Road managers
Accessibility tools
South Australia Class 3 Livestock Transportation Exemption Notice Operator’s Guide
South Australia Class 3 Livestock Transportation Exemption Notice Operator’s Guide
National
Heavy
Vehicle
Regulator
The South Australia Class 3 Livestock Transportation Exemption Notice 2023 (No.1) grants exemptions from mass and dimension requirements under the Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulation (MDL) for Class 3 heavy vehicle combinations used for the transportation of livestock.
Note: The Notice provides an exemption from certain heavy vehicle mass and length limits outlined in the MDL for Class 3 vehicles operating in South Australia.
This instrument does NOT exempt these vehicles from other requirements of the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL), including, but not limited to, mass and other dimension requirements.
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Gazette Notice: | C2023G01168 |
| Starts: | 3 November 2023 |
| Expires: | 2 November 2028 |
| Vehicle types: | Class 3, prime mover towing a semitrailer combination, B-double |
| Exemptions: |
Mass requirements (steer axle mass limits, axle mass limits, axle spacing mass limits, axle group mass limits, general combination mass, single vehicle mass) Dimension requirements (general length, combination length) |
| Law: | HVNL, MDL |
| Coverage: | SA |
| 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 South Australia Class 3 Livestock Transportation 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.
About this Notice
The Notice provides a Class 3 heavy vehicle that is a prime mover towing a semitrailer or a B-double used for the transportation of livestock, with exemptions from specified mass and dimension requirements under the Heavy Vehicle (Mass Dimension and Loading) National Regulation (MDL).
Exemptions
These exemptions only apply to the extent to which conditions are granted.
Dimension exemptions
An eligible vehicle that is a B-double combination operating under this Notice is exempt from the following dimension requirements of Schedule 6 of the MDL:
- section 3 - Length (combination or single vehicle).
The exemption only applies to particular vehicle or component length limits. If more than one dimension limit applies, the lower dimension limit applies, and the other dimension limit must be disregarded.
Mass requirements
The Notice exempts eligible vehicles from the following mass requirements specified in Schedule 1 of the 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 in relating to axle spacing generally.
Additional or conditional mass allowed under this Notice must not exceed manufacturer mass limits as outlined in section 8 of the MDL.
The exemption only applies to combination mass and axles mass limits. If two or more mass limits are provided that impose different limits, the lower limits apply.
Note: Other mass and dimension limits in the MDL apply.
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 |
|---|---|
|
ADR |
Australian Design Rules. |
|
Class 3 heavy vehicle |
A heavy vehicle is a Class 3 heavy vehicle if:
|
|
Dual-drive tandem axle group |
A tandem axle group consisting of two axles, both of which are a driving axle for a vehicle. |
|
General access |
Access to all roads in South Australia, except as restricted by the 'Specified road manager network requirements' in the Guide. |
|
Livestock |
As defined in the Animal Welfare Regulations 2012 (SA). |
| Prescribed dimension requirement | A dimension requirement prescribed by the MDL. |
|
Prescribed mass requirement |
A mass requirement prescribed by the MDL. |
|
Single axle group |
Two or more axles where the outer centre-lines are less than 1m apart. |
|
Steer axle |
The front steerable axle used to steer the vehicle. |
|
Tandem axle group |
A group of at least two axles with the outermost axles at least 1m (but not more than 2m) apart. |
|
Tri-axle group |
A group of at least three axles, in which the horizontal distance between the centre-lines of the outermost axles is more than 2m but not more than 3.2m. |
Eligible vehicles
To be eligible to operate under the Notice, approved combinations must comply with the conditions of the Notice and all other requirements of the MDL.
An eligible vehicle is a combination consisting of:
- a prime mover and a semitrailer with a mass not greater than 48.3t; or
- a combination that is a B-double with a mass not greater than 73.3t shown in Table 1.
| Description | Image of eligible vehicle | Mass limits (t) |
|---|---|---|
| Prime mover towing a semitrailer |
|
48.3 |
| A B-double combination |
|
73.3 |
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
Length
Under the Notice, only a B-double combination vehicle is exempt from the dimension requirements under Schedule 6, section 3 of the MDL. The eligible B-double combination must not exceed 27.5m in length and must have an S dimension no longer than 20.6m in length (Figure 1).
Transportation of livestock only
An eligible vehicle combination must be used for the transportation of livestock to be defined as an eligible vehicle under the Notice. The load must be entirely composed of livestock. No other type of load may be transported.
