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Victoria Class 1 Emergency Management Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice Operator’s Guide
Victoria Class 1 Emergency Management Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice Operator’s Guide
National
Heavy
Vehicle
Regulator
The Victoria Class 1 Emergency Management Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2023 (No.1) exempts specified categories of heavy vehicles from prescribed mass and dimension requirements so that they may participate in emergency management operations while under direction from Victorian emergency services in accordance with the State Emergency Management Plan.
This Notice applies to a Class 1 heavy vehicle that is engaged by, or operating under the direction of, a controller for the purpose of a State Emergency Management Plan, and is:
- a special purpose vehicle (SPV); or
- a load carrying vehicle.
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Gazette Notice: | C2023G00866 |
| Starts: | 2 August 2023 |
| Expires: | 1 August 2028 |
| Vehicle types: | Class 1, load carrying vehicle, special purpose vehicle (SPV) |
| Exemptions: |
Mass requirements (axle mass limits, axle spacing mass limits, axle group mass limits, general combination mass, single vehicle mass) Dimension requirements (general length, combination length, width, height by load) Network access |
| 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 1 Emergency Management Mass and Dimension 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 authorises heavy vehicles to participate in emergency management operations while under direction from Victorian emergency services in accordance with the State Emergency Management Plan.
Exemptions
These exemptions only apply to the extent to which conditions are granted.
Mass requirements
Eligible 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):
- section 2 – Mass limits for a single vehicle or combination
- section 3 – Mass limits for a vehicle with a particular axle space less than 2.5m
- section 4 – Mass limits for a single axle or axle group
- section 5 – Mass limits relating to axle spacing generally.
Dimension requirements
Eligible vehicles operating under the Notice are exempt from the following dimension requirements in Schedule 6 of the MDL:
Definitions
Unless otherwise stated, words and expressions used in this Operator’s Guide have the same meanings as those defined in the HVNL and the Notice.
| Term | Definition | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Controller | Controller means the following roles defined in the Victoria Emergency Operations Handbook:
|
Victoria Emergency Operations Handbook |
| Fire truck | Fire truck means a rigid vehicle designed and constructed for the purpose of firefighting. | |
| Load carrying vehicle | A heavy vehicle used to transport a large indivisible load, including when unladen (i.e. on its way to or from transporting a large indivisible load). | |
| Special purpose vehicle |
Special purpose vehicle means—
|
|
| State Emergency Management Plan | State Emergency Management Plan means a plan prepared and reviewed in accordance with Part 6A of the Emergency Management Act 2013 (Vic). | |
| Victoria Emergency Operations Handbook | Victoria Emergency Operations Handbook means the document of that named published by Emergency Management Victoria as amended from time to time. | Victoria Emergency Operations Handbook |
Eligible vehicles
To be eligible to operate under the Notice, approved combinations must comply with all requirements of the MDL.
| Vehicle type | Description |
|---|---|
| Load carrying vehicle | A heavy vehicle used to transport a large indivisible load, including when unladen (i.e. on its way to or from transporting a large indivisible load). |
| Special purpose vehicle |
Special purpose vehicle means—
|
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
| Eligible vehicle type | Length (m) | Width (m) | Height (m) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Load carrying vehicles | Combinations operating up to a total mass of 46 tonnes | Length limits as prescribed in the MDL | 3.0 | 4.5 |
| Combinations operating at a total mass of greater than 46 tonnes | 26.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 | |
| Special purpose vehicles (SPVs) | Dimension limits as prescribed in the MDL. | |||
Axle spacing for load carrying combinations
For load carrying vehicles not operating with a converter dolly, the minimum distance from the centre line of the rear most axle of the prime mover to the centreline of the foremost axle trailer must be 7.0 metres. (see Figure 1)
For load carrying vehicles operating with a converter dolly, the minimum distance from the centre line of the rear most axle of the dolly to the centreline of the foremost axle trailer must be 8.7 metres. (see Figure 2)
Mass conditions - Click to expand
Mass conditions under this Notice are applied:
- To axle group mass limits – as described in the following sections for load carrying and special purpose vehicles.
- For total vehicle/combination mass limits – these are limited by the road network on which the eligible vehicle is operating – either 46.0t or 78.0t and as described in the Network and Mapping tab of this Operator’s Guide.
Load carrying vehicles
Axle mass limits for load carrying vehicles are specified in Table 3.
|
Axle or axle group |
Mass (t) |
|---|---|
|
Steer axle with 2 tyres (not a complying steer axle) |
6.0 |
|
Steer axle with 2 tyres (complying steer axle) |
6.5 |
|
Tandem axle group on a prime mover, dolly or trailer with 4 tyres |
18.5 |
|
Single dolly with 4 tyres |
9.0 |
|
Tandem axle group on a dolly or a trailer with a 1.8m axle spacing with 4 tyres per axle |
21.5 |
|
Tri-axle group on a trailer with 1.2m axle spacings with 4 tyres per axle |
25.0 |
|
Tri-axle group on a trailer with 1.8m axle spacings with 4 tyres per axle |
27.0 |
|
Quad axle group on a trailer with 1.2, axle spacings with 4 tyres per axle |
30.0 |
|
Quad axle group on a trailer with 1.2, 2.4, 1.2m axle spacings with 4 tyres per axle |
35.0 |
Special purpose vehicles
For Special purpose vehicles that are fire trucks, axle mass limits are specified in Table 4.
| Axle or axle group | Minimum tyre width (mm) | Mass (t) |
|---|---|---|
| Steer axle | N/A | 6.5 |
| Single drive axle | < 305 | As prescribed in the MDL |
| 305 | 7.5 | |
| 395 | 8.5 |
For special purpose vehicles that are not fire trucks, axle mass limits are as prescribed in the MDL.
