Heavy Vehicle National Law – Victoria Class 1 - 4 Axle and 5 Axle All Terrain Mobile Crane Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2016 (No. 1)

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Heavy Vehicle National Law

Victoria Class 1, 4 Axle & 5 Axle All Terrain Mobile Crane Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2016 (No 1)

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

 

1                      Authorising provision

This Notice is made under section 117 of the Heavy Vehicle National Law.

2                      Purpose

This Notice exempts the stated Class 1 heavy vehicles from the prescribed mass requirements and prescribed dimension requirements specified in the Notice, subject to the conditions specified in the Notice.

3                      Commencement

This Notice commences on 9 May 2016.

4                      Expiry

This Notice expires on 8 May 2021.

5                      Title

This Notice may be cited as the Victoria Class 1, 4 Axle & 5 Axle All Terrain Mobile Crane Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2016 (No 1).

6                      Definitions

(1)         Unless otherwise stated, words and expressions used in this Notice have the same meanings as those defined in the HVNL.

(2)         A reference in this Notice to a heavy vehicle includes a reference to its load except where the context or subject otherwise indicates or requires.

(3)         In this Notice—

all terrain mobile crane means a special purpose vehicle that has all of the following features and requirements—

(a)          is a mobile crane with either 4 axles or 5 axles; and

(b)          has two tyres per axle; and

(c)          has at least 50% of its axles steerable; and

(d)           is not a truck mounted special purpose vehicle; and

(e)           has on road and off road capability; and

(f)            has separate driving and crane operating compartments.

axle spacing means the distance between the centre of an axle and the centre of another axle.

eligible vehicle means an all terrain mobile crane that complies with the requirements of this Notice.

ground contact width means

(a)           in relation to an axle, the distance between the outermost point of ground contact of the outside tyres on each end of the axle; or

(b)          in relation to an axle group, the greatest ground contact width of all the axles in the group.

                               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.

7                      Application

This Notice applies to an eligible vehicle operating in Victoria.

Note

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

  • all mass and dimension requirements in the HVNL, other than the mass or dimension requirements from which the vehicle is exempted under this Notice
  • traffic signs, including mass and dimension limit traffic signs
  • vehicle standards in the HVNL and
  •  lawful directions of authorised officers.

8                      Exemption from prescribed mass requirements

An eligible vehicle is exempt from the following mass requirements of Schedule 1 to the MDL National Regulation—

(a)     section 2(1)(a)(iv) and 2(1)(b)

(b)     section 4 and Table 1 (Axle mass limits table) and

(c)      section 5(1) and Table 2 (Axle spacing mass limits general table).

9                      Exemption from prescribed dimension requirements

An eligible vehicle is exempt from the following dimension requirements of Schedule 6 of the MDL National Regulation—

(a)     section 3(1)(g); and

(b)     section 5(1)(c); and

(c)      section 7(1); and

(d)     section 13(a)(i).

10                  Dimension requirements general

An eligible vehicle must not exceed any of the following dimension limits—

(a)     5.5m length;

(b)     rear overhang of the lesser of 4.0m and 90% of the wheelbase;

(c)      3.5m width;

(d)     a projection in front of the centre of the steering wheel of 3.5m.

11                  Dimension Requirements axle spacings and ground contact width

(1)         An eligible vehicle with 4 axles must meet the dimension requirements in Table 1.

 

Table 1 - Axle Spacing for a 4 Axle All Terrain Mobile Crane

Between

  1st & 4th axles

  1st & 2nd axles

   2nd & 3rd axles

 3rd & 4th axles

Minimum  Axle spacing

5.3m

1.65m

2.0m

1.65m

(2)         An eligible vehicle with 4 axles must have a ground contact width of 2.7m or more.

(3)         An eligible vehicle with 5 axles must meet the axle spacing requirements either in Table 2, or in Table 3.

 

Table 2 - Axle Spacing for a 5 Axle All Terrain Mobile Crane

Between

1st & 5th axles

1st & 2nd axles

2nd & 3rd axles

3rd & 4th axles

 4th& 5th axles

Minimum Axle spacing

7.25m

2.45m

1.6m

1.6m

1.6m

(4)         An eligible vehicle with 5 axles that meets the axle spacing requirements in Table 2 must have a ground contact width of 2.75m or more. 

 

Table 3 - Axle Spacing for a 5 Axle All Terrain Mobile Crane

Between

1st & 5th axles

1st & 2nd axles

2nd & 3rd axles

3rd & 4th axles

4th& 5th axles

Minimum Axle Spacing

7.75m

2.45m

1.65m

2.0m

1.65m

(5)         An eligible vehicle with 5 axles that meets the axle spacing requirements in Table 3 must have a ground contact width of 2.95m or more. 

