Road managers
Accessibility tools
Victoria Class 3 2-Axle Bus Mass Exemption Notice Operator's Guide
Victoria Class 3 2-Axle Bus Mass Exemption Notice Operator's Guide
National
Heavy
Vehicle
Regulator
The Victoria Class 3 2-Axle Bus Mass Exemption Notice 2023 (No.1) provides a mass exemption for 2-axle buses operating in Victoria. It provides access for some buses built before 2019 that do not meet the conditions of an eligible bus under the Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulation (i.e. being fitted with an anti-lock braking system (ABS) or electronic stability control (ESC) system).
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Gazette Notice: | C2023G00558 |
| Starts: | 19 May 2023 |
| Expires: | 18 May 2028 |
| Vehicle types: | Class 3, 2-axle heavy vehicle buses |
| Exemptions: | Mass requirements (axle mass limits, axle group mass limits, general combination mass, single vehicle mass,) |
| Law: | HVNL, MDL |
| Coverage: | VIC |
| 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 Victoria Class 3 2-Axle Bus Mass Exemption Notice 2023 (No.1) (the 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
Exemptions
These exemptions only apply to the extent to which conditions are granted.
Mass requirements
Vehicles operating under the Notice are exempt from the following mass requirements in Schedule 1 of the Heavy Vehicle (Mass Dimension and Loading) National Regulation (MDL):
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 |
|---|---|
| Complying bus |
Means a bus with 2 or 3 axles, 1 of which is a steer axle, that is fitted with an approved air suspension system and meets:
|
| Ultra-low floor bus |
Means a bus that:
|
Eligible vehicles
To be eligible to operate under the Notice, approved combinations must comply with all requirements of the Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulation (MDL).
This Notice applies to a heavy vehicle, that is a 2-axle bus and manufactured before 1 January 2019, that is a:
- a complying bus,
- an ultra-low floor bus,
- a bus that is longer than 12.5m, other than an articulated bus, but not longer than 14.5m (a controlled access bus), or
- a bus that is licensed to carry standing passengers, other than an ultra-low floor bus.
You can find more information on some of these terms in definitions.
Example 1 - complying bus
Example 2 - controlled access bus
Conditions
Notices are subject to various conditions to ensure public safety, protect assets and prevent adverse impacts on the community, such as noise, emissions and traffic congestion. See the sections below for specific conditions related to this Notice.
Dimension conditions - Click to expand
The following dimensions apply to a heavy vehicle, that is a 2-axle bus and manufactured before 1 January 2019:
| Bus type | Maximum length (metres) = L |
|---|---|
| Complying bus | L ≤ 12.5m |
| Ultra-low floor bus | L ≤ 12.5m |
| A bus that is longer than 12.5m, other than an articulated bus, but not longer than 14.5m | 12.5m < L ≤ 14.5m |
| A bus that is licensed to carry standing passengers, other than an ultra-low floor bus | L ≤ 12.5m |
Mass conditions - Click to expand
Total mass of an eligible vehicle
A vehicle or combination that is operating under this Notice cannot go above a total mass of 18.0t.
Mass limits for types of axle groups
The mass on an axle of an eligible vehicle must not be more than:
- for a steer axle – 7.0t.
- for a rear drive axle with dual tyres – 12.0t
Other conditions and additional information
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. Penalties can include infringement notices or prosecution. For more information, see Penalties and infringements.
Chain of Responsibility (CoR)
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.
For more information on your CoR obligations visit Chain of Responsibility on the NHVR website.
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.
National Network Map
The Notice may refer to state or territory government websites for the publication of networks. Certain authorised heavy vehicle road network maps for the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, and Victoria are published by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, through the NHVR National Network Map. Additional information and guidance can be found on the National Network Map webpage.
Approved routes covered by the Notice
The following routes are approved for travel for vehicles eligible under this Notice.
|
Eligible vehicles |
Networks |
|---|---|
|
An eligible vehicle up to 12.5m in length |
All roads in Victoria |
|
An eligible vehicle greater than 12.5m in length |
Related notices
In this tab, you will find a list of national, state and territory notices related to the Victoria Class 3 2-Axle Bus Mass Exemption Notice 2023 (No.1).
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
| Jurisdiction | Notice |
|---|---|
| National |
National Class 2 Bus Authorisation Notice 2024 (No.1) Authorises the use of Class 2 heavy vehicles that are buses, other than articulated buses, that are longer than 12.5m. Please note the following supporting documents for this Notice: This Notice revokes the following instruments upon their expiry National Class 3 Controlled Access Bus Exemption Notice 2019 (No.1). National Class 3 Bus Rear Overhang Dimension Exemption Notice 2024 (No.1) Grants an exemption from rear overhang dimension requirements for Class 3 buses, other than articulated buses, that are longer than 12.5m but are not longer than 14.5m. Please note the following supporting documents for this Notice: This Notice revokes the following instruments upon their expiry National Class 3 Controlled Access Bus Exemption Notice 2019 (No.1). |
Related state and territory notices
| Jurisdiction | Notice |
|---|---|
| New South Wales |
New South Wales Class 3 Bus Mass Exemption Notice 2024 (No.1) Exempts specified types of buses from the mass limits and axle mass limits of the Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulation. |
| Tasmania |
Tasmania Class 3 Bus Mass Exemption Notice 2023 (No.1) Exempts eligible Class 3 buses from the mass limits specified in section 2(1)(a) of Schedule 1 of the Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulation (MDL). |
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
| Date | Summary | Links to resources and communications |
|---|---|---|
| 19 May 2023 | Victoria Class 3 2-Axle Bus Mass Exemption Notice 2023 (No.1) commenced. | C2023G00558 |
www.nhvr.gov.au
E info@nhvr.gov.au
P 13 NHVR (136 487)
PO Box 492, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006