Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 43/04 – Vehicle Configuration and Dimensions) 2006

Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 43/04 – Vehicle Configuration and Dimensions) 2006

originally made under the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 and continued in force under the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018

Compilation No. 7

Compilation date: 30/01/2025

Includes amendments: Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule) Mobile Crane and Other Amendments 2025

Prepared by: Vehicle Safety Policy and Partnerships, Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts

About this compilation

This compilation

This is a compilation of the Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 43/04 – Vehicle Configuration and Dimensions) 2006 that shows the text of the law as amended and in force on 30/01/2025 (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.

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If a provision of the compiled law has been repealed in accordance with a provision of the law, details are included in the endnotes.

CONTENTS

1. legislative provisions.............................................4

2. function.......................................................4

3. APPLICABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION........................4

4. DEFINITIONS..................................................5

5. TURNING CIRCLE.............................................5

6. DIMENSIONS OF VEHICLES....................................5

7. AXLE CONFIGURATION........................................8

8. LOAD SHARING SUSPENSION..................................9

9. RETRACTABLE AXLE REQUIREMENTS.........................10

ENDNOTES.........................................................12

1.                                           legislative provisions
   1.                                     NAME OF STANDARD
      1.                               This Standard is the Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 43/04 – Vehicle Configuration and Dimensions) 2006.
      2.                               This Standard may also be cited as Australian Design Rule 43/04 – Vehicle Configuration and Dimensions.
2.                                           function
   1.                                     The function of this vehicle standard is to specify requirements for vehicle configuration and dimensions.
3.                                            APPLICABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION
   1.                                     Applicability Summary
      1.                               This vehicle standard applies to the design and construction of vehicles as set out in the Applicability Table in clause 3.2.
      2.                               Vehicles certified to any of the “Acceptable Prior Rules” as shown in the Applicability Table for a particular vehicle category are deemed to comply with this national standard provided:
         1.                         ‘T-Group’ vehicles meet clause 6.2.1.3. and clause 7.2.1.; and
         2.                         the requirements for ‘Retractable Axles’ are met (where appropriate).
   2.                                     Applicability Table

1.                                           DEFINITIONS
   1.                                     Refer to Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule – Definitions and Vehicle Categories) 2005.
2.                                           TURNING CIRCLE
   1.                                     Every vehicle must have a turning circle in either direction, as determined by reference to the extreme outer edge of the tyre track at ground level, not exceeding 25 metres in diameter.
   2.                                     All parts of an ‘Articulated Omnibus’ except mirrors and signalling devices must be capable of moving within a circular track having an inner radius of 5.3 metres and an outer radius of 12 metres.
3.                                           DIMENSIONS OF VEHICLES
   1.                                     Motor vehicles
      1.                               ‘Total Length’, including any ‘Equipment’
         1.                         The ‘Total Length’ of a motor vehicle, other than an ‘Articulated Omnibus’ must not exceed 12.5 metres.
         2.                         The ‘Total Length’ of an ‘Articulated Omnibus’ must not exceed 18 metres.
      2.                               ‘Rear Overhang’, including any ‘Equipment’
         1.                         The ‘Rear Overhang’ of any motor vehicle must not exceed 60 percent of the ‘Wheelbase’, or 3.7 metres, whichever is the lesser.
      3.                               Height, including any ‘Equipment’
         1.                         The height of any motor vehicle must not exceed 4.3 metres.
      4.                               ‘Ground Clearance’
         1.                         The ‘Ground Clearance’ of a motor vehicle, other than an L-Group vehicle, measured from a horizontal road surface to any applicable point on the underside of the vehicle must, under the conditions of ‘Maximum Loaded Test Mass’ loading as specified in the relevant braking rule, be not less than:
            1.                   for the mid-point between any 2 consecutive ‘Axles’, the dimension in millimetres obtained by multiplying the distance between those 2 ‘Axles’ in metres by 33.33; and
            2.                   for any other point, ‘Ground Clearance’ is such that if the wheels of one ‘Axle’ are on one plane and the wheels on the next consecutive ‘Axle’ are on another plane which intersects the first so that the angle between them is 7 degrees 38 minutes the point will pass over the apex transverse to the vehicle formed by that intersection, as shown in Figure 1.
         2.                         Where an omnibus, when fully laden and at normal ride height, does not meet the ground clearance as determined in 6.1.4.1.1., a device must be fitted to enable the chassis to be lifted sufficiently to meet the ground clearance relative to the wheelbase for manoeuvring purposes only.
      5.                               ‘Overall Width’, including any ‘Equipment’
         1.                         The ‘Overall Width’ of a category MA, MB, MC, MD, ME, NA or
            sub-category NB1 vehicle must not exceed 2,500 mm.
         2.                         The ‘Overall Width’ of a sub-category NB2 or category NC vehicle must not exceed 2,550 mm.
            1.                   Sub-category NB2 and category NC vehicles with an ‘Overall Width’ exceeding 2,500 mm must comply with:
               1.                 the Australian Design Rule 14/03 – Devices for Indirect Vision, or a later version;
               2.                the Australian Design Rule 35/07 – Commercial Vehicle Brake Systems, or a later version;
               3.                 except for vehicles with four or more ‘Axles’, vehicles ‘designed for off-road use’ (see Note 1 below), and mobile cranes otherwise not required to comply (see Note 2 below); the Australian Design Rule 97/00 – Advanced Emergency Braking for Omnibuses, and Medium and Heavy Goods Vehicles, or a later version; and
               4.                except for vehicles with four or more ‘Axles’, vehicles ‘designed for off-road use’ (see Note 1 below), and mobile cranes where otherwise not required to comply (see Note 2 below); the Australian Design Rule 99/00 – Lane Departure Warning Systems, or a later version.

