Australian Capital Territory Numbered Regulations Australian Capital Territory Numbered RegulationsSchedule 2 Oversize and overmass vehicles
(see s 13)
In this schedule:
"axle"—
(a) includes a retractable axle when in a lowered position; but
(b) does not include a retractable axle when in a raised position.
"distance", between 2 parallel lines, means the distance measured at right angles between the lines.
"overmass vehicle or combination" means a vehicle or combination that is overmass, or overmass and oversize.
"oversize or overmass vehicle or combination" means a vehicle or combination that is oversize or overmass or both.
"oversize vehicle or combination" means a vehicle or combination that is oversize, or oversize and overmass.
2.2 Compliance with mass limits where 2 or more limits apply
If 2 or more mass limits under the following sections apply to a single axle or axle group, the single axle or axle group must comply with the lowest applicable limit:
(a) section 2.3 (Mass limits for tyre width—single axles);
(b) section 2.4 (Mass limits for tyre width—multiple axles);
(c) section 2.18 (Mass limits for axles and axle groups—load-carrying vehicles towing vehicles);
(d) section 2.23 (Mass limits for axles and axle groups—special purpose vehicles);
(e) section 2.30 (Mass
limits—agricultural vehicles and combinations).
Part 2.2 All vehicles travelling under class 1 notices
2.3 Mass limits for tyre width—single axles
(1) This section applies to a single axle fitted with 2 or 4 tyres.
(2) The mass on the axle for the tyre width for the narrowest tyre on the axle mentioned in table 2.3, column 2, must not be more than the mass limit mentioned in—
(a) if the axle has 2 tyres—column 3; or
(b) if the axle has 4 tyres—column 4.
Note A lower mass limit may apply (see s 2.2).
Table 2.3 Mass limits for tyre width—single axles
column 1 item | column 2 tyre width of narrowest tyre on axle (mm) |
column 3 mass limit if axle has 2 tyres (t) | column 4 mass limit if axle has 4 tyres (t) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 190 ≤ tyre width < 228 | 4.5 | 9.0 |
| 2 | 228 ≤ tyre width < 254 | 5.0 | 9.5 |
| 3 | 254 ≤ tyre width < 279 | 6.0 | 10.0 |
| 4 | 279 ≤ tyre width < 305 | 6.5 |
11.0 |
| 5 | 305 ≤ tyre width < 330 | 7.0 | 12.0 |
| 6 | 330 ≤ tyre width < 356 | 7.5 | 13.0 |
| 7 | 356 ≤ tyre width < 381 | 8.0 | 14.0 |
| 8 | 381 ≤ tyre width < 406 | 9.0 |
14.0 |
| 9 | 406 ≤ tyre width < 458 | 10.0 | 14.0 |
| 10 | 458 ≤ tyre width < 508 | 11.0 | 14.0 |
| 11 | tyre width ≥ 508 | 12.0 | 14.0 |
2.4 Mass limits for tyre width—multiple axles
(1) This section applies to an axle group fitted with 4 or 6 tyres.
(2) The mass on the axle group for a tyre width for the narrowest tyre in the axle group mentioned in table 2.4, column 2, must not be more than the mass limit mentioned in—
(a) if the axle has 4 tyres—column 3; or
(b) if the axle has 6 tyres—column 4.
Note A lower mass limit may apply (see s 2.2).
Table 2.4 Mass limits for tyre width—multiple axles
column 1 item | column 2 tyre width of narrowest tyre in group (mm) |
column 3 mass limit for tandem axle group with 4 tyres (t) | column 4 mass limit for tri axle group with 6 tyres (t) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 381 ≤ tyre width < 406 | 16.5 | 22.0 |
| 2 | 406 ≤ tyre width < 431 |
17.0 | 23.0 |
| 3 | 431 ≤ tyre width < 458 | 17.5 | 24.0 |
| 4 | 458 ≤ tyre width < 482 | 18.0 | 25.0 |
| 5 | 482 ≤ tyre width < 508 | 18.5 | 26.0 |
| 6 | tyre width ≥ 508 | 19.0 |
27.0 |
(1) The dimensions of a vehicle or combination mentioned in table 2.5, column 2, together with its load (if any), must not be more than the greatest of the dimension limits for the vehicle or combination mentioned in the following:
(a) column 4;
(b) the Road Transport (Vehicle Registration) Regulation 2000 ;
(c) schedule 1 (Mass and loading requirements for heavy vehicles).
Note 1 The combined dimensions of a vehicle together with its load (if any) must comply with the dimension limits in table 2.5 even if the load projects from the vehicle in any direction.
Note 2 For dimension limits for agricultural vehicles and combinations, see s 2.31.
