Australian Capital Territory Numbered Regulations Australian Capital Territory Numbered RegulationsSchedule 1 Mass and loading requirements for heavy vehicles
(see s 10)
Division 1.1.1 Mass limits for vehicles and combinations
(1) This section applies to a vehicle other than a vehicle to which section 1.3 applies.
(2) The total mass of a vehicle, together with its load (if any), must not be more than the vehicle's GVM.
1.2 Mass limits for combinations
(1) This section applies to a vehicle other than a vehicle to which section 1.3 applies.
(2) The total mass of a combination, other than a road train or B-double, together with its load (if any), must not be more than 42.5t.
(3) The loaded mass of a dog trailer or pig trailer must not be more than the loaded mass of the towing vehicle.
(4) The total mass of a combination, together with its load (if any), must not be more than the GCM of the towing vehicle.
(5) If a manufacturer of a motor vehicle forming part of a road train or B-double has not determined the GCM of the vehicle, the total mass of the combination, together with its load (if any), must not be more than the mass worked out as follows:
Mass (kg) = 
(6) In subsection (5):
"K" means—
(a) if a single drive axle is fitted to the motor vehicle—0.055; or
(b) if a single drive tandem axle group is fitted to the motor vehicle—0.053; or
(c) if a dual drive tandem axle group is fitted to the motor vehicle—0.051.
"M" means the number of tyre revolutions per kilometre as stated by the tyre manufacturer for a tyre fitted to the driving axle.
"R" means the overall gear reduction between engine and drive wheels.
"T" means the maximum engine net torque in newton metres.
1.3 Higher mass limits for eligible vehicles
(1) This section applies to an eligible vehicle if the vehicle may operate at a higher mass limit under section 46.
Note Eligible vehicle —see s 43.
(2) For an eligible vehicle, the mass on a single axle or axle group of a kind mentioned in table 1.3, column 2 must not be more than the mass limit mentioned in column 3 for the kind of single axle or axle group.
(3) The total mass of an eligible vehicle must not be more than the least of—
(a) the sum of—
(i) the single axle and single axle group, the twinsteer axle group and the quad axle group mass limits mentioned in table 1.9, column 3 that apply to the vehicle; and
(ii) the single axle or axle group mass limits in table 1.3 that apply to the vehicle; or
(b) for a bus or rigid truck—the bus's or truck's GVM; or
(c) for a prime mover—the prime mover's GCM; or
(d) for a prime mover and a semitrailer—the sum of the prime mover's GVM and the semitrailer's GVM; or
(e) for a rigid truck fitted with a tandem axle group—
(i) if the truck is not towing another vehicle—28t; or
(ii) if the truck is towing a trailer that is fitted with a single, tandem or tri axle group towards the rear of the trailer, where both the truck and trailer are designed to carry vehicles on 2 or more overlapping decks—50.5t; or
(f) for a combination—45.5t; or
(g) for a B-double—68.0t; or
(h) for a road train—85.0t.
Table 1.3 Higher mass limits for eligible vehicles
column 1 item | column 2 single axle or axle group | column 3 mass limit (t) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | single axle with dual tyres (buses only) | 10.0 |
| 2 |
tandem axle group fitted with single tyres on 1 axle and dual tyres on other axle | 14.0 |
| 3 | tandem axle group fitted with dual tyres | 17.0 |
4 | tri axle group fitted with dual tyres | 22.5 |
Division 1.1.2 Mass limits for tyres, wheels and axles
1.4 Exclusion of certain eligible vehicles—div 1.1.2
This division applies to a vehicle other than a vehicle to which section 1.3 applies.
1.5 Meaning of complying bus —div 1.1.2
(1) In this division:
"complying bus" means a bus—
(a) that—
(i) is fitted with a compliance plate under the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 (Cwlth), as in force from time to time; and
(ii) was manufactured on or after 1 July 1994; and
(iii) is equipped with an approved air suspension system; and
(iv) complies with the following specifications:
(A) the emergency exit specifications in ADR 44 ( Specific purpose vehicle requirements), as in force from time to time;
(B) the rollover strength specifications in ADR 59 (Standards for omnibus rollover strength), as in force from time to time;
(C) the occupation protection specifications in ADR 68 (Occupant protection in buses), as in force from time to time; or
(b) that is declared to be a complying bus under section 1.7 or a corresponding law of another State.
Note The Legislation Act, s 47 (6) is disapplied for the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 (Cwlth) and ADRs 44, 59 and 68 (see s 69).
