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Queensland Class 3 Truck and Dog Trailer (exceeding 19m up to 31.5m in length) Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice Operator's Guide
National
Heavy
Vehicle
Regulator
The Queensland Class 3 Truck and Dog (exceeding 19m up to 31.5m in length) Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2022 (No.1) exempts truck and dog combinations that are longer than 19m but no longer than 31.5m from the steer mass limits and dimension requirements including length, width and height of the Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulation (MDL).
Who does this Notice apply to?
A truck and dog combination longer than 19m but no longer than 31.5m carrying general freight or large indivisible items.
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Gazette Notice: | C2022G01151 |
| Starts: | 23 November 2022 |
| Expires: | 22 November 2027 |
| Vehicle types: | Rigid truck and dog |
| Exemptions: |
Dimension requirements (length, width and height) Mass requirements (steer mass limits) |
| Law: | HVNL, MDL |
| Coverage: | QLD |
| To be carried: | No |
- Overview
- Definitions
- Eligible
Vehicles - Conditions
- Network and
Mapping - Related
Notices - Resources
- Changes and
Updates
Overview
The information in this Operator’s Guide is intended to do two things:
- Explain how the Queensland Class 3 Truck and Dog exceeding 19m up to 31.5m Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice operates, to assist in complying with it. It is important to remember this Operator’s Guide is instructional only and it is the Notice that provides the exemption or authorisation. If there is a difference or misunderstanding between the Operator’s Guide and the Notice, the Notice has priority and must be followed. The only exceptions are the requirements or conditions set out in the ‘Network and Mapping’ section explained below.
- Provide additional information referred to in the network requirements of the Notice. This includes links to network maps and other information such as vehicle, travel and road conditions. Networks and their conditions published in the ‘Network and Mapping’ section of this Operator’s Guide are not general advice and must be treated as conditions of the Notice.
Please read the Notice and this Operator’s Guide together. To download or print this guide, use the print or PDF buttons on the top right of this page.
About the Notice
This Notice assists with the delivery of general freight and large indivisible items for truck and dog combinations by providing an exemption to the dimensions prescribed in the MDL.
Under the Notice, an eligible truck and dog combination may exceed the MDL prescribed:
- length limit of 19m, up to a maximum length of 31.5m
- height and width requirements are shown in Table 2 (Conditions tab) when carrying a large indivisible item.
The Notice replaces access previously provided by the following notices:
- Queensland Class 3 Heavy Vehicle Truck Towing One Trailer Exceeding 19m Up To 31.5m Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2019 (No.1)
- Queensland Class 3 Heavy Vehicle (Indivisible Item) Dimension Exemption Notice 2019 (No.1).
Exemptions
These exemptions only apply to the extent to which conditions are granted.
Mass requirements
An eligible vehicle is exempt from the following mass requirements of Schedule 1 of the MDL:
- section 2(1)(a)(iv) – total combination mass (complying steer axle)
- section 2(1)(a)(vi) – total combination mass (non-complying steer axle)
- section 2 (4) – total combination tow mass limit
- section 4, Table 1 of Part 2 – steer axle mass
- section 4, Table 2 of Part 2 – axle spacing
Definitions
The following are terms used in this Notice or conditions of operation. Unless otherwise stated, words and expressions used in this Notice have the same meaning as defined in the HVNL.
| Term | Definition | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Drive axle group | Means an axle group with one or more driving axles. | |
| HVNL | Heavy Vehicle National Law | Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) |
| MDL | Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulation | Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulation |
| Tri-axle drive group | Means a drive axle group with no more than 2 axles in contact with the ground. | |
| VS Regulation | Heavy Vehicle (Vehicle Standards) National Regulation | Heavy Vehicle (Vehicle Standards) National Regulation |
| QVD1 | Queensland Vehicle Dimension option 1 |
Queensland Class 3 Truck and Dog Trailer (exceeding 19m up to 31.5m in length) Dimension and Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice Operator's Guide |
| QVD2 | Queensland Vehicle Dimension option 2 | Queensland Class 3 Truck and Dog Trailer (exceeding 19m up to 31.5m in length) Dimension and Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice Operator's Guide |
Eligible vehicles
Eligible truck and dog combinations are shown in Table 1. An eligible combination must have a length exceeding 19m but not more than 31.5m.