(2) However, a flag, light or mirror which must be fitted to a vehicle, combination or load under a territory law must not be included in the measurements of the dimensions of a vehicle or combination.
(3) For an overmass vehicle or combination, the distance between the centre-lines of adjacent axles in an axle group must be at least 1.2m.
Note Distance , between 2 parallel lines—see s 2.1.
(4) In this section:
"wheelbase", for a vehicle, means the distance from the centre-line of the vehicle's foremost axle to the rear overhang line.
Table 2.5 Dimension limits
column 1 item | column 2 kind of vehicle or combination | column 3 dimension | column 4 dimension limit (m) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | any vehicle or combination other than agricultural vehicle or agricultural combination |
width | 3.5 |
| 2 | any vehicle or combination other than agricultural vehicle or agricultural combination | height | height in class 1 notice
condition |
|
3 | any combination other than agricultural combination | length | 25.0 |
4 | special purpose vehicle | length | 14.5 |
| 5 | other rigid vehicle |
length | 12.5 |
| 6 | special purpose vehicle | distance from rear overhang line to rear of vehicle | lesser of 4m and 90% of wheelbase |
| 7 |
semitrailer | distance from rear overhang line to rear or vehicle, or load |
lesser of 5.5m and 25% of semitrailer's length |
| 8 | special purpose vehicle | projection in front of centre of steering wheel | 3.5 |
Special
purpose vehicle(rigid mobile crane),
showing dimensionlimits (other than
width)
2.6 Dimensions of unloaded oversize vehicles to be minimised
An oversize vehicle or combination without a load must be reduced to the smallest practicable dimensions, with any booms fully retracted.
2.7 Warning devices for oversize vehicles—width > 2.5m or length > 25m
(1) This section applies to an oversize vehicle or combination that, together with its load (if any), is—
(a) wider than 2.5m; or
(b) longer than 25m.
(2) However, this section does not apply to—
(a) a road construction vehicle or combination if the vehicle or combination—
(i) is less than 1km from a construction site; and
(ii) has a warning light; or
Note Warning light —see s 2.44.
(b) a tractor; or
Note A warning sign must be displayed at the rear of an agricultural implement being towed by a tractor (see s 2.32).
(c) a rigid mobile crane that is less than 3m wide.
(3) The oversize vehicle or combination must have—
(a) 1 warning sign at the front of the vehicle or combination; and
(b) 1 warning sign at—
(i) if it is carrying a rear projecting load—the rear of the load; or
(ii) in any other case—the rear of the vehicle or combination; and
(c) 4 brightly coloured red, yellow, or red and yellow, flags, each at least 450mm long and at least 450mm wide.
Note Warning sign —see s 2.47.
(4) For subsection (3) (c), the flags must be positioned—
(a) at each side of the front of the vehicle or combination; and
(b) either—
(i) if there is a projecting load—at each side of the front and rear of the load; or
(ii) in any other case—at each side of the front and rear of the vehicle or combination.
2.8 Warning devices for oversize vehicles—width ≤ 2.5m, 22m < length ≤ 25m
(1) This section applies to an oversize vehicle or combination that, together with its load (if any), is—
(a) not wider than 2.5m; and
(b) longer than 22m but not longer than 25m.
(2) However, this section does not apply to—
(a) a road construction vehicle or combination if the vehicle or combination—
(i) is less than 1km from a construction site; and
(ii) has a warning light; or
Note Warning light —see s 2.44.
(b) a tractor; or
Note A warning sign must be displayed at the rear of an agricultural implement being towed by a tractor (see s 2.32).
(c) a rigid mobile crane that is less than 3m wide.
(3) The oversize vehicle or combination must have 1 warning sign—
(a) if it is carrying a rear-projecting load—at the rear of the load; or
(b) in any other case—at the rear of the vehicle or combination.
Note Warning sign —see s 2.47.
2.9 Warning devices for oversize vehicles—width > 3m
(1) This section applies to an oversize vehicle or combination that, together with its load (if any), is wider than 3m.
(2) In daylight, an oversize vehicle or combination must display a warning light.
Note 1 Additional warning requirements are mentioned in—
(a) for tractors and other agricultural vehicles—s 2.32; and
(b) for rigid mobile cranes and other special purpose vehicles—s 2.27 and s 2.28; and
(c) for a load projecting more than 1.2m behind a vehicle—s 1.22.
Note 2 Requirements for warning lights and signs are mentioned in pt 2.7 and pt 2.8.
2.10 Warning devices for oversize vehicles—load projects > 150mm, projection < 500mm thick
(1) This section applies if a load projects more than 150mm from the side of an oversize vehicle or combination, and the projection is less than 500mm thick from top to bottom.
(2) For an oversize vehicle or combination, there must be—
(a) a warning light attached to the vehicle or combination; and
Note Warning light —see s 2.44.