Note 1: For the definition of ‘designed for off-road use’ see ADR 97/00 and ADR 99/00, and ADR99/01 (as applicable).

Note 2: A category NC vehicle, which is principally designed and constructed to raise, move, and lower freely suspended loads, by means of a ‘Crane’ that has a boom with a lifting moment greater than or equal to 400 kNm, is not required to comply with ADR 97/00, ADR 99/00, or ADR 99/01 (as specified in these ADRs).

1.                   Sub-category NB2 and category NC vehicles with an ‘Overall Width’ exceeding 2,500 mm must also, with the exception of ‘Partially Completed Vehicles’ and ‘Prime Movers’:
   1.                 comply with the Australian Design Rule 106/00 – Side Underrun Protection, or a later version;
   2.                be fitted with conspicuity markings to the rear, in accordance with the Australian Design Rule 13/00 – Installation of Lighting and Light Signalling Devices on other than L-Group Vehicles, or a later version; and
   3.                 if more than 6,000 mm in ‘Total Length’, be fitted with conspicuity markings to both sides, in accordance with the Australian Design Rule 13/00 – Installation of Lighting and Light Signalling Devices on other than L-Group Vehicles, or a later version.
2.                   Sub-category NB2 and category NC vehicles with a ‘Gross Vehicle Mass’ over 8 tonnes and with an ‘Overall Width’ exceeding 2,500 mm, must also comply with the Australian Design Rule 105/00 – Blind Spot Information Systems, or a later version, from 1 November 2025 for new model vehicles, and 1 February 2027 for all vehicles.

1.                         The ‘Overall Width’ of an L-Group vehicle must be as follows:
   1.                   in the case of LA category vehicles, the maximum width must not exceed 1,000 mm;
   2.                   in the case of LC category vehicles, the maximum width must not exceed 1,100 mm; and;
   3.                   in the case of a three wheel vehicle (LB or LE) or a motorcycle with a side car (LD), the maximum width must not exceed 2,000 mm.

1.                               ‘Running Clearance’
   1.                         The ‘Running Clearance’ of a motor vehicle, other than an L-Group vehicle, must be not less than 100 mm.