| Truck and dog trailer combination | Image of combination |
|---|---|
| Rigid truck fitted with a single steer and single drive axle towing a dog trailer fitted with 2 single axles. |  |
| Rigid truck fitted with a single steer and single drive axle towing a dog trailer fitted with a single and tandem axle groups. |  |
| Rigid truck fitted with a single steer and tandem drive axle towing a dog trailer fitted with 2 single axles. |  |
| Rigid truck fitted with a single steer and tandem drive axle towing a dog trailer fitted with a single and tandem axle group. |  |
| Rigid truck fitted with a single steer and tandem drive axle towing a dog trailer fitted with 2 tandem axle groups. |  |
| Rigid truck fitted with a single steer and tandem drive axle towing a dog trailer fitted with a single and tri-axle group. |  |
| Rigid truck fitted with a single steer and tandem drive axle towing a dog trailer fitted with a tandem and tri-axle group. |  |
| Twinsteer rigid truck with a tandem drive axle towing a dog trailer fitted with 2 single axles. |  |
| Twinsteer rigid truck with a tandem drive axle towing a dog trailer fitted with a single and tandem axle group. |  |
| Twinsteer rigid truck with a tandem drive axle towing a dog trailer fitted with 2 tandem axle groups. |  |
| Twinsteer rigid truck with a tandem drive axle towing a dog trailer fitted with a single and tri-axle group. |  |
| Twinsteer rigid truck with a tandem drive axle towing a dog trailer fitted with a tandem and tri-axle group. |  |
- A PBS-approved rigid truck and dog combination can operate under this Notice, providing it meets all conditions of the notice as described in this Operator’s Guide.
- Rigid trucks fitted with a tri-axle drive group with no more than 2 axles in contact with the ground are eligible vehicles.
Excluded vehicles
The following vehicles are not eligible under the Notice:
- Rigid trucks fitted with a drive axle group with more than 2 axles in contact with the ground.
- Rigid trucks towing a pig or tag trailer.
- PBS rigid truck and dog combinations provided with exemptions greater than the prescribed mass and dimension requirements of this Notice.
Conditions
Notices are subject to conditions to ensure public safety, asset protection or to prevent adverse effects to the community, such as noise, emission or traffic congestion.
Dimension conditions - Click to expand
Combination length dimensions
An eligible truck and dog combination must have a length exceeding 19m but no more than 31.5m.
The dog trailer must have a drawbar length of no less than 3.0m but not more than 5.0m.
Component length limits
Rigid trucks and trailers must comply with the prescribed dimension limits in the MDL. This Notice does not provide an exemption for individual component lengths within the combination.
- A rigid truck must be no longer than 12.5m in length.
- The semitrailer length must be no longer than the MDL limits shown in Figure 2.
Note: A semitrailer that exceeds the above trailer length limits is not eligible to operate under this Notice – for example, a refrigerated semitrailer with a distance of over 12.3m when measured from the front articulation point to the semitrailer's rear.
For more information on prescribed length limits, visit General mass and dimensions limits.
Width and height dimensions when carrying large indivisible items only
The Notice provides two dimension limit options, providing a maximum width and height under each option. In the Operator's Guide, the combination options are referred to as Queensland Vehicle Dimension 1 (QVD1) and Queensland Vehicle Dimension 2 (QVD2), as shown in Table 2.
Note: There must be no mixing and matching of QVD limits.
|
|
Maximum height (m) |
Maximum width (m) |
|---|---|---|
|
QVD1 |
4.8m |
2.5m |
|
QVD2 |
4.6m |
3.2m |
Approved location of indivisible items
The large indivisible item(s) can be loaded on the truck or trailer of the combination.
Mass conditions - Click to expand
Rigid truck steer axle mass limits
This Notice provides the steer mass limits for eligible rigid vehicles, as shown in Table 3.
|
Steer axle |
Maximum mass limits (t) |
|---|---|
|
Tyres with section widths less than 295mm |
6.0t |
| Complying steer axle (suitability rated) | 6.5t |
|
Tyres with section widths at least 295mm |
6.5t |
|
Tyres with section widths at least 375mm |
7.1t |
General Mass Limits (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.
General mass requirements are available on the NHVR website on the mass, dimensions and loading page.
Tow mass ratio
Truck and dog trailer combination operating under this Notice are exempt from complying with the 1:1 tow mass ratio under the MDL.
The rigid truck must have a Gross Combination Mass (GCM) rating of at least the combinations total mass capability when operating under the Notice.