(b) at least 1 delineator attached to the front of the projection; and
(c) at least 1 delineator attached to the rear of the projection.
Example
If a load projects more than 150mm over both sides of an oversize vehicle, at least 4 delineators must be attached to the vehicle—1 on each side of the front of the projection and 1 on each side of the rear of the projection.
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).
(3) A delineator must—
(a) be made of yellow, rigid material; and
(b) be at least 300mm long and at least 300mm wide; and
(c) comply with Class 1 or Class 2 of AS/NZS 1906.1:1993 Retroreflective materials and devices for road control purposes—Retroreflective sheeting , as in force from time to time; and
(d) if the delineator is attached to the front of the projection—be attached so that its reflective surface is facing forward of the vehicle or combination; and
(e) if the delineator is attached to the rear of the projection—be attached so that its reflective surface is facing rearward from the vehicle or combination.
Note The Legislation Act, s 47 (6) is disapplied for AS/NZS 1906.1:1993 (see s 69).
2.11 Additional warning devices at night
At night, an oversize vehicle or combination must display—
(a) lights showing yellow to the front and red to the rear ( side markers ) not more than 2m apart along both sides of the vehicle or combination and along any front or rear projection; and
(b) two red lights ( rear markers ) attached to the rear of any rear-projecting load—
(i) less than 400mm from each side of the load; and
(ii) at least 1m but not more than 2.1m above the ground; and
(c) if the vehicle or combination, together with its load (if any), is wider than 2.5m or longer than 22m—a warning light.
Note 1 Warning light —see s 2.44.
Note 2 There are additional lighting requirements for special purpose vehicles travelling at night (see s 2.27).
(1) An oversize vehicle, or the front vehicle in an oversize combination, travelling in the daylight must have its low-beam headlights on.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply if the vehicle is not required to have headlights under the Road Transport (Vehicle Registration) Regulation 2000 .
2.13 Travel restrictions at night
(1) This section applies to a vehicle or combination that, together with its load (if any), is—
(a) wider than 3.1m; or
(b) longer than 22m.
(2) At night, the vehicle or combination must not travel—
(a) outside an urban area; or
(b) in an urban area, unless accompanied by a pilot vehicle.
Note A class 1 notice may apply to an urban area—see s 15 (1) (b).
2.14 Low visibility conditions
(1) A vehicle or combination must not begin to travel in low visibility conditions.
(2) The driver of a vehicle or combination travelling in low visibility conditions must drive the vehicle or combination to the nearest safe parking area and wait until the low visibility conditions end before continuing to travel.
(3) In this section:
"low visibility conditions "means—
(a) in daylight—visibility is less than 250m; or
(b) at night—the headlights of a vehicle approaching not more than 250m away cannot be seen.
Examples—environmental factors that may cause or be associated with low visibility conditions
• dust
• fog
• heavy rain
• insect plague
• smoke
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).
2.15 Minimum following distances
(1) This section applies if an oversize vehicle or combination (the leading vehicle ) is travelling immediately ahead of another oversize vehicle or combination (the following vehicle )
(2) The following vehicle must be at least 200m behind the leading vehicle.
(3) However, this section does not apply if—
(a) the following vehicle is overtaking the leading vehicle; or
(b) the leading vehicle is stopping; or
(c) the following vehicle uses a separate lane to overtake the leading vehicle; or
(d) the following vehicle is in an urban area and it is not possible to maintain a distance of 200m.
2.16 Assessing routes for possible disruption or damage
(1) A person must not drive a vehicle or combination along a route if the driving would be likely to cause—
(a) disruption to a telecommunication, rail, sewerage or essential service; or
Note Essential service means electricity, gas or water (see Utilities Act 2000 , s 149A).
(b) damage to a road, bridge, structure, rail crossing or tree.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply if—
(a) the entity responsible for the service in subsection (1) (a) or property in subsection (1) (b) has given permission for the vehicle or combination to travel along the route; and
(b) the vehicle or combination is driven in accordance with the permission.
(3) Before driving a vehicle or combination along a route, the driver and the owner of the vehicle or combination must be satisfied that—
(a) the route has been assessed; and
(b) the vehicle or combination can be driven along the route
without contravening subsection (1).
Part 2.3 Load-carrying vehicles travelling under class 1 notices
2.17 Mass limits for axles and axle groups—load-carrying vehicles
(1) This section applies to a load-carrying vehicle or combination other than a load-carrying vehicle to which section 2.18 applies.
(2) To remove any doubt, the mass on a single axle or axle group must not be more than a mass limit that applies to the vehicle mentioned in this regulation.
