highest point of the windscreen in front of the driver's seating position swept by the windscreen wiper; or
(b)
the top 10% of the windscreen as measured in front of the driver's seating position; or
(c)
above a horizontal line 200 millimetres above the level of the driver's eyes.
Road Safety (Vehicles) (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1999
S.R. No. 54/1999 r. 11
(4) Glazing used in a window or interior partition of a motor
vehicle must have a luminous transmittance of at least 70%.(5) Glazing behind the rear of the driver's seat or in a side window forward of the rear of the driver's seat may be coated to achieve a luminous transmittance of not less than 35%. (6) Glazing that has been coated to reduce its luminous transmittance must not have a reflectance of over 10%.
(7) The luminous transmittance requirements in sub-clause (5)
apply to a vehicle instead of the corresponding requirements
in the relevant ADR.
(8) In this clause—
"glazing" means any transparent material or combination of
transparent materials fitted to a vehicle and available
to the driver to obtain a view of the road and other
road users;
"luminous transmittance", for glazing, means the amount
of light that can pass through the glazing as a
percentage of the amount of light that would be
transmitted if the glazing were absent.
45. Windscreen wipers and washers
(1)
A motor vehicle with 3 or more wheels that is fitted with a windscreen must be fitted with at least 1 windscreen wiper unless a driver in a normal driving position can obtain an
adequate view of the road ahead of the motor vehicle
without looking through the windscreen.(2) At least 1 windscreen wiper fitted to the motor vehicle
must—
(a)
be able to remove moisture from the part of the windscreen in front of the driver to allow the driver an adequate view of the road ahead of the motor vehicle when the windscreen is wet; and
(b)
be able to be operated from a normal driving position; and
(c)
for a motor vehicle built after 1934—continue to operate until the wiper is switched off; and
(d)
for a motor vehicle built after 1959 the driving position of which is nearer one side of the vehicle than the other—
Road Safety (Vehicles) (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1999
| r. 11 | S.R. No. 54/1999 |
(i) be able to remove moisture from the part of the windscreen in front of the driver, and a corresponding part of the windscreen on the other side of the centre of the motor vehicle, to allow the driver an adequate view of the road ahead of the motor vehicle when the windscreen is wet; and
(ii) if the windscreen wipers are operated by engine manifold vacuum—be provided with a vacuum reservoir or pump to maintain the efficient
operation of the wiper or wipers while the
vehicle is in motion.
(3) If the motor vehicle was built after 1982 and has a GVM over 4⋅5 tonnes, it must also be fitted with a windscreen washer that can direct water onto the windscreen within the
area swept by a windscreen wiper so the wiper can spread
the water to all of the area swept by the wiper.Note: The ADRs require certain vehicles with a GVM not over 4⋅5 tonnes to be fitted with a windscreen washer. (4) The windscreen washer must be able to be operated from a
normal driving position.
46. Wheels and tyres—size and capacity
The wheels and tyres fitted to an axle of a vehicle must be of sufficient size and capacity to carry the part of the vehicle's gross mass transmitted to the ground through the axle.
47. Pneumatic tyres generally
A vehicle built after 1932 must be fitted with pneumatic tyres.
48. Pneumatic tyres—carcass construction
(1) A vehicle with a GVM not over 4⋅5 tonnes must not have pneumatic tyres of different carcass construction fitted to
the same axle, but the tyres may have different cord
materials and a different number of plies.(2) However, sub-clause (1) does not apply to a tyre being used
in an emergency as a temporary replacement for a tyre
complying with the sub-clause.
49. Pneumatic tyres—size and capacity
Road Safety (Vehicles) (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1999
S.R. No. 54/1999 r. 11 The size and capacity of a pneumatic tyre to be fitted to a vehicle must be decided using a cold inflation pressure that is not more than the lesser of—
(a)
the pressure recommended by the tyre manufacturer; and
(b) a pressure of—
(i) for a radial ply tyre—825 kilopascals; or
(ii) for another tyre—700 kilopascals.
50. Tyres—defects
A tyre fitted to a vehicle must be free of any apparent defect that could make the vehicle unsafe.
51. Tyres for use on vehicles with GVM over 4⋅5 tonnes
(1) A tyre fitted to a vehicle with a GVM over 4⋅5 tonnes must be suitable for road use at the lesser of— (a) 100 kilometres an hour; and
(b) the vehicle's top speed.
(2) This clause applies to a vehicle instead of the tyre speed
category requirements in the relevant ADR.
52. Tyres—manufacturer's rating
(1) This clause applies to a motor vehicle if the vehicle—
(a) has 4 or more wheels; and
(b) was built after 1972; and
(c) has a GVM not over 4⋅5 tonnes.
(2) However, this clause does not apply to a tyre if the tyre—
(a) is recommended by the vehicle builder as suitable for limited use on the vehicle in special circumstances at a speed less than the speed applying to the vehicle under sub-clause (3); or
(b)
is being used in an emergency as a temporary replacement for a tyre complying with this clause.
(3) A tyre fitted to a motor vehicle must, when first
manufactured, have been rated by the tyre manufacturer as
suitable for road use at the lesser of—
Road Safety (Vehicles) (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1999
S.R. No. 54/1999
(a) a speed of at least—
(i) for a car with special features for off-road use—140 kilometres an hour; or
(ii) for another car—180 kilometres an hour; or
(iii) for another motor vehicle—120 kilometres an hour; and
(b) the vehicle's top speed.
Example for paragraph (a)(i):
A four-wheel drive vehicle.
(4) This clause applies to a vehicle instead of the tyre speed
category requirements in the relevant ADR.
53. Retreads
(1) A tyre that is retreaded before the commencement of this clause must not be used on a vehicle if—
(a) Australian Standard AS 1973–1976 Retreaded Pneumatic Passenger Car and Light Truck Tyre or Australian Standard AS 1973–1985 Retreaded Pneumatic Passenger and Light Truck Tyre applies to the tyre; and (b) the tyre was retreaded after publication of the Australian Standard; and (c) the tyre was not retreaded in accordance with Australian Standard AS 1973–1976 Retreaded Pneumatic Passenger Car and Light Truck Tyre, Australian Standard AS 1973–1985 Retreaded Pneumatic Passenger and Light Truck Tyre or Australian Standard AS 1973–1993 Pneumatic Tyres—Passenger Car, Light Truck and Truck/Bus—
Retreading and Repair Processes.
