Vehicle and Traffic (Vehicle Operations) Notice 2013

Vehicle and Traffic (Vehicle Operations) Notice 2013

The Transport Commission makes the following notice under regulation 45 of the Vehicle and Traffic (Vehicle Operations) Regulations 2001 .

PART 1 - Preliminary

1.   Short title

This notice may be cited as the Vehicle and Traffic (Vehicle Operations) Notice 2013 .

2.   Commencement

This notice takes effect on 1 December 2013.

3.   Interpretation

(1)  In this notice –

agricultural combination means a combination of a motor vehicle and a trailer, one of which is an agricultural vehicle;

agricultural vehicle includes an agricultural implement and an agricultural machine;

approval plate means a decal, label or plate, issued with the approval of an authority that is responsible for the administration of a corresponding law, that –

(a) certifies that a prime mover is fitted with a Front Underrun Protection Device; and

(b) is fitted in such a way that it cannot be removed without being damaged or destroyed;

approved mass-management scheme means a scheme for the management of mass –

(a) administered by the responsible Department in relation to the Vehicle and Traffic Act 1999 ; or

(b) administered or recognised by an equivalent authority in another State or a Territory;

E-mark means an approval mark, issued and arranged in accordance with –

(a) Annex 4 "Arrangements of Approval Marks" of the United Nations Community for Europe Regulation No. 93, published by the United Nations in 1994, as amended or substituted from time to time; or

(b) Annex 2 "Arrangements of Approval Marks" of the United Nations Community for Europe Regulation No. 29, published by the United Nations in 1999, as amended or substituted from time to time;

Forestry Safety Code means the Forest Safety Code (Tasmania) 2007, as amended from time to time –

(a) produced by the Safety Standards Committee of the Tasmanian Forest Industries Training Board Inc; and

(b) approved under section 22 of the Workplace Health and Safety Act 1995 ;

Front Underrun Protection Device means a device fitted to a prime mover that complies with the requirements for such devices specified in the United Nations Economic Community for Europe Regulation No. 93, published by the United Nations in 1994, as amended or substituted from time to time;

low loader means a gooseneck semi-trailer that is designed for the carriage of self-propelled machinery and has a single loading-deck height of no more than one metre from the ground;

overmass indivisible item means an indivisible item, other than a freight container, that –

(a) cannot, without disproportionate effort, expense or risk of damage, be divided into 2 or more smaller items; and

(b) cannot be carried on any vehicle without exceeding the relevant mass limit for the vehicle as specified in Part 2 of the Vehicle Operations Regulations;

oversize indivisible item means an indivisible item, other than a freight container, that –

(a) cannot, without disproportionate effort, expense or risk of damage, be divided into 2 or more smaller items; and

(b) cannot be carried on any vehicle without exceeding the relevant dimension limit for the vehicle as specified in Part 2 of the Vehicle Operations Regulations;

road-friendly suspension means vehicle suspension that complies with the performance criteria specified in Vehicle Standards Bulletin 11 - "Certification of Road-friendly Suspension Systems" published by the Federal Office of Road Safety in July 2004, as amended or substituted from time to time;

special-purpose log means a log that is to be used in a special application such as a wire-carrying pole or jetty pile or in special sawn-timber applications but does not include any log that is to be processed by chipping, shredding or grinding;

steer axle means an axle that is –

(a) fitted to a motor vehicle; and

(b) fitted with 2 tyres; and

(c) connected to a steering mechanism;

truck and dog trailer combination means a motor vehicle towing a dog trailer;

Vehicle Operations Regulations means the Vehicle and Traffic (Vehicle Operations) Regulations 2001 .

(2)  A word or phrase that is defined in the Vehicle and Traffic Act 1999 or the Vehicle Operations Regulations and used in this notice has the same meaning in this notice as defined in that Act or in those regulations.

(3)  The Acts Interpretation Act 1931 applies to the interpretation of this notice as if it were regulations within the meaning of that Act.

PART 2 - B-doubles

4.   Exemption of B-doubles

Subject to the conditions specified in clause 5 , regulations 13 and 22(7)(a) and (d) of the Vehicle Operations Regulations do not apply to a person using, or causing or permitting the use of, a B-double.

5.   Conditions on exemption of B-doubles

The exemption under clause 4 is subject to the following conditions:

(a) if the B-double is being used on a road not specified in Schedule 1 , the B-double must not –

(i) exceed, inclusive of its load –

(A) 21 metres in length; or

(B) 21.3 metres in length if the rear trailer is fitted with a rear load-restraining guard that complies with the Forestry Safety Code; and

(ii) exceed the aggregate axle load calculated in accordance with the allowable axle group loads of the combination, or 50 tonnes, whichever is the lesser; and

(iii) be fitted with more than 7 axles;

(b) if the B-double is being used on a road specified in Schedule 1 , the B-double must not exceed –

(i) 25 metres in length, inclusive of its load; or

(ii) subject to clause 12 , the aggregate axle load calculated in accordance with the allowable axle group of the combination, or 62.5 tonnes, whichever is the lesser;

(c) if the B-double exceeds 22 metres in length, it must be fitted with a long vehicle sign;

(d) the B-double must comply with Schedule 2 ;

(e) the distance G shown on the following diagrams must not be less than 6 metres, and the distance H must not be less than 7 metres:

(f) the distance X shown on the following diagram, minus the distance Y, must not exceed one metre and the distance Y, minus the distance X, must not exceed 1.3 metres:

6.   Exemption of 26-metre B-doubles

Subject to the conditions specified in clause 7 , regulations 13 and 22(7)(a) and (d) of the Vehicle Operations Regulations do not apply to a person using, or causing or permitting the use of, a B-double that does not exceed 26 metres in length, inclusive of its load.

