National Class 2 Heavy Vehicle 4.6m High Livestock Carrier Authorisation Notice 2024 (No.1)

Administered by Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts

Legislation au C2024G00104 In force Gazette

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HEAVY VEHICLE NATIONAL LAW

 

National Class 2 4.6m High Livestock Carrier Authorisation Notice 2024 (No.1)

 

Purpose

 

  1. The purpose of this notice is to authorise the use of Livestock Carriers from 4.3 to 4.6 metres in height in stated areas or stated routes, during stated hours of stated days and to state the conditions under which these Livestock Carriers may be used.

 

Note: This Notice removes a condition in the South Australian Schedule concerning operation at concessional mass limits and higher mass limits. This provision is obsolete.

 

The Heavy Vehicle National Law provides that Livestock Carriers (as defined in this notice) are class 2 vehicles if the vehicle’s height exceeds 4.3 metres but does not exceed 4.6 metres.  That means that these heavy vehicles are restricted access vehicles and the operator requires an authorisation from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator before the vehicle may be used on public roads.  This instrument is an authorisation that declares the routes on which Livestock Carriers may be used, subject to compliance with certain conditions.  This instrument does NOT exempt the Livestock Carrier from requirements of the Heavy Vehicle National Law including, but not limited to, mass and dimension requirements.  

 

Authorising Provision

 

2.                   This notice is made under section 138 of the Heavy Vehicle National Law as in force in each participating jurisdiction (HVNL).


Title

 

3.                   This notice may be cited as the National Class 2 Heavy Vehicle 4.6m High Livestock Carrier Authorisation Notice 2024 (No.1).
 

Commencement

 

4.                   This notice commences on 10 February 2024.

 

Expiry

 

5.                   This notice expires on 9 February 2029.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Definitions

 

6.                   Unless otherwise stated, words and expressions used in this notice have the same meanings as in the HVNL or regulations made under the HVNL.

‘Livestock Carrier’ means a heavy vehicle that is a heavy vehicle or combination that is higher than 4.3m but not higher than 4.6m and is built to carry cattle, sheep, pigs, goats or horses.

 

‘National Class 2 B-double Authorisation Notice’ means the current national notice of that name providing access to Class 2 B-Doubles.

 

‘National Class 2 Road Train Authorisation Notice’ means the current national notice of that name providing access to Class 2 Road Trains.

‘Stated areas or routes’ means the stated areas or routes set out in the Schedules.

‘Stated hours of stated days’ means the stated hours of stated days set out in the Schedules.
 

Application

 

7.                   This notice applies to a Livestock Carrier.
 

8.                   This notice applies in all participating jurisdictions other than the Australian Capital Territory.

 

Conditions
 

9.                   The driver and operator of the Livestock Carrier must comply with all conditions set out in the Schedule for a participating jurisdiction when the vehicle is being used in the jurisdiction to which that Schedule applies.

 

Peter Austin

Director, Policy Implementation

National Heavy Vehicle Regulator

 

 

 

 

SCHEDULE 1 – NEW SOUTH WALES

 

Revocation

 

  1. Deliberately blank.

 

Stated areas or routes

 

2.       A Livestock Carrier that is a motor vehicle, or a combination consisting of a prime mover and semitrailer, may use the areas or routes set out in Appendix 1 to this Schedule.

3.       A Livestock Carrier that is used in a B-double combination may only use a route described in clause 2 if the route is also an approved route in the National Class 2 B-double Authorisation Notice.

 

Note: This means the route must be approved for use by both 4.6m high vehicles and B-doubles.

4.       A Livestock Carrier that is used in a road train combination may only use a route described in clause 2 if the route is also an approved road train route as set out in the NSW Schedule of the National Class 2 Heavy Vehicle Road Train Authorisation Notice.

 

Note: This means the route must be approved for use by both 4.6m high vehicles and road trains.

 

Stated hours of stated days

5.       Except as specified in clauses 6 and 7, a Livestock Carrier may use the stated areas or routes at any time of the day.