(2) A tyre that is retreaded after the commencement of this clause must not be used on a vehicle if—
(a)
Australian Standard AS 1973–1993 Pneumatic Tyres—Passenger Car, Light Truck and Truck/Bus— Retreading and Repair Processes applies to the tyre; and
(b)
the tyre was not retreaded in accordance with the Australian Standard.
Road Safety (Vehicles) (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1999
S.R. No. 54/1999 r. 11 r. 11 Note: The Australian Standards mentioned in this clause require various markings on retreaded tyres. These may include a speed rating less than the rating originally
marked on the tyre.
54. Tyre tread
(1) A tyre on a motor vehicle must not have cleats or other
gripping devices that could damage road surfaces.(2) Except at tread wear indicators, a tyre fitted to the vehicle must have a tread pattern at least 1⋅5 millimetres deep in a band that runs continuously— (a) across—
(i) for a vehicle with a GVM over 4⋅5 tonnes—at
least 75% of the tyre width that normally comes
into contact with the road; or(ii) for another vehicle—the tyre width that normally comes into contact with the road; and
(b) around the whole circumference of the tyre.
(3) A vehicle must not be fitted with a tyre that has been treated
by recutting or regrooving the tread rubber, unless the tyre
was—
(a)
constructed with an extra thickness of rubber designed for recutting or regrooving; and
(b) labelled to indicate the construction.
Division 2—Additional requirements for motor cycles
55. Steering gear and handlebars
(1) The handlebars on a motor cycle must extend at least
250 millimetres, but not over 450 millimetres, on each side
of the centre line of the vehicle.
(2) In taking a measurement for sub-clause (1), mirrors and lights mounted on the handlebars of the motor cycle are disregarded.
(3) The lowest part of the hand grip on the handle bars must not
be higher than 380 millimetres above the attachment point
of the handlebars to the motor cycle.
Road Safety (Vehicles) (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1999
| r. 11 | S.R. No. 54/1999 |
(4) Hand grips on the handle bars must be fitted symmetrically.
(5) If a motor cycle has the head stem as the steering pivot
point, the horizontal distance from the midpoint between the
head stem bearings to the centre of the front wheel must not
be over 550 millimetres.
Figure 16: Illustration of maximum horizontal distance from midpoint
between head stem bearings of motor cycle to centre of front wheel
56. Foot rests
A motor cycle must be fitted with foot rests for the driver, and for any passenger for whom a seating position is provided.
57. Chain guards
(1) If the engine power of a motor cycle is transmitted to the
rear wheel by a chain, the driver and any passenger must be
protected from the front sprocket and at least the upper part
of the chain by—(a) the frame or equipment of the motor cycle; or
(b) a chain guard.
(2) A chain guard must cover the chain to a point—
(a)
at least 300 millimetres to the rear of the rearmost foot rest; or
(b) above the centre of the rear drive sprocket.
PART 6—VEHICLE MARKING
Note: This Part contains requirements for a vehicle that help to identify the vehicle and, if the vehicle is unusually long, to warn other motorists.
58. Vehicle and engine identification numbers
Road Safety (Vehicles) (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1999
S.R. No. 54/1999 r. 11 (1) In this clause—
"number" includes letter.
(2) A motor vehicle must have an individual engine
identification number clearly stamped, embossed or
otherwise permanently marked on it.(3) A motor vehicle built after 1930 must have the engine identification number on its engine block or the main component of its engine.
(4) A vehicle must have an individual vehicle identification
number clearly stamped, embossed or otherwise
permanently marked on a substantial part of its frame or
chassis.
(5) A vehicle or engine identification number must be located
where a person can read it easily without having to use tools
to remove a part of the vehicle that would otherwise
obstruct the person's view.
59. White or silver band on certain vehicles
(1) This clause applies to a vehicle that—
(a) is at least 2⋅2 metres wide; and
(b) has a body with a vertical measurement under point of the body above ground level to the highest point; and
(c) is not fitted with rear marking plates in accordance with clause 119.
(2) For sub-clause (1)(a), the width of a vehicle is measured
disregarding any anti-skid device mounted on wheels,
central tyre inflation systems, lights, mirrors, reflectors,
signalling devices and tyre pressure gauges.
(3) The vehicle must have a white or silver band at least
75 millimetres high across the full width of the rearmost part
of the body of the vehicle.
60. Warning signs for vehicles over 22 metres long
(1) A vehicle that is over 22 metres long must display a long
vehicle warning sign complying with this clause and
clause 62.
Road Safety (Vehicles) (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1999
| r. 11 | S.R. No. 54/1999 |
(2) A long vehicle warning sign must be fitted horizontally at the rear of the vehicle.
(3) This clause does not apply to—
(a) a class 1 vehicle; or
Note: The requirements for warning signs on class 1 vehicles are found in Division 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 1.
(b) a road train; or
Note: The requirements for warning signs on road trains are found in clause 22A of Schedule 2.
(c) a class 3 vehicle referred to in regulation 515(1)(e) (vehicles carrying hay).
Note: The requirements for warning signs on vehicles carrying hay are found in clause 31 of Schedule 3.
61. Warning signs for pilot and escort vehicles
The requirements for warning signs for pilot and escort
vehicles that accompany class 1 vehicles are contained inPart 5 of Schedule 1.
62. Specifications for warning signs
(1) A road train or long vehicle warning sign must be
manufactured in 1 or 2 parts from sheet steel 0⋅8 millimetres
thick or another material of at least the same stiffness,
unless it is designed to be fixed to a vehicle using anadhesive.
