HEAVY VEHICLE NATIONAL LAW
National Heavy Vehicle Standards (Road Train Non-Standard Coupling Height) Exemption Notice 2021 (No.1)
- Purpose
The purpose of this Notice is to exempt a heavy vehicle to which it applies from specified requirements of the Heavy Vehicle (Vehicle Standards) National Regulation (the National Regulation).
Note: This is not an authorisation to access the road network, you may need to comply with the relevant Guidelines/Notices in that jurisdiction or apply for a permit if the masses or loaded dimensions exceed the limits in the Regulations, Guidelines/Notices in that jurisdiction.
2. Authorising Provision
This Notice is made under section 61 of the Heavy Vehicle National Law (the National Law) as in force in each participating jurisdiction.
3. Title
This Notice may be cited as the National Heavy Vehicle Standards (Road Train Non-standard Coupling Height) Exemption Notice 2021 (No.1).
4. Commencement
This Notice commences on 1 December 2021.
5. Expiry
This Notice expires on 30 November 2026.
6. Definitions
1) Unless otherwise stated, words and expressions used in this Notice have the same meanings as those defined in the National Law and the Australian Design Rules.
2) In this Notice:
ADR means Australian Design Rules.
Drawbar pivot point means the point of vertical articulation where the drawbar attaches to the trailer body.
Non-Standard coupling height means a coupling height that does not comply with ADR 63/00 Clause 63.5.1.2.
Substantially level means that the vertical articulation of the drawbar does not exceed +/- 5 degrees from horizontal when the unladen combination is parked on level ground.
Vehicle label means a permanent, securely attached label that has information written in bold black letters no less than 10mm high on a yellow background stating the following:
a) the vehicle is fitted with a non-standard coupling height; and
b) the coupling height is reduced; and
c) the height of the coupling; and
d) that the vertical articulation of the drawbar must not exceed +/- 5 degrees when parked on level ground.
7. Application
1) This Notice applies to any unit of a road train that has a non-standard coupling height for either:
a) an automatic pin coupling to the rear; or
b) a drawbar to the front.
2) This Notice applies in all participating jurisdictions.
3) A vehicle to which this section applies is an eligible vehicle.
8. Exemption from Prescribed Vehicle Standards
1) An eligible vehicle that complies with the conditions of this Notice is exempt from the following requirements of the Heavy Vehicle (Vehicle Standards) National regulation:
a) Schedule 1 - Vehicle standards relating to ADRs applying to single heavy vehicles
Section 2 as applied to ADR 63/00 Clause 63.5.1.2 - Rear coupling height
b) Schedule 3 – Vehicle standards applying only to heavy combinations or particular heavy combinations
Section 29(c) - Attachment of couplings and drawbar eyes on road trains
9. Conditions
1) An eligible vehicle must be built so that when parked on level ground the coupling or drawbar pivot point:
a) is at a height of at least 600 millimetres, but not more than 950 millimetres, from the ground; and
b) the drawbar is substantially level when in combination.
2) An eligible vehicle fitted with a non-standard automatic pin coupling height must be fitted with a vehicle label on or next to the coupling.
3) An eligible vehicle fitted with a non-standard drawbar pivot point height must be fitted with a vehicle label immediately adjacent the drawbar eye.
Peter Austin
Director Vehicle Safety and Performance
National Heavy Vehicle Regulator