National Class 3 20m Long 3-axle Truck and 4-axle Dog Trailer Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice Operator's Guide
National Class 3 20m Long 3-axle Truck and 4-axle Dog Trailer Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice Operator's Guide
National
Heavy
Vehicle
Regulator
The National Class 3 20m Long 3-axle Truck and 4-axle Dog Trailer Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2024 (No.1) provides 3-axle truck and 4-axle dog combinations that do not exceed 20m in length with access to approved networks in the ACT, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Victoria.
Before this Notice was published, these combinations could only operate under the Performance Based Standards (PBS) scheme, with access restricted to PBS Networks or by permit. The PBS Scheme enables industry to use the latest systems and technologies to design innovative vehicles for specific freight tasks to operate on appropriate networks for their level of performance.
Now that the PBS scheme has been in operation for more than 15 years, there is enough data, knowledge and experience from hundreds of 3-axle truck and 4-axle dog combination designs to make them ‘prescriptive’ Class 3 vehicles. This Notice means that operators can now use these safer, more productive vehicles without having to go through the PBS approval process – unless they choose to continue to do so – increasing their operational efficiency.
The Notice will also benefit road managers by reducing the number of permits they need to assess.
Note:
- These 3-axle truck and 4-axle dog combinations must:
- not exceed 20m in length
- must comply with the specific dimension requirements, braking standards and conspicuity markings included in the Conditions tab of this Operator’s Guide.
- Eligible vehicles will operate on Level 1 (up to mass 50.5t) and Level 2 (up to mass 57.5t) networks.
- Not all councils have provided access consent. See the Network and Mapping tab for details of non-participating road managers.
- For truck and dog combinations that are ineligible to operate under this Notice, other options are provided in the Related Notices tab.
Specifications | |
---|---|
Gazette Notice: | C2024G00257 |
Starts: | 3 May 2024 |
Expires: | 27 September 2027 |
Vehicle types: | 3-axle truck towing 4-axle dog trailer |
Exemptions: |
Mass requirements (axle mass limits, axle spacing mass limits, axle group mass limits, general combination mass, single vehicle mass, towed mass) Dimension requirements (general length, trailer length, trailer drawbar length, combination length) |
Law: | HVNL, MDL |
*Coverage: | ACT, NSW, QLD, SA, 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 National Class 3 20m Long 3-axle Truck and 4-axle Dog Trailer Mass and 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.
This Operator's Guide outlines the requirements for operating 3-axle truck and 4-axle dog combinations up to 20m in length as non-PBS vehicles, including Vehicle Specification Envelopes (VSEs) and vehicle conditions.
It was developed in consultation with industry groups, state road agencies and local government road managers.
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
Exemptions
These exemptions only apply to the extent to which conditions are granted.
Mass requirements
An eligible vehicle is exempt from the following mass requirements under Schedule 1 of the Heavy Vehicle (Mass Dimension and Loading) National Regulation (MDL):
- section 2(1) – mass limits for a single vehicle or combination.
- section 2(4) – restriction on ratio of mass of towing vehicle and trailer.
- section 4 – mass limits for a single axle or axle group.
- section 5 – mass limits relating to axle spacing generally.
These exemptions only apply to the extent provided by specific conditional mass limits in section 9 of the Notice, or in a Schedule.
Note: Maximum mass limits apply under this Notice, and the axle spacing of an eligible vehicle must comply with the Tier 1 Bridge Formulae, as published in the Performance Based Standards Scheme – the Standards and Vehicle Assessment Rules, for each corresponding level of access under this Notice. See the 'Conditions' tab of this Operator’s Guide for full details.
Dimension requirements
An eligible vehicle is exempt from the following dimension requirements under Schedule 6 of the MDL:
- section 3 – length (combination or single vehicle)
- section 4 – length (trailers)
- section 6 – length (trailer drawbars)
These exemptions only apply to the extent that specific conditional dimension limits are provided in sections 11, 12 and 13 of the Notice, or in a Schedule.