(2) The warning sign must be at least 1⋅02 metres wide and at least 250 millimetres high. (3) A road train warning sign must display the words "road train", and a long vehicle warning sign must display the words "long vehicle", in black capital letters at least
180 millimetres high in typeface Series B (N) that complies
with Australian Standard AS 1744 Forms of Letters andNumerals for Road Signs.
(4) If the warning sign is in 2 parts, one word of the expression
"road train" or "long vehicle" must be on one part and the
other word of the expression must be on the other part.(5) The warning sign must display the sign manufacturer's name
or logo, and the brand and class of retro-reflective material
used, in block letters not over 10 millimetres high.
Road Safety (Vehicles) (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1999
S.R. No. 54/1999 r. 11 (6) The warning sign must have a black border.
(7) The warning sign must be coated with yellow retro-
(8) The warning sign must be fitted so— reflective material of class 1 or 2 that meets Australian for Road Traffic Control Purposes.
(a) no part of the sign is—
(i) over 1⋅8 metres above ground level; or
(ii) under 500 millimetres above ground level; and
(b)
if the sign is in 2 parts—the parts are fitted at the same height above ground level.
Figure 17: Illustration of the positioning of a warning sign
63. Left-hand drive signs
(1) This clause applies to a motor vehicle with a GVM over 4⋅5 tonnes that has the centre of a steering control to the left of the centre of the vehicle. (2) The vehicle must display the words "left hand drive" on the
rear of the vehicle.(3) The words must be in letters at least 75 millimetres high,
and in a colour contrast with the background to the words.
Road Safety (Vehicles) (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1999
| r. 11 | S.R. No. 54/1999 |
PART 7—VEHICLE CONFIGURATION AND DIMENSIONS
Note: This Part sets out various requirements covering the suspension on vehicles and size limits for single vehicles and combinations of vehicles, so that they can be operated safely with other traffic, without taking up too
much road space or damaging the road and structures on the road.
Generally, the limits in this Part apply to a vehicle and any load it may be carrying.
Specific requirements for loaded vehicles are covered by other laws.
Division 1—Axles
64. Axle configuration
(1) A motor vehicle, except an articulated bus, must have
only—
(a)
1 axle group, or single axle, towards the front of the vehicle; and
(b)
1 axle group, or single axle, towards the rear of the vehicle.
(2) An articulated bus must have—
(a) on its front section—
(i) only 1 axle group, or single axle, towards the front of the section; and
(ii) only 1 axle group, or single axle, towards the rear of the section; and
(b) on another section—only 1 axle group or single axle. (3) A trailer must have only—
(a) 1 axle group or single axle; or
(b) 2 axle groups, 2 single axles, or 1 axle group and single axle, in the following configuration— (i) 1 axle group, or single axle, towards the front of the vehicle, with all the wheels on the axle group or single axle connected to the steering mechanism for that part of the trailer;
(ii) 1 axle group, or single axle, towards the rear of the vehicle.
Road Safety (Vehicles) (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1999
S.R. No. 54/1999 r. 11 (4) A semi-trailer that is extendible, or is fitted with sliding axles, must—
(a) have a securing device that—
(i) can securely fix the extendible part or sliding axles to the rest of the vehicle in any position of adjustment provided; and
(ii) is located in a position that can prevent accidental or inadvertent release, if the device is mounted on the chassis of the vehicle; and
(iii) is fitted with a visible or audible warning system to indicate to a person standing beside the vehicle that the device is not engaged; and
(iv) is fitted with a way of preventing loss of air from the air brake supply, if the device uses air from the brake system and fails in a way allowing air to escape; and
(v) is held in the applied position by direct mechanical action without the intervention of an electric, hydraulic or pneumatic device; and
(b)
be built so the adjustable parts of the vehicle remain connected if the securing device fails.
65. Relation between axles in axle group
The axles in an axle group, except a twinsteer axle group,
fitted to a vehicle with a GVM over 4⋅5 tonnes must relateto each other through a load-sharing suspension system.
Division 2—Dimensions
66. Width
The maximum width for a vehicle is specified in
regulation 408 or the relevant provisions of Schedule 1, 2 or3.
67. Length of single motor vehicles
The maximum length for a motor vehicle is specified in regulation 409.
68. Length of single trailers
The maximum length for a trailer is specified in regulation 410.
Road Safety (Vehicles) (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1999
| r. 11 | S.R. No. 54/1999 |
69. Length of combinations
The maximum length for combinations is specified in
regulation 411 or the relevant provisions of Schedule 1, 2 or3.
70. Rear overhang
The requirements in respect of the rear overhang of vehicles
are specified in regulation 412 or in Table 5 in clause 5 ofSchedule 1.
71. Trailer drawbar length
The requirements in respect of the length of trailer drawbars are specified in regulation 413.
72. Height
The maximum height for vehicles is specified in regulation 407 or the relevant provisions of Schedule 1, 2 or 3.
73. Ground clearance
The requirements for the ground clearance of vehicles are specified in regulation 414.
PART 8—LIGHTS AND REFLECTORS
Note: This Part deals with how the lights on a vehicle must be fitted and work so that the driver can see the road, pedestrians and other vehicles at night, and can signal to others.
Other laws provide for when certain lights must be switched on.
In this Part, the description "yellow" is used as a more modern term, instead
of the description "amber" which is used in earlier legislation and someADRs.
Division 1—General requirements for lights
74. Certain requirements apply only at night
The requirements of this Part for a light, except a brake or direction indicator light, to be visible over a stated distance apply only at night.
75. Prevention of glare
Road Safety (Vehicles) (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1999
S.R. No. 54/1999 r. 11 A light, except a high-beam headlight, fitted to a vehicle must be built and adjusted to provide the necessary amount of light, without dazzling the driver of another vehicle approaching, or being approached by, the vehicle.
76. Pairs of lights
(1) If lights are required under the Vehicle Standards to be fitted to a vehicle in pairs—
(a) a light must be fitted on each side of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle; and (b) the centre of each light in a pair must be the same distance from the longitudinal axis of the vehicle; and (c) the centre of each light in a pair must be at the same height above ground level; and (d) each light in a pair must project approximately the same amount of light of the same colour.