2.18 Mass limits for axles and axle groups—load-carrying vehicles towing vehicles
(1) This section applies to a load-carrying combination consisting of a tandem drive prime mover towing—
(a) a low-loader; or
(b) a low-loader dolly and low-loader; or
(c) a jinker; or
(d) a low-loader dolly and jinker.
(2) The mass on a single axle or axle group of a kind mentioned in table 2.18, 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 sum of the mass on each single axles and axle groups of the combination mentioned in table 2.18, column 2 must not be more than the sum of the mass limits mentioned in column 3 for the single axle or axle group.
(4) The total mass of the combination, together with its load, must not be more than—
(a) if D is 6m or longer—49.5t; or
(b) if D is less than 6m—the mass worked out as follows:
Mass (t) 
(5) In this section:
"D" means the distance in metres between the centre-line of the rearmost axle of the towing vehicle and the centre-line of the foremost axle of the combination's rear axle group.
Distance‘D'
"oversize tri axle group" means a group of 3 axles where the horizontal distance between the centre-lines of the outermost axles is more than 3.2m.
Note 1 Distance , between 2 parallel lines—see s 2.1.
Note 2 A lower mass limit may apply (see s 2.2).
Table 2.18 Mass limits for axles and axle groups
column 1 item | column 2 single axle or axle group | column 3 mass limit (t) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | steer axle with 2 tyres | 6.0 |
| 2 | twinsteer axle group without load-sharing suspension system | 10.0 |
| 3 | twinsteer axle group with load-sharing suspension system | 11.0 |
| 4 | single axle with 8 tyres | 12.0 |
| 5 | tandem axle group with 8 or more tyres, not on trailer | 18.5 |
6 | tandem axle group with 8 or more tyres, on trailer | 18.5 |
| 7 |
tandem axle group with 16 or more tyres, on trailer | 21.0 |
| 8 | tri axle group with 12 or more tyres | 25.0 |
| 9 | oversize tri axle group with 12 or more tyres or quad axle group with 16 or more tyres | 27.0 |
If a load can be safely loaded in 2 or more ways, it must be loaded in a way that minimises the width of the load-carrying vehicle or combination together with its load.
2.20 Width limits—load-carrying vehicles
(1) An unladen low-loader, low-loader dolly or jinker, with 4 tyres on each axle, must not be wider than 2.5m.
(2) An unladen low-loader, low-loader dolly or jinker, with 8 tyres on each axle, must not be wider than 2.7m.
2.21 Carrying goods in addition to large indivisible items
(1) A load-carrying vehicle or combination may carry more than 1 large indivisible item only if—
(a) the vehicle or combination, together with its load, complies with the mass limits in schedule 1 (Mass and loading requirements for heavy vehicles); and
(b) the carrying of additional large indivisible items does not cause the vehicle or combination, together with its load, to exceed a dimension limit mentioned in schedule 1 that would not have been exceeded by the carrying of 1 of the large indivisible items.
(2) A load-carrying vehicle or combination carrying 1 or more large indivisible items may carry other goods only if—
(a) the vehicle or combination, together with its load, complies with the mass limits in schedule 1; and
(b) the other goods are loaded in a way that complies with the dimension limits in schedule 1.
(3) However, a load-carrying vehicle or combination carrying a special purpose vehicle or agricultural vehicle may also carry equipment, tools, substances or detached parts for use in conjunction with the vehicle being carried.
2.22 Towing of low-loader dollies by unladen low-loaders
An unladen low-loader may be towed in a combination with a low-loader dolly only if—
(a) the combination is 2.5m wide or less; and
(b) it would be unreasonable for the dolly to be loaded onto the low-loader because—
(i) the distance to be travelled is short; or
(ii) there would be special difficulties in loading or unloading the dolly because of the nature of a site.
Part 2.4 Special purpose vehicles travelling under class 1 notices
2.23 Mass limits for axles and axle groups—special purpose vehicles
The mass on a single axle or axle group of a kind mentioned in table 2.23, column 2 must not be more than the mass limit mentioned in column 3 for the kind of single axle or axle group.
Note A lower mass limit may apply (see s 2.2).
Table 2.23 Mass limits for special purpose vehicle axles and axle groups
column 1 item | column 2 kind of single axle or axle group | column 3 mass limit (t) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | single axle or single axle group fitted with single tyres | 7.0 |
| 2 | single axle or single axle group fitted with dual tyres | 10.0 |
| 3 | twinsteer axle group without load-sharing suspension system |
10.0 |
| 4 | twinsteer axle group with load-sharing suspension system |
14.0 |
| 5 | tandem axle group fitted with single tyres | 14.0 |
| 6 |
tri axle group fitted with single tyres | 18.0 |
2.24 Mass limits for tandem axle groups—special purpose vehicles
(1) This section applies to a tandem axle group fitted with dual tyres.