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 |
---|---|
Bin | A rigid box container fixed to the vehicle that has solid sides and floor designed for the carriage of loose material. |
Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) | Heavy Vehicle National Law. |
Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulation (MDL) | Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulation. |
Standards and Vehicle Assessment Rules | Standards and Vehicle Assessment Rules means the document of that name published by the National Transport Commission, as amended from time to time. |
Vehicle Specification Envelopes (VSE) |
The set of parameters including external dimensions such as vehicle height and length, plus internal dimensions such as drawbar length and axle spacing, determine a vehicle’s eligibility for access at a given network level. See below for definitions of abbreviations. |
BRH - Bin Height |
The perpendicular distance from the surface of the road to the rim of the bin mounted on the truck or the dog trailer, not including attachments including tarps, tarp systems, or any other load covering. |
TFH - Truck Bin Floor Height | The distance between the road surface and the floor of the truck bin. If the floor of the bin is not level, this measurement is to the highest point of the floor. |
TWB - Truck Wheelbase | The wheelbase of the truck unit. |
TCO – Tow Coupling Overhang | The length from the centre of the drive axle of the truck to the centre of the articulation point of the drawbar. |
DBL – Drawbar Length | As per section 6 of Schedule 6 of the Heavy Vehicle (Mass Dimension and Loading) National Regulation |
DWB – Dog Trailer Wheelbase | The wheelbase of the dog trailer unit. |
DFH – Dog Trailer Bin Floor Height | The distance between the road surface and the floor of the dog trailer bin. If the floor of the bin is not level, this measurement is to the highest point of the floor. |
Eligible vehicles
An eligible vehicle is a 3-axle truck towing a 4-axle trailer (otherwise known as a 7-axle truck and dog combination), unless carrying dangerous goods. An eligible combination must comply with the Notice conditions, including VSEs and other conditions.
Figure 1: Eligible vehicle - 7-axle truck and dog combination consisting of a 3-axle truck towing a 4-axle dog trailer.
An eligible vehicle is a rigid truck fitted with a single steer and tandem drive towing a dog trailer fitted with two tandem groups.
Excluded vehicles
The following vehicles are not eligible under the Notice:
- 3-axle trucks towing 4-axle trailer:
- that are longer than 20m; or
- carrying dangerous goods; or
- do not comply with the conditions in the Conditions tab of this Operator’s Guide.
- Any combinations that are not a 3-axle trucks towing 4-axle dog trailers.
Conditions
Notices are subject to various conditions to ensure public safety, protect road infrastructure 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
Vehicle Specification Envelopes (VSEs)
A vehicle/combination that is operating under this Notice may operate up to a maximum length of 20m and must comply with the following VSEs. VSEs are a list of parameters the vehicle must meet to be considered eligible.
There are two VSEs under this Notice, applicable to:
- low bin combinations
- high bin combinations.
VSE abbreviations:
BRH - Bin Height.
TFH - Truck Bin Floor Height.
TWB - Truck Wheelbase.
TCO - Tow Coupling Overhang.
DBL - Drawbar Length.
DWB - Dog Trailer Wheelbase.
DFH - Dog Trailer Bin Floor Height.
Low bin combinations
Vehicles with bins up to 3m in height may operate with a total combination mass limit of 50.5t at Level 1 and 57.5t at Level 2.
High bin combinations
Vehicles with bins up to 3.3m in height may operate with a total combination mass limit of 50.5t at Level 1 and 57.5t at Level 2.
Mass conditions - Click to expand
Maximum masses (total masses and axle masses)
See the 'Network & Mapping' tab for an explanation of Level 1 and Level 2 access.
Network level | Total mass (t) | Steer axle (t) | Drive axle group (t) | Front trailer axle group (t) | Rear trailer axle group (t) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Level 1 (T&D Level 1 as in notice) | 50.5t1 | 6.0t2 |
16.5t | 16.5t | 16.5t |
Level 2 (T&D Level 2 as in notice) | 57.5t1 | 17.0t | 17.0t | 17.0t |
1Total mass includes a complying steer axle (as per the HVNL).
2An eligible vehicle may operate at 6.5t if the vehicle is fitted with a complying steer axle (as per the HVNL).
An eligible vehicle may only operate with a tandem axle group exceeding 16.5t if:
- the operator of the vehicle holds NHVAS mass management accreditation for the vehicle; or
- any tandem axle group that exceeds 16.5t is fitted with a certified road-friendly suspension system.
Axle spacing limits (Tier 1 bridge formulae)
The axle spacing of an eligible vehicle must comply with the Tier 1 bridge formulae, for each corresponding level of access under this Notice.
Type of access | Bridge formulae | Restrictions |
---|---|---|
Level 1 | M = 3L + 12.5 | M <= 42.5 t |
M = L + 32.5 | M >= 42.5 t | |
Level 2 | M = 3L + 12.5 | M <= 46.5 t |
M = 1.5L + 29.5 | M >= 46.5 t |
L (metres) is the minimum distance between the extreme axles of any combination of axle groups, for a given total gross mass M (tonnes).
