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National Class 3 Vehicle Carrier Exemption Notice Operator’s Guide
National Class 3 Vehicle Carrier Exemption Notice Operator’s Guide
National
Heavy
Vehicle
Regulator
The National Class 3 Vehicle Carrier Exemption Notice 2024 (No.1) provides stated categories of Class 3 heavy vehicles with exemptions from stated dimension requirements under the Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulation (MDL).
Note: The Notice provides an exemption from certain heavy vehicle dimensions limits outlined in the MDL for Class 3 vehicles operating in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Tasmania.
This instrument does NOT exempt these heavy vehicles from other requirements of the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) including other dimension requirements and mass requirements.
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Gazette Notice: | C2024G00060 |
| Starts: | 10 February 2024 |
| Expires: | 9 February 2029 |
| Vehicle types: | Class 3, truck and single trailer combination (vehicle carrier), B-double combination (vehicle carrier) |
| Exemptions: | Dimension requirements (general length, combination length) |
| Law: | HVNL, MDL |
| *Coverage: | NSW, QLD, SA, TAS |
| To be carried: | No |
*Specific state conditions are explained below.
- 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 National Class 3 Vehicle Carrier Exemption Notice 2024 (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 the Notice
The Notice provides eligible B-double or truck and trailer combinations that carry vehicles with exemptions to stated length requirements under the MDL.
Exemptions
These exemptions only apply to the extent to which conditions are granted.
Dimension requirements
An eligible vehicle operating under this Notice is exempt from the following dimension requirements of Schedule 6 of the Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulation (MDL):
- section 3(1)(d) – Length—combination or single vehicle - for a B-double that is a vehicle carrier.
- section 3(1)(a) – Length—combination or single vehicle - for an eligible truck and trailer combination.
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:
|
| HVNL | Heavy Vehicle National Law. |
| MDL | Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulation. |
| The Notice | National Class 3 Vehicle Carrier Exemption Notice 2024 (No.1). |
| UNECE Agreement | Means the ‘Agreement concerning the adoption of uniform technical prescriptions for wheeled vehicles, equipment and parts which can be fitted and/or be used on wheeled vehicles and the conditions for reciprocal recognition of approvals granted on the basis of these prescriptions’ done at Geneva on 20 March 1958, as amended from time to time. |
|
Vehicle carrier |
A heavy vehicle that is a combination designed and built to carry vehicles on more than one deck that is higher than 4.3m but not higher than 4.6m and is either:
|
| VS Regulation | Heavy Vehicle (Vehicle Standards) National Regulation. |
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, except where specifically exempted by the Notice.
Eligible vehicle combinations under the Notice are listed below and shown in Table 1.
- B-double that together with its load is longer than 25m but not longer than 26m, and complies with section 3(3), Schedule 6 of the MDL*(eligible B-double combination) (New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Tasmania).
- Truck towing one trailer, where the combination together with its load is longer than 25m, but not longer than 31.5m (eligible truck and trailer combination) (Queensland).
| Eligible vehicle description | Image of eligible vehicle |
|---|---|
| Eligible B-double (vehicle carrier) combination |
|
| Eligible truck and trailer (vehicle carrier) combination |
|
*Section 3(3), Schedule 6 of the MDL states that a B-double can be up to 26m long if:
- the distance from the front articulation point of the most forward semitrailer to the rear of the B-double is not more than 20.6m; and
- the prime mover in the B-double:
- is fitted with a front underrun protective device complying with regulation 93 made under the UNECE Agreement or ADR 84–Front Underrun Impact Protection; and
- for a prime mover manufactured after 31 December 2005—is fitted with a cab complying with regulation 29 made under the UNECE Agreement; and
- other than for a deck fitted over the top of the prime mover that is carrying, or built to carry, a vehicle, does not have an area carrying, or built to carry, goods.
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 the Notice.
General conditions - Click to expand
An eligible vehicle is required to comply with the conditions set out in the schedules to the Notice.
New South Wales
A B-double that is not more than 4.3m high operating on stated areas or routes must comply with any restrictions on the hours and days of operation specified in the New South Wales Schedule of the National Class 2 B-double Authorisation Notice 2024 (No.1).
A B-double must comply with any conditions applicable to a route as set out in the New South Wales Schedule of the National Class 2 B-double Authorisation Notice 2024 (No.1).
A truck and trailer combo up to 31.5m must comply with any conditions specified in the New South Wales Schedule of the National Class 2 Road Train Authorisation Notice 2022 (No.3).
Queensland
Truck and dog trailer (exceeding 19m up to 31.5m in length) combination length dimensions
An eligible truck and dog combination under the Queensland Class 3 Truck and Dog (exceeding 19m up to 31.5m in length) Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2022 (No.1) 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.
