Heavy Vehicle National Law - Multi-State Class 1 Load Carrying Vehicles Mass Exemption Notice 2016 (No. 1)

Heavy Vehicle National Law

Multi-State Class 1 Load Carrying Vehicles Mass Exemption Notice 2016 (No. 1)

Statutory Instrument Series

Class 1/3 Heavy Vehicle Exemption Notice - Mass Exemption Notice

Exemption

1                      Purpose

The purpose of this Notice is to consolidate in a single mass exemption Notice a range of schemes under which mass exemption permits are currently provided to class 1 load carrying vehicles in New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria.

 Note—

This Notice exempts certain class 1 heavy vehicles from stated mass requirements. It does not exempt a class 1 heavy vehicle from the dimension requirements in the HVNL. Exemption from the HVNL dimension requirements may be available through—

• a dimension exemption notice issued under the HVNL or corresponding former legislation; or
• a dimension exemption permit issued under the HVNL.

Nothing in this Notice exempts the driver or operator of the vehicle from complying with legislation regulating the use of heavy vehicles, including but not limited to—

• official  traffic signs, including those indicating mass limits or dimension limits;
• vehicle standards in the HVNL; and
• directions of authorised officers.

A load carrying vehicle that does not comply with the dimension requirements of the HVNL may be subject to additional conditions of operation including route and time of travel restrictions. For example, please refer to the Multi-state Class 1 Load Carrying Vehicles Dimension Exemption Notice 2016.

2                      Authorising provision

This Notice is made under section 117 of the Heavy Vehicle National Law as applied in each participating jurisdiction.

3                      Application

This Notice applies—

(a)     in New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria;  

(b)     to a heavy vehicle that exceeds a mass limit in the Heavy Vehicle National Law and—

(i)    carrying, or designed for the purpose of carrying, a large indivisible item, including, for example, a combination including a low loader; but

(ii)    is not a road train or B-double, or carrying a freight container designed for multi-modal transport.

4                      Commencement

(1)         This Notice, except for Schedule 2, commences on 11 July 2016.

(2)         Schedule 2 commences on 15 July 2016.

5                      Expiry

This Notice expires on 10 July 2021.

6                      Definitions

(1)         A reference in this Notice to a heavy vehicle includes a reference to its load, except where otherwise stated in this Notice.

(2)         In this Notice—

≥  means equal to or greater than.

closed quad-axle group (also denoted as “4 @ 1.2”) means a group of—

(a)          4 axles at least 1.2m apart; where

(b)          the horizontal distance between the centre-lines of the outermost axles is not more than 4.9m.

closed quin-axle group (also denoted as “5 @ 1.2”) means a group of

(a)          5 axles at least 1.2m apart; where

(b)          the horizontal distance between the centre-lines of the outermost axles is not more than 4.9m.

closed tandem axle group (also denoted as “2 @ 1.2”) means a group of—

(a)          2 axles at least 1.2m apart;  where

(b)          the horizontal distance between the centre-lines of the 2 axles is not more than 2.0m.

closed tri-axle group (also denoted as “3 @ 1.2”) means a group of

(a)          3 axles at least 1.2m apart; where

(b)          the horizontal distance between the centre-lines of the outermost axles is not more than 3.2m.

eligible vehicle means a load carrying vehicle that—

(a)          does not comply with a prescribed mass requirement applying to it; and

(b)          is designated in a schedule of this Notice as an eligible vehicle.

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

Figure 1- Illustration of ground contact width of an axle

HVNL means the Heavy Vehicle National Law.

MDL National Regulation means the Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulation.

spread quad-axle group (also denoted as “4 @ 1.2, 2.4, 1.2”) means a group of 4 axles, where —

(a)          the distance between the 1st and 2nd axle is at least 1.2m; and

(b)          the distance between the 2nd and 3rd axle is at least 2.4m; and

(c)          the distance between the 3rd and 4th axle is at least 1.2m; and

(d)          the horizontal distance between the centre-lines of the outermost axles is not more than 4.9m.

spread tandem axle group (also denoted as “2 @ 1.8”) means a group of—

(a)          2 axles at least 1.8m apart; where

(b)          the horizontal distance between the centre-lines of the 2 axles is not more than 2.0m.

spread tri-axle group means a group of—

(a)          3 axles—

(i)          at least 1.8m apart (also denoted as “3 @ 1.8”); or

(ii)        where the distance between the 1st and 2nd  axle is at least 1.2m and the distance between the 2nd and 3rd axle is at least 2.4m (also denoted as “3 @ 1.2, 2.4”); or

(iii)       where the distance between the 1st and 2nd  axle is at least 2.4m and the distance between the 2nd and 3rd axle is at least 1.2m (also denoted as “3 @ 2.4, 1.2”);  and

(b)          where the horizontal distance between the centre-lines of the outermost axles is not more than 3.7m.

tandem drive axle group means a tandem axle group consisting of 2 axles, and includes both a dual-drive and single –drive axle group.

