Road Vehicle Standards (Classes of Vehicles that are Road Vehicles) Determination 2021

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Legislation au F2021L00954 In force Legislative Instrument

Legislation content

Road Vehicle Standards (Classes of Vehicles that are Road Vehicles) Determination 2021

made under paragraph 6(5)(a) of the

Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018

Compilation No. 1

Compilation date: 12 October 2023

Includes amendments up to: F2023L01373

Registered: 14 October 2023

About this compilation

This compilation

This is a compilation of the Road Vehicle Standards (Classes of Vehicles that are Road Vehicles) Determination 2021 that shows the text of the law as amended and in force on 12 October 2023 (the compilation date).

The notes at the end of this compilation (the endnotes) include information about amending laws and the amendment history of provisions of the compiled law.

Uncommenced amendments

The effect of uncommenced amendments is not shown in the text of the compiled law. Any uncommenced amendments affecting the law are accessible on the Register (www.legislation.gov.au). The details of amendments made up to, but not commenced at, the compilation date are underlined in the endnotes. For more information on any uncommenced amendments, see the Register for the compiled law.

Application, saving and transitional provisions for provisions and amendments

If the operation of a provision or amendment of the compiled law is affected by an application, saving or transitional provision that is not included in this compilation, details are included in the endnotes.

Editorial changes

For more information about any editorial changes made in this compilation, see the endnotes.

Modifications

If the compiled law is modified by another law, the compiled law operates as modified but the modification does not amend the text of the law. Accordingly, this compilation does not show the text of the compiled law as modified. For more information on any modifications, see the Register for the compiled law.

Self-repealing provisions

If a provision of the compiled law has been repealed in accordance with a provision of the law, details are included in the endnotes.

 

 

 

1  Name

  This instrument is the Road Vehicle Standards (Classes of Vehicles that are Road Vehicles) Determination 2021.

3  Authority

  This instrument is made under paragraph 6(5)(a) of the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018.

4  Purpose of this instrument

  This instrument sets out classes of vehicles that are road vehicles for the purposes of the Act.

5  Definitions

Note: A number of expressions used in this instrument are defined in the Act, including:

(a) motor vehicle; and

(b) public road.

 (1) In this instrument:

Act means the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018.

airport service vehicle means a motor vehicle that is:

 (a) designed to service an aircraft within an airport; and

 (b) built on a truck chassis; and

 (c) designed to be capable of operating on a public road.

campervan or motorhome means a motor vehicle that is:

 (a) designed for use in transport on a public road; and

 (b) intended to provide temporary living accommodation for one or more individuals.

concrete pumper means a motor vehicle, other than a forklift, that:

 (a) is designed to pump concrete; and

 (b) is designed to travel on rubber tyres; and

 (c) is capable of travelling at a reasonable speed by road without obstructing the flow of traffic; and

 (d) has a cabin that allows the operator to drive the vehicle between sites; and

 (e) has one or more road-going features.

dual-purpose motorcycle means a two-wheeled vehicle or three-wheeled vehicle that:

 (a) is designed for use on cross-country or unpaved terrain; and

 (b) has one or more road-going features.

food or catering van means a motor vehicle that:

 (a) is designed and manufactured for the preparation or vending of food; or

 (b) has been modified to be used for that purpose.

Example: Mobile food vans, ice-cream vans and mobile snack trucks are examples of food or catering vans.  

mobile crane means a motor vehicle, other than a forklift or rough terrain crane, that:

 (a) is designed to lift a load; and

 (b) is designed to travel on rubber tyres; and

 (c) is capable of travelling at a reasonable speed by road without obstructing the flow of traffic; and

 (d) has a cabin that allows the operator to drive the vehicle between sites; and

 (e) has one or more road-going features.

rough terrain crane means a motor vehicle that:

 (a) is designed to lift a load; and

 (b) is designed for off-road use; and

 (c) is designed to travel on rubber tyres; and

 (d) has a cabin that allows the operator to drive the vehicle on site; and

 (e) has a boom projecting more than 5.5 metres in front of a transverse vertical plane through the centre of the steering wheel.

threewheeled vehicle means a vehicle in one of the following vehicle categories:

 (a) Moped 3 wheels (LB);

 (b) Motor cycle and sidecar (LD);

 (c) Motor tricycle (LE).

twowheeled vehicle means a vehicle in one of the following vehicle categories:

 (a) Moped 2 wheels (LA);

 (b) Motor cycle (LC).

vehicle category has the same meaning as in the Road Vehicle Standards Rules 2019.

