Heavy Vehicle National Law - Tasmania Class 3 Heavy Vehicle Twin Steer Prime Mover Semitrailer Mass Exemption Notice 2019 (No.1)

Overview

The Tasmania Class 3 Heavy Vehicle Twin Steer Prime Mover Semitrailer Mass Exemption Notice 2019 (No. 1) was enacted to address the need for specific exemptions from certain mass requirements for a particular class of heavy vehicles within Tasmania. This Notice was issued under section 117 of the Heavy Vehicle National Law as in force in each participating jurisdiction (HVNL) and aims to facilitate the movement of these vehicles by exempting them from certain prescribed mass limits set out in the Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulation. The Notice applies specifically to a seven-axle heavy vehicle combination consisting of a prime mover fitted with a twin steer axle group and a single semitrailer fitted with a tri-axle group, ensuring that these vehicles can operate within Tasmania while adhering to specified mass conditions. The Notice was issued by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator and commenced on 10 February 2019, expiring on 9 February 2024, unless otherwise renewed.

Scope and Application

The Tasmania Class 3 Heavy Vehicle Twin Steer Prime Mover Semitrailer Mass Exemption Notice 2019 (No.1) is issued under section 117 of the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) and applies specifically within the jurisdiction of Tasmania. This Notice provides an exemption from certain prescribed mass requirements for a specific combination of heavy vehicles, namely a seven-axle heavy vehicle consisting of a prime mover fitted with a twin steer axle group and a single semitrailer fitted with a tri-axle group. The exemption applies to these vehicles in Tasmania and allows them to operate under specified conditions and limitations. For instance, the maximum permissible mass for these vehicles is set at 47.5 tonnes if the twin steer axle group is equipped with a load-sharing suspension system, or 46.5 tonnes otherwise. Additionally, the Notice outlines specific mass limits for axle spacing and permits the use of higher mass limits on designated routes within Tasmania, as detailed in the Tasmanian Approved Higher Mass Limits Route Network. The Notice will remain in effect from its commencement on 10 February 2019 until it expires on 9 February 2024.

Key Provisions

This Notice, issued under section 117 of the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL), provides specific exemptions for a seven-axle heavy vehicle combination in Tasmania, consisting of a prime mover fitted with a twin steer axle group and a single semitrailer fitted with a tri-axle group. The Notice exempts these vehicles from certain prescribed mass requirements outlined in Schedule 1 of the Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulation (Regulation). Specifically, it exempts the vehicle from the general mass limits as stated in sections 2(1)(a)(iv) and 5(1) of Schedule 1 of the Regulation, provided the mass of the vehicle complies with the conditions specified in the Notice. The Notice imposes several conditions to ensure the safety and compliance of the exempted vehicles. First, the total mass of the vehicle must not exceed 47.5 tonnes if the twin steer axle group is equipped with a load-sharing suspension system, or 46.5 tonnes in other cases (clause 10). Second, the mass of the vehicle must also comply with the axle spacing mass limits as detailed in Table 3 of Part 2 of Schedule 1 of the Regulation (clause 11). Additionally, if the vehicle is eligible for a higher mass limit under clause 12, the total mass must not exceed the higher limit specified in the Regulation, adjusted by the mass exception amount. In terms of compliance and enforcement, any breach of the conditions outlined in this Notice may lead to enforcement actions. The penalties for such breaches can include fines and other legal consequences as stipulated by the HVNL and the Regulation. Specifically, breaches of the heavy vehicle regulations can result in civil penalties, including fines up to the statutory maximum, as well as criminal penalties if the breach is deemed to be serious or repeated. The exact penalties would be determined based on the nature and severity of the breach, as well as any aggravating factors present. Overall, this Notice provides a framework for the exemption of certain heavy vehicles from specific mass requirements, provided that they adhere to the conditions set out. It is essential for operators of these vehicles to understand and comply with these conditions to avoid any legal repercussions. The Notice aims to balance the need for efficient transportation with the imperative of maintaining road safety standards.