Queensland Class 3 Heavy Unloaded Trailer and Converter Dolly Dimension Exemption Notice Operator’s Guide
Queensland Class 3 Heavy Unloaded Trailer and Converter Dolly Dimension Exemption Notice Operator’s Guide
National
Heavy
Vehicle
Regulator
The Queensland Class 3 Heavy Unloaded Trailer and Converter Dolly Dimension Exemption Notice 2024 (No.1) exempts Class 3 road trains from height requirements of 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 Queensland.
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: | C2024G00076 |
Starts: | 10 February 2024 |
Expires: | 9 February 2029 |
Vehicle types: | Class 3, rigid truck and dog, B-double, B-triple, BAB-quad, A-double, A-triple, AB-triple, ABB-quad |
Exemptions: |
Dimension requirements (height by load) |
Law: | HVNL, MDL |
Coverage: | QLD |
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 Queensland Class 3 Heavy Unloaded Trailer and Converter Dolly Dimension 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 assists with Class 3 road train combinations to travel laden with unladen trailers to maintain productivity while minimising the size of the configuration on the road. The Notice provides operators with flexibility in breaking down large heavy vehicle combinations.
Exemptions
These exemptions only apply to the extent to which conditions are granted.
Dimension requirements
An eligible vehicle combination 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 8(d) - Height.
Note: Other mass and dimension limits in the MDL apply.
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 |
---|---|
A-double |
A-double means a heavy combination not longer than 36.5m consisting of a prime mover towing two trailers in which:
A-doubles are sometimes called double road trains. |
A-triple | A prime mover towing three semitrailers. The second and third semitrailers are each connected by a converter dolly. |
AB-triple |
A prime mover towing three semitrailers. The second semitrailer is connected by a converter dolly and the third trailer is connected by a fifth wheel located towards the rear of the preceding semitrailer. Can also be described as a semitrailer towing a B-double using a converter dolly. AB-triples are sometimes called AB-doubles. |
ABB-quad | A prime mover towing four semitrailers. The third and fourth semitrailers are connected by a fifth wheel located towards the rear of the preceding semitrailer, and the second semitrailer is connected by a converter dolly. Can also be described as a semitrailer towing a B-triple using a converter dolly. |
B-double | A combination consisting of a prime mover towing two semitrailers, with the first semitrailer being attached directly to the prime mover by a fifth wheel coupling and the second semitrailer being mounted on the rear of the first semitrailer by a fifth wheel coupling on the first semitrailer. |
B-triple |
B-triple means a combination consisting of a prime mover towing three semitrailers, with—
|
B-triple (modular) |
A B-triple that is not longer than 35m consisting of a prime mover with a single steer axle and a tandem drive axle, towing three tri-axle group semitrailers connected by fifth wheel couplings, where—
|
BAB-quad | A prime mover towing four semitrailers. The second and fourth semitrailers are connected by a fifth wheel located towards the rear of the preceding semitrailer, and the third semitrailer is connected by a converter dolly. Can also be described as a B-double towing a B-double using a converter dolly. |
Converter dolly | Means a converter dolly with a roll coupled connection to the vehicle it is towing. |
Class 3 |
A heavy is a Class 3 heavy vehicle if:
|
HVNL | |
MDL | Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulation. |
Prescribed mass requirement | Means a mass requirement prescribed by the MDL. |
Rigid truck combination | Means a rigid truck towing two dog trailers. |
The Notice | Queensland Class 3 Heavy Unloaded Trailer and Converter Dolly Dimension Exemption Notice 2024 (No.1) |
Type 1 road train |
One of the following combinations as defined under the Heavy Vehicle National Law - National Class 2 Road Train Authorisation Notice:
|
Type 2 road train | One of the following combinations as defined under the Heavy Vehicle National Law - National Class 2 Road Train Authorisation Notice:
|
Eligible vehicles
To be eligible to operate under the Notice, approved combinations must comply with all requirements of the MDL.
The Notice applies to combinations comprising of:
- a road train rated prime mover; and
- at least one semitrailer attached to the prime mover; and
- up to two unloaded trailers, and up to two converter dollies carried on a trailer mentioned in (b).
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.
Dimension conditions - Click to expand
The total height of an eligible combination is specified in Table 1.
Combination | Maximum height (m) |
---|---|
All eligible combinations | 4.6 |
General conditions - Click to expand
Loading conditions
The drawbar of a dolly being carried must be secured to a trailer loaded above it to minimise rear overhang.
Note: Rear overhang cannot exceed the limits set out in Schedule 6, Part 2, section 5 of the MDL.