 (2) Each of the following is a road-going feature:

 (a) direction indicators;

 (b) brake lights;

 (c) rear vision mirrors;

 (d) provision for mounting a registration plate;

 (e) seatbelts;

 (f) a fully enclosed cabin with doors.

6  Classes of vehicles that are road vehicles

  The following classes of vehicles are road vehicles: 

 (a) airport service vehicles;

 (b) concrete pumpers;

 (c) dual-purpose motorcycles;

 (d) food or catering vans;

 (e) mobile cranes;

 (f) vehicles that are campervans or motorhomes.

Endnotes

Endnote 1—About the endnotes

The endnotes provide information about this compilation and the compiled law.

The following endnotes are included in every compilation:

Endnote 1—About the endnotes

Endnote 2—Abbreviation key

Endnote 3—Legislation history

Endnote 4—Amendment history

Abbreviation key—Endnote 2

The abbreviation key sets out abbreviations that may be used in the endnotes.

Legislation history and amendment history—Endnotes 3 and 4

Amending laws are annotated in the legislation history and amendment history.

The legislation history in endnote 3 provides information about each law that has amended (or will amend) the compiled law. The information includes commencement details for amending laws and details of any application, saving or transitional provisions that are not included in this compilation.

The amendment history in endnote 4 provides information about amendments at the provision (generally section or equivalent) level. It also includes information about any provision of the compiled law that has been repealed in accordance with a provision of the law.

Editorial changes

The Legislation Act 2003 authorises First Parliamentary Counsel to make editorial and presentational changes to a compiled law in preparing a compilation of the law for registration. The changes must not change the effect of the law. Editorial changes take effect from the compilation registration date.

If the compilation includes editorial changes, the endnotes include a brief outline of the changes in general terms. Full details of any changes can be obtained from the Office of Parliamentary Counsel.

Misdescribed amendments

A misdescribed amendment is an amendment that does not accurately describe how an amendment is to be made. If, despite the misdescription, the amendment can be given effect as intended, then the misdescribed amendment can be incorporated through an editorial change made under section 15V of the Legislation Act 2003.

If a misdescribed amendment cannot be given effect as intended, the amendment is not incorporated and “(md not incorp)” is added to the amendment history.

 

Endnote 2—Abbreviation key

ad = added or inserted

o = order(s)

am = amended

Ord = Ordinance

amdt = amendment

orig = original

c = clause(s)

par = paragraph(s)/subparagraph(s)

C[x] = Compilation No. x

/subsubparagraph(s)

Ch = Chapter(s)

pres = present

def = definition(s)

prev = previous

Dict = Dictionary

(prev…) = previously

disallowed = disallowed by Parliament

Pt = Part(s)

Div = Division(s)

r = regulation(s)/rule(s)

ed = editorial change

reloc = relocated

exp = expires/expired or ceases/ceased to have

renum = renumbered

effect

rep = repealed

F = Federal Register of Legislation

rs = repealed and substituted

gaz = gazette

s = section(s)/subsection(s)

LA = Legislation Act 2003

Sch = Schedule(s)

LIA = Legislative Instruments Act 2003

Sdiv = Subdivision(s)

(md) = misdescribed amendment can be given

SLI = Select Legislative Instrument

effect

SR = Statutory Rules

(md not incorp) = misdescribed amendment

SubCh = SubChapter(s)

cannot be given effect

SubPt = Subpart(s)

mod = modified/modification

underlining = whole or part not

No. = Number(s)

commenced or to be commenced

 

Endnote 3—Legislation history

 

Name

Registration

Commencement

Application, saving and transitional provisions

Road Vehicle Standards (Classes of Vehicles that are Road Vehicles) Determination 2021

5 July 2021 (F2021L00954)

6 July 2021 (s 2)

 

Road Vehicle Standards (Classes of Vehicles that are Road Vehicles) Amendment Determination 2023

11 Oct 2023 (F2023L01373)

12 Oct 2023 (s 2)

 

Endnote 4—Amendment history

 