7.   Conditions on exemption of 26-metre B-doubles

The exemption under clause 6 is subject to the following conditions:

(a) the B-double must be used on a road specified in Schedule 1 ;

(b) the B-double must comply with each of the conditions specified in clause 5(b)(ii) and clause 5(c) , (d) and (e) ;

(c) the prime mover of the combination must be permanently fitted with a Front Underrun Protection Device;

(d) the prime mover of the combination must be permanently fitted with a clearly legible and conspicuously displayed –

(i) E-mark; or

(ii) approval plate;

(e) if a prime mover of a combination that complies with paragraphs (c) and (d) is fitted with a bullbar, roo bar, nudge-bar, cowcatcher or other such protrusion at the front of the vehicle, the bullbar, roo bar, nudge-bar, cowcatcher or other such protrusion must be permanently fitted with a clearly legible and conspicuously displayed approval plate;

(f) if the prime mover is manufactured after 31 December 2005, it must have a cab that –

(i) complies with the United Nations Community for Europe Regulation No. 29, published by the United Nations in 1999, as amended or substituted from time to time; and

(ii) is permanently fitted with a clearly legible and conspicuously displayed E-mark;

(g) the distance between the point of articulation at the front of the leading trailer and the rear of the combination must not exceed 20.6 metres;

(h) the prime mover must not have an area designed for the carriage of cargo.

PART 3 - Truck and Dog Trailer Combinations

8.   Exemption of truck and dog trailer combinations

Subject to the conditions specified in clause 9 , regulations 13 , 21 and 22(7)(a) and (d) of the Vehicle Operations Regulations do not apply to a person using, or causing or permitting the use of, a combination consisting of a truck and dog trailer.

9.   Conditions on exemption of truck and dog trailer combinations

The exemption under clause 8 is subject to the following conditions:

(a) if the combination is being used on a road not specified in Schedule 1 , it must not –

(i) exceed, inclusive of its load –

(A) 21 metres in length; or

(B) 21.3 metres in length if the rear trailer is fitted with a rear load-restraining guard that complies with the Forestry Safety Code; or

(ii) exceed the aggregate axle load calculated in accordance with the allowable axle group loads of the axles of the combination, or 50 tonnes, whichever is the lesser;

(b) if the combination is being used on a road specified in Schedule 1 , it must not –

(i) exceed 25 metres in length, inclusive of its load; or

(ii) subject to clause 12 , exceed the aggregate axle load calculated in accordance with the allowable axle group loads of the axles of the combination, or 60.5 tonnes, whichever is the lesser;

(c) the mass of the dog trailer must not exceed the mass of the truck by more than 50%;

(d) if the combination has an aggregate axle load in excess of 50 tonnes, the trailer couplings must have a coupling strength with a D value of at least 13.5 kilo Newtons;

(e) all the axles of the combination, except for the steer axle of the truck, must be equipped with air suspension or road-friendly suspension;

(f) if the combination exceeds 22 metres in length, it must be fitted with a long vehicle sign;

(g) the combination must comply with Schedule 2 .

PART 4 - Higher Mass Limits for Vehicles with Road-friendly Suspension

10.   Exemption of vehicles with road-friendly suspension

(1)  Subject to the conditions specified in clause 11 , regulation 22(3)(e)(ii) , (4)(d)(ii) , (7)(a) and (d) of the Vehicle Operations Regulations do not apply to a person using, or causing or permitting the use of, a vehicle or combination if –

(a) the vehicle or combination is equipped with one or more road-friendly suspension systems; and

(b) the person on whose behalf the vehicle or combination is being used is accredited under an approved mass-management scheme.

(2)  Subclause (1) does not apply to –

(a) a pig trailer; or

(b) a tri-axle group fitted to a motor vehicle.

11.   Conditions on exemption of vehicles with road-friendly suspension

The exemption under clause 10 is subject to the following conditions:

(a) the vehicle or combination is being used on a road specified in Schedule 4 ;

(b) the mass of an 8-tyred tandem axle group fitted with a road-friendly suspension system must not exceed 17 tonnes;

(c) the mass of a 12-tyred tri-axle group fitted with a road-friendly suspension system must not exceed 22.5 tonnes;

(d) the aggregate axle load must not exceed the sum of the allowable axle loads of the axle groups in the combination;

(e) an axle or axle group fitted after 1 January 2000 must be certified by the manufacturer as being a vehicle with road-friendly suspension;

(f) the vehicle or combination must not exceed the mass limits corresponding to the axle spacing specified in Schedule 2 , exclusive of the additional mass allowed under paragraphs (b) and (c) ;

(g) the certificate of accreditation under an approved mass-management scheme of the person on whose behalf the vehicle is being used must be carried in the vehicle and produced on demand to a police officer or an authorised officer.