(2) In this section:
"approved air suspension system", for a vehicle, means a suspension system in which—
(a) vertical movement between each axle and the body of the vehicle is controlled by variations in the pressure of air in an airspring; and
(b) the proportion of the vehicle's mass that is borne by the airspring remains largely constant despite variations in the pressure of air in the airspring.
1.6 Meaning of ultra-low floor bus —div 1.1.2
In this division:
"ultra-low floor bus" means a bus, including an articulated bus, that—
(a) has a stairless entry; and
(b) is designed to be accessible by a wheelchair; and
(c) is licensed to carry standing passengers.
1.7 Declaring buses to be complying buses
(1) This section applies to a bus with 2 or 3 axles and a single steer axle—
(a) that is not fitted with a compliance plate under the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 (Cwlth), as in force from time to time; or
(b) that—
(i) is fitted with a compliance plate under the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 (Cwlth), as in force from time to time; and
(ii) was manufactured before 1 July 1994.
Note The Legislation Act, s 47 (6) is disapplied for the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 (Cwlth) (see s 69).
(2) The road transport authority may declare a bus to be a complying bus if satisfied that the bus—
(a) is equipped with an approved air suspension system; and
(b) complies with the following specifications:
(i) the emergency exit specifications in ADR 44 ( Specific purpose vehicle requirements), as in force from time to time;
(ii) the rollover strength specifications in ADR 59 (Standards for omnibus rollover strength), as in force from time to time;
(iii) the occupation protection specifications in ADR 68 (Occupant protection in buses), as in force from time to time.
Note The Legislation Act, s 47 (6) is disapplied for ADRs 44, 59 and 68 (see s 69).
(3) The road transport authority must notify the owner of the bus, in writing, of the declaration.
1.8 Mass limits for tyres, wheels and axles—manufacturer's limits
(1) The mass limit of a wheel load or axle load must not be more than the mass limit determined for the wheel load or axle load by the manufacturer.
(2) The mass on a tyre must not be more than the heaviest load capacity determined for the tyre by the manufacturer at a cold inflation pressure that is not more than—
(a) for a radial ply tyre—825kPa; or
(b) for any other tyre—700kPa.
(1) The mass on a single axle or axle group of a kind mentioned in table 1.9, column 2 must not be more than the mass limit mentioned in column 3 for the kind of single axle or axle group.
(2) This section is subject to section 1.10 and section 1.11.
Table 1.9 Mass limits for single axles and axle groups
column 1 item | column 2 description of single axle or axle group | column 3 mass limit (t) |
|---|---|---|
| single axles and single axle groups | ||
| 1 | single steerable axle on complying bus | 6.5 |
| 2 | single steerable axle on motor vehicle other than complying bus | 6.0 |
| 3 | single axle or single axle group fitted with single tyres with tyre width less than 375mm | 6.0 |
4 | single axle or single axle group fitted with single tyres with tyre width of at least 375mm but less than 450mm | 6.7 |
| 5 | single axle or single axle group fitted with tyres with tyre width of at least 450mm | 7.0 |
| 6 |
single axle or single axle group fitted with dual tyres on pig trailer | 8.5 |
7 | single axle or single axle group fitted with dual tyres on complying bus or bus licensed to carry standing passengers | 10.0 |
| 8 | single axle or single axle group fitted with dual tyres on ultra-low floor bus with no axle groups and only 2 single axles | 11.0 |
| 9 | single axle or single axle group fitted with dual tyres on ultra-low floor bus that is articulated bus with no axle groups and only 3 single axles Note This item is subject to s 1.10. | 11.0 |
| 10 | single axle or single axle group fitted with dual tyres on any other vehicle | 9.0 |
| twinsteer axle groups | ||
| 11 | twinsteer axle group without load-sharing suspension system | 10.0 |
| 12 |
twinsteer axle group with load-sharing suspension system | 11.0 |
| tandem axle groups | ||
| 13 | tandem axle group fitted with single tyres with tyre width less than 375mm | 11.0 |
| 14 | tandem axle group fitted with single tyres with tyre width of at least 375mm but less than 450mm | 13.3 |
| 15 |
tandem axle group fitted with single tyres with tyre width of at least 450mm |
14.0 |
| 16 | tandem axle group fitted with single tyres on 1 axle and dual tyres on other axle on complying bus | 14.0 |
| 17 | tandem axle group fitted with single tyres on 1 axle and dual tyres on other axle on vehicle other than complying bus | 13.0 |
| 18 | tandem axle group fitted with dual tyres on pig trailer | 15.0 |
| 19 | tandem axle group fitted with dual tyres on vehicle other than pig trailer | 16.5 |
| tri axle groups | ||
| 20 |
tri axle group on vehicle fitted with single tyres with tyre width of less than 375mm on all axles, or single tyres on 1 or 2 axles and dual tyres on other axle or axles | 15.0 |
| 21 | tri axle group on pig trailer with either single tyres with tyre width of at least 375mm, dual tyres on all axles, or combination of those tyres | 18.0 |
| 22 | tri axle group, on a vehicle other than pig trailer, with either single tyres with tyre width of at least 375mm, dual tyres, or combination of those tyres | 20.0 |
| quad axle groups | ||
| 23 | quad axle group fitted with single tyres with tyre width less than 375mm | 15.0 |
| 24 | quad axle group fitted with single tyres with tyre width of at least 375mm or dual tyres | 20.0 |
1.10 Mass limit for articulated ultra-low floor buses
The mass limit in table 1.9, item 9, column 3 applies only to 1 single axle fitted with dual tyres per bus.
