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Victoria Class 3 Prime Mover and Semi-Trailer (Transport of Containers) Exemption Notice Operator’s Guide
National
Heavy
Vehicle
Regulator
The Victoria Class 3 Prime Mover and Semi-Trailer (Transport of Containers) Exemption Notice 2023 (No.1) grants exemptions from mass requirements for a Class 3 heavy vehicle that is a combination consisting of a 3-axle prime mover towing a 3-axle semi-trailer that is loaded with a freight container.
The Notice also provides conditions of operation under the mass exemptions, including access to limited routes in and around the Port of Melbourne.
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Gazette Notice: | C2023G00775 |
| Starts: | 7 July 2023 |
| Expires: | 6 July 2028 |
| Vehicle types: | Class 3, prime mover and semitrailer |
| Exemptions: | Mass requirements (single axle mass limits, 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 Prime Mover and Semi-Trailer (Transport of Containers) Exemption Notice 2023 (No.1) (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 this Notice
This Notice provides access to the Victorian 'Port of Melbourne Container Vehicle Network' to an eligible vehicle consisting of a 3-axle prime mover towing a 3-axle semi-trailer that is loaded with a freight container that complies with all the conditions of the Notice.
Exemptions
These exemptions only apply to the extent to which conditions are granted.
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
Unless otherwise stated, words and expressions used in this Notice have the same meaning as defined in the HVNL.
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).
The Notice applies to a Class 3 heavy vehicle that is a combination consisting of a 3-axle prime mover towing a 3-axle semi-trailer that is loaded with a freight container.
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.
Mass conditions - Click to expand
Total mass of an eligible vehicle
The total mass of an eligible vehicle operating under the Notice must not exceed 48.0t.
Other than the total combination mass limits, the combination must comply with all other General Mass Limits in the MDL.
Mass limits for types of axle groups
The maximum masses for the axle groups of the eligible vehicle are:
| Axle group | Maximum mass (t) |
|---|---|
| Single steer axle on prime mover | 6 |
| Dual-drive tandem axle group on prime mover | 18 |
| Tri-axle group on trailer with dual tyres on all axles | 24 |
Minimum axle spacing
The distance between the centre of the dual-drive tandem axle group on the prime mover, and the first axle of the tri-axle group on an eligible vehicle must be at least 6.5m.
The wheelbase of the prime mover or the distance from the middle of the steer axle to the midpoint between the dual-drive tandem axle group on the prime mover that forms part of an eligible vehicle must be at least 3.6m.
Other conditions and additional information
Third party approvals
A third party is an entity with which consultation is required by either State or Commonwealth law, as a condition of operation or access.
Operators must secure all approvals from third parties such as electricity/utility companies, rail authorities and other third parties as part of their heavy vehicle operations.
For more information, visit the Third party approvals page.
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.
Loading requirements
A load on a heavy vehicle must:
- not be placed in a way that makes the vehicle unstable or unsafe
- be secured so it is unlikely to fall or be dislodged
- be restrained using an appropriate restraint method
- be placed, secured or restrained in a way that meets the loading performance standards listed in Schedule 7 of the MDL.
Visit the NHVR loading page for more information on load requirements.
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.
Our Regulatory Advice offers guidance, tips and tools for managing a range of heavy vehicle safety risks.
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
An eligible vehicle complying with the conditions of the Notice is authorised to operate on the 'Port of Melbourne Container Vehicle Network' in Victoria.
An eligible vehicle operating on the 'Port of Melbourne Container Vehicle Network' in Victoria must comply with the conditions specified for routes and areas set out on that map.
Related notices
In this tab, you will find a list of state and territory notices related to the Victoria Class 3 Prime Mover and Semi-Trailer (Transport of Containers) 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 state and territory notices
| Jurisdiction | Notice |
|---|---|
| Victoria |
Victoria Class 2 Converter Dolly Combination Authorisation Notice 2023 (No.1) Authorises Class 2 heavy combinations consisting of a prime mover towing a semi-trailer and converter dolly that is not supporting a semitrailer. Victoria Class 3 Rear Loader Waste Vehicles Rear Overhang Exemption Notice 2023 (No.1) Grants exemptions from dimension requirements for a Class 3 heavy vehicle that is a rear loading vehicle used for waste collection. |
Resources
There are currently no resources, supporting documents, tools, or calculators for this Notice.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 7 July 2023 | Victoria Class 3 Prime Mover and Semi-Trailer (Transport of Containers) Exemption Notice 2023 (No.1) commenced. | C2023G00775 |
| 7 July 2023 |
Victoria Class 3 Container Vehicle, Rearloader Waste Vehicle And Converter Dolly Combination Vehicle Mass And Dimension Exemption Notice 2019 (No.1) replaced by three notices for ease of reference and understanding:
|
www.nhvr.gov.au
E info@nhvr.gov.au
P 13 NHVR (136 487)
PO Box 492, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006