12.   Aggregate axle mass limit applicable to roads shown in Schedule 4

(1)  Despite clause 5(a)(ii) , clause 5(b)(ii) , clause 9(a)(ii) , clause 9(b)(ii) and clause 17(b) , a twin-steer prime mover and tri-axle semi-trailer combination, B-double combination or truck and dog trailer combination equipped with one or more road-friendly suspension systems may have an aggregate axle mass limit, not exceeding the maximum aggregate axle mass limits specified in subclause (2) , calculated in accordance with this Part, if the vehicle or combination is being used on a road specified in Schedule 4 .

(2)  For the purpose of subclause (1) the following maximum aggregate axle mass limits apply:

(a) in the case of a twin-steer prime mover and tri-axle semi-trailer combination, 50.5 tonnes;

(b) in the case of a truck and dog trailer combination, 62 tonnes;

(c) in the case of a B-double combination, 68 tonnes.

PART 5 - Vehicles or Combinations with Steer Axle Loads of up to 6.5 Tonnes

13.   Interpretation

In this Part –

ADR 80/01 means the Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 80/01 – Emission Control for Heavy Vehicles) 2005 published by virtue of the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 of the Commonwealth, as amended from time to time.

14.   Exemption of vehicles or combinations with axle loads of up to 6.5 tonnes

(1)  Subject to the conditions specified in clause 15 , regulations 22(2)(a)(iv) and 22(7)(d) of the Vehicle Operations Regulations and clause 5(a)(ii) , clause 5(b)(ii) , clause 9(a)(ii) , clause 9(b)(ii) , clause 12(2) , clause 21(c)(ii) and clause 27(g) do not apply to a person using, or causing or permitting the use of, a vehicle or combination fitted with one steer axle with an axle load not exceeding 6.5 tonnes.

(2)  If subclause (1) applies to a person using, or causing or permitting the use of, a motor vehicle in a combination, the permitted aggregate axle mass of the combination is increased by 0.5 tonnes.

15.   Conditions on exemption of motor vehicles or combinations with axle loads of up to 6.5 tonnes

The exemption under clause 14 is subject to the following conditions:

(a) the GVM of the motor vehicle must be 15 tonnes or more;

(b) the motor vehicle must be permanently fitted with –

(i) an engine that complies with the engine control requirements specified in ADR 80/01; and

(ii) a Front Underrun Protection Device; and

(iii) a cabin that complies with the United Nations Community for Europe Regulation No. 29, published by the United Nations in 1999, as amended or substituted from time to time; and

(iv) a cabin in which a clearly legible and conspicuous E-mark or approval plate is displayed; and

(v) a steer axle, including the tyres and suspension, that has a manufacturer's rating equal to or exceeding 6.5 tonnes;

(c) the motor vehicle or combination must comply with the axle mass limits that correspond to the axle spacing and mass specified in Schedule 2 , not including the additional axle load allowed in clause 14 .

PART 6 - Prime Movers Fitted with Twinsteer Axle Groups

16.   Exemption of prime movers fitted with twinsteer axle groups

Subject to the conditions specified in clause 17 , regulation 22(7)(a) and (d) of the Vehicle Operations Regulations does not apply to a person using, or causing or permitting the use of, a seven-axle combination comprising a prime mover fitted with a twinsteer axle group and a single semi-trailer fitted with a tri-axle group.

17.   Conditions on exemption of prime movers fitted with twinsteer axle groups

The exemption under clause 16 is subject to the following conditions:

(a) the combination must comply with Schedule 2 ;

(b) the aggregate axle load of the combination must not exceed –

(i) 47.5 tonnes if the twinsteer axle group is fitted with a load-sharing suspension system; or

(ii) 46.5 tonnes in any other case.

PART 7 - Vehicles Carrying Oversize and Overmass Loads

Division 1 - Exemption of vehicles carrying oversize indivisible items

18.   Exemption of vehicles carrying oversize indivisible items

Subject to the conditions specified in clause 19 , regulations 10 , 13 , 14(1) and 16(a) of the Vehicle Operations Regulations do not apply to a person using, or causing or permitting the use of, a vehicle or combination, other than a B-double or a truck and dog trailer combination, that is carrying one or more oversize indivisible items.