(2) If the distance between the centre-lines of the axles is less than 1.35m, the mass on the axle group must not be more than—
(a) if W is 2.4m or less—the mass worked out as follows:
Mass (t) 
; or
(b) if W is 2.5m or more, but less than 3.1m—the mass worked out as follows:
Mass (t) 
; or
(c) if W is 3.2m or more—27t.
Note Distance , between 2 parallel lines—see s 2.1.
(3) If the distance between the centre-lines of the axles is 1.35m or more, the mass on the axle group must not be more than—
(a) if W is 2.4m or less—the mass worked out as follows:
Mass (t) 
; or
(b) if W is 2.5m or more, but less than 2.8m—the mass worked out as follows:
Mass (t) 
; or
(c) if W is 2.9m or more—27t.
(4) In this section:
"W "means the ground contact width of the axle group in metres.
2.25 Mass limits for tri axle groups—special purpose vehicles
(1) This section applies to a tri axle group fitted with dual tyres.
(2) If the distance between the centre-lines of the axles is less than 1.35m, the mass on the axle group must not be more than—
(a) if W is less than 2.4m—the mass worked out as follows:
Mass (t) 
; or
(b) if W is 2.4m or more—25t.
Note The distance between the centre-lines of adjacent axles in an axle group must be at least 1.2m (see s 2.5 (3)).
(3) If the distance between the centre-lines of the axles is 1.35m or more, the mass on the axle group must not be more than—
(a) if W is less than 2.4m—the mass worked out as follows:
Mass (t) 
; or
(b) if W is 2.4m or more—27t.
(4) In this section:
"W "means the ground contact width of the axle group in metres.
2.26 Total mass limits—special purpose vehicles
(1) The total mass on a special purpose vehicle must not be more than the mass limit in subsection (2).
(2) The mass limit is the least of the following:
(a) the sum of the masses allowed for each single axle and axle group on the special purpose vehicle;
(b) 40t;
(c) if W is 2.5m or more—the mass worked out as follows:
Mass (t) = 
(d) if W is 2.4m or less—the mass worked out as follows:
Mass (t) = 
(3) In this section:
"L" means the distance in metres between the centre-lines of the vehicle's foremost and rearmost axles.
"W "means the ground contact width of the rearmost axle in metres.
Distance‘L'
2.27 Side lights for travel at night
(1) This section applies to a special purpose vehicle with a projection extending more than 1.2m in front of the vehicle body.
(2) At night, a special purpose vehicle must have a yellow light (a front projection light ) attached to each side of the projection.
(3) A front projection light must be—
(a) mounted as far forward as possible; and
(b) shielded from the driver's view; and
(c) visible to traffic approaching the vehicle from the front.
(4) At least 1 front projection light must be visible to traffic approaching the vehicle from either side.
2.28 Markings—special purpose vehicles
(1) A special purpose vehicle must have rear marker plates that comply with ADR 13 ( Installation of lighting and light signalling devices on other than L-group vehicles), as in force from time to time, displayed at the rearmost part of the body of the vehicle.
Note The Legislation Act, s 47 (6) is disapplied for ADR 13 (see s 69).
(2) A special purpose vehicle with a rigid projection extending more than 1.2m in front of the body of the vehicle must have a warning pattern displayed on both the left and right sides of the projection.
(3) Subsection (2) does not apply if it would be impractical to have a warning pattern on the projection.
(4) For this section:
"warning pattern" means a pattern that—
(a) is at least 0.16m² in area; and
(b) consists of diagonal stripes at least 150mm wide and alternately coloured—
(i) red and white; or
(ii) black and white.
Markings for special purposevehicles
2.29 Prohibition on towing other vehicles
A special purpose vehicle must not tow a vehicle.
Part 2.5 Agricultural vehicles and combinations travelling under class 1 notices
2.30 Mass limits—agricultural vehicles and combinations
(1) This section applies to an agricultural vehicle or agricultural combination with 2 axles.
(2) The mass on an axle with the number of tyres mentioned in table 2.30, column 2, that has a ground contact width mentioned in column 3, must not be more than the mass limit mentioned in column 4 for the axle and ground contact width.
Note A lower mass limit may apply (see s 2.2).
Table 2.30 Mass limits for agricultural vehicles and combinations
column 1 item | column 2 number of tyres fitted to axle | column 3 ground contact width of axle (m) | column 4 mass limit for axle (t) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 | 2 | N/A | 9.0 |
| 2 | 4 | ground contact width < 2.51 | 9.0 |
|
3 | 4 | 2.51 ≥ ground contact width < 3.5 | 10.5 |
| 4 | 4 |
ground contact width ≥ 3.5 | 12.0 |
2.31 Dimension limits—agricultural vehicles and combinations
(1) An agricultural vehicle or agricultural combination must not be higher than 4.6m.