General conditions - Click to expand
This Notice applies only to heavy vehicles being operated:
- Under the direction of a controller for the purpose of a State Emergency Management Plan (see definitions tab)
- By one or on behalf of one of the following agencies:
- Forest Fire Management Victoria
- Country Fire Authority
- Emergency Management Victoria
- Victoria Police
- Victorian Department of Transport and Planning
- Fire Rescue Victoria and;
- Victoria State Emergency Service
- and personnel engaged or directed by these agencies to transport equipment and plant when responding to an emergency.
This Notice does not authorise access for the purpose of general commercial heavy vehicle transport .In responding to an emergency other than which this notice authorises (e.g. on a route not covered by the approved road networks), operators may apply for:
- An HVNL mass or dimension exemption (permit)
- An HVNL emergency exemption from compliance with particular requirements, pursuant to section 197 of the HVNL.
Road networks pre-approved for permit access by the Victorian Department of Transport and Planning are published on their Emergency & Emergency Preparedness Vehicles and described on the Network and mapping tab of this Operator’s Guide.
Heavy vehicles operating under this notice must comply with all of the applicable conditions as prescribed in Schedule 8 of the MDL, except for:
- section 7 – Travel restrictions at night; and
- section 8 – No travelling in low visibility; and
- Any other travel time restrictions that would otherwise be imposed under Schedule 8.
These conditions are described in the NHVR’s Standard conditions legislative requirements - Class 1 (PDF, 367KB).
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.
Loading requirements
To meet the loading requirements, the heavy vehicle must be loaded:
- in a way that load placement does not make the heavy vehicle unsafe or unstable
- in a way that the load is not likely to fall or be dislodged from the vehicle
- using an appropriate system to restrain the load.
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.
In this tab, you will find the approved routes authorised under the Notice. There may also be network conditions pursuant to the stated areas and routes under the Notice. Network conditions relate to road and travel conditions that are not contained within the Notice.
Network mapping home page
Approved routes covered by the Notice
The following routes are approved for travel for vehicles eligible under this Notice.
|
Eligible vehicle type |
Approved routes |
|---|---|
|
All heavy vehicles eligible to operate under this Notice and up to a total mass of 46.0 tonnes. |
The Emergency Response Combinations (up to 46.0t, 3.0m wide) network as published on the Emergency & Emergency Preparedness Vehicles map networks webpage. |
|
All heavy vehicles eligible to operate under this Notice and with a total mass greater than 46.0 and up to 78.0 tonnes. |
The Emergency Response Combinations (up to 78.5t, 4.0m wide) network as published on the Emergency & Emergency Preparedness Vehicles map networks webpage. |
The Victorian Department of Transport and Planning webpage for Emergency & Emergency Preparedness Vehicles also publishes maps for emergency preparation:
- Emergency Preparation Combinations (up to 46.0t, 3.0m wide)
- Emergency Preparation Combinations (up to 78.5t, 4.0m wide)
- Unimog 4000M Fire Trucks
Access on these approved routes complements that provided under this Notice for emergency response. It is provided via an application for a pre-approved HVNL permit.
Operators are advised to first check whether access is provided under this Notice before next checking the pre-approved (emergency preparedness) access and approved networks.
Related notices
In this tab, you will find a list of state and territory notices related to the Victoria Class 1 Emergency Management Mass and Dimension 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 1 Load Carrying Vehicle Dimension Exemption Notice 2024 (No.2) Authorises the use of Class 1 load carrying vehicles that are up to 5.5m wide, 35m long and 5m high (state and territory dependant). Please note the following supporting documents for this Notice:
Multi-State Class 1 Load Carrying Vehicle Mass Exemption Notice 2023 (No.1) Authorises the use of Class 1 load carrying vehicles that are up to 115t (state dependent). Please note the following supporting documents for this Notice:
Provides mass and dimension access for Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) up to a gross mass of 40t. Eligible SPVs include:
National Heavy Vehicle Emergency Services Work Diary and Record Keeping Exemption Notice 2023 (No.2) Grants exemptions from work diary and record keeper requirements for drivers of vehicles operating for, or under the direction of, an emergency service. Please note the following supporting document has been developed as an example of a driver’s log that can be used whilst operating under this Notice: Exempts emergency vehicles that are heavy vehicles from complying with certain requirements of the Heavy Vehicle (Vehicle Standards) National Regulation. Please note the following supporting document for this Notice: National Heavy Vehicle Standards (Flashing Warning Lights) Exemption Notice 2020 (No.1) Exemption from certain vehicle standards requirements where there is a safety requirement for a heavy vehicle to have one or more flashing warning lights fitted. This Notice refers to a letter of authorisation and other documents that may be required to be carried. |
Related state notices
| Jurisdiction | Notice |
|---|---|
| Victoria |
Exempts the stated Class 1 heavy vehicles from the prescribed mass and dimension requirements specified in the Notice, subject to conditions. Please note the following supporting document for this Notice: Exempts specified categories of Class 1 Heavy Vehicles from prescribed mass and dimension requirements. Please note the following supporting information for this Notice: |
Resources
NHVR webpage for Emergency access permit applications.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2 August 2023 | Victoria Class 1 Emergency Management Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2023 (No.1) commenced. | C2023G00866 |
www.nhvr.gov.au
E info@nhvr.gov.au
P 13 NHVR (136 487)
PO Box 492, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006