Special conditions - Click to expand
Road train rated components
An eligible combination of this Notice must have each component certified with the appropriate approvals for use in a road train combination.
The appropriate forms of approval may be:
- entered on the Commonwealth Governments Register of Approved Vehicles (RAV), showing evidence of compliance with the applicable Australian Design Rules (ADRs) for road train or road train trailer certification; or
- certified by the vehicle manufacturer under the ADRs and identified on the vehicle plate affixed to the vehicle displaying the words “ROAD TRAIN” or “ROAD TRAIN TRAILER”; or
- certified in accordance with Vehicle Standards Bulletin 6 (VSB6): National Code of Practice Heavy Vehicle Modifications and identified on the modification plate affixed to the vehicle displaying codes.
- A truck and dog must have all components of the combination certified under VSB6 Section S - Vehicle Rating (PDF, 7.2MB):
- S8 (Motor vehicle road train rating); and
- S11 (Road train trailer rating).
Note: The VSB6 modification plate may display other codes, as well as S8 or S11.
Speed limit condition
The maximum speed limit when operating under this Notice is 90km/h unless a traffic sign indicates a lesser speed limit.
Note: Regulations for road rules – such as speed limits, licensing and registration – are 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.
Exemptions - Click to expand
This Notice provides exemptions for truck and dog combinations from:
- prescribed mass limits in Schedule 1 of the MDL; and
- prescribed dimensions in Schedule 6 of the MDL.
The following exemptions from Schedule 1 of the MDL Regulations apply to the extent (maximum steer axle and total mass) provided by the Notice.
Section 2(1)(a)(iv)& (vi) Mass limits for a combination
Section 2 relates to the maximum total combined mass limit of the combination (the mass of the truck and dog trailer combined).
For example, a complying steer axle vehicle may exceed the maximum total combination limit of 43t (GML) up to the mass (steer mass and axle spacing mass limits) provided by the Notice. The combination must comply with Notice conditions.
Section 2(4) Mass limits in relation to the tow mass limit
This section relates to the mass of the dog trailer. It provides an exemption to allow the dog trailer axle groups to be heavier than the rigid truck.
The exemption allows the combination to operate at axles group mass limits under Table 1 - Axle mass limits table of Schedule 1.
Section 4, Steer mass limits in Table 1 axle mass limits table
Section 4 relates to the steer mass limits of the combination. This exemption allows the rigid truck to operate at road train steer mass limits, previously restricted to hauling units used in a road train combination.
Section 4, Mass limits in relation to Table 2 axle spacing mass limits general table
This section relates to the mass limits determined by the axle spacing.
A rigid combination is provided exemption from Table 2 - Axle spacing mass limits general table. Eligible combinations are authorised to use Table 4 - Axle spacing mass limits road train table providing mass limits (relating to spacings) greater than the general table.
The following exemptions to Schedule 6 of the MDL Regulations apply to the extent (maximum dimensions) provided by the Notice.
Section 3(1)(a) Length of combination
Section 3 relates to the length of the combination. A rigid truck and dog trailer operating under this Notice may exceed the prescribed length of the combination of 19m up to a maximum of 31.5m.
Note: All other MDL Regulation dimension requirements apply, including the maximum vehicle length of 12.5m, and/or the distance of the trailer from the point of articulation.
NHVR Tip: Additional information is available on our mass, dimensions and loading page.
Section 7(1) Width
Section 7 relates to the width of the combination (and its load) carrying an indivisible item(s). The eligible combination and its load may exceed the prescribed width of 2.5m up to the maximum width provided in QVD1 & QVD2. The combination including its load must comply with the Notice conditions.
Section 8(1)(d) Height
Section 8 relates to the height of the combination (and its load) carrying an indivisible item(s). The eligible combination and its load may exceed the prescribed height of 4.3m up to the maximum height provided in QVD1 & QVD2. The combination including its load must comply with the Notice conditions.
Other conditions and additional information
Warning signs
Eligible combinations longer than 22m but not longer than 30m must display a long vehicle warning sign at the vehicle's rear (as shown in Figure 3).
Eligible combinations longer than 30m must display a road train warning sign at the front and rear of the combination (as shown in Figure 4).
Warning sign requirements are described in the NHVR's Vehicle Standards Guide (VSG-19).
 |
 |
Complying with the HVNL
Unless otherwise exempted by the Notice or this Operator's Guide, operators must ensure their vehicle or combination complies with ADRs, HVNL, MDL and VS Regulation.