Vehicle conditions - Click to expand
Drawbar length exceeds 5 metres
For low bin combinations, the drawbar length is from 3.3m to 5.6m.
An eligible vehicle must be fitted with the following:
- an anti-lock brake system compliant with:
- Australian Design Rule 35/04 for the truck
- Australian Design Rule 38/05 for the trailer;
- roll-over control compliant with Australian Design Rule 38/05 for the trailer;
- full contour conspicuity markings compliant with Appendix A of the Australian Design Rule 13/00 (ADR 13/00); and
- if drawbar length exceeds 5m, the outermost surface of the drawbar must be fitted with yellow reflective material that complies with Class C material requirements of United National Economic Commission for Europe Regulation No.104 provisions concerning the approval of retro-reflective markings for vehicles of category M, N and O.
Drawbar length exceeds 5m
Drawbar length below 5m
Drawbar length below 5 metres
For high bin combinations, the drawbar length is from 3.3m to 5.0m.
An eligible vehicle must be fitted with the following:
- an anti-lock brake system compliant with:
- Australian Design Rule 35/04 for the truck
- Australian Design Rule 38/05 for the trailer;
- roll-over control compliantt with Australian Design Rule 38/05 for the trailer; and
- full contour conspicuity markings compliant with Appendix A of the Australian Design Rule 13/00 (ADR 13/00).
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.
7-axle truck and dog combination consisting of a 3-axle truck towing a 4-axle dog trailer may access the routes authorised under the Notice. The roads are based on those in the National Class 2 PBS Level 1 & 2a Truck and Dog Trailer Authorisation Notice 2024 (No.2)
In addition to the road networks for each state and territory, operators must comply with the conditions as set out in the sections below:
- non-participating local government areas
- participating local government areas’ network conditions.
Networks
Eligible vehicle | ACT | NSW | QLD | SA | VIC |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
For truck and trailer combinations under the Notice up to a total mass of 50.5t - Level 1 (T&D Level 1 as in Notice) | Level 1 Truck and Dog trailer approved routes and areas | PBS Level 1 * | General Access (except for local government areas that have refused access) | PBS Level 1A | Victoria’s Performance Based Standards (PBS) Level 1 |
For truck and trailer combinations under the Notice up to a total mass of 57.5t - Level 2 (T&D Level 2 as in Notice) | Approved roads for National Class 2 Performance Based Standards (PBS) Level 2A Truck & Dog Trailer | PBS Level 2 * | PBS Level 2A |
Victoria’s Performance Based Standards (PBS) Level 2A Cubic Network |
|
*NSW GML and CML networks only refer to the National Class 2 Performance Based Standards Level 1 and 2A Truck and Dog Trailer Authorisation Notice 2024 (No.2) networks. |
Non-participating local government areas
The following local government areas are not participating in this Notice. Access for 3-axle trucks towing a 4-axle dog trailer is not allowed on any roads managed by these local government authorities.
New South Wales - Click to expand
- Cumberland Council
- Georges River Council
- Gwydir Shire Council
- Hilltops Council
- National Parks and Wildlife Service
- Penrith City Council
- Snowy Monaro Regional Council
- Willoughby City Council
Queensland - Click to expand
- Mackay Regional Council
- Noosa Shire Council
- Torres Strait Island Regional Council
South Australia - Click to expand
- none
Victoria - Click to expand
- City of Maribyrnong
- City of Melbourne
- Melbourne Airport
Participating local government areas’ network conditions
The following section provides specific road manager access conditions under the Notice. Road manager conditions should be reviewed regularly to ensure that the travel of eligible combinations complies with any access condition. Road manager conditions and restrictions in this section may change from time to time. For further information on how to comply with these conditions, please contact the relevant road manager.
New South Wales network conditions - Click to expand
Intelligent Access Program conditions
Eligible vehicles operating in New South Wales must comply with the following conditions:
- An eligible vehicle operating at GML or CML mass limits must be enrolled in Road Infrastructure Management (RIM) telematics.
- An eligible vehicle operating at HML mass limits must be enrolled in either the Intelligent Access Program (IAP) or Telematics Monitoring Application (TMA).
Note: Enrolment in higher assurance telematics applications, such as TMA or IAP are also possible alternatives to RIM.
Lockhart Shire Council
Restricted roads
The roads in the table below are not approved under the Notice by the Lockhart Shire Council.