19.   Conditions on exemption of vehicles carrying oversize indivisible items

The exemption under clause 18 is subject to the following conditions:

(a) the width of the vehicle, inclusive of its load, must not exceed 3.5 metres;

(b) the height of the vehicle, inclusive of its load, must not exceed 4.6 metres;

(c) the length of the combination, inclusive of its load, must not exceed 25 metres;

(d) the rear overhang of the semi-trailer, inclusive of its load, must not exceed 5.5 metres or 25% of the length of the combination, whichever is the lesser;

(e) the vehicle or combination must display side markers and rear markers for night travel in accordance with clause 6 of Schedule 2 to the Vehicle Operations Regulations;

(f) the vehicle or combination must not carry more than one oversize indivisible item, if the carriage of a second or subsequent item causes a further dimension limit to be exceeded;

(g) the vehicle or combination must not be used if visibility is less than 250 metres in daylight or if the headlights of a vehicle approaching within 250 metres cannot be seen at night;

(h) if the vehicle or combination, inclusive of its load, exceeds 2.5 metres in width –

(i) an oversize vehicle sign must be displayed at the front and rear of the vehicle or combination; and

(ii) flags, in accordance with clause 4 of Schedule 2 to the Vehicle Operations Regulations, must be displayed;

(i) if the vehicle or combination, inclusive of its load, exceeds 22 metres in length, an oversize vehicle sign must be displayed at the front and rear of the vehicle or combination;

(j) if the vehicle or combination is used in daylight, it must display its headlights on low beam;

(k) if the vehicle or combination, inclusive of its load, exceeds 3 metres in width and it is used in daylight, the vehicle or combination must display warning lights;

(l) if the vehicle or combination, inclusive of its load, exceeds 2.5 metres in width or 22 metres in length and it is used at night, the vehicle or combination must display warning lights;

(m) the vehicle or combination must be accompanied by a pilot vehicle in accordance with –

(i) Schedule 3 ; and

(ii) Part 3 of Schedule 3 to the Vehicle Operations Regulations;

(n) if the vehicle or combination has a load that projects more than 150mm beyond one side of the vehicle or combination and that projection is less than 500mm thick, delineators must be attached in accordance with clause 5 of Schedule 2 to the Vehicle Operations Regulations.

Division 2 - Exemption of combinations carrying overmass indivisible items

20.   Exemption of combinations carrying overmass indivisible items

Subject to the conditions specified in clause 21 , regulation 22(3)(e)(ii) , (4)(d)(ii) , (7)(a) , (b) and (d) of the Vehicle Operations Regulations does not apply to a person using, or causing or permitting the use of, a combination consisting of a tandem-drive prime mover and a low loader carrying a single overmass indivisible item.

21.   Conditions on exemption of combinations carrying overmass indivisible items

The exemption under clause 20 is subject to the following conditions:

(a) the combination must have axle groups with at least 1.2-metre spacings between the centres of adjacent axles in each group;

(b) the axle loads of the combination must not exceed the following axle mass limits:

(i) a tandem axle with 8 tyres, 18.5 tonnes;

(ii) a tri-axle with 12 tyres, 25.0 tonnes;

(c) the aggregate axle load of the combination must not exceed the least of the following:

(i) the sum of the axle mass limits applicable to the combination;

(ii) if the distance between the centre of the rearmost drive axle and the centre of the first trailer axle is 6 metres or more, 49.5 tonnes;

(iii) if the distance between the centre of the rearmost drive axle and the centre of the first trailer axle is less than 6 metres, 49.5 tonnes decreased by 1 tonne for each 300 millimetres by which that distance is less than 6 metres.

Division 3 - Transport of rowing boats, surfboats, &c.

22.   Exemption of certain pig trailers

Subject to the conditions specified in clause 23 , regulations 13 and 14(3) of the Vehicle Operations Regulations do not apply to a person using, or causing or permitting the use of, a pig trailer built and being used for the purpose of transporting a light aircraft, yacht, rowing boats or surfboat.

23.   Conditions on exemption of certain pig trailers

The exemption under clause 22 is subject to the following conditions:

(a) the rear overhang of the pig trailer, inclusive of its load, must not exceed 5 metres;

(b) the pig trailer, inclusive of its load, and the motor vehicle towing it must not exceed 25 metres in length;

(c) the vehicle used to tow the pig trailer must display headlights on low beam when used in daylight;

(d) if the trailer or combination is used in daylight, a red flag must be affixed to the rearmost point of its load;

(e) the pig trailer must display side markers and rear markers for night travel in accordance with clause 6 of Schedule 2 to the Vehicle Operations Regulations;

(f) if the pig trailer, inclusive of its load and the motor vehicle towing it, exceeds 22 metres in length, it must –

(i) display an oversize vehicle sign at the front of the combination and rear of the combination; and

(ii) display warning lights when used at night;

(g) if the rear overhang of the pig trailer, inclusive of its load, exceeds 3.7 metres, an oversize vehicle sign must be displayed at the front and rear of the combination.

Division 4 - Special exemption for transport of hay

24.   Exemption for transport of hay

Subject to the conditions specified in clause 25 , regulations 10 and 16(a) of the Vehicle Operations Regulations do not apply to a person using, or causing or permitting the use of, a vehicle or combination carrying hay in bales or rolls.