(2) Sub-clause (1) applies to a motor cycle with an attached sidecar as if the sidecar were not attached.
Division 2—Headlights
77. Headlights to be fitted to vehicles
(1) A motor vehicle must be fitted with—
(a)
1 low-beam headlight if it is a moped, motor cycle, or motor trike with 1 front wheel; or
(b)
a pair of low-beam headlights if it has 4 or more wheels or is a motor trike, except a moped, with 2 front wheels.
(2) If a motor vehicle built after 1934 can travel at over
60 kilometres an hour—
(a)
each low-beam headlight mentioned in sub-clause (1) must be able to work in the high-beam position; or
(b) the vehicle must be fitted with—
(i) 1 headlight that can work in the high-beam position if the vehicle is required to have 1 low- beam headlight; or
(ii) a pair of headlights that can work in the high- beam position.
Road Safety (Vehicles) (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1999
| r. 11 | S.R. No. 54/1999 |
(3) A motor cycle may be equipped with a headlight modulation system that—
(a)
varies the brightness of its high-beam headlight or low-beam headlight, but not both, at a rate of at least 200 and at most 280 flashes a minute; and
(b) is designed to operate only in the daytime.
(4) Additional headlights may be fitted to a motor cycle or
motor trike, or a motor vehicle with 4 or more wheels that
was built before 1970.
Road Safety (Vehicles) (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1999
| r. 11 | S.R. No. 54/1999 |
brake couplings are used for the same purpose as the hoses
mentioned in the standard.
144. Simultaneous parking brake application
(1) If the parking brake of a motor vehicle in a B-double or road
train is applied, the parking brakes of any attached trailer
must be applied automatically.(2) This clause does not apply to a trailer carrying wheel chocks
complying with clause 138(2).
145. Capacity of air reservoirs
(1) The capacity of the air storage tanks of a motor vehicle used
in a B-double or road train must be at least 12 times the
volume of all the brake activation chambers on the motor
vehicle.(2) The capacity of the air storage tanks of a trailer used in a
B-double or road train must be at least 8 times the volume of
all the brake activation chambers on the trailer.PART 10—CONTROL OF EMISSIONS
Note: This Part sets out requirements to ensure that motor vehicles do not emit too much smoke or noise and that exhaust gases cannot enter the passenger compartment of a vehicle.
Division 1—Crank case gases and visible emissions
146. Crank case gases
(1) This clause applies to a motor vehicle with 4 or more wheels
that is powered by a petrol engine and was built after 1971.(2) The vehicle must be built to prevent, or fitted with
equipment that prevents, crank case gases from escaping to
the atmosphere.
147. Visible emissions
(1) This clause applies to a motor vehicle that is propelled by an
internal combustion engine and was built after 1930.(2) The vehicle must not emit visible emissions for a continuous period of at least 10 seconds.
Road Safety (Vehicles) (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1999
S.R. No. 54/1999 r. 11 (3) However, this clause does not apply to emissions that are visible only because of heat or the condensation of water vapour.
Division 2—Exhaust systems
148. Exhaust systems
(1) An exhaust system fitted to a motor vehicle with a GVM
over 4·5 tonnes (except a bus) must be constructed and
fitted in accordance with regulation 15 of the Environment
Protection (Vehicle Emissions) Regulations 19923.(2) The outlet of the exhaust system fitted to a bus with a GVM
over 4·5 tonnes must—
(a) be as near as practicable to the rear of the vehicle; and (b)
extend no further than the edge of the bus at its widest point.
(3) The outlet must discharge the main exhaust flow to the air—
(a)
if the bus is fitted, or required under a law of this jurisdiction to be fitted, with an exhaust system with a vertical outlet pipe—
(i) behind the passenger compartment; and
(ii) at an angle above the horizontal; and
(iii) upwards or rearwards; and(b) in any other case—
(i) horizontally or at an angle of not over 45° downwards; and
(ii) rearwards or to the right of the vehicle.
(4) A vertical exhaust system fitted to a motor vehicle with a
GVM over 4·5 tonnes must—
(a)
if the vehicle is fitted with an exhaust system with a vertical outlet pipe that does not direct the main exhaust flow straight up—direct the flow rearwards at an angle within 0° to 45° of the longitudinal centre line of the vehicle; and
(b)
if a rain cap is fitted to the outlet pipe—be installed so the hinge of the cap is at an angle of 90° (plus or minus 10°) to the longitudinal centre line of the vehicle when viewed from above.
Road Safety (Vehicles) (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1999
| r. 11 | S.R. No. 54/1999 |
Figure 23: Illustration of bus exhaust outlet pipe
Division 3—Noise emissions
149. Silencing device for exhaust systems
A motor vehicle propelled by an internal combustion engine must be fitted with a silencing device through which all the exhaust from the engine passes.
150. Stationary noise levels—car-type vehicles and motor cycles and trikes
(1) In this clause—
"car-type vehicle" means—
(a) a car; or
(b) a utility truck, panel van, or another motor vehicle derived from a car design; or (c) another motor vehicle with 4 or more wheels that is built mainly to carry not over 9 people including the driver.
(2) The stationary noise level of a car-type vehicle must not
exceed the relevant noise levels set out in regulation 13(1)
of the Environment Protection (Vehicle Emissions)
Regulations 1992.
(3) The stationary noise level of a motor cycle or trike must not
exceed the relevant noise levels set out in regulation 13(3)
of the Environment Protection (Vehicle Emissions)
Regulations 1992.
Road Safety (Vehicles) (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1999
S.R. No. 54/1999 r. 11 (4) However, this clause does not apply to a car-type vehicle
built after 1982 for 2 years after the commencement of this
clause, if—
(a) the stationary noise level of the vehicle does not exceed 96 dB(A); and (b) the stationary noise level limit applying to the vehicle under the law of the State or Territory where the vehicle is registered, or otherwise authorised to be driven on a road or road-related area, by a vehicle registration authority is not 90 dB(A) or less. 151. Stationary noise levels—other vehicles with spark ignition engines
(1) This clause applies to a motor vehicle (except a motor
vehicle to which clause 150 applies) with a spark ignition
engine.