Road name | Start location | End location |
---|---|---|
Green Street, Lockhart | Lockhart Kywong Road | Lockhart Collingullie Road, Lockhart |
Urana Street, Lockhart | Green Street, Lockhart | Treasure Street, Lockhart |
Queensland network conditions - Click to expand
Intelligent Transport System (ITS) conditions
Requirements relating to tandem axle groups at greater than 16.5t
An eligible vehicle that has a tandem axle group with a mass greater than 16.5t must comply with either one of the following conditions:
- the operator of the vehicle must hold Mass Management Accreditation; or
- the vehicle must comply with both of the following conditions:
- the axle must be equipped with functioning road friendly suspension; and
- the eligible vehicle must be enrolled in and comply with the following approved Intelligent Transport System (ITS), approved by Transport Certification Australia (TCA):
- For vehicles enrolled from 1 December 2022 – Telematics Monitoring Application (TMA)
- For vehicles enrolled before 1 December 2022 – Intelligent Access Program (IAP).
Note: From 1 June 2024, TMA will be the only approved ITS. Operators should therefore ensure they enrol in TMA before that date. For more information, visit Queensland's transition to Smart On-Board Mass and Telematics Monitoring Application.
Self-Declaration Input Device
In Queensland, operators can elect to install a Self-Declaration Input Device (SDID) that sends information to an Approved Service Provider (ASP) for IAP or TMA.
The SDID requires the driver (or transport operator) to enter the:
- vehicle’s configuration
- number of axle in the configurations
- total mass of the vehicle or combination, including the mass of the hauling unit and any attached trailers, plus any load on board the vehicle or combination.
This information must be declared at the following times:
- at the start of the journey
- whenever there is a change in the vehicle configuration
- whenever there is a change in the total mass of the vehicle or combination, including the mass of the hauling unit and any attached trailers, plus any load on board the vehicle or combination
- whenever prompted by the SDID, if a SDID is available in the vehicle.
Mass declaration requirements must be made through:
- the SDID in the vehicle that is certified by TCA and linked to the ASP; or
- an alternative method approved and certified by TCA.
Malfunctions
The operator must take all reasonable steps to ensure the vehicle’s driver is aware of their obligation to report to the operator any malfunction of the ITS fitted to the vehicle. The driver must report malfunctions before a journey begins or as soon as practicable after becoming aware of the malfunction.
For IAP, report the malfunction to both:
- the ASP, to develop a rectification schedule if applicable; and
- TMR (as a delegate for the NHVR):
- Telephone – 1300 753 427 (1300 QLD IAP)
- Email – iapadmin@tmr.qld.gov.au
For TMA, report the malfunction to the ASP, who will then report the malfunction to TCA.
If an ITS malfunction is not rectified either as soon as practicable or as determined by the NHVR or its delegate, the vehicle is no longer eligible to be operated under the Notice.
Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council
Condition of entry
Access to the Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council network is subject to the operator gaining written approval from the Council prior to travel. Approval is required to ensure the combination can be transported by barge to the island.
To contact Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council:
Email: greg.constantine@palmcouncil.qld.gov.au
Phone: (07) 4770 0200 or 0417 840 688.
Fraser Coast Council
General Access is not provided to local roads within Fraser Coast Council boundaries.
Eligible vehicles are authorised to operate on local roads approved in the PBS Level 2A Network. To view the network visit the Queensland Globe.
All other local council is to be considered on a case-by-case basis, via permit application through the NHVR Portal.
Note: State roads may be used within the Fraser Coast Council boundary subject to Notice conditions.
- Gympie Regional Council – General Access not allowed
South Australia network conditions - Click to expand
City of Norwood, Payneham and St Peters
Restricted roads
The road in the table below is not approved under the Notice by the City of Norwood, Payneham and St Peters.
Road name | Start location | End location |
---|---|---|
Henry Street Stepney | Nelson Street | Ann Street |
Wattle Range Council
Restricted roads
The roads in the table below are not approved under the Notice by Wattle Range Council.
Road name | Start location | End location |
---|---|---|
Furner Road and Conmurra Road | Princess Highway | Claywells Road |
Delaneys Road | Mount Burr Road | Reedy Lagoon Road |
Victoria network conditions - Click to expand
Bass Coast Shire Council
Restricted structures
Bass Coast Shire Council has consented to Level 1 and Level 2A networks that contain restricted structures and roads. The ‘National Class 3 Truck & Dog Notice’ map has been created to view these networks and their specific restrictions for this Notice. To use the map and its layers, follow these instructions:
- Open the ‘National Class 3 Truck & Dog Notice’ map.
- Navigate to the far top right of the map and select the ‘Layer List’ paper stack icon.