Mass conditions - Click to expand
Mass limits
Total combination mass
An eligible vehicle must not exceed the following total mass limits listed in Table 2:
- A combination consisting of a prime mover and a semitrailer 48.3t.
- A combination that is a B -double must not exceed 73.3t.
Axle mass limits
An eligible vehicle must not exceed the following axle mass limits listed in Table 2:
- steer axle - 6.0t
- dual-drive tandem axle group - 17.3t
- tri-axle group on semitrailer - 25.0t.
| Description | Image of eligible vehicle | Steer axle mass limit (t) | Dual-drive axle mass limit (t) | Tri-axle group (semitrailer) mass limits (t) | Tri-axle group (semitrailer) mass limits (t) | Total mass limit (t) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A prime mover towing a semitrailer |
|
6.0 | 17.3 | 25.0 | N/A | 48.3 |
| A B-double combination |
|
6.0 | 17.3 | 25.0 | 25.0 | 73.3 |
General conditions - Click to expand
D rating of fifth wheel couplings and kingpins on B-doubles
The D rating for a fifth wheel coupling or kingpin in a B-double combination must not be less than 119kN as shown in Figure 2.
Vehicle configuration and axle requirements
The prime mover of an eligible vehicle must be a single steer axle and have a dual-drive tandem axle group.
- Any semitrailer that is part of an eligible vehicle must have a tri-axle group.
- All axles on an eligible vehicle other than the steer axle must have dual tyres.
Other conditions and additional information
Assessing routes
Before an eligible vehicle is driven along any route, its driver and operator must be satisfied that the route has been assessed and that the vehicle can be driven along it without:
- disrupting telecommunication, electricity, rail, gas, water or sewage services; or
- damaging a road (including a bridge), structure, rail crossing or tree.
Third party approvals
Gazette notices, permits and some jurisdictional laws may require third parties and other entities to provide permission for a vehicle to travel if it exceeds certain mass or dimension limits.
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.
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.
Complying with the HVNL
Unless otherwise exempted by the Notice or this Operator's Guide, operators must ensure their vehicle or combination complies with the:
- Australian Design Rules (ADRs); and,
- Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL); and,
- Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulation (MDL); and,
- Heavy Vehicle (Vehicle Standards) National Regulation (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.
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.
National Network Map
This Notice may refer to state or territory government websites for the publication of networks. From 20 December 2023, 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.
Approved routes covered by the Notice - Click to expand
| Eligible vehicle | Network or route |
|---|---|
| Prime mover towing a semitrailer | General access |
| B-doubles up to 26m in length | 26m B-double (GML) |
| B-doubles up to 27.5m in length | *27.5m B-double stated areas or routes |
| *A B-double that has an S dimension not greater than 20.6m and has a maximum length not greater than 27.5m is authorised to access the 27.5m B-double stated areas or routes subject to any conditions or restrictions applied to a stated area or route in the 'Specified road manager network requirements' in this Guide. | |
27.5m long B-doubles transporting livestock
A B-double may operate under the PBS level 3A network and up to 27.5m long for the transportation of livestock from the Western Australia/South Australian border to Dublin, South Australia via the following route:
- Eyre Highway from the Western Australia Border to Port Augusta; then
- Victoria Parade, Port Augusta; then
- Augusta Highway; then
- Port Wakefield Highway to the intersection of Carslake Road, Dublin; then
- Carslake Road, Dublin.
A B-double must unload all livestock at the feedlot on Carslake Road, Dublin and end its journey there. An unladen B-double may return using the reverse route to the Western Australian border (Carslake Road, Dublin to the Eyre Highway, Western Border).
Note: The intent of this section is to allow a 27.5m long B-double to transport livestock from the Western Australian border to the feedlots in Dublin, South Australia by a specific route, then return by the same route. It is not intended to provide access to any other route or any other purpose in South Australia.
Specified road manager network requirements
The following section outlines specific road manager route requirements under the Notice, including route conditions and restrictions.
Road manager route requirements in this section may change from time to time and should be reviewed regularly to ensure compliance.
For further information on how to comply with a requirement, please contact the relevant road manager.
Road managers may publish specific route conditions and restrictions on the approved network map. These must be complied with in addition to any route requirements outlined in this Operator's Guide. If a condition listed in any section of this Operator's Guide conflicts with a route condition or restriction published on an approved network map, the more restrictive requirement applies.