(2) The stationary noise level of the motor vehicle must not
exceed the noise level applying to that vehicle under
regulation 13(2) of the Environment Protection (Vehicle
Emissions) Regulations 1992.
152. Stationary noise levels—other vehicles with diesel engines
(1) This clause applies to a motor vehicle (except a motor vehicle to which clause 150 applies) with a diesel engine.
(2) The stationary noise level of the motor vehicle must not
exceed the noise level applying to that vehicle under
regulation 13(2) of the Environment Protection (Vehicle
Emissions) Regulations 1992.
153. Measurement of stationary noise levels
For the purposes of this Division, the stationary noise level of a motor vehicle is to be measured in accordance with the method prescribed by Schedule 6 to the Environment
Protection (Vehicle Emissions) Regulations 1992.
Road Safety (Vehicles) (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1999
| r. 11 | S.R. No. 54/1999 |
PART 11—LPG FUEL SYSTEMS
Note: This Part sets out requirements to ensure that LPG fuel systems are safely installed in motor vehicles and that vehicles with LPG installed can be identified as LPG-powered vehicles.
154. LPG-powered vehicles
(1) A motor vehicle equipped to run on LPG must comply with
the requirements for the use of LPG in vehicles in—
(a) the version of Australian Standard AS 1425 LP Gas Fuel Systems for Vehicle Engines in force at the commencement of this clause; or (b) if an earlier version of the standard was current when the vehicle was first equipped to run on LPG—that version.
(2) A vehicle equipped to run on LPG must have fixed
conspicuously to the front and rear number plates a label
that is—
(a) made of durable material; and
(b)
at least 25 millimetres wide and 25 millimetres high; and
(c)
reflective red conforming to Australian Standard AS 1742–1975 Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices, Appendix C, Class 2; and
(d)
marked "LPGAS" or "LPG", or with words or acronyms to similar effect, in capital letters at least 6 millimetres high.
PART 12—MAXIMUM ROAD SPEED LIMITING
Note: This Part requires certain heavy vehicles built after 1987, but before July 1991, to have a restricted top speed. However, emergency vehicles and certain 2-axle prime movers owned by farmers and used in primary
production are exempt.
155. Speed limiting
(1) A bus with a GVM over 14·5 tonnes that was built after
1987 must comply with third edition ADR 65.(2) A prime mover with a GVM over 15 tonnes that was built
after 1987 must comply with third edition ADR 65.
Road Safety (Vehicles) (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1999
S.R. No. 54/1999 r. 11 (3) For third edition ADR 65, the maximum road speed capability of a motor vehicle used in a road train is 90 kilometres an hour.
Note: Vehicle Standards Bulletin 2 (VSB 2) contains the requirements of third edition ADR 65. The Bulletin is available from the Federal Office of Road Safety.
156. Exemptions from speed limiting
Clause 155 does not apply to—
(a) an emergency vehicle or police vehicle; or
(b)
a bus fitted with hand grips or similar equipment for standing passengers to hold; or
(c) a 2-axle prime mover if—
(i) it was built after 1987 but before July 1991; and
(ii) its owner is a person who uses it for agriculture, horticulture, or other primary production activities (except forestry, fishing and mining).
PART 13—MECHANICAL CONNECTIONS BETWEEN VEHICLES
Note: This Part sets out various requirements to ensure that the couplings used when operating motor vehicles and trailers in combinations are strong enough to hold them together.
The requirements in this Part about the mechanical connections between vehicles in a road train do not apply to a road train 19 metres long or less.
Division 1—Couplings on all types of vehicles
157. General coupling requirements
(1) A fifth wheel coupling, the mating parts of a coupling, a
kingpin or a towbar must not be used for a load more than
the manufacturer's load rating.(2) A kingpin must be used only with a fifth wheel coupling
that has a corresponding jaw size.Example: An adaptor must not to be used to fit a kingpin to a fifth wheel coupling.
Road Safety (Vehicles) (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1999
| r. 11 | S.R. No. 54/1999 |
(3) The mating parts of a coupling used to connect a semi-
trailer to a towing vehicle must not allow the semi-trailer to
roll to an extent that makes the towing vehicle unstable.
158. Drawbar couplings
(1) A coupling for attaching a trailer, except a semi-trailer or
pole-type trailer, to a towing vehicle must be built and fitted
so—
(a)
the coupling is equipped with a positive locking mechanism; and
(b)
the positive locking mechanism can be released regardless of the angle of the trailer to the towing vehicle.
(2) If the trailer is in a combination and is not fitted with
breakaway brakes in accordance with clause 133(3), it must
be connected to the towing vehicle by at least 1 chain, cable
or other flexible device, as well as the coupling required by
sub-clause (1).(3) The connection must be built and fitted so—
(a)
the trailer is kept in tow if the coupling breaks or accidentally detaches; and
(b)
normal angular movement of the coupling is permitted without unnecessary slack.
(4)
If practicable, the connection must be built and fitted so the drawbar of the trailer is prevented from hitting the ground if the coupling accidentally detaches.
Division 2—Additional coupling requirements for B-doubles and long
road trains
159. What is a long road train?
For the purposes of this Division—
"long road train" means a road train that is over
19·0 metres long.
160. Couplings for B-doubles and long road trains
(1) A fifth wheel coupling used to connect a towing vehicle to a
semi-trailer used in a B-double or long road train must not
be built with a pivot that allows a semi-trailer to roll relative
to the towing vehicle.
Road Safety (Vehicles) (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1999
S.R. No. 54/1999 r. 11 (2) However, sub-clause (1) does not apply to a fifth wheel coupling if—
(a)
the semi-trailer design requires torsional stresses to be minimised; and
(b)
the roll axis of the fifth wheel coupling is above the surface of the coupler plate; and
(c)
the degree of rotation allowed around the roll axis of the fifth wheel coupling is restricted to prevent roll instability.