25.   Conditions on exemption of vehicles or combinations carrying hay

The exemption under clause 24 is subject to the following conditions:

(a) the vehicle or combination, inclusive of its load, must not exceed 3 metres in width;

(b) the combination consisting of a prime mover and a tri-axle semi-trailer, inclusive of its load, may be up to 4.6 metres in height if the width of the combination, inclusive of its load, does not exceed 2.5 metres;

(c) a step-deck or drop-well tri-axle semi-trailer with a maximum lower loading deck not exceeding 1.2 metres in height may be loaded up to 4.6 metres in height and 3.0 metres in width;

(d) if the vehicle or combination, inclusive of its load, exceeds 2.5 metres in width, the vehicle or combination must display –

(i) an oversize vehicle sign on the front and rear of the vehicle or combination; and

(ii) flags in accordance with clause 4 of Schedule 2 to the Vehicle Operations Regulations; and

(iii) warning lights when the vehicle or combination is used at night;

(e) the vehicle or combination must not be used if visibility is less than 250 metres in daylight or if the headlights of a vehicle approaching within 250 metres cannot be seen at night.

Division 5 - Special exemption for transport of overseas export freight containers

26.   Exemption of vehicles carrying overseas export freight containers

Subject to the conditions specified in clause 27 , regulation 22(3)(e)(ii) , (4)(d)(ii) , (7)(a), (b) and (d) of the Vehicle Operations Regulations does not apply to a person using, or causing or permitting the use of, a combination carrying a 12.2 metre-long overseas export freight container.

27.   Conditions on exemption of vehicles carrying overseas export freight containers

The exemption under clause 26 is subject to the following conditions:

(a) the combination must be a tandem-drive prime mover with a single tri-axle trailer;

(b) all the axles of the combination, other than the steer axle of the truck, must be equipped with road-friendly suspension;

(c) all axle groups, other than the steer axle, must be fitted with dual tyres;

(d) the freight container must contain perishable commodities being transported for the purpose of export overseas;

(e) each freight container must be accompanied by documentation specifying –

(i) the origin and destination of the container; and

(ii) the nature of the commodity in the container; and

(iii) the container identification number;

(f) the maximum aggregate axle load for the combination that, but for this exemption, would be calculated under regulation 22(7) of the Vehicle Operation Regulations is equal to, or less than, the maximum aggregate axle load calculated under Schedule 1 of those regulations for the combination as if the maximum axle load of the combination was the relevant mass specified in regulation 22(3)(e)(ii) , (4)(d)(ii) or (7)(d) of those regulations;

(g) the combination must not exceed the mass limits set out in the following table:

Axle group	Mass limit (tonnes)
Tandem axle	18.5
Tri-axle with 12 tyres	22.5
Aggregate axle mass	47.0

(h) the person on whose behalf the vehicle is being used must be accredited under an approved mass-management scheme.

Division 6 - Special exemption for transport of high-cube freight containers

28.   Exemption for transport of high-cube freight containers

(1)  For the purpose of this clause –

high-cube freight container means a box-like goods receptacle that –

(a) is constructed to a height of –

(i) 2.9 metres; or

(ii) 3.05 metres; or

(iii) 3.1 metres; or

(iv) 3.2 metres; or

(v) 3.3 metres; or

(vi) 3.45 metres; and

(b) has corner fittings of a type specified in, or similar to the types of corner fittings specified in, the Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 3711.3 entitled "Corner Fittings for Freight Containers" published by Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand on 25 October 1993, as amended or substituted from time to time.

(2)  Regulation 16(a) of the Vehicle Operations Regulations does not apply to a person using, or causing or permitting the use of, a vehicle, other than a dog trailer, that is carrying a high-cube freight container so long as the vehicle, inclusive of its load, does not exceed 4.5 metres in height.

Division 7 - Transport of special-purpose logs

29.   Exemption of combinations carrying special-purpose logs

Subject to the conditions specified in clause 30 , regulations 13 , 14(1) and (3) of the Vehicle Operations Regulations do not apply to a person using, or causing or permitting the use of, a combination carrying special-purpose logs.

30.   Conditions on exemption of combinations carrying special-purpose logs

The exemption under clause 29 is subject to the following conditions:

(a) the combination must consist of –

(i) a prime mover and a single semi-trailer; or

(ii) a truck known as a pole erector and a pole-type pig trailer;

(b) the length of the combination, inclusive of its load, must not exceed 25 metres;

(c) the rear overhang of the trailer, inclusive of its load, must not exceed 5.5 metres;

(d) if the combination is used in daylight, a red flag must be affixed to the rearmost point of the load;

(e) if the combination is used at night, it must display side markers and rear markers for night travel in accordance with clause 6 of Schedule 2 to the Vehicle Operations Regulations;

(f) if the combination, including its load, exceeds 22 metres in length, it must display –

(i) warning lights when used at night; and

(ii) an oversize vehicle sign at the front and rear of the combination;

(g) the combination must not be used if visibility is less than 250 metres in daylight or if the headlights of a vehicle approaching within 250 metres cannot be seen at night.

PART 8 - Exemption of 14.6-metre Semi-trailers

31.   Exemption of 14.6-metre semi-trailers

Subject to the conditions specified in clause 32 , regulation 12(1)(b) of the Vehicle Operations Regulations does not apply to a person using, or causing or permitting the use of, a 14.6-metre semi-trailer.