12                  Mass requirements axles and total mass of vehicle

(1)         The mass of an eligible 4 axle vehicle whose axle spacing complies with Table 1, must not be more than

(a)     total mass – 48.0t; or

(b)     mass per axle – 12.0t.

(2)         The mass of an eligible 5 axle vehicle whose axle spacing complies with Table 2, must not be more than

(a)     total mass – 50.0t; or

(b)     mass per axle – 10.0t.

(3)         The mass of an eligible 5 axle vehicle whose axle spacing complies with Table 3, must not be more than

(a)     total mass – 60t; or

(b)     mass per axle – 12t.

 

13                  Other conditions

(1)         An eligible vehicle is subject to the conditions in Schedule 8 - Conditions of mass or dimension exemptions applying to Class 1 heavy vehicles of the MDL National Regulation.

(2)         The section width of each tyre on an eligible vehicle must be at least 445mm.

(3)         If an eligible vehicle has the centre of a steering control to the left of the vehicle it must—

(a)     display a ‘left hand drive’ sign that complies with section 31 of Schedule 2 to the Heavy Vehicle (Vehicle Standards) National Regulation on the rear of the vehicle;  and

(b)     either

(i)           be fitted with a closed circuit television system that provides the driver with an adequate view to the right rear quarter of the vehicle; or

(ii)          be accompanied by a pilot vehicle.

(4)         During travel—

(a)     the eligible vehicle’s compliance with the following conditions must be monitored by an approved intelligent transport system used by an intelligent access service provider—

(i)           the vehicle’s use only on roads authorised by this Notice; and

(ii)         the vehicle’s compliance with any conditions of use of a road under this Notice; and

(b)     any non-compliance reports made by the system must be sent to the Regulator within 7 days.

Note

The point of contact for noncompliance reports is VicRoads on (03) 9881 8702.

14                  Approved Routes

An eligible vehicle may only use the approved routes, and the approved routes with conditions, on the map titled ‘4 & 5 Axle All Terrain Mobile Crane Network’ (the approved routes), and under any conditions and limitations specified for those routes.

Note-

The “4 & 5 Axle All Terrain Mobile Crane Network” map is located at https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/business-and-industry/heavy-vehicle-industry/heavy-vehicle-map-networks-in-victoria.

If travel is required on a route other than a route permitted under this Notice, a mass or dimension exemption (permit) must be obtained from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator for travel on that route.

 

15                  Other Route Restrictions

(1)         Notwithstanding section 14

(a)     an eligible vehicle must not use any part of an approved route consisting of—

(i)           a timber deck bridge; or

(ii)          a tunnel.

(b)     an eligible vehicle that has a maximum speed capability of 60km/h or less, may not be used on any freeway or tollway on the approved routes.

(c)      For the purposes of subsection (c), the maximum speed capability of a crane is the maximum speed the crane is able to reach on a horizontal surface, as determined by the crane manufacturer.

 

16                  Conditions applying to particular routes

(1)         An eligible vehicle may not use the approved routes more than twice per day, being once on the inbound journey and once on the outbound journey.

(2)         Where practical and safe to do so, an eligible vehicle must avoid being on a bridge at the same time as a B-double, a Class 1 heavy vehicle or a Class 3 heavy vehicle.

(3)         The following conditions apply if an eligible vehicle operating under this Notice is used on tollways—

(a)     for travel on CityLink, the operator of the vehicle must—

(i)           as soon as practicable, contact CityLink on Tel: (03) 9674 2001 or Fax (03) 9674 2060 to advise of the intended movement of that vehicle and obtain a reference number; and

(ii)          at least 30 minutes before the vehicle is to be used on CityLink, telephone CityLink on (03) 9674 2001 to confirm the intended travel and to obtain advice on traffic conditions, any road works and lane closures.

(b)     for travel on EastLink, the operator of the vehicle must—

(i)           as soon as practicable contact EastLink on Tel: (03) 9955 1900 or Fax: (03) 9955 1907 to advise of the intended movement and obtain a reference number; and

(ii)          at least 30 minutes before the vehicle is to be used on EastLink contact EastLink on (03) 9955 1900 to confirm the intended travel and obtain advice on traffic conditions, any road works and lane closures.

(4)         If an eligible vehicle is wider than 3.0m, before attempting to cross a railway track and/or a tramway track, the driver or operator of the vehicle must first obtain permission from the Transport Compliance Unit of the Department of Transport Planning and Local Infrastructure. (Tel: 96556134  - Mob 0417 054 626).