6.       A Livestock Carrier that is authorised to use the areas or routes in the National Class 2 Heavy Vehicle B-double Authorisation Notice must do so in accordance with any restrictions on the hours and days of operation specified in this notice.

7.       A Livestock Carrier that is authorised to use the areas or routes in the National Class 2 Heavy Vehicle Road Train Authorisation Notice must do so in accordance with any restrictions on the hours and days of operation specified in this notice.

 

Conditions

8.       A Livestock Carrier must comply with the conditions specified for each area or route in the condition column in Appendix 1 to this Schedule.

9.       A Livestock Carrier that is used in a B-double combination must comply with any relevant conditions set out in the National Class 2 Heavy Vehicle B-double Authorisation Notice

10.   A Livestock Carrier that is used in a road train combination must comply with any relevant conditions set out in the National Class 2 Heavy Vehicle Road Train Authorisation Notice.

11.   Livestock must not be carried in an upper deck of a multi-deck livestock carrier unless any lower deck of the livestock carrier is fully laden.

 

Appendix 1

Map and/or list of routes as specified under the heading “Restricted Access Vehicle maps and lists” on the Transport for New South Wales website.

 

SCHEDULE 2 – QUEENSLAND

 

Stated areas or routes

 

  1. A Livestock Carrier that is a motor vehicle or a combination use all roads in Queensland except where there is insufficient height clearance for the combination to pass without striking or damaging any road infrastructure.

 

Note: The driver of the Livestock Carrier must assess the suitability of a road prior to operating the vehicle on that road. The roads used must be continually monitored to ensure sufficient clearance for the vehicle exists.

 

2.       A Livestock Carrier that is used in a B-double combination may only use a route described in clause 1 if the route is also approved in the National Class 2 B-Double Authorisation Notice.

Note: This means the route must be approved for use by both 4.6m high semitrailers and B-doubles.

 

3.       A Livestock Carrier that is used in a road train combination may only use a route described in clause 1 if the route is also approved in the National Class 2 Road Train Authorisation Notice.

 

Note: This means the route must be approved for use by both 4.6m high vehicles and road trains.

 

Stated hours of stated days

 

4.       Except as specified in clauses 5 and 6, a Livestock Carrier may use the stated areas or routes at any time of the day.

5.       A Livestock Carrier that is authorised to use the areas or routes in the B-Double notice must do so in accordance with any restrictions on the hours and days of operation specified in the B-Double notice.

6.       A Livestock Carrier that is authorised to use the areas or routes in the road train notice must do so in accordance with any restrictions on the hours and days of operation specified in the road train notice.

 

Conditions

7.       A Livestock Carrier that is used in a B-double combination must comply with any relevant conditions set out in the National Class 2 B-Double Authorisation Notice.

8.       A Livestock Carrier that is used in a road train combination must comply with any relevant conditions set out in the National Class 2 Road Train Authorisation Notice.

 

 


SCHEDULE 3 – SOUTH AUSTRALIA

 

Stated areas or routes

 

  1. A Livestock Carrier that is a combination consisting of a prime mover and semitrailer may use all roads in South Australia provided it complies with conditions specified below.
  2. A Livestock Carrier that is used in a B-double combination may only use a route approved in the National Class 2 B-Double Authorisation Notice.
  3. A Livestock Carrier that is used in a road train combination may only use a route approved in the National Class 2 Road Train Authorisation Notice.

 

Stated hours of stated days

 

4.       Subject to clauses 5 and 6, a Livestock Carrier may use the stated areas or routes at any time of the day.

5.       A Livestock Carrier that is authorised to use the areas or routes in the B-Double notice must do so in accordance with any restrictions on the hours and days of operation specified in the National Class 2 B-Double Authorisation Notice.

6.       A Livestock Carrier that is authorised to use the areas or routes in the road train notice must do so in accordance with any restrictions on the hours and days of operation specified in the National Class 2 Road Train Authorisation Notice

 

Conditions

 

Conditions applicable to all Livestock Carriers

 

7.       Only livestock consisting of cattle, sheep, pigs and goats can be carried when operating under this schedule.

8.       A rigid motor vehicle is not permitted to operate under this Schedule.

9.       Livestock must not be carried in an upper deck of a multi-deck livestock carrier unless all pens on any lower decks are fully loaded except for pens containing loading ramps.