South Australia network conditions - Click to expand
Network access conditions may apply to eligible vehicles on the South Australian network:
- South Australia local road manager conditions (Table 4); and
- restricted structures (Table 5).
| Council name | Conditions | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| City of Adelaide | General access is not permitted for 19m B-doubles. These combinations can only access roads on the South Australian 23m and 26m B-double Networks. Note: All other B-double combinations are as per the networks in the Notice. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| City of Playford | General access is not permitted for 19m B-doubles. These combinations can only access roads on the South Australian 23m and 26m B-double Networks. Note: All other B-double combinations are as per the networks in the Notice. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| City of Unley | Hamilton Boulevard, Wayville, is limited to 42.5t. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| District Council of Ceduna |
An eligible vehicle must not operate on unsealed roads for routes in an area that has received greater than 15mm of rain in the preceding 24 hours of the rain event. An eligible vehicle whether loaded or unloaded, is restricted to the following speeds:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Northern Areas Council |
The maximum speed limit on sealed local council roads is 80km/h, unless a traffic sign or road rule indicates a lesser speed limit. The maximum speed limit on unsealed local council roads is 60km/h, unless a traffic sign or road rule indicates a lesser speed limit. On unsealed roads, travel is suspended during periods of prolonged rain within the 24-hour period after the rainfall event or when the road's surface is holding pooled water. Note: When a prolonged rainfall event occurs, the restriction is applied to allow sufficient time for the road and road pavement to dry, preventing damage. Note: All other B-double combinations as per the networks in the Notice.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Port Pirie Regional Council |
An eligible vehicle whether loaded or unloaded, is restricted to the following speeds:
|
Operators should also consult the South Australia Height Clearance Map and Limited Access Locations Information Bulletin on the Approved areas or routes page of the South Australia Government’s website.
Restricted structures
Operators must comply with any dimensions or restrictions applied to a given area or route as shown that has any of the structures stated in Table 5 and described on the Dimension Restrictions Map. The map may be viewed on the South Australian Department for Infrastructure and Transport webpage.
The restricted structures in Table 5 apply to an eligible vehicle that is a prime mover and semitrailer combination.
Note: The structure location column in Table 5 is hyperlinked to the structure map location.
| Structure name | Structure location |
|---|---|
| Chandlers Hill Road Bridge | Chandlers Hill Road, Happy Valley, near Herrings Lane/Bishops Hill Rd intersection along the Happy Valley Reservoir |
| Inman Valley Road Bridge #1 (unnamed bridge) | Inman Valley Road, between Hancock Road and Sawpit Road, Lower Inman Valley |
| Inman Valley Road Bridge #2 (Grosvenor Bridge) | Inman Valley Road, between Roads Lane and Prouse Road, Inman Valley |
| Lobethal Road Bridge | Lobethal Road, Ashton |
| Norton Summit Road Bridge | Norton Summit Road, Teringie |
| Old Murray Bridge | Bridge Street, over the River Murray at Murray Bridge |
| Piccadilly Bridge | Piccadilly Road, between Spring Gully Road and Greenhill Road, Crafers |
| Railway Bridge at Belair | Main Road, adjacent Downer Road Belair |
| Railway Bridge at Gawler | On Overway Bridge Road, Gawler |
| Railway Tunnel (Murray Bridge) | Under Bridge Street, Murray Bridge |
| Verdun Bridge | Mount Barker Road Verdun, approx. 200m from the South Eastern Freeway entry/exit ramps |
Non-participating road managers
Under the Notice, the following road managers are non-participating road managers for all vehicles and combinations.
Access to state roads on the approved nominated networks in non-participating council areas is allowed, subject to Notice and network conditions.
Operators can apply for access to local roads in non-participating council areas by submitting a permit application through the NHVR Portal.
Non-participating road managers - Click to expand
- Corporation of the Town of Walkerville
- City of Victor Harbor
Traffic advisory services - Click to expand
Prior to commencing any journey, operators should review traffic alerts, road closures, travel delays, and other traffic advisory information for participating jurisdictions.