 

Dated:  4 May 2016

Sal Petroccitto

Chief Executive Officer

National Heavy Vehicle Regulator

 

Overview

The Victoria Class 1, 4 Axle & 5 Axle All Terrain Mobile Crane Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2016 (No 1) was enacted to provide specific exemptions for certain Class 1 heavy vehicles in Victoria, addressing the need for specialised vehicles to operate within certain mass and dimension limits while ensuring road safety and infrastructure protection. This Notice was made under section 117 of the Heavy Vehicle National Law and was enacted by the Parliament of Victoria. The primary policy objective is to facilitate the movement of all terrain mobile cranes, which have unique operational requirements, while mitigating potential risks to road infrastructure and other road users. This exemption Notice allows eligible vehicles, defined as 4 or 5 axle all terrain mobile cranes meeting specific criteria, to operate under certain conditions exempt from prescribed mass and dimension requirements. However, these vehicles must adhere to specified mass and dimension limits, approved routes, and other conditions outlined in the Notice. This includes requirements for tyre width, use of approved intelligent transport systems, and restrictions on certain types of roads and bridges. The Notice also mandates specific procedures for operating on tollways and obtaining permissions for crossing certain tracks. The Notice aims to balance the operational needs of these specialised vehicles with the imperative to protect road infrastructure and ensure public safety.

Scope and Application

The Victoria Class 1, 4 Axle & 5 Axle All Terrain Mobile Crane Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2016 (No 1) applies to eligible vehicles operating within the state of Victoria. The eligible vehicles are defined as all terrain mobile cranes that have either 4 or 5 axles, two tyres per axle, at least 50% steerable axles, off-road and on-road capabilities, and separate driving and crane operating compartments. This Notice exempts these vehicles from specific mass and dimension requirements of the Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulation, provided the vehicles meet certain conditions and limitations specified in the Notice. However, the drivers or operators of these vehicles must still comply with all other relevant legislation, such as traffic signs, vehicle standards, and lawful directions of authorised officers. The Notice is subject to various conditions, including limitations on the number of times and times of day the vehicles can use approved routes, restrictions on certain types of bridges and tunnels, and requirements for obtaining permission to cross railway or tramway tracks if the vehicle is wider than 3.0m. The Notice also includes requirements for tyre section width, signage for left-hand drive vehicles, monitoring of vehicle compliance through an approved intelligent transport system, and specific conditions for using tollways. The Notice commences on 9 May 2016 and expires on 8 May 2021. The Notice may be further extended or modified through subordinate instruments, but as it stands, it provides a comprehensive framework for the operation of eligible all terrain mobile cranes in Victoria, balancing the needs of the industry with the safety and convenience of other road users. The Notice ensures that these heavy vehicles can operate within Victoria while still adhering to certain mass and dimension limits to protect infrastructure and ensure road safety.

Key Provisions

The key provisions of the Victoria Class 1, 4 Axle & 5 Axle All Terrain Mobile Crane Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2016 (No 1) outline the exemption of certain Class 1 heavy vehicles from prescribed mass and dimension requirements, subject to specific conditions and limitations (sections 2 and 8). These vehicles, referred to as eligible vehicles, must comply with the defined characteristics of all terrain mobile cranes, including having either 4 or 5 axles, specific tyre configurations, steerability of axles, and distinct driving and crane operating compartments. The Notice specifies the precise mass and dimension limits that eligible vehicles must adhere to, such as a maximum length of 5.5m, a rear overhang of no more than 4.0m, and a width of 3.5m (sections 10 and 12). Furthermore, eligible vehicles are subject to specific axle spacing requirements, which vary based on whether the vehicle has 4 or 5 axles (sections 11 and 12). Entities governed by this Act must ensure that their eligible vehicles meet all the specified requirements and conditions, including the use of approved routes, restrictions on certain types of bridges and tunnels, and compliance with traffic signs and vehicle standards (sections 7, 8, and 14). They must also ensure that any non-compliance reports are sent to the Regulator within 7 days and that the vehicles are monitored using an approved intelligent transport system (sections 13 and 14). Drivers and operators of eligible vehicles must also comply with the legal directions of authorised officers and any other relevant legislation (section 7). Failure to comply with the requirements and conditions set out in the Notice can result in civil or criminal penalties. The Notice does not specify the exact penalties, but violations of the Heavy Vehicle National Law and associated regulations can lead to significant fines and potential imprisonment for individuals, as well as penalties for corporations. The exact penalties would depend on the specific breach and the relevant provisions of the Heavy Vehicle National Law and other applicable legislation.

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Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation at 26 August 2026. For the latest information on Australian Government law please go to https://www.legislation.gov.au.