7                      Exemption from prescribed mass requirements

This Notice exempts an eligible vehicle to which it applies from the following mass requirements in Schedule 1 of the MDL National Regulation to the extent provided in this Notice, including its Schedules—

(a)     section 2(1)(a)(iv) and (v)– Mass limits for a single vehicle or combination; and

(b)     section 4 as it relates to the mass limits specified in, Table 1 (Axle mass limits table) of Part 2, for the following axle groups—

(i)          a tandem axle group fitted with dual tyres on all axles (16.5t); and

(ii)        a tri-axle group fitted with dual tyres on all axles (20.0t); and

(iii)       a quad axle group fitted with dual tyres on all axles (20.0t); and

(c)      section 5 (1) – Mass limits relating to axle spacing generally.

8                      General operating conditions – section 119 HVNL

(1)         The mass of an eligible vehicle must not be more than the lower of—

(a)     the sum of the mass limits specified in this Notice for the axles or axle groups in the combination; and

(b)     the mass for the vehicle specified in this Notice.

(2)         The mass on an axle or axle group of an eligible vehicle must not be more a limit specified in this Notice, including the mass relating to an axle spacing of the vehicle.

(3)         A mass mentioned in subsection (1) or (2) may be increased by 0.5t if the vehicle is a complying steer axle vehicle.

(4)         The mass on a tandem drive axle group on a prime mover must not be more than 18.5t.

(5)         The mass on a prime mover drive tandem axle group must not be less than 14.0t when the low loader combination is loaded and includes a dolly.

(6)         A tyre on the prime mover’s steer or drive axle must be no less than 279mm wide.

9                      Additional route assessment conditions

(1)         For the purposes of section 11 of Schedule 8 of the MDL National Regulation—

(a)     the driver or operator of an eligible vehicle must undertake a route survey before travel to ensure that the vehicle can do so safely and without—

(i)           damaging road, structure (including a bridge), rail crossing, tree, road infrastructure, or roadside furniture; or

(ii)         disrupting essential services, including telecommunication, electricity, rail, gas, water or sewage services.

(b)     prior to commencing a journey a driver or operator of an eligible vehicle must check a route network map mentioned in the relevant Schedule of the Notice for updates and any restrictions or limitation applying to the proposed route.

(2)         For the purposes of section 11(1) of Schedule 8, the driver or operator must, before commencing the relevant journey, identify any relevant road closures and road conditions or restrictions that may inhibit the movement of the eligible vehicle.

Note—

The relevant sources for subsection (2) are published at www.nhvr.gov.au/access-contacts.

10                  Operation of Schedules

A vehicle operating under this Notice must comply with the conditions set out in the Schedule for a participating jurisdiction where the vehicle is being used.

Dated: 8 July 2016

Sal Petroccitto

Chief Executive Officer

National Heavy Vehicle Regulator

Schedule 1 New South Wales

Part 1 Application in this jurisdiction

Division 1 Vehicle characteristics

1                      Vehicles and vehicle categories

(1)         This Schedule applies to a load carrying vehicle that is comprised of a prime mover towing—

(a)     a low loader fitted with 2, 3, 4 or 5 axles; or

(b)     a single or tandem axle low loader dolly, and a low loader mentioned in paragraph (a).

(2)         A prime mover mentioned in subsection (1) must be fitted with a single steer axle and a dual-drive tandem axle group.

(3)         A vehicle mentioned in subsection (1) is an eligible vehicle in this Schedule.

Division 2 Mass limits and axle spacing conditions

2                      Maximum mass of an eligible vehicle

The mass of an eligible vehicle must not be more than—

(a)     77.5t, if the vehicle is fitted with any axle group with 4 tyres on each axle;

(b)     100.0t if the vehicle is fitted with any axle group with 8 tyres on each axle.

 Note—

Complying steer axle vehicles may operate at an additional 0.5t above the masses above. Refer to section 8(3) in the main body of this Notice.

3                      Axle and axle group mass limits for a low loader dolly or low loader

(1)         The mass on a single axle dolly with 4 tyres must not be more than 9.0t.

(2)         The mass on a tandem axle dolly with 4 tyres on each axle must not be more than 18.5t.

(3)         The mass on an axle group of a low loader dolly with 8 tyres on each axle must not be more than a mass limit determined by the application of Table 1.

Table 1 - Mass limits for 8-tyred single axle or tandem axle group low loader dolly

(4)         The mass on an axle group of a low loader must not be more than the mass limit stated in Table 2, for the stated axle group configuration and minimum axle group ground contact width specified.