32.   Conditions on exemption of 14.6-metre semi-trailers

The exemption under clause 31 is subject to the following conditions:

(a) the combination must consist of a prime mover and a single semi-trailer;

(b) the distance between the point of articulation at the front of the trailer and the rear of the trailer must not exceed 13.2 metres.

PART 9 - Exemption of 14.9-metre Refrigerated Semi-trailers

33.   Exemption of 14.9-metre refrigerated semi-trailers

Subject to the conditions specified in clause 34 , regulation 12(1) of the Vehicle Operations Regulations does not apply to a person using, or causing or permitting the use of, a 14.9-metre refrigerated semi-trailer.

34.   Conditions on exemption of 14.9-metre refrigerated semi-trailers

The exemption under clause 33 is subject to the following conditions:

(a) the combination must consist of a prime mover and a single semi-trailer;

(b) the trailer must be designed and built for the positive control of temperature through the use of refrigeration equipment;

(c) the distance between the point of articulation at the front of the trailer and the rear of the trailer must not exceed 13.6 metres;

(d) the distance between the point of articulation at the front of the trailer and the trailer rear overhang line must not exceed 9.9 metres;

(e) the length of the trailer must not exceed 14.9 metres;

(f) the combination must not exceed 19 metres in length.

PART 10 - Exemption of Certain Low Loaders

35.   Exemption of certain low loaders

Subject to the conditions specified in clause 36 , regulation 12(1) and regulation 13 of the Vehicle Operations Regulations do not apply to a person using, or causing or permitting the use of, a combination that includes a low loader.

36.   Conditions on exemption of certain low loaders

The exemption under clause 35 is subject to the following conditions:

(a) the low loader is being used –

(i) unladen; or

(ii) to transport an overmass indivisible item or an oversize indivisible item;

(b) the low loader is not being used as a trailer in a B-double combination;

(c) a combination which includes the low loader does not exceed 22 metres in length.

PART 11 - Exemption of Certain Combinations

37.   Exemption of certain combinations

Regulation 13 of the Vehicle Operations Regulations does not apply to a person using, or causing or permitting the use of, a combination, built to carry vehicles on more than one deck, whilst the combination is carrying vehicles, if the combination, inclusive of its load, does not exceed 21.4 metres in length.

PART 12 - Agricultural Machinery

38.   Exemption of agricultural vehicles and agricultural combinations

Subject to the conditions specified in clause 39 , regulations 10(1) , 11(a) , 13 , 14(1) and (3) , 15(2) and 16(a) of the Vehicle Operations Regulations do not apply to a person using, or causing or permitting the use of, an agricultural vehicle or an agricultural combination.

39.   Conditions on exemption of agricultural vehicles and agricultural combinations

An exemption under clause 38 is subject to the following conditions:

(a) the width of the agricultural vehicle must not exceed 5 metres;

(b) the length of the agricultural vehicle must not exceed 15 metres;

(c) the height of the agricultural vehicle must not exceed 4.6 metres;

(d) the rear overhang of the agricultural vehicle must not exceed 5.5 metres;

(e) if the agricultural vehicle (other than a tractor) exceeds 2.5 metres in width or 12.5 metres in length, an oversize vehicle warning sign, within the meaning of the Vehicle Operations Regulations, must be displayed at the front and rear of the vehicle;

(f) the length of the agricultural combination must not exceed 25 metres;

(g) if the agricultural combination exceeds 2.5 metres in width or 19.5 metres in length, an oversize vehicle warning sign, within the meaning of the Vehicle Operations Regulations, must be displayed –

(i) if a tractor is not the front vehicle of the combination, at the front and rear of the combination; and

(ii) if a tractor is the front vehicle of the combination, at the rear of the combination;

(h) if the agricultural vehicle or agricultural combination is not an agricultural machine, a warning light, within the meaning of the Vehicle Operations Regulations, must be displayed on the agricultural vehicle or agricultural combination –

(i) when used in daylight, if the agricultural vehicle or agricultural combination exceeds 3 metres in width; or

(ii) when used at night, if the agricultural vehicle or agricultural combination exceeds 2.5 metres in width or 22 metres in length;

(i) flags in accordance with Schedule 2 to the Vehicle Operations Regulations must be displayed if the agricultural vehicle (other than a tractor) or the agricultural combination, exceeds 2.5 metres in width;

(j) any axle, on an agricultural vehicle that is a tractor, which protrudes more than 150 millimetres past the outer wall of a tyre must be painted fluorescent yellow or be covered in a high-visibility material;

(k) an agricultural vehicle that exceeds 3.5 metres in width must not be used at night;

(l) an agricultural vehicle that is used in daylight must be accompanied by a pilot vehicle displaying warning lights and warning signs within the meaning of the Vehicle Operations Regulations, if the agricultural vehicle exceeds –

(i) 3.5 metres in width; or

(ii) 12.5 metres in length;

(m) an agricultural combination that exceeds 19 metres in length must be accompanied by a pilot vehicle that displays –