Table 6 provides details and links to official traffic advisory services for each participating jurisdiction. For more information about a particular service, contact the relevant jurisdiction or department via the contact details listed on the service webpage.
|
Jurisdiction |
Website |
Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| South Australia | Outback Road Warnings | Access the latest information about temporary closures, restrictions, and warnings for outback roads north and west of Port Augusta. |
| Traffic SA | View live information about incidents and changes in South Australia traffic conditions. Traffic SA is available as a mobile app. See Addinsight download details on the Traffic SA website. |
Applying for a permit - Click to expand
Access permit applications are required for heavy vehicles that don’t comply with the conditions set out in a notice and when accessing routes that aren’t covered on an approved network.
The following pages provide useful information and resources for submitting access permit applications:
- Do I need a permit?: Information and resources for determining whether a road access permit, or a Notice is required to operate on Australian roads.
- Access permit application process: Information, resources, and instructions for submitting a valid access permit application.
Related notices
In this tab, you will find a list of national, state and territory notices related to the South Australia Class 3 Livestock Transportation 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 Heavy Vehicle 4.6m High Livestock Carrier Authorisation Notice 2024 (No.1) Authorises the use of Livestock Carriers from 4.3 to 4.6 metres in height in stated areas or stated routes, during stated hours of stated days and to state the conditions under which these Livestock Carriers may be used. This Notice replaces the National Class 2 4.6m High Livestock Carrier Authorisation Notice 2022 (No.1). |
Related state and territory notices
| Jurisdiction | Notice |
|---|---|
| New South Wales |
New South Wales Class 3 Livestock Tri-axle Group Mass Limit Exemption Notice 2024 (No.1) Exempts the stated categories of Class 3 heavy vehicles transporting livestock from the mass limit for a tri-axle group with single tyres with section widths of at least 375mm, or dual tyres, in Table 1 (Axle mass limits table) of Part 2 of Schedule 1 of the Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulation, subject to certain conditions. New South Wales Class 3 Livestock Transportation Exemption Notice 2024 (No.1) Provides mass exemptions that support the New South Wales Livestock Loading Scheme. This Notice works with the New South Wales Livestock Loading Scheme, and gives effect to the exemptions and conditions of that scheme. Compliance with the scheme is a condition of this Notice. |
| New South Wales and Victoria |
Exempts semitrailers used to carry livestock from the limit on the deck length available for the carriage of animals stated in section 4(6) of Schedule 6 of the Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulation. |
| Queensland |
Queensland Class 3 Livestock Loading Exemption Notice 2024 (No.1) Provides mass dimension exemptions that support the Queensland Livestock Loading Scheme. This Notice is intended to work with the Queensland Livestock Loading Scheme, and compliance with that Scheme is a condition of exemptions contained in this Notice. |
| Tasmania |
Tasmania Class 3 Livestock Transportation Exemption Notice 2024 (No.1) Provides mass and dimension exemptions that support the Tasmanian Livestock Loading Scheme. This Notice is intended to work with the Tasmanian Livestock Loading Scheme, and compliance with the scheme is a condition of this Notice. Please note the following supporting documents for this Notice:
|
| Victoria |
Victoria Class 3 Livestock Carrier Mass Exemption Notice 2024 (No.1) Exempts livestock carriers from certain mass requirements. |
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
Participating jurisdiction heavy vehicle resources
For more information about operating a heavy vehicle in participating jurisdictions, refer to the following sites:
- South Australia: Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) - Heavy vehicles
Changes and updates
| Date | Summary | Links to resources and communications |
|---|---|---|
| 7 November 2024 | Update to 'Table 5: Restricted structures' to include new wording, new structures and additional links to restricted structure locations. | |
| 3 November 2023 | South Australia Class 3 Livestock Transportation Exemption Notice 2023 (No.1) commenced. The publishing of this Notice revoked the South Australia Class 3 Articulated Motor Vehicle and B-Double Livestock Loading Mass Exemption Notice 2020 (No. 1). | C2023G01168 |
| 1 August 2020 | South Australia Class 3 Articulated Motor Vehicle and B-Double Livestock Loading Mass Exemption Notice 2020 (No. 1) commenced. The publishing of this Notice revoked the South Australia Class 3 Articulated Motor Vehicle and B-Double Livestock Loading Mass Exemption Notice 2019 (No.1). | C2020G00601 |
| 10 February 2019 | South Australia Class 3 Articulated Motor Vehicle and B-Double Livestock Loading Mass Exemption Notice 2019 (No. 1) commenced. | C2019G00113 |
www.nhvr.gov.au
E info@nhvr.gov.au
P 13 NHVR (136 487)
PO Box 492, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006