Flag and warning conditions
A warning flag must be attached to the extreme end of the dolly drawbar.
If travelling at night, in addition to the flag attached to the extreme end of the dolly drawbar, a rear facing delineator must be attached to the extreme end of the dolly drawbar and a warning light is attached to the rear of vehicle in the combination which has contact with the road.
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
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.
Queensland network mapping
Approved routes covered by the Notice - Click to expand
Under the Notice, eligible vehicles are approved to operate on the approved routes or networks stated in Table 2.
Eligible vehicle | Approved networks |
---|---|
Type 1 road train | RT1 route (Road Train Type 1 network) - PBS 3A route |
Type 2 road train | RT2 route (Road Train Type 2 network) - PBS 4A route |
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.
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 3 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 |
---|---|---|
Queensland | QLD Traffic | View live information about incidents and changes in Queensland traffic conditions, including outback road conditions. |
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 state and territory notices related to the Queensland Class 3 Heavy Unloaded Trailer and Converter Dolly Dimension 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 1 Load Carrying Vehicle Dimension Exemption Notice 2025 (No.1) 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:
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. National Class 3 Rear Overhang Dimension Exemption Notice 2024 (No.2) Grants exemptions from dimension requirements for a Class 3 heavy vehicle that has a forklift mounted to its rear. National Class 3 Road Train Prime Mover Dimension and Mass Exemption Notice 2022 (No.1) Provides length exemption to eligible combinations under the Notice. It also provides flexibility for operators of road train prime movers to continue their travel when decoupling from a road train combination and to access networks when not operating as a road train. |
Related state and territory notices
Jurisdiction | Notice |
---|---|
Australian Capital Territory |
Australian Capital Territory Class 3 4.6m High Vehicle Dimension Exemption Notice 2024 (No.1) Provides dimension exemptions from the Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulation (MDL) and conditional height limits for vehicles operating on specified networks that meet the other requirements of the Notice. |
New South Wales |
New South Wales Class 1 Load Carrying Vehicle Exemption Notice 2023 (No.1) Grants exemptions from mass and dimension requirements for a Class 1 heavy vehicle in New South Wales that is carrying, or is designed for the purpose of carrying, a large indivisible item. Please note the following supporting document for this Notice: New South Wales Class 3 Converter Dolly Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2023 (No.1) Provides exemptions from mass and dimension requirements for Class 3 heavy combinations that are towing an unladen converter dolly. It also provides conditions of operation under those exemptions, including stated areas and routes upon which the exempted vehicle may operate. |
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 Converter Dolly Combination Exemption Notice 2024 (No.1) Exempts Class 3 heavy vehicles towing an unladen converter dolly from the mass limit in Schedule 1, Part 1, Clause2 (1)(a)(iv), and the dimension limit in Schedule 6, Part 2, Clause 3(1)(a) of the Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulation. |
South Australia |
South Australia Class 3 Converter Dolly Combination Exemption Notice 2024 (No.1) Exempts Class 3 heavy articulated motor vehicles, and B-doubles, towing an unladen converter dolly, from the stated mass and dimension limits in Schedule 1 and Schedule 6 of the Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulation. South Australia Class 3 Long Prime Mover Combination Exemption Notice 2023 (No.1) Authorises access on approved routes for long prime mover and single semitrailer combinations. The Notice allows the use of long prime movers, typically those used in road train combinations and broken down into a single semitrailer combination, to continue beyond authorised road train routes. South Australia Class 3 Road Train (North of Port Augusta) Dimension Exemption Notice 2024 (No.1) Provides access for road trains that exceed regulation dimensions travelling on limited routes. |
Tasmania |
Tasmania Class 1 Load Carrying Vehicles Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2024 (No. 2) Exempts categories of laden and unladen Class 1 load carrying vehicles from the stated prescribed mass and dimension requirements in Schedule 1 and Schedule 6 of the Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulation. Please note the following supporting documents for this 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. |
Resources
There are currently no resources, supporting documents, tools, or calculators for this Notice. 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:
Changes and updates
Date | Summary | Links to resources and communications |
---|---|---|
10 February 2024 | Queensland Class 3 Heavy Unloaded Trailer and Converter Dolly Dimension Exemption Notice 2024 (No.1) commenced. | C2024G00076 |
10 February 2019 | Queensland Class 3 Heavy Unloaded Trailer and Converter Dolly Dimension Exemption Notice 2019 (No.1) commenced. | C2019G00059 |
www.nhvr.gov.au
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P 13 NHVR (136 487)
PO Box 492, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006