(i) a warning light within the meaning of the Vehicle Operations Regulations; and

(ii) an oversize vehicle warning sign within the meaning of the Vehicle Operations Regulations;

(n) an agricultural vehicle which is used in daylight and exceeds 4.5 metres in width must be accompanied by 2 pilot vehicles, with each pilot vehicle displaying –

(i) a warning light within the meaning of the Vehicle Operations Regulations; and

(ii) an oversize vehicle warning sign within the meaning of the Vehicle Operations Regulations;

(o) if an agricultural vehicle or agricultural combination operating under this exemption is fitted with headlights, the headlights must be displayed on low beam when the vehicle or combination is used in daylight;

(p) an agricultural vehicle that is an agricultural implement that is towed at night must be fitted with brake lights, tail lights and reflectors at its rear, either fixed to the implement or mounted on a detachable board;

(q) an agricultural vehicle, or agricultural combination, that is used at night must displayside markers and rear markers in accordance with clause 6 of Schedule 2 to the Vehicle Operations Regulations.

PART 13 - Trucks Used to Spread Fertilizer

40.   Exemption of certain trucks used to spread fertilizer

Subject to the conditions specified in clause 41 , regulation 10(1) of the Vehicle Operations Regulations does not apply to a person using, or causing or permitting the use of, a truck for the purpose of spreading fertilizer.

41.   Conditions on exemption of certain trucks used to spread fertilizer

(1)  In this clause –

wide tyres means one wheel and tyre, with a section width of not less than 375mm, fitted to each end of an axle.

(2)  The exemption under clause 40 is subject to the following conditions:

(a) the truck must be a heavy vehicle;

(b) the truck must be fitted with single wide tyres;

(c) the truck must have complied with the relevant ADR in place at the time the truck was manufactured;

(d) the truck must have been modified, after it was manufactured, for the purpose of carrying and distributing fertilizer for agricultural purposes;

(e) the truck, inclusive of its load but not its wheels, wide tyres and mudguards, must not exceed 2.5 metres in width;

(f) the truck, inclusive of its load, wheels, wide tyres and mudguards, must not exceed 2.9 metres in width;

(g) the truck must not be used if visibility is less than 250 metres in daylight or if the headlights of a vehicle approaching within 250 metres cannot be seen at night;

(h) the truck must display –

(i) an oversize vehicle sign at the front and rear of the truck; and

(ii) flags in accordance with clause 4 of Schedule 2 to the Vehicle Operations Regulations; and

(iii) its headlights on low beam when used in daylight; and

(iv) warning lights when used at night.

PART 14 - Trucks Fitted with Spreader Boxes

42.   Interpretation

In this Part –

spreader box means an attachment –

(a) not exceeding 2.9 metres in width; and

(b) fitted onto the rear of a truck used, in the construction and maintenance of roads, to evenly distribute aggregate or a similar material.

43.   Exemption of trucks fitted with spreader boxes

Subject to the conditions specified in clause 44 , regulation 10(1) of the Vehicle Operations Regulations does not apply to a person using, or causing or permitting the use of, a truck fitted with a spreader box.

44.   Conditions on exemption of trucks fitted with spreader boxes

The exemption under clause 43 is subject to the following conditions:

(a) the truck must not be used if visibility is less than 250 metres in daylight or if the headlights of a vehicle approaching within 250 metres cannot be seen at night;

(b) an oversize vehicle sign must be displayed at the front and rear of the truck;

(c) the truck must display flags in accordance with clause 4 of Schedule 2 to the Vehicle Operations Regulations;

(d) when used in daylight, the truck must display its headlights on low beam;

(e) when used at night, the truck must display –

(i) warning lights; and

(ii) side markers and rear markers for night travel in accordance with clause 6 of Schedule 2 to the Vehicle Operations Regulations.

PART 15 - Miscellaneous

45.   Restriction on use of vehicle or combination on certain bridges

An exemption under this notice does not authorise the use of a vehicle or combination on –

(a) the Tasman Bridge, if the vehicle or combination, inclusive of its load, exceeds 4.3 metres in height or 3 metres in width; or

(b) the Bridgewater Bridge, if the vehicle or combination, inclusive of its load, exceeds 4.3 metres in height or 2.5 metres in width.

46.   Expiry of notice

This notice expires at the end of the period of one year from the day on which it takes effect.

SCHEDULE 1 - B-double and Truck and Dog Trailer Road Network

Clause 5(a) and (b) , clause 7(a) and clause 9(a) and (b)

SCHEDULE 2 - Axle Spacing and Mass Schedule

Clause 5(d) , clause 9(g) , clause 11(f) , clause 15(c) and clause 17(a)

1.   In the following table, distance refers, according to the configuration of the vehicle, to –

(a) the distance from the centre of any single axle to the centre of any other single axle; or

(b) the distance from the centre of any single axle to the centre of the axle, in any group, that is furthest away from that single axle; or

(c) the greatest distance between the centres of axles in any 2 axle groups.

2.   The mass limits specified in the following table apply to the sum of the mass on each axle group or single axle in the distance referred to in the table, including the axles between which the distance is measured.