10.   The load must consist solely of livestock.

11.   While transporting livestock, the driver and operator of a Livestock Carrier must comply with the requirements of the Australian Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals and the road transport of livestock.

 

Conditions applicable to a Livestock Carrier used in a B-double or road train combination

 

12.   In addition to complying with the requirements of this Schedule, a Livestock Carrier that is used in a B-double combination must comply with the National Class 2 B-Double Authorisation Notice

13.   In addition to complying with the requirements of this Schedule, a Livestock Carrier that is used in a road train must comply with the National Class 2 Road Train Authorisation Notice.

 

 

 

 

 

Conditions applicable to a Livestock Carrier that exceeds 4.3m high.

 

14.   Before starting the journey, the driver or operator must;

a)      must comply with the specified route, area and structure restrictions published in the Consolidated Table of Limited Access Locations in South Australia published on the ‘Approved Areas or Routes’ section of the South Australian Department for Infrastructure and Transport website at; and

b)      may be required to consult and obtain consent from third party entities who manage utilities which may be impacted by over height vehicles.

 

Note: Some routes in the Adelaide Metropolitan Area have height restrictions less than 4.3m.

 

Contact details for SAPN, Telstra and Optus are available on the NHVR website.

 

 

 

 


SCHEDULE 4 – TASMANIA

 

Stated areas or routes

 

  1. A Livestock Carrier that is a motor vehicle or a combination consisting of two vehicles  may use all roads in Tasmania, except for—

(a)    Tasman Bridge if the vehicle is more than 4.3m high;

(b)    Bridgewater Bridge if the vehicle is more than 4.3m high; or

(c)     Any other road where there is insufficient height clearance for the combination to pass without striking or damaging any road infrastructure

 

Note: The driver of a Livestock Carrier that is higher than 4.3m must assess the suitability of a road prior to operating the vehicle on that road using the maps specified in Appendix 1 to ensure sufficient clearance for the vehicle exists.

 

2.       A Livestock Carrier that is used in a B-double combination that is more than 21m long may only use a route specified in clause 1 if it is also a route approved in the National Class 2 B-Double Authorisation Notice.

Stated hours of stated days

 

3.       Except as specified in clause 4, a Livestock Carrier may use the stated areas or routes at any time of the day.

4.       A Livestock Carrier that is authorised to use the areas or routes in the B-Double notice must do so in accordance with any restrictions on the hours and days of operation specified in the National Class 2 B-Double Authorisation Notice and in the B-double network map specified in Appendix 1.

 

Conditions

5.       A Livestock Carrier that is used in a B-double combination must comply with the conditions specified in the National Class 2 B-Double Authorisation Notice and in the B-double network map specified in Appendix 1.

 

Appendix 1

Tasmanian 26 metre B-double Network Map

Height Clearance Under Overhead Structures Map

 

Note: The Height Clearance Under Overhead Structures Map identifies relevant height clearances that may be relevant depending on specific routes on the network.

 

The maps and networks mentioned in this appendix are published by the Tasmania Department of State Growth, and are available on its website.

 


SCHEDULE 5 – VICTORIA

 

Stated areas or routes

 

  1. A Livestock Carrier that is a motor vehicle or a combination consisting of a prime mover and semitrailer may use all roads in Victoria.
  2. A Livestock Carrier that is used in a B-double combination may only use a route approved in the Victorian Class 2 B-double Route Access Lists set out in Appendix 1 (the B-double notice).

 

Stated hours of stated days

 

3.       Except as specified in clause 4, a Livestock Carrier may use the stated areas or routes at any time of the day.

4.       A Livestock Carrier that is authorised to use the areas or routes in the B-double notice must do so in accordance with any restrictions on the hours and days of operation specified in the B-double notice.

 

Conditions

 

5.       A Livestock Carrier is limited to transporting cattle, pigs, sheep or goats.

 

6.       A Livestock Carrier that is used in a B-double combination must comply with any relevant conditions set out in the B-double notice.