1.11 Mass limits for retractable axles
(1) For an axle group that includes a retractable axle, the mass limit in table 1.9, column 3 for the axle group must be applied to the axle group as if the retractable axle did not exist.
(2) However, a retractable axle is taken to exist as part of an axle group if—
(a) the mass on the axle group is more than—
(i) for a tandem axle group—6t; or
(ii) for a tri axle group—11t; and
(b) the tyres on the retractable axle are in contact with the ground; and
(c) a load-sharing suspension system is operating on each axle, including the retractable axle, and each tyre in the group.
(1) The total mass on the axles of a vehicle or combination mentioned in table 1.12, column 2 must not be more than the mass limit mentioned in column 3 for the vehicle or combination.
(2) For a vehicle or combination not mentioned in table 1.12, column 2, the total mass on the axles of the vehicle or combination must not be more than the sum of the mass limits mentioned in table 1.9, column 3 for each of the single axles and axle groups.
(3) In this section:
"total mass on the axles of a vehicle or combination "means the sum of the mass on each of the single axles and axle groups on the vehicle or combination.
Table 1.12 Total mass on axles
column 1 item | column 2 vehicle or combination | column 3 mass limit (t) |
|---|---|---|
1 | complying bus with 2 axles | 16.0 |
| 2 | complying bus with rear tandem axle group fitted with single tyres on 1 axle and dual tyres on other axle | 20.0 |
| 3 | complying bus with rear tandem axle group fitted with dual tyres on both axles | 22.5 |
| 4 | ultra-low floor bus with no axle groups and only 2 single axles | 16.0 |
| 5 | articulated ultra-low floor bus with no axle groups and only 3 single axles | 26.0 |
Division 1.1.3 Mass limits for axle spacing
1.13 Exclusion of certain eligible vehicles—div 1.1.3
This division applies to a vehicle or combination other than a vehicle or combination to which section 1.3 applies.
1.14 Meaning of axle spacing —div 1.1.3
In this division:
"axle spacing", for a vehicle or combination, means the following distances between axles on the vehicle or combination:
(a) the distance from the centre-line of a single axle to the centre-line of another single axle;
(b) the distance from the centre-line of a single axle to the centre-line of the furthest axle in an axle group;
(c) the longest distance between the centre-lines of axles in any 2 axle groups.
Axle spacingdistances
1.15 Mass limits for axle spacing—vehicles up to 42.5t
(1) This section applies if the total mass of a vehicle or combination, together with its load (if any), must not exceed 42.5t under a territory law.
(2) The mass across an axle spacing for a vehicle or combination mentioned in table 1.15, column 2 must not be more than the mass limit mentioned in column 3 for the axle spacing.
Note Axle spacing —see s 1.14.
(3) In this section:
"mass across an axle spacing "means the sum of the mass on each axle for the axle spacing, including the axles between which the axle spacing is measured.