(2) The distance from the rear overhang line to the rear of an agricultural machine or agricultural implement must not be more than—
(a) for an auger or conveyor—5.5m; or
(b) in any other case—4.5m.
(3) An agricultural machine must not be longer than 12.5m.
(4) An agricultural combination must not be longer than 25m.
(5) An agricultural vehicle or agricultural combination must not be wider than 2.5m.
Note An agricultural vehicle or agricultural combination not mentioned in s (6) that is wider than 2.5m must be subject to a class 1 permit to travel (see s 17).
(6) However, an agricultural machine alone, or an agricultural machine or rigid vehicle towing an agricultural implement, in an area mentioned in table 2.31, column 2, must not be wider than the width limit mentioned in column 3 for the area.
Note The road transport authority may declare an area or route to be a category 1, 2 or 3 area (see s 14 (1) (b) (iii)).
Table 2.31 Width limits for agricultural machines
column 1 item | column 2 area | column 3 width limit (m) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
category 1 area | 3.5 |
| 2 | category 2 area | 5.0 |
| 3 | category 3 area | 6.0 |
2.32 Warning devices—agricultural vehicles and combinations
(1) When on a major road, the following vehicles must have a warning light attached to the highest point it is practicable to attach the light:
(a) an agricultural vehicle or agricultural combination that is wider than 2.5m;
(b) an agricultural combination that is longer than 22m.
Note Warning light —see s 2.44.
(2) A warning sign must be displayed at the rear of an agricultural implement being towed by a tractor.
Note 1 Warning sign —see s 2.47.
Note 2 Single tractors do not have to be fitted with warning signs (see s 2.7 (2) (b) and s 2.8 (2) (b)).
(3) An auger, conveyor, or harvester comb carried on a comb trailer must have a warning pattern displayed on both the left and right sides of the rear of the vehicle.
(4) Any part of an axle extending more than 150mm from the outside wall of a tractor's tyre must be—
(a) painted fluorescent yellow; or
(b) wrapped in yellow fluorescent or other high-visibility material.
Note Additional warning requirements (for agricultural vehicles and combinations) are mentioned in s 2.7 to s 2.11.
(5) For this section:
"warning pattern" means a pattern that—
(a) is at least 0.16m² in area; and
(b) consists of diagonal stripes at least 150mm wide and alternately coloured—
(i) red and white; or
(ii) black and white.
2.33 Pilot vehicle requirements—agricultural vehicles and combinations
(1) An agricultural vehicle or agricultural combination travelling in an area of operation mentioned in table 2.33, column 2, with a width mentioned in column 3 or 4, must be accompanied by the number of pilot vehicles shown for the width mentioned in column 3 or 4 opposite the area mentioned in column 2.
(2) However, an agricultural vehicle or agricultural combination need not be accompanied by a pilot vehicle if the agricultural vehicle or agricultural combination is travelling a distance less than 500m.
Table 2.33 Pilot vehicle requirements for agricultural vehicles and combinations
column 1 item | column 2 area of operation | number of pilot vehicles | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
column 3 3.7 < width (m) ≤ 4.5 | column 4 4.5 < width (m) ≤ 6 | ||
| 1 | area with clear view of approaching traffic for at least 500m, but not on major road | 0 | 1 |
| 2 | major road | 1 | 2 |
| 3 |
area where terrain limits clear view of approaching traffic to less than 500m | 1 | 2 |
2.34 Agricultural vehicles and combinations not to use freeways
An oversize agricultural vehicle or agricultural combination must not be driven on a freeway.
2.35 Agricultural implements not to carry loads
An agricultural implement must not carry a load.
2.36 Speed limits for agricultural implements without brakes
(1) An agricultural implement without brakes must not be towed at a speed faster than the speed limit in subsection (2).
(2) The speed limit is the least of the following:
(a) 20km/h less than the speed limit for the section of road on which the implement is travelling;
(b) 50km/h.
2.37 Exemption from requirement for rear vision mirrors
(1) This section applies to an oversize or overmass vehicle or combination towing an agricultural implement wider than 3.5m that obscures the view to the rear of the vehicle or combination.
(2) The vehicle or combination is exempt from the requirement to have a rear-vision mirror fitted under the Road Transport (Vehicle Registration) Regulation 2000 , schedule 1, section 1.36 (Rear-vision mirrors).
Note A person or
vehicle is exempt from a dimension limit or any other requirement of the
Road Transport (Vehicle Registration) Regulation 2000 if the person or
vehicle is exempted from the limit or requirement under this regulation (see
Road Transport (Vehicle Registration) Regulation 2000 , s 163).