Using or permitting another person to use a defective heavy vehicle or a heavy vehicle with unapproved modifications on a road may be an offence.
Failure to comply may result in the driver and/or operator being liable for an offence.
Chain of Responsibility
Under the HVNL, every party in the Chain of Responsibility (CoR) has a positive duty to ensure the safety of their activities in relation to a heavy vehicle. This duty, known as the “primary duty”, applies to the scheduling, loading and consigning of a vehicle, as well as to its operation on a road.
Safety is broader than the safety of drivers and other road users. It also includes protection of road infrastructure, preventing damage to other vehicles or property, and minimising environmental harm. Substantial penalties may be imposed upon parties who breach this obligation and upon their executives.
The requirement to carry the Notice
Drivers do not need to carry a copy of the Notice.
Network and mapping
For the purposes of s121 of the HVNL, an area or route specified in the 'Network & Mapping' section of this Operator's Guide is a stated area or route to which this Notice applies. In addition to complying with the conditions stated in this Operator's Guide, operators must ensure compliance with the specific road manager access requirements set out below or in network maps.
Approved routes covered by the Notice
Eligible combinations are approved for access to the following Queensland networks
- Queensland Type 1 road trains;
- Queensland Type 2 road trains.
The approved networks are published by Queensland Government, in the Queensland Globe.
Non-participating road managers
Non-participating road managers have not yet provided support for the Notice. Access on local roads in the following council areas is not approved for any combination under the Notice and operators will need to apply to the NHVR for a permit. Access to State Roads on the approved nominated networks in these council areas is allowed subject to the Notice conditions.
Non-participating Queensland road manager list - Click to expand
- Torres Shire Aboriginal Council
- Torres Strait Island Regional Council
Participating road manager network conditions
This section provides specific road manager access conditions under the Notice. Road manager conditions should be reviewed regularly to ensure that the travel of eligible combinations complies with any access condition. Road manager conditions and restrictions in this section may change from time to time. Please contact the relevant road manager for further information on how to comply with these conditions.
Speed limit condition - Click to expand
The maximum speed limit when operating under this Notice is 90km/h, unless a traffic sign indicates a lesser speed limit.
Note: Regulation for road rules (such as speed limits), licensing and registration are 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.
Additional information
Tips for using the Queensland Globe - Click to expand
The approved networks are published by Queensland Government. For the Queensland heavy vehicle routes and restrictions on the Queensland Globe, go to the website https://qldglobe.information.qld.gov.au/?topic=heavy-vehicle-routes-and-restriction, accept the 'Terms and Conditions' and then click the Get Started button. Then select:
- Topics;
- Transport and motoring: then
- the blue arrow on the right-hand side of the screen; then
- Launch topic at the bottom right; then
- Add to globe; then
- select Layers (layers can be turned on and off by clicking on eye).
The Queensland Globe shows the approved heavy vehicle routes in Queensland. When accessing the map in Queensland Globe, the legend can be expanded by clicking on the arrow that appears on the right-hand side of the screen.
- Blue roads (designated ‘RT1 route’) show roads approved for access by Type 1 road trains.
- Pink roads (designated ‘RT2 route’) show roads approved for access by both Type 1 and Type 2 road trains.
Restrictions are shown on the Queensland Globe. A restriction is signified by a blue or pink dot (depending on the selected network) at the road intersection. These are visible by zooming in on sections of approved routes on which restrictions apply.
Information on the restriction is viewed by clicking on the:
- blue/white spanner icon, then
- the identify icon that appears on the toolbar; then
- select the route restriction required on the map (a layer menu will appear on the left-hand side of the screen); then
- select the restriction from the menu panel (a features menu will open); then
- select the condition and its attributes will be displayed in the menu panel.
Access off the approved network - Click to expand
Where a route is not approved under this notice, an operator may choose to apply for a permit via the NHVR Portal.
How to apply for a permit
When applying for a new NHVR permit via the NHVR Portal, after selecting 'SELECT CONFIGURATION', scroll to the bottom and ensure you select the 'Custom build your own" vehicle type option.
'Custom build your own vehicle type' will require the following vehicle details:
- unladen and laden dimensions
- unladen and laden mass limits
- number of tyre and their sizes
- axle spacings
- axle group mass limits
- VIN and registration details
- ground contact width (GCW)
- load sharing capabilities.