1.                                     Trailers
   1.                               ‘Total Length’, including any ‘Equipment’
      1.                         For a ‘Dog Trailer’:
         1.                   the distance from the ‘Point of Articulation’ to the line from which the ‘Rear Overhang’ is measured must not exceed 9.5 metres; and
         2.                   the distance from the ‘Point of Articulation’ to the ‘Rear End’ must not exceed 12.3 metres.
      2.                         For a ‘Semi-trailer’:
         1.                   the forward projection from the ‘Point of Articulation’ must be contained within a radius of 1.9 metres;
         2.                   the distance from the ‘Point of Articulation’ to the line from which the ‘Rear Overhang’ is measured must not exceed 9.5 metres; and
         3.                   the distance from the ‘Point of Articulation’ to the ‘Rear End’ must not exceed 13.2 metres, except that:
            1.             for a ‘Semi-trailer’ designed for use in a ‘Road Train’ or ‘B-Double’, the distance from the ‘Point of Articulation’ to the ‘Rear End’ must not exceed 12.3 metres.
         4.                   Despite clauses 6.2.1.2.2 and 6.2.1.2.3, for a ‘Semi-trailer’ designed and constructed for the positive control of temperature through the use of refrigerated equipment (a refrigerated trailer) and not designed for use in a ‘Road Train’ or ‘B-Double’:
            1.             the distance from the ‘Point of Articulation’ to the line from which the ‘Rear Overhang’ is measured must not exceed 9.9 metres; and
            2.             the distance from the ‘Point of Articulation’ to the ‘Rear End’ must not exceed 13.6 metres.
      3.                         The length available for the carriage of animals on a ‘Livestock Trailer’ must not be more than 12.5 metres when measured from the inside of the front wall or door of the trailer to the inside of the rear wall or door of the trailer (as the case may be), and any intervening partition must be disregarded.
   2.                               ‘Drawbar Length’
      1.                         For a ‘Pig Trailer’, the ‘Drawbar Length’ must not exceed 8.5 metres, except that:
         1.                   for a ‘Converter Dolly’, the ‘Drawbar Length’ must not exceed 5.0 metres.
      2.                         for a ‘Dog Trailer’, the ‘Drawbar Length’ must not exceed 5.0 metres.
   3.                               ‘Rear Overhang’, including any ‘Equipment’
      1.                         For a ‘Pig Trailer’, the ‘Rear Overhang’ must not exceed the length of the load space forward of the line from which ‘Rear Overhang’ is measured, or 3.7 metres, whichever is the lesser.
      2.                         For a ‘Dog Trailer’, the ‘Rear Overhang’ must not exceed 60 percent of the ‘Wheelbase’, or 3.7 metres, whichever is the lesser.
      3.                         For a ‘Semi-trailer’, the ‘Rear Overhang’ must not exceed 60 percent of the distance between the ‘Point of Articulation’ and the line from which the ‘Rear Overhang’ is measured, or 3.7 metres, whichever is the lesser.
   4.                               Height, including any ‘Equipment’
      1.                         The height of any trailer, other than a ‘Livestock Trailer’, must not exceed 4.3 metres.
      2.                         The height of a ‘Livestock Trailer’ must not exceed 4.6 metres.
   5.                               ‘Ground Clearance’
      1.                         The ‘Ground Clearance’ of a trailer, measured from a horizontal road surface to any point on the underside of the vehicle except the tyres, wheels and wheel hubs must, under the conditions of ‘Maximum Loaded Test Mass’ loading as specified in the relevant braking rule, be not less than:
         1.                   for the mid-point between any 2 consecutive ‘Axles’, the dimension in millimetres obtained by multiplying the distance between those 2 ‘Axles’ in metres by 33.33; and
         2.                   for any other point, ‘Ground Clearance’ is such that if the wheels of one ‘Axle’ are on one plane and the wheels on the next consecutive ‘Axle’ are on another plane which intersects the first so that the angle between them is 7 degrees 38 minutes the point will pass over the apex transverse to the vehicle formed by that intersection, as shown in Figure 1.
   6.                               ‘Overall Width’, including any ‘Equipment’
      1.                         The ‘Overall Width’ of any trailer must not exceed 2,500 mm.
   7.                               ‘Running Clearance’
      1.                         The ‘Running Clearance’ of a trailer must be not less than 100 mm.