Part 2.6 Pilot and escort vehicles
2.38 Requirements for pilot vehicles
(1) A pilot vehicle must have—
(a) 4 or more wheels; and
(b) a GVM not more than—
(i) for a rear pilot vehicle, if 2 pilot vehicles are needed—6.5t; or
(ii) in any other case—4.5t; and
(c) a warning sign on its roof.
(2) A pilot vehicle must only have a warning light attached—
(a) above or immediately below the warning sign; or
(b) at each side of the warning sign.
Note 1 While travelling, a class 1 vehicle must be accompanied by 1 or more pilot vehicles or escort vehicles if it is a condition of a class 1 notice (see s 15) or a class 1 permit (see s 18) that applies to the class 1 vehicle.
Note 2 Requirements for warning lights and signs are mentioned in pt 2.7 and pt 2.8.
2.39 Requirements for escort vehicles
(1) An escort vehicle, other than a police motor cycle, must have—
(a) 4 or more wheels; and
(b) a GVM of 4.5t or less; and
(c) 1 or 2 lights on its roof.
(2) The lights must—
(a) flash when switched on; and
(b) flash yellow unless—
(i) the vehicle is a police vehicle or a vehicle belonging to a territory authority; and
(ii) the light is approved under the Road Transport (Vehicle Registration) Regulation 2000 , schedule 1 (Vehicle standards).
Note While travelling, a class 1 vehicle must be accompanied by 1 or more pilot vehicles or escort vehicles if it is a condition of a class 1 notice (see s 15) or a class 1 permit (see s 18) that applies to the class 1 vehicle.
2.40 Headlights on pilot and escort vehicles
In daylight, the low-beam headlights on a pilot vehicle or escort vehicle must be switched on when the vehicle is accompanying an oversize vehicle or combination.
2.41 Loads on pilot and escort vehicles
(1) A pilot vehicle or escort vehicle must not—
(a) tow a trailer; or
(b) carry a load.
(2) However, a pilot vehicle or escort vehicle may carry tools, equipment or substances for—
(a) use in relation to the oversize vehicle or combination it is accompanying; or
(b) restraining the load on the oversize vehicle or combination it is accompanying.
2.42 Position of pilot vehicles
(1) If 1 pilot vehicle is accompanying an oversize vehicle or combination, the pilot vehicle must travel—
(a) if travelling on a divided road—behind the vehicle or combination; or
(b) in any other case—in front of the vehicle or combination.
(2) If 2 pilot vehicles are accompanying an oversize vehicle or combination, 1 pilot vehicle must travel in front of the vehicle or combination and 1 pilot vehicle must travel behind the vehicle or combination.
(3) A pilot vehicle accompanying an oversize vehicle or combination must travel far enough away from the vehicle or combination to allow the pilot vehicle to adequately warn other road users of the oversize vehicle or combination.
(4) To decide whether a pilot vehicle is far enough away from an oversize vehicle or combination, traffic speed, weather, visibility and other driving conditions must be taken into account.
2.43 Communication between drivers
(1) This section applies if a pilot vehicle or escort vehicle is accompanying an oversize vehicle or combination.
(2) The oversize vehicle or combination and the accompanying pilot vehicle or escort vehicle must each have an electronic device that allows the drivers to communicate effectively with each other.
(3) Subsection (2) does not apply to—
(a) an oversize agricultural machine; or
(b) an oversize combination that includes an agricultural machine; or
(c) an escort vehicle that is a police vehicle.
In this regulation:
"warning light", for a vehicle, means a light that, when switched on, emits a rotating, flashing, yellow coloured light that—
(a) flashes more than 120 times per minute, but less than 200 times per minute; and
(b) has at least 55W of power; and
(c) is not a strobe light.
2.45 Visibility of warning lights
(1) This section applies to a warning light on—
(a) an oversize vehicle or combination; or
(b) a pilot vehicle; or
(c) an escort vehicle.
(2) The warning light must be—
(a) clearly visible in all directions from a distance of 500m from the vehicle or combination; or
(b) supplemented by 1 or more additional warning lights so that the light emanating from at least 1 of the lights is clearly visible from a distance of 500m away from the vehicle or combination in any direction.
(3) However, a pilot vehicle travelling in front of an oversize vehicle or combination may have a filter placed behind the warning light on the pilot vehicle to reduce the intensity of the light directed to the driver of the oversize vehicle or combination.
(1) If an oversize vehicle or combination is required by this regulation to have a warning light, the light must be switched on only when the vehicle or combination is—
(a) travelling; or
(b) stationary in a position that is likely to cause danger to other road users.
(2) If a pilot or escort vehicle is required under this regulation to have a warning light, the light must be switched on only when the vehicle is both—
(a) travelling; and
(b) accompanying an oversize vehicle or combination.
(3) A vehicle or combination that is not required to have a
warning light under this regulation must not have a warning light that is
switched on.
