National Heavy Vehicle Standards (Backlit Badges) Exemption Notice 2016 (No. 1)

HEAVY VEHICLE NATIONAL LAW

NATIONAL HEAVY VEHICLE STANDARDS (BACKLIT BADGES) EXEMPTION NOTICE 2016 (NO.1)

1. Purpose

The purpose of this Notice is to allow in-service heavy vehicles to be fitted with backlit badges.

2.      Authorising Provision

This Notice is made under section 61 of the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) as in force in each participating jurisdiction.

3.       Commencement

This Notice commences on 20 May 2016.

4.      Expiry

This Notice expires on 19 May 2021.

5.      Definitions

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

(2)    In this Notice—

Backlit badge means a logo, badge or emblem fitted to a heavy vehicle that is illuminated with a low intensity light by a light source that is included within the logo, badge or emblem.

Front lighting system means the lighting system consisting of daytime running lamps, parking lamps and headlamps (both dipped-beam and main-beam).

6.       Title

This Notice may be cited as the National Heavy Vehicle Standards (Backlit Badges) Exemption Notice 2016 (No. 1).

7.      Application

(1)    This Notice applies in all participating jurisdictions.

(2)    This Notice applies to a heavy vehicle fitted with one or more backlit badges that comply with the conditions of this Notice.

8.      Exemption from Prescribed Vehicle Standards

A heavy vehicle described in section 7(2) of this Notice, is exempt from complying with the requirements of section 79(3) of Schedule 2 of the Heavy Vehicle (Vehicle Standards) National Regulation.

9.      Conditions

(1)    The light source of a backlit badge must be integrated within the badge.

(2)    A backlit badge must only show:

(a)    white or yellow light to the front of the vehicle; or

(b)    yellow light to the side of the vehicle; or

(c)     red or yellow light to the rear of the vehicle.

(3)    A backlit badge must not be any colour other than red, white or yellow.

(4)    A backlit badge must not have a luminous intensity greater than 60 candela.

(5)    A backlit badge must be constant and not flash or change luminous intensity in any fashion.

(6)    A backlit badge must be at least 200mm away from any other light on the vehicle.

(7)    The illuminated portion of a backlit badge must not be visible to the driver of the vehicle when in the normal seated driving position, whether it is visible directly or by reflection.

(8)    The light source for a backlit badge must be contained completely within the dimensions of the badge.

(9)    A backlit badge must not be so large that it negatively impacts the prominence of any mandatory light (headlamp, direction indicator etc).

(10) A backlit badge must be connected so that it operates only with the vehicle’s front lighting system. A separate switch may be used to allow the badge or logo to be turned off independently, provided it only comes on when a light in the front lighting system is on.

Dated 16 May 2016

Geoff Casey

Executive Director Productivity and Safety

National Heavy Vehicle Regulator