Rear overhang and forward projection

The following rear overhang limits apply under the Notice (Table 2).

1. A maximum trailer rear overhang of 3.7m. 
   • A yacht trailer that meets the definition of a pig trailer is exempt from the forward carrying space requirement of the MDL.
   • A yacht trailer that meets the definition of a semitrailer is exempted from the 60% wheelbase requirement.
2. A loaded yacht may extend beyond the trailer to a maximum rear overhang of 5.0m.
   • The width of the yacht extending beyond the trailer rear overhang must not exceed 2.0m.
3. A loaded yacht must not project forward of more than 1.2m beyond the trailer connection point. 

Prescribed dimensions 

This Notice provides an exemption for the rear overhang of the loaded yacht only. All other dimensions of the combination and its components must comply with all prescribed requirements. 

For example, the following prescribed dimensions apply:

Note: For more information on prescribed dimensions, see National heavy vehicle general dimension requirements.

Unless a specific state condition is more restrictive, the following mass limits apply nationally to an eligible combination.

General Mass Limits (GML)

The default mass limit provided by the Notice is GML.

GML applies to all heavy vehicles and is the stated allowable mass for a heavy vehicle axle group unless the vehicle is operating under an accreditation or an exemption under the HVNL.

General mass requirements apply mass limits for the following:

• those specified by the vehicle manufacturer
• individual axles and axle groups 
• individual components (vehicles and trailers)
• the combination, including as determined by axle spacing requirements.

A summary of mass requirements is available on the NHVR website at Mass, dimensions and loading.

Speed condition

A maximum speed limit of 90km/h applies, unless a traffic sign or road manager condition indicates a lesser speed limit.

Yacht trailer lighting and number plates 

The trailer lighting and number plate must not be obscured. This includes brakes lights, taillights, direction indicators, number plate light/s, and reflectors.

A retractable bar that forms part of the trailer can be used. The retractable bar must be:

• retracted to fit within prescribed dimension limits when not carrying a yacht; and
• extended within the dimension approved by the Notice when carrying a yacht.

Alternatively, an additional light bar can be used. 

Schedule 8 requirements for a Class 1 vehicle or combinations 

1. Smallest practicable size of unloaded vehicles or combinations

   • An eligible combination must be kept at its smallest practicable dimensions when unladen.

2. Headlights

   • An eligible combination operating under this Notice must have its low beam headlights on while being used in the daytime.

3. No travelling if low visibility 

   • An eligible combination must not begin to travel if, due to circumstances such as fog, heavy rain, smoke, dust, or insect plague:
     • visibility is less than 250m in the daytime; or 
     • the headlights of a vehicle approaching within 250m could not be seen at night.
   • If the visibility is reduced to the above when driving, the vehicle's driver must drive the combination to the nearest safe parking area and wait until visibility improves beyond that level before continuing to travel.

4. Minimum following distance

   • An eligible combination must drive at least 200m behind another oversize vehicle travelling in front of it, unless the combination is driving on:
     • a multi-lane road; or 
     • a length of road in a built-up area; or
     • overtaking.

Exemptions

This Notice provides an exemption to Part 2 of Schedule 6 section 5 of the MDL to allow:

• the yacht (the load of the combination) to extend beyond the prescribed rear overhang limit of 3.7m to a maximum of 5.0m.
• the rear overhang of the trailer to exceed the maximum dimension required of 60% of the wheelbase (semitrailer or dog trailer) or the length of the forward load carrying area of a pig trailer.

A maximum speed limit of 90km/h applies, unless a traffic sign or road manager condition indicates a lesser speed limit.

Note: Regulation for road rules (such as speed limits), licensing, and registration is a state and territory government responsibility. The HVNL does not provide the NHVR the power to exempt an operator from complying with the road rules.