(3) A trailer with only 1 axle group, or a single axle, (except a semi-trailer or a converter dolly) that is used in a long road train must not have a coupling fitted at its rear. 161. Selection of fifth wheel couplings for B-doubles and long road trains
(1) A fifth wheel coupling used in a B-double or long road train
must have a D-value complying with Australian Standard
AS 1773–1990 Articulated Vehicles—Fifth Wheel
Assemblies.(2) A turntable used in a B-double or long road train must have
a D-value complying with Australian Standard AS 1773–
1990 Articulated Vehicles—Fifth Wheel Assemblies.(3)
If a fifth wheel coupling used in a B-double or long road train is built for a 50 millimetre or 90 millimetre kingpin, the coupling must—
(a) meet the dimension requirements in Australian Wheel Assemblies; and
(b)
not be worn away more than recommended by the standard.
(4) If a fifth wheel coupling used in a B-double or long road
train is built for a 75 millimetre kingpin, the coupling
must—
(a)
be compatible with the kingpin mentioned in clause 165(3); and
(b)
not be worn away so that it does not comply with clause 162.
162. D-value of a fifth wheel coupling
Road Safety (Vehicles) (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1999
| r. 11 | S.R. No. 54/1999 |
In testing a fifth wheel coupling built for a 75 millimetre
kingpin used in a B-double or long road train to decide
whether its D-value complies with clause 161(1), the
longitudinal movement (after readjusting the jaws of the
coupling using a kingpin built to the dimensions mentioned
in clause 165(3)(a)) must not be over 4 millimetres.163. Mounting of fifth wheel couplings on B-doubles and long road trains
A fifth wheel coupling must be mounted on a prime mover,
or a semi-trailer used in a B-double or long road train, in
accordance with Australian Standard AS 1771–1987
Installation of Fifth Wheel and Turntable Assemblies.164. Branding of fifth wheel couplings and turntables on B-doubles and long road trains
(1) A fifth wheel coupling on a vehicle built after June 1991
forming part of a B-double or long road train must be
clearly and permanently marked in accordance with
Australian Standard AS 1773–1990 Articulated Vehicles—
Fifth Wheel Assemblies with—(a) the name or trademark of its manufacturer; and
(b) its D-value rating; and
(c) its nominal size.
(2) A turntable used in a vehicle built after the commencement
of this clause that forms part of a B-double or long road
train must be marked with—
(a)
the name or trademark of the turntable's manufacturer; and
(b)
the D-value rating of the turntable in accordance with Australian Standard AS 1773–1990 Articulated Vehicles—Fifth Wheel Assemblies.
165. Selection of kingpins for B-doubles and long road trains
(1) A kingpin used in a B-double or long road train must— (a) be a 50, 75 or 90 millimetre kingpin; and
(b)
have a D-value complying with Australian Standard AS 2175–1990 Articulated Vehicles—Kingpins.
(2) A 50 or 90 millimetre kingpin used in a B-double or long
road train must—
Road Safety (Vehicles) (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1999
S.R. No. 54/1999 r. 11
(a)
be built to meet the dimension requirements in Australian Standard AS 2175–1990 Articulated Vehicles—Kingpins; and
(b)
not be worn away more than recommended by the standard.
(3) A 75 millimetre kingpin used in a B-double or long road
train must—
(a)
be built to meet the dimensions in the following essential diagram; and
(b)
not be worn away more than mentioned in sub- clause (4).
φ 101.2 +- 0.1 (G)
Skid Plate
(H) Minimum
Radius of 3
φ 76.2 + - 0.1 (F) φ 99.4 +- 1.3
(All Dimensions in Millimetres)
Dimensions of a 75 millimetre kingpin
(4) In testing a 75 millimetre kingpin mentioned in the essential
diagram in sub-clause (3) to decide whether its D-value
complies with sub-clause (1)(b)—
(a)
diameter F must not wear more than 3 millimetres; and
(b)
diameter G must not wear more than 2 millimetres; and
(c) height H must not wear more than 2·3 millimetres.
Road Safety (Vehicles) (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1999
| r. 11 | S.R. No. 54/1999 |
166. Attachment of kingpins on B-doubles and long road trains
A kingpin used in a trailer that forms part of a B-double or
long road train must be attached in accordance with—
(a) the manufacturer's specifications and instructions; or
(b)
the guidelines detailed in Australian Standard AS 2175–1990 Articulated Vehicles—Kingpins.
167. Branding of kingpins on B-doubles and long road trains
A kingpin used in a trailer built after June 1991 that forms
part of a B-double or long road train must be clearly and
permanently marked on the lower circular face of the
kingpin in accordance with Australian Standard AS 2175–1990 Articulated Vehicles—Kingpins with—
(a) the name or trademark of its manufacturer; and
(b) its D-value rating; and(c) its nominal size.
168. Selection of couplings and drawbar eyes for long road trains
A drawbar-type coupling, or drawbar eye, used in a long road train must—
(a) be a 50 millimetre pin type; and
(b)
have a D-value complying with Australian Standard AS 2213–1984 50mm Pin Type Couplings and Drawbar Eyes for Trailers; and
(c)
be built to the dimensions mentioned in the standard; and
(d)
not be worn away more than is recommended in the standard.
169. Attachment of couplings and drawbar eyes on long road trains
A drawbar-type coupling, or drawbar eye, used in a long road train must be built and positioned so—
(a) when the road train is moving, the drawbar can move at least 15° upwards or downwards from the position it occupies when the road train is parked on level ground; and
(b) the pivot point of the coupling is not over which it is attached; and
Road Safety (Vehicles) (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1999
S.R. No. 54/1999 r. 11
(c)
it is at a height of at least 800 millimetres, but not over 950 millimetres, when the road train is unloaded and parked on level ground.
170. Branding of couplings and drawbar eyes on long road trains
A drawbar-type coupling, or drawbar eye, used on a vehicle
built after June 1991 that forms part of a long road train
must be clearly and permanently marked in accordance with
Australian Standard AS 2213–1984 50mm Pin TypeCouplings and Drawbar Eyes for Trailers with—
(a) the name or trademark of its manufacturer; and
(b) its D-value rating.