1.                                           AXLE CONFIGURATION
   1.                                     A rigid motor vehicle must be supported by 2 ‘Axle Groups’ disposed as follows:
      1.                               one towards the front of the vehicle, with all wheels connected to the steering system for that part of the vehicle, on either a ‘Single Axle’ or a ‘Twin Steer Axle Group’; and
      2.                               one towards the rear of the vehicle.
   2.                                     A ‘Semi-trailer’ must be supported towards the rear by an ‘Axle Group’.
      1.                               Every ‘Semi-trailer’ which is extendible or fitted with a sliding ‘Axle Group’ must be so constructed that:
         1.                         positive locking devices are utilised;
         2.                         all locking device controls must be in a lockable enclosure when mounted on the chassis;
         3.                         failure of the engagement of the locking device must activate a visible and/or audible warning device;
         4.                         where the locking device is air-operated the supply must be fitted with a protection valve to prevent loss of air to the air brake supply in the event of line fracture or failure; and
         5.                         the movable assembly must be fitted with substantial stops to prevent disconnection from the vehicle in the event of failure of the locking device.
   3.                                     A trailer other than a ‘Semi-trailer’ must be supported by either:
      1.                               one ‘Axle Group’; or
      2.                               an ‘Axle Group’ towards both the front and rear of the trailer provided that all wheels in the front ‘Axle Group’ are connected to the steering mechanism for that part of the vehicle.
2.                                           LOAD SHARING SUSPENSION
   1.                                     All the ‘Axles’ in an ‘Axle Group’, other than a ‘Twin Steer Axle Group’ with not more than 2.0 metres horizontal distance between the centrelines of each ‘Axle’, must be related to each other through a ‘Load Sharing Suspension’ except:
      1.                               this requirement must not apply to a ‘Close Coupled Axle Group’ on any motor vehicle or trailer (including a ‘Semi-trailer’) with a ‘GVM’ or ‘ATM’ less than 4.5 tonne provided that the load carrying capacity of each of the ‘Axles’ and the wheel and tyres fitted to each ‘Axle’ is at least 120% of the nominal load imposed on that ‘Axle’ with the vehicle or trailer at its ‘GVM’ or ‘ATM’; and
      2.                               this requirement must not apply to a ‘Close Coupled Axle Group’ fitted with a ‘Retractable Axle’ on any motor vehicle or trailer (including a ‘Semi-trailer’) with a ‘GVM’ or ‘ATM’ less than 4.5 tonne provided that the load carrying capacity of each other ‘Axle’ and the wheels and tyres fitted to it is at least equal to the load imposed on that ‘Axle’ with the motor vehicle or trailer at its ‘GVM’ or ‘ATM’ and with the ‘Retractable Axle’ retracted.
3.                                           RETRACTABLE AXLE REQUIREMENTS
   1.                                     The ‘Retractable Axle’ must automatically lower to the ‘Fully-down’ position no later than when the ‘Prescribed Transition Mass’ shown in Table 1 is reached.
   2.                                     The ‘Retractable Axle’ must remain in the ‘Fully-down’ position when the ‘Prescribed Transition Mass’ shown in Table 1 is exceeded.

TABLE 1

Transition mass ratings for Axle Configurations and Tyre types.

Example: If a tri-axle suspension fitted with dual tyres has two retractable axles, when running only on the nonretractable axle, the first ‘Retractable Axle’ must come down no later than when the load imposed on the ground reaches 6.5 tonnes. The second ‘Retractable Axle’ must come down no later than when the load imposed on the ground reaches 13.0 tonnes.

Tyre type codes

S Single tyre per wheel

D Dual tyres per wheel

W1 Wide Single Tyre (375 to 450 mm width)

W2 Wide Single Tyre (over 450 mm width)

1.                                     The ‘Retractable Axle’ must remain fixed, in either the raised or ‘Fully-down’ position, when the vehicle is in motion.  This requirement does not require speed sensing. It must be demonstrated however, that in the intended service of the vehicle, road shock or other influences will not cause the ‘Retractable Axle’ to raise or lower.  Compliance with this requirement must be demonstrated by providing evidence that the designed response of the control system prevents the inadvertent raising or lowering of the ‘Retractable Axle’.
2.                                     A vehicle fitted with a ‘Retractable Axle’ must, in all ‘Configurations’, comply with all relevant requirements of clause 6.

Figure 1

1:15 Gradient

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.

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

Endnote 3—Legislation history

Endnote 4—Amendment history