Provision affected

How affected

s 2.....................

rep LA s 48D

s 5.....................

am F2023L01373

 

 

Overview

The Road Vehicle Standards (Classes of Vehicles that are Road Vehicles) Determination 2021 was enacted under paragraph 6(5)(a) of the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018. This legislation aims to clarify and define the classes of vehicles that are considered road vehicles, thereby addressing any ambiguity or gaps in the existing framework. The determination was made by the Parliament of Australia and includes various classes of vehicles such as airport service vehicles, concrete pumpers, dual-purpose motorcycles, food or catering vans, mobile cranes, and vehicles that serve as campervans or motorhomes. The policy objective of this determination is to ensure that vehicles which are intended for public road use, or have the capability to be used on public roads, are appropriately categorised and regulated under the Act. This aids in maintaining road safety and compliance with vehicle standards. The determination specifies definitions for terms such as "airport service vehicle" and "food or catering van," providing a clear understanding of the types of vehicles included under each class. This legislative instrument is designed to provide a comprehensive and unambiguous classification system for vehicles, ensuring that all relevant stakeholders have a clear understanding of which vehicles fall under the regulatory scope of the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018.

Scope and Application

The Road Vehicle Standards (Classes of Vehicles that are Road Vehicles) Determination 2021, as amended, outlines specific classes of vehicles that are classified as road vehicles under the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018. This determination applies to entities and individuals involved in the manufacturing, importing, or using vehicles that fall within the specified classes. The classes of vehicles include airport service vehicles, concrete pumpers, dual-purpose motorcycles, food or catering vans, mobile cranes, and vehicles that serve as campervans or motorhomes. The determination provides detailed definitions for each class, highlighting their intended use and road-going features. This legislative instrument has a Commonwealth jurisdictional reach, meaning it applies across Australia. Notably, it does not specify exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds but instead sets out clear criteria for vehicle classification. The application and scope of this determination can be further extended or restricted through subordinate instruments made under the authority of the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018. The Road Vehicle Standards (Classes of Vehicles that are Road Vehicles) Determination 2021 was registered on 5 July 2021 and commenced on 6 July 2021. The most recent amendment, the Road Vehicle Standards (Classes of Vehicles that are Road Vehicles) Amendment Determination 2023, was registered on 11 October 2023 and commenced on 12 October 2023. The legislative history and amendment history, provided in the endnotes, detail the commencement of these instruments and any application, saving, or transitional provisions that are not included in this compilation.

Key Provisions

The Road Vehicle Standards (Classes of Vehicles that are Road Vehicles) Determination 2021, under section 6(5)(a) of the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018, outlines the specific classes of vehicles that are classified as road vehicles for the purposes of the Act. These classes include airport service vehicles (section 5(1)(a)), concrete pumpers (section 5(1)(b)), dual-purpose motorcycles (section 5(1)(c)), food or catering vans (section 5(1)(d)), mobile cranes (section 5(1)(e)), and vehicles that are campervans or motorhomes (section 5(1)(f)). Each of these vehicle classes is defined with specific design and operational criteria that must be met to qualify as a road vehicle. For instance, an airport service vehicle must be designed to service an aircraft within an airport, built on a truck chassis, and capable of operating on a public road (section 5(1)(a)). The determination imposes obligations on the parties and entities it governs by specifying the criteria that must be met for vehicles to be classified as road vehicles. Manufacturers, importers, and dealers must ensure that vehicles meet the specific design and operational criteria outlined in the determination to be legally classified as road vehicles. This includes providing evidence and documentation that the vehicle meets the required standards for each class of vehicle. The determination also requires that vehicles comply with any additional standards or regulations that may be prescribed by the Act or related regulations, ensuring that road vehicles are safe, reliable, and suitable for use on public roads. There are no explicit offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences for breach mentioned in the determination itself. However, failure to comply with the provisions of the determination and the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018 may result in enforcement actions by regulatory authorities. These actions could include fines, vehicle recalls, or other penalties as prescribed under the Act. The exact penalties for non-compliance would be governed by the broader provisions of the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018, which may include financial penalties, vehicle impoundment, or other regulatory measures. The determination serves to clarify the classes of vehicles that are road vehicles, ensuring that vehicles meet the necessary standards for safe and legal operation on public roads.

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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.