171. Tow coupling overhang on long road trains
(1) In this clause—
"tow coupling overhang", of a vehicle, means the
horizontal distance from the centre of the axle group, or the centre line of the single axle, at the rear of the vehicle to the pivot point of the coupling near the rear
of the vehicle.
(2) The tow coupling overhang of a motor vehicle, except a prime mover, used in a long road train must not be more than the greater of—
(a)
30% of the distance from the centre of the front axle to the centre of the axle group or single axle at the rear of the vehicle; and
(b) 2·7 metres.
(3) The tow coupling overhang of a semi-trailer, or a dog trailer
consisting of a semi-trailer and converter dolly, used in a
long road train must not be more than 30% of the distance
from the point of articulation to the centre of the axle group
or single axle at the rear of the vehicle.(4)
The tow coupling overhang of another dog trailer used in a long road train must not be more than 30% of the distance from the centre of the front axle group or single axle to the centre of the axle group or single axle at the rear of the
vehicle.
Road Safety (Vehicles) (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1999
| r. 11 | S.R. No. 54/1999 |
Figure 24: Tow coupling overhang—semi-trailer with extra coupling at rear
Figure 25: Tow coupling overhang—motor vehicle
Road Safety (Vehicles) (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1999
r. 11 r. 11
S.R. No. 54/1999
Figure 26: Illustration of tow coupling overhang—dog trailer
PART 14—OTHER MATTERS
172. Vehicle equipment
A vehicle is taken to have equipment mentioned in the
Vehicle Standards only if the equipment is in working order.
173. Restored vehicles
(1) For the Vehicle Standards, a restored vehicle is taken to
have been built when it was originally built and not when it
was restored.
(2) In this clause—
"restored vehicle" means a vehicle that is being, or has
been, restored to its manufacturer's specifications, so
far as it is practicable to meet the specifications.
174. Interpretation of certain second edition ADRs
The words "left" and "right" in the following second edition vehicle with a left-hand drive—
ADRs have the opposite meaning in the application of the
(a) ADR 8 Safety Glass;
(b) ADR 12 Glare Reduction in Field of View;
(c) ADR 14 Rear Vision Mirrors;(d) ADR 16 Windscreen Wipers and Washers;
(e) DRs 18 and 18A Location and Visibility of Instruments; (f) ADRs 35 and 35A Commercial Vehicle Braking Systems.
Note: The following table contains a list of some terms used in the third edition ADRs and the corresponding term used in the Vehicle Standards.
Third edition ADRs Vehicle Standards dipped-beam headlamp low-beam (for a headlight) front fog lamp front fog light rear fog lamp rear fog light wheelguard mudguard
Road Safety (Vehicles) (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1999
| r. 12 | S.R. No. 54/1999 |
main-beam headlamp high-beam (for a headlight) reversing lamp reversing light direction indicator lamp direction indicator light stop lamp brake light rear registration plate lamp number plate light front position (side) lamp parking light rear position (side) lamp tail light end-outline marker lamp front or rear clearance light external cabin lamp external cabin light internal lamp interior light side marker lamp side marker light daytime running lamp daytime running light rear reflex reflector, rear reflector non-triangular front reflex reflector, front reflector non-triangular side reflex reflector, side reflector '. non-triangular 12. Amendment of Road Safety (Drivers) Regulations 1999
In the Road Safety (Drivers) Regulations 19994—
(a) in regulation 104, in the definition of "high powered motor vehicle", in paragraph (b) for "35 litres" substitute "3⋅5 litres";
(b)
in regulation 303(1)(d)(i) for "proceedings in respect of a parking or traffic offence or infringement" substitute "a parking infringement or traffic infringement";
(c) in regulation 403—
Road Safety (Vehicles) (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1999
S.R. No. 54/1999 r. 14 (i) in sub-regulation (1) for "application for review by the Magistrates' Court under section 26" substitute "appeal to
the Magistrates' Court under section 26
of the Act";(ii) in sub-regulation (2) for "apply for review by" substitute "appeal to";
(iii) in sub-regulation (3) for "under this regulation" substitute "on an appeal".
13. New regulation 106 inserted in Road Safety (General) Regulations 1999
After regulation 105 of the Road Safety (General)
Regulations 19995 insert—
'106. Certificate under section 84A certificate under section 84 of the Act must, in addition to the matters referred to in section 84(1) or (3), contain the following prescribed particulars—
(a) the expression "Road Safety Act 1986"; and (b) the expression "Certificate under
Section 84"; and(c) the name and official title of the person issuing the certificate; and (d) the date on which the certificate is issued.'.
14. Further amendment of Road Safety (General) Regulations 1999
(1) In Schedule 4 to the Road Safety (General)
Regulations 1999 the item relating to code 2142 is revoked.
Road Safety (Vehicles) (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1999
S.R. No. 54/1999
(2) In Schedule 4 to the Road Safety (General) Regulations 1999, after the item relating to code 2146 insert—
"2147 Use or permit use of RS (V) R 702 165 vehicle in breach of major vehicle defect notice
2148 Use or permit use of RS (V) R 702 135". vehicle in breach of minor vehicle defect notice
═══════════════
Road Safety (Vehicles) (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1999
S.R. No. 54/1999 Notes
NOTES
1 Reg. 3: S.R. No. 29/1999.
2 Reg. 4(a) def. of "Australian Standard": Copies of Australian Standards are
available from offices of the Standards Association of Australia.
3 Reg. 11 (proposed cl. 148(1)): S.R. No. 127/1992. Reprinted to
S.R. No. 293/1992.
4 Reg. 12: S.R. No. 26/1999.
5 Reg. 13: S.R. No. 27/1999.
——
Table of Applied, Adopted or Incorporated Matter Required by
Subordinate Legislation Regulations 1994
Note that the following table of applied, adopted or incorporated matter is
included in accordance with the requirements of regulation 6 of the SubordinateLegislation Regulations 1994.