Steer mass limits for a truck towing a dog trailer (exceeding 19m up to 31.5m in length)
The steer mass limits in Table 2 are provided to the eligible vehicles of the Queensland Class 3 Truck and Dog (exceeding 19m up to 31.5m in length) Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2022 (No.1).
|
Description of steer axle |
Maximum mass limits (t) |
|---|---|
|
Tyres with section widths at least 295mm |
6.5 |
|
Tyres with section widths at least 375mm |
7.1 |
Tow mass ratio for a truck towing and dog trailer (exceeding 19m up to 31.5m in length)
Truck and dog trailer combination operating under this Queensland Class 3 Truck and Dog (exceeding 19m up to 31.5m in length) Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2022 (No.1) 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 Queensland Class 3 Truck and Dog (exceeding 19m up to 31.5m in length) Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2022 (No.1).
South Australia
A B-double that is not longer than 26m operating on a route in the South Australian Schedule of the National Class 2 B-double Authorisation Notice 2024 (No.1) must comply with any restrictions on the hours and days of operation specified for those routes.
A B-double, as constructed, must not be higher than 4.3m.
Vehicles must not be carried on an upper deck unless each deck below is fully loaded.
A B-double must comply with the conditions set out in the South Australia Schedule of the National Class 2 B-double Authorisation Notice 2024 (No.1).
Tasmania
A B-double that is authorised to use the areas or routes specified in the Tasmanian 26 metre B-double Network Map must comply with any conditions about the operation of the vehicle including restrictions on the hours and days of operation.
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.
Part of this process is assessing the Map and reading this Guide before travel to identify any restrictions or conditions that may affect travel. In some cases, approval is required from third parties or entities when a vehicle exceeds certain mass or dimension limits.
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.
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 1).
Eligible combinations longer than 30m must display a road train warning sign at the front and rear of the combination (as shown in Figure 2).
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 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.
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.
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
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.
Queensland network mapping
Tasmania network mapping
The Department of State Growth is responsible for publishing and maintaining authorised heavy vehicle road network maps in Tasmania.
Visit Heavy vehicle access to view an authorised network.
Approved routes covered by the Notice - Click to expand
New South Wales
A B-double that is not more than 4.3m high may operate on routes approved on the New South Wales GML & CML 25/26m B-double Routes.
A B-double that is more than 4.3m high but not more than 4.6m high may operate on routes approved on the 4.6m high vehicles network layer.
A truck and trailer combination up to 31.5m can only operate on routes in the National Class 2 Road Train Authorisation Notice 2022 (No.3).
Queensland
| Combination type | Network | |
|---|---|---|
| National Network reference Maps | Queensland Globe reference maps | |
|
Up to 26m B-double |
|
|
|
Truck and dog trailer (exceeding 19m up to 31.5m in length) |
|
|
Truck and dog trailer (exceeding 19m up to 31.5m in length) speed limit condition
The maximum speed limit for a truck and dog trailer (exceeding 19m up to 31.5m in length) when operating under the Queensland Class 3 Truck and Dog (exceeding 19m up to 31.5m in length) Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2022 (No.1) and this Notice is 90km/h unless a traffic sign indicates a lesser speed limit.
Truck and dog trailer (exceeding 19m up to 31.5m in length) road train rated components
An eligible truck and dog trailer (exceeding 19m up to 31.5m in length) 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.
South Australia
A B-double that is not longer than 26m operating on a route in the South Australian Schedule of the National Class 2 B-double Authorisation Notice 2024 (No.1).
Tasmania
A B-double combination may only use the areas or routes that are detailed in the Tasmanian 26 metre B-double Route Network Map.
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.
Queensland network conditions - Click to expand
Travel conditions for B-doubles
Livestock carriers may use the stated areas or routes at any time of the day subject to any restrictions on the hours and days of operation specified in the National Class 2 B-double Authorisation Notice 2024 (No.1) or the National Class 2 Road Train Authorisation Notice 2022 (No.3).
South Australia network conditions - Click to expand
Dimension Restrictions map
The Dimension Restrictions map has been developed to assist in journey and route planning and should be used alongside the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s Route Planner and TrafficSA prior to commencing any journey in South Australia.
The map includes the following information:
- points, roads, and zones where there are dimension limitations (height, width and length)
- major railways and level crossings
- pilot and marshalling locations in South Australia
- network access notes.
For further information about the map please visit the Dimension Restrictions map webpage.
Tasmania network conditions - Click to expand
A vehicle carrier must not use:
- Tasman Bridge if the vehicle is higher than 4.3m;
- Bridgewater Bridge, if the vehicle is higher than 4.3m; or
- Any other road where there is insufficient height clearance for the vehicle to pass without striking or damaging any road infrastructure.
Operators should refer to the Height Clearance Under Overhead Structures Map prior to commencing any journey in Tasmania. The map shows signposted clearance signs on Tasmania’s road network and is intended to be a planning tool to assist heavy vehicle operators and drivers.
Non-participating road managers
This section lists road managers that have not yet provided support for the Notice.
Access to local roads in non-participating council areas is not approved for any combination under the Notice.
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.
Queensland - Click to expand
The following Queensland Councils are non-participating road managers of the National Class 2 B-double Authorisation Notice 2024 (No.1)
B-doubles must not access local roads in non-participating council areas, B-doubles may access state-controlled roads on the approved nominated networks in non-participating council areas, subject to National Class 2 B-Double Authorisation Notice and network conditions.