 

Appendix 1

 

Victorian Class 2 B-double Access maps

 

Note:  The access lists in this appendix are maintained by VicRoads, and are published on its website.

 

Overview

The National Class 2 Heavy Vehicle 4.6m High Livestock Carrier Authorisation Notice 2024 (No.1) was enacted to address the operational limitations of livestock carriers that are between 4.3 and 4.6 metres in height. This Notice was introduced to facilitate the use of such vehicles on public roads within specified jurisdictions, subject to certain conditions. Made under section 138 of the Heavy Vehicle National Law, this Notice aims to streamline the regulatory framework concerning the use of livestock carriers that do not fall under the standard height regulations for heavy vehicles. It authorises these vehicles to operate on designated routes and during specified hours while ensuring compliance with the overarching provisions of the Heavy Vehicle National Law, including mass and dimension requirements. The Notice applies to all participating jurisdictions except the Australian Capital Territory, and it sets out the conditions for the use of these vehicles, including the need for an authorisation from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator.

Scope and Application

The National Class 2 4.6m High Livestock Carrier Authorisation Notice 2024 (No. 1) applies to Livestock Carriers that are vehicles with a height between 4.3 metres and 4.6 metres and are used for carrying livestock. This notice, made under section 138 of the Heavy Vehicle National Law, authorises the use of these vehicles on specified routes in participating jurisdictions, excluding the Australian Capital Territory. The notice commences on 10 February 2024 and expires on 9 February 2029, thereby providing a clear timeframe for its application. The notice does not exempt these vehicles from the broader requirements of the Heavy Vehicle National Law, including mass and dimension requirements. Drivers and operators of these Livestock Carriers must comply with conditions specified in the schedules for each participating jurisdiction, which include details on permissible routes, hours of operation, and specific conditions related to the transport of livestock, such as ensuring that livestock is not carried in an upper deck unless the lower deck is fully laden. The notice also ensures that Livestock Carriers used in combinations like B-doubles or road trains comply with additional conditions specified in other authorisation notices.

Key Provisions

The National Class 2 Heavy Vehicle 4.6m High Livestock Carrier Authorisation Notice 2024 (No.1) outlines the authorisation for the use of Livestock Carriers with a height between 4.3 and 4.6 metres in specific areas or routes, during stated hours of specific days, and under certain conditions. This notice is made under section 138 of the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) (paragraph 2). It applies to Livestock Carriers, defined as vehicles higher than 4.3m but not higher than 4.6m and built to carry cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, or horses (paragraph 6). It does not exempt these vehicles from the Heavy Vehicle National Law, including mass and dimension requirements (paragraph 1). This notice imposes several obligations on the drivers and operators of Livestock Carriers. They must comply with all conditions specified in the Schedules for the jurisdiction in which the vehicle is being used (paragraph 9). For example, in New South Wales, Livestock Carriers must use only the routes specified in Appendix 1 of Schedule 1 and must comply with any conditions specified for each area or route (clauses 2 and 8, Schedule 1). In Queensland, Livestock Carriers may use all roads except where there is insufficient height clearance, and drivers must assess the suitability of roads prior to use (clause 1, Schedule 2). In South Australia, Livestock Carriers must comply with specified route, area, and structure restrictions and may need to obtain consent from third-party entities (clause 14, Schedule 3). In Tasmania, Livestock Carriers must avoid certain bridges and roads with insufficient height clearance (clause 1, Schedule 4). In Victoria, Livestock Carriers must adhere to routes approved in the B-double notice (clause 1, Schedule 5). Breaching the conditions set out in this notice may lead to offences under the Heavy Vehicle National Law. The notice does not specify the penalties for non-compliance, but typically, breaches of heavy vehicle regulations can result in fines, suspension of licenses, or other civil and criminal consequences. The penalties for such breaches are generally determined by the courts and can vary depending on the severity and circumstances of the offence. It is important for operators to fully understand and comply with all conditions to avoid potential legal repercussions.

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