Statutory Rule Title of applied, adopted or Matter in Provision incorporated document applied,
adopted or
incorporated
documentRegulation 9: Australian Standard The whole Schedule 8 clause 3 AS 2175–1990 Articulated (definitions of Vehicles Kingpins. "50mm kingpin" and
"90mm kingpin"),
clauses 165, 166 and
167Regulation 9: Australian Code for the Volume 1 Schedule 8 clause 3 Transport of Dangerous Division 1.1— (definition of "road Goods by Road and Rail Interpretation tank vehicle") Regulation 9: Australian Design Rules for The whole Schedule 8 clauses Motor Vehicles and Trailers, 17 and 19 Second Edition, published by
the Commonwealth
Department of TransportRoad Safety (Vehicles) (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1999
S.R. No. 54/1999
NOTES—continued
Statutory Rule Title of applied, adopted or Matter in Provision incorporated document applied,
adopted or
incorporated
documentRegulation 9: Australian Design Rules for The whole Schedule 8 clauses Motor Vehicles and Trailers, 18 and 20
Third Edition, published by the Federal Office of Road Safety of the Commonwealth
Department of Transport and
Regional DevelopmentRegulation 9: Australian Standard The whole Schedule 8 clause 23(2)(a) British Standard Regulation 9: Second and third edition The whole Schedule 8 ADR 5 clause 23(2)(b) Regulation 9: Second edition ADR 34; third The whole Schedule 8 edition ADR 5 and 34 clause 23(2)(c) Regulation 9: Second and third edition ADR Clause 22.2 Schedule 8 22 clause 23(2)(d) Regulation 9: British Standard AU200–1984 Parts 1 and 2 Schedule 8 Spray Reducing Devices for clause 33(1)(b) Heavy Goods Vehicles Regulation 9: Australian Standard AS 2513– The whole Schedule 8 1982 Electrical Connections for clause 41(2) Trailer Vehicles Regulation 9: Third Edition ADR 63 The whole Schedule 8
clause 41(4)Statutory Rule Title of applied, adopted or Matter in Provision incorporated document applied,
adopted or
incorporated
documentRoad Safety (Vehicles) (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1999
S.R. No. 54/1999
NOTES—continued
Regulation 9: Australian Standard AS R1– The whole Schedule 8 1965 Safety Glass for Land clause 43(2) Transport;
Australian Standard AS R1–
1968 Safety Glass for Land
Transport;
Australian Standard
AS 2080–1977 Safety Glass
for Vehicles;
British Standard BS 857:1967
Specification for Safety Glass
for Land Transport;
British Standard
BS 5282:1975 Road Vehicle
Safety Glass;
British Standard
BS AU178:1980 Road
Vehicle Safety Glass;
Japanese Industrial Standard
JIS R 3211–1979 Safety
Glasses for Road Vehicles;
American National Standard
ANSI Z26.1–1980 Safety
Code for Safety Glazing
Materials for Glazing Motor
Vehicles Operating on Land
HighwayStatutory Rule Title of applied, adopted or Matter in Provision incorporated document applied,
adopted or
incorporated
documentRoad Safety (Vehicles) (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1999
S.R. No. 54/1999
NOTES—continued
Regulation 9: Australian Standard The whole Schedule 8 clause 53 AS 1973–1976 Retreaded
Pneumatic Passenger Car and
Light Truck Tyre; Australian
Standard AS 1973–1985
Retreaded Pneumatic
Passenger and Light Truck
Tyre; Australian Standard
AS 1973–1993 Pneumatic
Tyres—Passenger Car, Light
Truck and Truck/Bus—
Retreading and Repair
ProcessesRegulation 9: Australian Standard AS 1744 The whole Schedule 8 Forms of Letters and clause 62(3) Numerals for Road Signs Regulation 9: Australian Standard AS 1906 Part 1 Schedule 8 Retro-reflective Material and clauses 62(7) and Devices for Road Traffic 117(3) Control Purposes Regulation 9: Third Edition ADR 6 The whole Schedule 8
clause 116(7)Regulation 9: Australian Standard AS 1743 Image W6-2 at Schedule 8 Road Signs—Specifications page 129 clause 117 Regulation 9: Third Edition ADR 13 Rule 13.6.101 Schedule 8
clause 119(1)Regulation 9: Second Edition ADR 35A; The whole Schedule 8 Third Edition ADR 35 clauses 136(1) and
137Statutory Rule Title of applied, adopted or Matter in Provision incorporated document applied,
adopted or
incorporated
documentRoad Safety (Vehicles) (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1999
S.R. No. 54/1999
NOTES—continued
Regulation 9: Third Edition ADR 64 Clause 64.5.2 Schedule 8
clause 136(2)Regulation 9: Second Edition ADR 38; The whole Schedule 8 Third Edition ADR 38 clause 138 Regulation 9: Australian Standard AS D8– The whole Schedule 8 1971 Hose Couplings for Use clause 143(2) with Vacuum and Air-
Pressure Braking Systems on
Prime Movers, Trailers and
Semi-TrailersRegulation 9: Australian Standard AS 1425 The whole Schedule 8 LP Gas Fuel Systems for clause 154(1)(a) Vehicle Engines in force as at
the commencement of
clause 154(1)(a)Regulation 9: Australian Standard Appendix C, Schedule 8 AS 1742–1975 Manual of Class 2 clause 154(2)(c) Uniform Traffic Control
DevicesRegulation 9: Third Edition ADR 65 The whole Schedule 8 clause 155
Regulation 9: Australian Standard The whole Schedule 8 AS 1773–1990 Articulated clauses 161 and 164 Vehicles—Fifth Wheel
AssembliesRegulation 9: Australian Standard The whole Schedule 8 AS 1771–1987 Installation of clause 163 Fifth Wheel and Turntable
AssembliesStatutory Rule Title of applied, adopted or Matter in Provision incorporated document applied,
adopted or
incorporated
documentRoad Safety (Vehicles) (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1999
S.R. No. 54/1999
NOTES—continued
Regulation 9: Australian Standard The whole Schedule 8 AS 2213–1984 50mm Pin clauses 168 and 170 Type Couplings and Drawbar
Eyes for Trailers
0
0
0