- Mornington Aboriginal Shire Council
- Northern Peninsula Area Regional Aboriginal Council
- Palm Island Aboriginal Council
- Torres Strait Island Regional Aboriginal Council
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 4 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 |
|---|---|---|
|
New South Wales |
View live information about incidents and changes in New South Wales traffic conditions. |
|
| Queensland | QLD Traffic | View live information about incidents and changes in Queensland traffic conditions, including outback road conditions. |
| 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. |
|
|
Tasmania |
View Tasmania Police alerts for road closures due to emergencies or special events. |
|
| TasALERT | View emergency warnings and incidents across Tasmania, including mapped road closures. | |
| Tasmanian Roadworks map | Access the latest information about planned roadworks and road closures across Tasmania, including a map of current roadworks. |
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 National Class 3 Vehicle Carrier Exemption Notice 2024 (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 4.6m high and/or 25m Long Vehicle Carrier Authorisation Notice 2024 (No.1) Authorises the use of Vehicle Carriers from 4.3 to 4.6 metres in height, or from 19 to 25 metres in length, or both, in stated areas or on stated routes, during stated hours of stated days and states the conditions under which these Vehicle Carriers may be used National Class 2 B-double Authorisation Notice 2024 (No.1) Authorises access for Class 2 heavy vehicles that are B-doubles. National Class 2 Road Train Authorisation Notice 2022 (No.3) Provides complying road trains access in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Victoria. The national notice introduces simplified and more nationally consistent conditions for road trains, supporting more seamless cross-border access. |
Related state and territory notices
| Jurisdiction | Notice |
|---|---|
| New South Wales and Queensland |
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: |
| 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. Queensland Class 3 Heavy Vehicle Additional Concessional Mass Limits Exemption Notice 2024 (No.1) Exempts a stated category of Class 3 heavy vehicles from specified prescribed mass requirements in the Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulation to permit such vehicles additional mass under the concessional mass limits. 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. Queensland Higher Mass Limits Declaration 2024 (No.1) Authorises heavy vehicles eligible to use Higher Mass Limits (HML) on stated areas and routes, during stated hours of stated days and to state the conditions under which they may be used. |
| South Australia |
South Australia Class 3 23m Long Single Deck Vehicle Carrier Exemption Notice 2023 (No.1) Exempts the use of single deck vehicle carrier combinations between 19m and 23m long from stated dimension limits in Schedule 6 of the Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulation. |
Resources
Participating jurisdiction heavy vehicle resources
For more information about operating a heavy vehicle in participating jurisdictions, refer to the following sites:
- New South Wales: Transport for New South Wales (TfNSW) - Heavy vehicles
- Queensland: Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) - Heavy vehicles
- South Australia: Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) - Heavy vehicles
- Tasmania: Department of State Growth (DSG) - Heavy vehicles
- Victoria: Department of Transport and Planning - Heavy vehicle industry
Tools and calculators
Note: This information is intended to provide general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. We encourage you to obtain independent advice about your legal obligations. If you have any feedback on the information provided please contact us at info@nhvr.gov.au
Road Train MDL Dimension and Axle Spacing Check Sheet
Road Train MDL Dimension and Axle Spacing Check Sheet (XLSX, 60KB)
Considerations
- All of the distances are in metres (m), for example, 1.2m and not 1200mm or 120cm
- All masses are in tonnes (t) and General Mass Limits (GML), even if requesting Higher Mass Limits (HML)
- Steer: 6t
- Tandem: 16.5t
- Tri: 20.0t
- Distances for axle group length and spacing between axle groups are measured between the axle centres of the extreme axles of each group
Check sheet instructions
- If required, open the 'Vehicle Dimensions' tab and enter vehicle length, height and width; This will show compliance with Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulation (MDL) dimensions.
- Count the number of axle groups (Note: a single axle is one group) and select tab for that number of axle groups
- Enter the number of axles for each axle group in light grey boxes
- Enter MDL GML axle/axle group mass (tonnes) for each axle/axle group in white boxes. (Note: steer axle mass is recorded as 6t)
- In blue boxes, alternately record axle group length (metres) for each axle group (Note: 0 for a single axle) and distance between separate groups
- Scroll across to right and compliance with MDL Schedule 1 tables is indicated as PASS or FAIL
Note: If the result is a FAIL, reducing masses at step 4 or increasing distances in step 5 could provide a PASS result. A PASS result means the given information complies with Road train axle spacing mass limits.
Example: 11 axle A-double (single steer, tandem drive prime mover, triaxle semi, tandem dolly, triaxle trailer) 5 axle groups and 4 spacings between groups. Distances for axle group length and spacing between axle groups are measured between the axle centres of the extreme axles of each group.
Changes and updates
| Date | Summary | Links to resources and communications |
|---|---|---|
| 10 February 2024 | National Class 3 Vehicle Carrier Exemption Notice 2024 (No. 1) commenced | C2024G00060 |
| 10 February 2019 | National Class 3 Vehicle Carrier Exemption Notice 2019 (No. 1) commenced. | C2019G00108 |
www.nhvr.gov.au
E info@nhvr.gov.au
P 13 NHVR (136 487)
PO Box 492, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006