Table 2 - Mass limits for low loader axle groups

4                      Axle spacing condition

(1)         For a prime mover, the distance from the centre-line of the steer axle to the centre-line of the foremost axle of the dual-drive tandem axle group must not be less than 3.2m.

(2)         For a prime mover and low loader combination, the distance from the centre-line of the rear most axle of the prime mover to the centre-line of the foremost axle of the low loader must not be less than 6.0m.

(3)         For a prime mover, low loader dolly and low loader combination, the distance from the centre-line of the rear most axle of the prime mover to the foremost axle of the low loader dolly fitted with 4 tyres on each axle must not be less than 2.6m.

(4)         For a prime mover, low loader dolly and low loader combination, the distance from the centre-line of the rear most axle of the prime mover to the foremost axle of the low loader dolly fitted with 8 tyres on each axle must not be less than 3.2m.

(5)         For a prime mover, low loader dolly and low loader combination, the distance from the centre-line of the rear most axle of the low loader dolly to the centre-line of the foremost axle of the low loader must not be less than 6.0m.

Division 3 Areas or routes to which this Schedule applies

5                      Areas or routes to which this Schedule applies

(1)         An eligible vehicle may operate on a route specified on the map titled ‘NSW Oversize Overmass Load Carrying Vehicles Network’ set out at: www.rms.nsw.gov.au/hv-maps.

(2)         This Schedule does not authorise travel on a route that has been damaged by flood submergence, mine subsidence or an earthquake.

Part 2 Operating conditions

6                      General conditions

(1)         An eligible vehicle must only travel on a route specified in section 5 of this Schedule for that category of vehicle and in accordance with any condition, including any restriction on the hours or days of operation, specified for that route.

(2)         The tyre section width of the narrowest tyre fitted to any low loader dolly or low loader must not be less than 190mm (7.50”).

(3)         An eligible vehicle must not cross any bridge—

(a)     while any other vehicle is on the bridge; and

(b)     except along the centreline of the bridge or where directed by an escort, authorised officer; and

(c)      unless the vehicle is kept to a speed of less than 10 km/h with no sudden braking or acceleration.

(4)         Where a grid is installed on any road, the vehicle where possible shall pass through the gates provided and not over the grid.

Schedule 2 South Australia

Part 1 Application in this jurisdiction

Division 1 Vehicle characteristics

1                      Vehicles and vehicle categories

(1)         This Schedule applies to a load carrying vehicle that is comprised of a prime mover towing—

(a)     a low loader fitted with 3, 4 or 5 axles; or

(b)     a tandem axle low loader dolly, and a low loader mentioned in paragraph (a).

(2)         A prime mover mentioned in subsection (1) must be fitted with a single steer axle and a dual-drive tandem axle group.

(3)         A vehicle mentioned in subsection (1) is an eligible vehicle in this Schedule.

Division 2 Mass limits and axle spacing conditions

2                      Maximum mass of an eligible vehicle

The mass of an eligible vehicle must not be more than 93.5t.

 Note—

Complying steer axle vehicles may operate at an additional 0.5t above the mass above. Refer to section 8(3) in the main body of this Notice.

3                      Axle group mass limits for a low loader or low loader dolly

(1)         The mass on a tandem axle dolly fitted with either 4 or 8 tyres on each axle must not be more than 18.0t.

(2)         The sum of the mass on a dual-drive tandem axle group and the mass on a tandem axle dolly must not be more than the mass limit stated in Table 1, for the minimum overall axle spacing and minimum ground contact width for the dolly axle specified in the Table 1.

Table 1 – Mass limits for a tandem axle dolly and prime mover

Note—

The 'overall axle spacing' in Table 1 is the distance from the centre of the first axle in the drive axle group to the centre of the last axle in the dolly group shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1 - Overall axle spacing measurement guide

(3)         The mass on an axle group of a low loader must not be more than the mass limit stated in Table 2, for the stated axle group configuration and minimum axle group ground contact width specified.

Table 2 – Mass limits of low loader axle groups

4                      Axle spacing condition

(1)          For a prime mover and low loader combination, the distance from the centre-line of the rear most axle of the prime mover to the centre-line of the foremost axle of the low loader must not be less than 6.0m.

(2)          For a prime mover, low loader dolly and low loader combination, the distance from the centre-line of the rear most axle of the dolly to the centre-line of the foremost axle of the low loader must not be less than 6.0m.