These details are required for the road manager to assess your application.
For more information on applying for a permit refer to the NHVR access permit applications page, or contact us.
Related notices
In this tab, you will find a list of national, state and territory notices related to the Queensland Class 3 Truck and Dog Trailer (exceeding 19m up to 31.5m in length) Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice.
A related notice may be comparable with this Notice or provide alternatives for operators to find the appropriate notice under which to operate.
Related national notices
Related state and territory notices
| Jurisdiction | Notice |
|---|---|
| Australian Capital Territory |
Australian Capital Territory Class 3 4.6m High Vehicle Dimension Exemption Notice 2024 (No.1) Provides dimension exemptions from the Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulation (MDL) and conditional height limits for vehicles operating on specified networks that meet the other requirements of the Notice. |
| New South Wales |
Exempts Class 1 heavy vehicle combinations consisting of a prime mover and approved trailers, including dollies if required, from certain mass and dimension requirements under the HVNL. In addition, this notice exempts certain specialist vehicles such as block trucks that are used to assist the operation of Class 1 combinations. Please note the following supporting document for this Notice: |
|
New South Wales Class 1 Load Carrying Vehicle Exemption Notice 2023 (No.1) Grants exemptions from mass and dimension requirements for a Class 1 heavy vehicle in New South Wales that is carrying, or is designed for the purpose of carrying, a large indivisible item. Please note the following supporting document for this Notice: |
|
| Queensland |
Enables eligible B-doubles and road trains to transport large indivisible items in Queensland without the need for a permit, subject to meeting the Notice conditions. |
|
Exempts vehicles transporting flat rack and open top containers within the Port of Brisbane from prescribed mass and dimension requirements specified in the notice. Please note the following supporting document for this notice: |
|
|
Exempts a stated category of Class 3 heavy vehicles from the height limit stated in section 8 of Schedule 6 of the Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulation. Please note the following supporting document for this Notice: |
|
| South Australia |
Provides access for class 1 heavy vehicles, carrying either large indivisible items or agricultural vehicles, which exceed regulation dimensions, to travel on roads in South Australia subject to conditions specified in the notice. |
|
South Australian Class 3 Truck and Dog (up to 23m) Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2022 (No.1) Provides an exemption for eligible 23m Class 3 heavy vehicle truck and dog trailer combinations from stated mass and dimension limits. |
|
| Tasmania |
Tasmania Class 1 Load Carrying Vehicles Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2022 (No. 1) Exempts categories of laden and unladen Class 1 load carrying vehicles from the stated prescribed mass and dimension requirements in Schedule 1 and Schedule 6 of the Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulation. Please note the following supporting documents for this notice: |
|
Tasmania Class 3 Truck and Dog Trailer Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2024 (No.1) This Notice grants exemptions from mass and dimension requirements for Class 3 vehicles that are truck and dog combinations. |
|
| Victoria |
Concession for log-carrying truck and dog trailer combinations to be up to 22m long. |
Supporting documents
Queensland Government Publications
Queensland Access Conditions Guide
Resources
All information about the Notice is contained in this Operator’s Guide. Please refer to the tabs for more information about this Notice, or contact us with your specific questions.
Note: If you have any feedback on the information provided please contact us at info@nhvr.gov.au
Changes and updates
The Queensland Class 3 Truck and Dog up to 31.5m Dimension and Mass Exemption Notice commenced on 23 November 2022. Updates to this Notice are shown below.
| Date | Summary | Links to resources and communications |
|---|---|---|
| 9 October 2023 | Addition of note for eligible vehicles -
"Rigid trucks fitted with a tri-axle drive group with no more than 2 axles in contact with the ground are eligible vehicles." |
|
| 25 November 2022 |
Lockhart River Aboriginal Council removed from non-participating road manager list. |
|
| 23 November 2022 | Commencement of Queensland Class 3 Truck and Dog Trailer (exceeding 19.0m up to 31.5m in length) Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice. Replaces Queensland Class 3 Heavy Vehicle (Indivisible Item) Dimension Exemption Notice 2019 (No.1) and Queensland Class 3 Heavy Vehicle Truck Towing One Trailer Exceeding 19m Up To 31.5m Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2019 (No.1). |
www.nhvr.gov.au
E info@nhvr.gov.au
P 13 NHVR (136 487)
PO Box 492, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006