Table 1.15 Mass limits for axle spacing
column 1 item | column 2 axle spacing (m) | column 3 Mass limit (t) |
|---|---|---|
|
1 | 0 ≤ axle spacing < 3.7 | 23.0 |
| 2 | 3.7 ≤ axle spacing < 3.8 | 23.5 |
| 3 | 3.8 ≤ axle spacing < 4.0 | 24.0 |
4 | 4.0 ≤ axle spacing < 4.2 | 24.5 |
| 5 | 4.2 ≤ axle spacing < 4.3 | 25.0 |
| 6 | 4.3 ≤ axle spacing < 4.5 | 25.5 |
7 | 4.5 ≤ axle spacing < 4.7 | 26.0 |
| 8 | 4.7 ≤ axle spacing < 4.8 | 26.5 |
| 9 | 4.8 ≤ axle spacing < 5.0 | 27.0 |
10 | 5.0 ≤ axle spacing < 5.2 | 27.5 |
| 11 | 5.2 ≤ axle spacing < 5.3 | 28.0 |
| 12 | 5.3 ≤ axle spacing < 5.5 | 28.5 |
13 | 5.5 ≤ axle spacing < 5.7 | 29.0 |
| 14 | 5.7 ≤ axle spacing < 5.8 | 29.5 |
| 15 | 5.8 ≤ axle spacing < 6.0 | 30.0 |
16 | 6.0 ≤ axle spacing < 6.2 | 30.5 |
| 17 | 6.2 ≤ axle spacing < 6.3 | 31.0 |
| 18 | 6.3 ≤ axle spacing < 6.5 | 31.5 |
19 | 6.5 ≤ axle spacing < 6.7 | 32.0 |
| 20 | 6.7 ≤ axle spacing < 6.8 | 32.5 |
| 21 | 6.8 ≤ axle spacing < 7.0 | 33.0 |
22 | 7.0 ≤ axle spacing < 7.2 | 33.5 |
| 23 | 7.2 ≤ axle spacing < 7.3 | 34.0 |
| 24 | 7.3 ≤ axle spacing < 7.5 | 34.5 |
25 | 7.5 ≤ axle spacing < 7.7 | 35.0 |
| 26 | 7.7 ≤ axle spacing < 7.8 | 35.5 |
| 27 | 7.8 ≤ axle spacing < 8.0 | 36.0 |
28 | 8.0 ≤ axle spacing < 8.2 | 36.5 |
| 29 | 8.2 ≤ axle spacing < 8.3 | 37.0 |
| 30 | 8.3 ≤ axle spacing < 8.5 | 37.5 |
31 | 8.5 ≤ axle spacing < 8.7 | 38.0 |
| 32 | 8.7 ≤ axle spacing < 8.8 | 38.5 |
| 33 | 8.8 ≤ axle spacing < 9.0 | 39.0 |
34 | 9.0 ≤ axle spacing < 9.2 | 39.5 |
| 35 | 9.2 ≤ axle spacing < 9.3 | 40.0 |
| 36 | 9.3 ≤ axle spacing < 9.5 | 40.5 |
37 | 9.5 ≤ axle spacing < 9.7 | 41.0 |
| 38 | 9.7 ≤ axle spacing < 9.8 | 41.5 |
| 39 | 9.8 ≤ axle spacing < 10.0 | 42.0 |
40 | axle spacing ≥ 10.0 | 42.5 |
1.16 Mass limits for axle spacing—B-doubles
(1) If the total mass of a B-double may lawfully exceed 42.5t under a territory law, the mass limit on the B-double must not be more than—
(a) if the axle spacing between the extreme axles is less than 21m—the mass worked out as follows:
Mass (t) = 
axle spacing (m))
+29.5; or
(b) if the axle spacing between the extreme axles is 21m or more—62.5t.
Note Axle spacing —see s 1.14.
(2) For a B-double, the sum of the axle loads in any 2 or more adjacent axle groups, or of any single axle and the axles in 1 or more adjacent axle groups, must not be more than the mass limit worked out as follows:
(a) if the axle spacing between the axle groups is 11.33m or less—
Mass limit (t) = 
axle spacing (m)) +12.5; or
(b) if the axle spacing between the axle groups is more than 11.33m—
Mass limit (t) = axle spacing (m))
+29.5
(3) For this section, the mass limits apply to the sum of the masses on each single axle or axle group of a B-double, or any vehicle forming part of the B-double, for the corresponding axle spacings, including the axles between which the axle spacing is measured.
(4) In this section:
"extreme axles "means—
(a) the axle closest to the front of the vehicle or combination; and
(b) the axle closest to the rear of the vehicle or combination.
1.17 Mass limits for axle spacing—road trains
(1) For this section, the road transport authority may determine a mass limit for a road train.
(2) For a road train, the sum of the axle loads of the axles in any 2 adjacent axle groups, or of any single axle and the axles in an adjacent axle group, must not be more than—
(a) the mass worked out as follows:
Mass (t) = axle spacing (m)) +12.5; or
Note Axle spacing —see s 1.14.
(b) if the road transport authority has determined a mass limit under subsection (1)—the determined mass limit.
(3) For subsection (2), the mass limit applies to the sum of the masses on each single axle or axle group for the corresponding axle spacings, including the axles between which the axle spacing is measured.
