Heavy Vehicle National Law - Tasmania Class 1 & 3 Heavy Vehicle Special- Purpose Logs Dimension Exemption Notice 2019 (No.1)

Overview

The Heavy Vehicle National Law Tasmania Class 1 & 3 Heavy Vehicle Special-Purpose Logs Dimension Exemption Notice 2019 (No.1) was enacted to address the need for exemptions from certain dimension requirements for the transportation of special-purpose logs in Tasmania. The Notice was made under section 117 of the Heavy Vehicle National Law and commenced on 10 February 2019, expiring on 9 February 2024. The Notice applies to combinations consisting of a prime mover and a single semitrailer or a pole erector truck and a pole-type trailer, used for transporting special-purpose logs, and exempts these combinations from specific dimension limits specified in the Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulation. However, it imposes conditions such as maximum permissible dimensions, the need for brightly coloured flags and markers for visibility, and the requirement for an accompanying pilot vehicle if the combination exceeds certain lengths. This Notice aims to balance the unique requirements of transporting special-purpose logs with the need for road safety and regulatory compliance.

Scope and Application

The Tasmania Class 1 & 3 Heavy Vehicle Special-Purpose Logs Dimension Exemption Notice 2019 applies to heavy vehicle combinations used in Tasmania for transporting special-purpose logs, such as those intended for use in wire carrying poles, jetties, or sawn-timber applications. This Notice is made under section 117 of the Heavy Vehicle National Law as in force in each participating jurisdiction and exempts these specific combinations from certain dimension limits outlined in the Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulation. The exemption applies to combinations consisting of a prime mover and a single semitrailer, or a pole erector truck and a pole-type trailer, provided the logs are not destined for processing through chipping, shredding, or grinding. Although exempted from certain dimension requirements, these vehicle combinations must adhere to other conditions, such as maximum permissible dimensions, visibility requirements, and the use of warning signs, flags, and markers as specified. This Notice is in effect from 10 February 2019 until 9 February 2024.

Key Provisions

The Heavy Vehicle National Law Tasmania Class 1 & 3 Heavy Vehicle Special- Purpose Logs Dimension Exemption Notice 2019 (No.1) provides a framework for exemptions from specific dimension requirements for heavy vehicles transporting special-purpose logs in Tasmania. The Notice applies to combinations consisting of a prime mover and a single semitrailer, or a pole erector truck and a pole-type trailer (sections 9 and 10). These vehicles are collectively referred to as 'relevant combinations'. The Notice exempts these vehicles from the dimension limits specified in section 3(1)(a) and section 5(1) of Schedule 6 of the Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulation. Under this Notice, several conditions must be met for the exemption to apply. Firstly, the relevant combination, including its load, must not exceed 30 metres in length (section 11). The rear overhang of the trailer, inclusive of its load, must not be more than 6.5 metres (section 12). During the daytime, a brightly coloured red flag must be affixed to the rearmost point of the load (section 13). At night, the combination must have side and rear markers that comply with section 5(1)(a) and (b) of Schedule 8 of the Regulation (section 14). If the combination exceeds 22 metres in length, it must display an oversize warning sign at the front and rear of the combination, and a warning light if being used at night (section 15). The vehicle must not be used if visibility is less than 250 metres in the daytime or if approaching vehicle headlights cannot be seen at night (section 16). If the combination exceeds 26 metres, it must be accompanied by a pilot vehicle (section 17). Failure to comply with the conditions of the Notice may result in legal consequences. While the Notice itself does not explicitly state offences or penalties, breaches of the Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulation, which this Notice is based upon, could lead to penalties under state and territory laws. These penalties can include fines and, in severe cases, prosecution. Additionally, non-compliance could result in the vehicle being deemed unsafe and unfit for operation, potentially leading to its impoundment or refusal of registration.