Distance between axle groups under extreme axles of consideration (metres)		Maximum permitted laden mass on axle groups (tonnes)
Equal to or greater than	Less than
3.5	3.7	23.0
3.7	3.8	23.5
3.8	4.0	24.0
4.0	4.2	24.5
4.2	4.3	25.0
4.3	4.5	25.5
4.5	4.7	26.0
4.7	4.8	26.5
4.8	5.0	27.0
5.0	5.2	27.5
5.2	5.3	28.0
5.3	5.5	28.5
5.5	5.7	29.0
5.7	5.8	29.5
5.8	6.0	30.0
6.0	6.2	30.5
6.2	6.3	31.0
6.3	6.5	31.5
6.5	6.7	32.0
6.7	6.8	32.5
6.8	7.0	33.0
7.0	7.2	33.5
7.2	7.3	34.0
7.3	7.5	34.5
7.5	7.7	35.0
7.7	7.8	35.5
7.8	8.0	36.0
8.0	8.2	36.5
8.2	8.3	37.0
8.3	8.5	37.5
8.5	8.7	38.0
8.7	8.8	38.5
8.8	9.0	39.0
9.0	9.2	39.5
9.2	9.3	40.0
9.3	9.5	40.5
9.5	9.7	41.0
9.7	9.8	41.5
9.8	10.0	42.0
10.0	10.2	42.5
10.2	10.3	43.0
10.3	10.5	43.5
10.5	10.7	44.0
10.7	10.8	44.5
10.8	11.0	45.0
11.0	11.2	45.5
11.2	11.3	46.0
11.3	11.7	46.5
11.7	12.0	47.0
12.0	12.3	47.5
12.3	12.7	48.0
12.7	13.0	48.5
13.0	13.3	49.0
13.3	13.7	49.5
13.7	14.0	50.0
14.0	14.3	50.5
14.3	14.7	51.0
14.7	15.0	51.5
15.0	15.3	52.0
15.3	15.7	52.5
15.7	16.0	53.0
16.0	16.3	53.5
16.3	16.7	54.0
16.7	17.0	54.5
17.0	17.3	55.0
17.3	17.7	55.5
17.7	18.0	56.0
18.0	18.3	56.5
18.3	18.7	57.0
18.7	19.0	57.5
19.0	19.3	58.0
19.3	19.7	58.5
19.7	20.0	59.0
20.0	20.3	59.5
20.3	20.7	60.0
20.7	21.0	60.5
21.0	-	62.5

SCHEDULE 3 - Pilot Vehicles

Clause 19(m)

1.   A pilot vehicle is required for a vehicle or combination if the vehicle or combination –

(a) when used at night, exceeds 22 metres in length or 3.1 metres in width; or

(b) exceeds 21 metres in length or 3.2 metres in width and is used on any of the following roads:

(i) Blowhole Rd, Eaglehawk Neck (C338);

(ii) Channel Hwy (B68) – Kettering to Gordon;

(iii) Corinna Developmental Rd (C247);

(iv) Cradle Mountain Tourist Rd (C132) – Learys Corner to Chalet;

(v) Guildford Rd, Guildford;

(vi) the Huon Hwy from Scotts Secondary Rd, Geeveston (the southern junction) to Southport;

(vii) Lake Dobson Tourist Rd (C609);

(viii) Lake Secondary Rd (A5) – Breona to Golden Valley;

(ix) the Lyell Hwy from Wayatinah to Tungatinah Lagoon;

(x) the Lyell Hwy between Mt Arrowsmith tourist lookout and Strahan;

(xi) Mount Barrow Tourist Rd (C609);

(xii) the Murchison Hwy (A10) – Rosebery to Tullah (Mt Black); Henrietta to Parawee (Hellyer Gorge);

(xiii) Notley Gorge Rd (C731);

(xiv) Storeys Creek Rd (B42);

(xv) Tasmans Arch Rd (C338);

(xvi) the Tasman Hwy (A3) – Moorina to Goshen; Scottsdale to Nunamara;

(xvii) Elephant Pass Main Rd – between St Marys and the Tasman Hwy;

(xviii) Esk Main Rd – St Marys to Falmouth Rd Junction (St Marys Pass);

(xix) Waratah Main Rd (B23) – Savage River to the Murchison Hwy.

SCHEDULE 4 - Road Network for Vehicles with Road-friendly Suspension

Clause 11(a) and clause 12

This notice was made by the Transport Commission at a meeting held on 22 November 2013.

The common seal of the Transport Commission was affixed on 22 November 2013, in the presence of –

R. RUTHERFORD

Transport Commission

Displayed and numbered in accordance with the Rules Publication Act 1953.

Notified in the Gazette on 27 November 2013

This notice is administered in the Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the notice)

(a) provides for the exemption, subject to conditions, of certain vehicles and combinations from the operation of certain provisions of the Vehicle and Traffic (Vehicle Operations) Regulations 2001 ; and

(b) replaces the Vehicle and Traffic (Vehicle Operations) Notice 2010 .