Division 2.8.1 Oversize vehicles and pilot vehicles
(1) In this regulation:
warning sign , for an oversize vehicle or combination or a pilot vehicle, means a sign that—
(a) has a face with—
(i) a yellow surface that complies with Class 1 or Class 2 of AS/NZS 1906.1:1993 Retroreflective materials and devices for road control purposes—Retroreflective sheeting , as in force from time to time; and
Note The Legislation Act, s 47 (6) is disapplied for AS/NZS 1906.1:1993 (see s 69).
(ii) a black border at least 20mm wide, with the outermost edge of the border set at least 10mm in from the edge of the sign, unless the sign has been made with a box edge; and
(b) displays in block letters not more than 10mm high anywhere on the sign that is visible (other than in a bottom corner for a sign used on a pilot vehicle)—
(i) the sign manufacturer's name or logo; and
(ii) the brand and class of retroreflective material used.
Note Oversize vehicle or combination includes an oversize agricultural vehicle or combination.
2.48 Materials for warning signs
(1) A warning sign must be made of stiff, flat, weatherproof material.
Examples
1 zincalume at least 0.8mm thick
2 aluminium at least 1.6mm thick
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).
(2) However, a warning sign may be made of flexible material if the sign is mounted in a way that ensures it is held taut and unlikely to furl, become dislodged from its position or otherwise become difficult to read by other road users.
(3) To remove any doubt, a flexible warning sign must comply with all other requirements of this part as if it were a stiff sign.
2.49 Maintaining warning signs
A warning sign on an oversize vehicle or combination or a pilot vehicle must be maintained in a condition that ensures its message can be easily read by other road users.
A warning sign may be displayed on a vehicle or combination only if it is operating—
(a) as an oversize vehicle or combination; or
(b) as a pilot vehicle.
Division 2.8.2 Oversize vehicles
2.51 Size of warning signs—oversize vehicles
(1) A warning sign on an oversize vehicle or combination must be at least 1200mm long and at least 450mm high.
(2) A warning sign may be split into 2 parts.
(3) If a warning sign is split into 2 parts, the combined length of the parts must be at least 1200mm.
2.52 Face of warning signs—oversize vehicles
(1) A warning sign on an oversize vehicle or combination must display the word ‘OVERSIZE' in black capital letters that complies with AS 1744-1975 Forms of letters and numerals for road signs , in typeface Series C (N), as in force from time to time.
Note The Legislation Act, s 47 (6) is disapplied for AS 1744-1975 (see s 69).
(2) The letters must be at least 200mm high.
(3) The top of the letters must be at least 125mm from the top of the sign.
(4) The bottom of the letters must be at least 125mm from the bottom of the sign.
(5) If the sign is split into 2 parts—
(a) the part mounted on the left must display the letters ‘OVER' and the part mounted on the right must display the letters ‘SIZE'; and
(b) there must be no border between the 2 parts.
Warning sign that meetsthe minimum
requirements for a warning sign on an oversize vehicle orcombination
2.53 Mounting of warning signs—oversize vehicles
(1) A warning sign on an oversize vehicle or combination must be mounted vertically.
(2) The lower edge of the sign must be—
(a) if there is a bumper bar—above the bottom of the bumper bar; or
(b) in any other case—at least 500mm above ground level.
(3) If the sign is split into 2 parts, the parts must be mounted at the same height.
2.54 Size and shape of warning signs—pilot vehicles
(1) A warning sign on a pilot vehicle must be at least 1200mm long and at least 600mm high.
(2) The sign may have bottom corner cut-outs not wider than 150mm and not higher than 100mm if needed for mounting the warning lights.
2.55 Faces of warning signs—pilot vehicles
(1) Both faces of a warning sign on a pilot vehicle must display—
(a) the word ‘OVERSIZE' in black capital letters at least 200mm high that complies with AS 1744-1975 Forms of letters and numerals for road signs , in typeface Series C (N), as in force from time to time; and
(b) the words ‘LOAD AHEAD' in black capital letters at least 100mm high that complies with AS 1744-1975, in typeface Series D (N), as in force from time to time.
Note The Legislation Act, s 47 (6) is disapplied for AS 1744-1975 (see s 69).
(2) The bottom of the letters of the word ‘OVERSIZE' must be at least 300mm from the bottom of the sign.
(3) The bottom of the letters of the words ‘LOAD AHEAD' must be at least 100mm from the bottom of the sign.
Warning sign that meetsthe minimum requirements
for a warning signon a pilot
vehicle
2.56 Mounting of warning signs—pilot vehicles
A warning sign on a pilot vehicle must not lean beyond the point that there is more than 200mm measured horizontally from the top of the sign to a vertical line running through the bottom of the sign.
Maximum lean of warningsign