Division 3 Areas or routes to which this Schedule applies

5                      Areas or routes to which this Schedule applies

(1)         An eligible vehicle— 

(a)     that is not wider than 4.0m may operate on a route specified on the map  titled ’ 4.0m Wide up to 93.5t Low Loader’; or  

(b)     that is wider than 4.0m but not wider than 4.5m may operate on a route specified on the map titled ’4.5m Wide up to 93.5t Low Loader’.

Note—

The South Australian RAVnet Map System maps can be found at www.dpti.sa.gov.au/ravnet.

(2)         This Schedule does not authorise travel on a route that is newly formed, constructed or repaired or has been damaged by floods, submergence, subsidence or any other event, or to which a special limitation has been applied.

(3)         In subsection (2), a special limitation means a limitation imposed in relation to an area or route under another law.

Part 2   Operating conditions

6                      General Conditions

(1)         An eligible vehicle must only travel on a route specified in section 5 of this Schedule for that category of vehicle and in accordance with any condition or limitation specified for that route.

(2)         An eligible vehicle must not travel at a speed exceeding 80km/h or any posted speed limit, whichever is the lesser, if the total mass is more than 75.0t.

(3)         The tyre section width of the narrowest tyre fitted to any low loader dolly or low loader must not be less than 190mm (7.50”).

Schedule 3 Victoria

Part 1 Application in this jurisdiction

Division 1  Vehicle characteristics

1                      Vehicles and vehicle categories

(1)         This Schedule applies to a load carrying vehicle that is comprised of a prime mover towing—

(a)     a low loader fitted with 2, 3 or 4 axles; or

(b)     a low loader dolly towing a low loader mentioned in paragraph (a); or

(c)      a low loader dolly towing a jinker.

(2)         A prime mover mentioned in subsection (1) must be fitted with a single steer axle and a tandem drive axle group.

(3)         A vehicle mentioned in subsection (1) is an eligible vehicle in this Schedule.

Division 2  Mass limits and axle spacing conditions

2                      Maximum mass of an eligible vehicle

The mass of an eligible vehicle—

(a)     without a dolly, must not be more than 82.0t.

(b)     towing a dolly, must not be more than 99.5t.

 Note—

Complying steer axle vehicles may operate at an additional 0.5t above the masses above. Refer to section 8(3) in the main body of this Notice.

3                      Axle and axle group mass limits for a low loader dolly or low loader

(1)         The mass on a dolly with 4 tyres on each axle must not be more than—

(a)     9.0t, for a single axle dolly; and

(b)     18.5t, for a tandem axle dolly.

(2)         The mass on a dolly with with 8 tyres on each axle must not be more than—

(a)     18.0t, for a single axle dolly; and

(b)     32.0t, for a tandem axle dolly.

(3)         The mass on an axle group of a low loader must not be more than the mass limit stated in Table 1 for the stated axle group configuration and minimum axle group ground contact width specified.

(4)         The mass on a low loader with closed tandem axle group with 4 tyres on each axle must not be more than 18.5t.

Table 1 - Mass limits for low loader axle groups

4                      Axle spacing

The axle spacing for an eligible vehicle as measured from the centre of the last dolly axle, or from the centre of the last drive axle when there is no dolly, to the centre of the first trailer axle (see Figure 1 and 2 below) must be no less than the corresponding values in Table 2.

Figure 1 - Last drive axle to first trailer axle measurement guide

Figure 2 - Last dolly axle to first trailer axle measurement guide

Table 2- Drive/dolly axle group to trailer axle group – minimum distance (m)

5                      Mass limits for prime movers and single axle dollies

For a prime mover towing a single axle dolly, the combined mass on the drive axle group and the dolly axle must be no more than the corresponding value in Table 3.

Figure 3 - Overall axle spacing measurement guide – tandem drive axle group and single axle dolly

6                      Mass limits for prime movers and tandem axle dollies

For a prime mover towing a tandem axle dolly, the combined mass on the drive axle group and the dolly axle group must be no more than the corresponding value in Table 4.

Figure 4 - Overall axle spacing measurement guide – tandem drive axle group and tandem axle dolly

Table 3 - Tandem drive axle and single axle dolly mass limits

Table 4 - Tandem drive axle and tandem axle dolly mass limits

Division 3 Areas or routes to which this Schedule applies

7                      Areas or routes to which this Schedule applies –

An eligible vehicle may only operate on the routes specified in the Oversize & Overmass (OSOM) map set out at VicRoads website.

Note—

The map may be found at http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/business-and-industry/heavy-vehicle-industry/heavy-vehicle-map-networks-in-victoria.

Part 2 Operating conditions

8                      General conditions

(1)         An eligible vehicle that is authorised to use a route specified in section 7 must do so in accordance with any restrictions on the hours or days of operation specified for that route.

(2)         An eligible vehicle may only cross any particular bridge once inbound and once outbound each day.