(4) A determination is a notifiable instrument.
Note A notifiable instrument must be notified under the Legislation Act.
(1) A B-double with 2 tri axle groups must comply with the formulas—
(2) For a B-double, the distance between the axles closest to each other in any adjacent multi-axle groups must not be more than 1m longer than the distance between the axles closest to each other in any other adjacent multi-axle groups.
(3) If the distance between any 2 axles on a vehicle that are not part of the same axle group is less than 2.5m, the total mass of the vehicle, together with its load (if any), must not be more than 15t.
(4) For a vehicle that is being towed, if the distance between the rearmost axle of the preceding vehicle and the front axle of the towed vehicle is less than 2.5m, the total mass of the vehicle being towed, together with its load (if any), must not be more than 15t.
(5) In this section:
2nd axle group means the next rearmost axle group after the steerable axle group.
3rd axle group means the next rearmost axle group after the 2nd axle group.
4th axle group means the next rearmost axle group after the 3rd axle group.
"x" means the distance in metres between the centre-lines of the closest axles of the 2nd axle group and the 3rd axle group.
"y" means the distance in metres between the centre-lines of the closest axles of the 3rd axle group and the 4th axle group.
Part 1.2 Size and projection of loads
(1) A vehicle or combination, together with its load (if any), must not exceed a size limit set for the vehicle or combination in the Road Transport (Vehicle Registration) Regulation 2000 .
Note Size limits for vehicles and combinations are mentioned in the Road Transport (Vehicle Registration) Regulation 2000 , sch 1, div 1.7.2.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to the height of a vehicle or combination that is carrying vehicles on 2 or more decks.
(3) The distance measured at right angles between the rear overhang line of a vehicle and the rear of any load the vehicle is carrying must not be more than the rear overhang the vehicle is allowed under the Road Transport (Vehicle Registration) Regulation 2000 .
Note Rear overhang requirements are mentioned in the Road Transport (Vehicle Registration) Regulation 2000 , sch 1, s 1.76.
(4) Subsection (3) does not apply to a vehicle that is carrying vehicles on 2 or more decks.
Rear overhang limit (s 1.19 (3)), front
projection limit (s 1.21) and rear projection limit (s 1.22) of a
load allowed without a warning signal
1.20 Size limits—vehicles carrying vehicles on 2 or more decks
(1) The height of a vehicle that is carrying vehicles on 2 or more decks, together with its load, must not be more than 4.6m.
(2) The distance measured at right angles between the rear overhang line of a trailer carrying vehicles on 2 or more decks and the rear of the rearmost vehicle on the trailer must not be more than 4.9m.
Maximum
allowabledimensions of a loaded car carrier
1.21 Front and side projections
(1) A load on a vehicle must not project more than—
(a) 1.2m in front of the vehicle; or
(b) 150mm from the outermost part of either side of the vehicle.
(2) To remove any doubt, the dimensions of a vehicle and its load must comply with the size limits in section 1.19, even if the load projects from the vehicle in any direction.
Vehicle loaded towidth limits (s 1.19 (1)), with maximum side projection of
load (s1.21)
(1) A vehicle carrying a load must display a warning signal on the rear of the load if the load—
(a) projects more than 1.2m behind the vehicle; or
(b) projects behind the vehicle so that the end of the load cannot be easily seen from behind the vehicle; or
(c) is on a pole-type trailer.
(2) A warning signal for subsection (1) must—
(a) in daylight—be a brightly coloured flag or piece of material, with each side at least 300mm long; or
(b) at night—be a red light that can be seen from 200m away.
(3) In this section:
"pole-type trailer "means a trailer that is—
(a) attached to a towing vehicle by a pole or an attachment fitted to a pole; and
(b) ordinarily used for transporting loads that are generally capable of supporting themselves like beams between supports.
Examples—loads that are generally capable of supporting themselves
1 logs
2 pipes
3 structural members
Note An example is part of the regulation, is not exhaustive and may extend, but does not limit, the meaning of the provision in which it appears (see Legislation Act, s 126 and s 132).
Pole-type trailer
(1) A load on a vehicle must not project from the vehicle in a way that is dangerous to a person or property.
(2) To remove any doubt,
this section applies to a load on a vehicle even if the load and vehicle
comply with all dimension and warning requirements under this regulation.
1.24 Trailers
(1) A trailer in a combination must be securely coupled to the vehicle in front of it in the combination.
(2) The components of a coupling used between vehicles in a combination must be—
(a) compatible; and
(b) properly connected to each other.