- One layer will be automatically selected in the list. If you wish to view the Level 2A network, untick the Level 1 network and tick the Level 2A network.
- Once you have ticked the relevant network to your combination, go back to the map and input your address into the “Find address or place” search field.
- To view the restrictions and details of the structure, select and click on the pin to open the details.
- To zoom in and out, you can use your mouse scroll function or the plus and minus symbols to the left of the search bar.
Note: This map is to show restricted structures and roads within the Bass Coast Shire Council and Indigo Shire Council municipality. These municipalities are shaded on the map and contain triangular markers for restrictions. All other data within the map is indicative only and should not be utilised.
Hobsons Bay City Council
PBS Level 1 is not provided to local roads within Hobsons Bay City Council boundaries.
Eligible vehicles are authorised to operate on local roads approved in the PBS Level 2A Cubic Network. To view the network visit the Victorian heavy vehicle map.
All other local council is to be considered on a case-by-case basis, via permit application through the NHVR Portal.
Note: State roads on the PBS Level 1 and Level 2 Cubic may be used within the Hobsons Bay City Council subject to Notice conditions.
Tip: State and local roads are identified on the Victorian heavy vehicle maps.
Indigo Shire Council
Restricted structures
Indigo Shire Council has consented to Level 1 and Level 2A networks that contain restricted structures and roads. The ‘National Class 3 Truck & Dog Notice’ map has been created to view these networks and their specific restrictions for this Notice. To use the map and its layers, follow these instructions:
- Open the ‘National Class 3 Truck & Dog Notice’ map.
- Navigate to the far top right of the map and select the ‘Layer List’ paper stack icon.
- One layer will be automatically selected in the list. If you wish to view the Level 2A network, untick the Level 1 network and tick the Level 2A network.
- Once you have ticked the relevant network to your combination, go back to the map and input your address into the “Find address or place” search field.
- To view the restrictions and details of the structure, select and click on the pin to open the details.
- To zoom in and out, you can use your mouse scroll function or the plus and minus symbols to the left of the search bar.
Note: This map is to show restricted structures and roads within the Bass Coast Shire Council and Indigo Shire Council municipality. These municipalities are shaded on the map and contain triangular markers for restrictions. All other data within the map is indicative only and should not be utilised.
Access off the approved network
Vehicles and routes not eligible under this Notice can apply for a permit via the NHVR Portal.
Applying for a permit - Click to expand
How to apply for a permit
To begin your permit application, navigate to the NHVR Portal. If you are not already registered, follow the prompts to set up an account.
Once registered, from the home screen, click on the ‘Application tracker’ tab and select the ‘NEW APPLICATION’ button and enter a reference for your application.
Note: Where you have an existing permit for an eligible configuration, select the ‘AMEND' application button, which will require the permit number to be entered. Follow the prompts to add the additional routes required.
Step 1 - Click on the green ‘SELECT CONFIGURATION’ button and select the 'Truck and dog' configuration from the list.
Note: Select the appropriate vehicle being a 'Rigid-truck and dog (20m National Class 3).'
- Once the correct configuration is selected click on the ‘OVERALL' tab and go to ‘Configuration, mass and dimensions.'
- Input the length (no more than 20m), width, and height and then select the total mass being requested. The mass will either be ‘Up to 50.5t’ or ‘Up to 57.5t.'
- Next, click on the truck component image and input the VIN and registration details for the rigid truck/s on the application. The trailer component does not require VIN and registration information.
- In both the truck and trailer component images, you must tick the box
☐ " I confirm selection of the correct component" prior to proceeding to the ‘Travel details’ section of the application.
Note: The rigid truck component must be 3-axles with a single steer axle and a tandem drive axle. The trailer component must be 4-axles consisting of two tandem axle groups.
Step 2 - In the ‘Travel details’ section, enter the requested period (the period cannot exceed three years). Input the freight being carried under the 'Description of load', for example, grain, gravel or sand.
Step 3 - Navigate to the ‘Route’ section of the application. Select the ‘Route type' as 'Single Route' or 'Area' – note that the route will need to connect to the approved network specified in the Notice.
- If an ‘Area’ application is selected the ‘Area Road Manager’ must be selected. Refer to Routing - Single route and area difference.
- Plot the route(s) required that link to the approved network.
- Select the ‘CONFIRM’ tab and add any additional information in the ‘Route notes’ section in support of your application. You must tick the box ☐ 'I confirm that the list of roads and associated route notes accurately defines my route requirements for this application' prior to proceeding to the next step of the application.
Step 4 - In the 'Attachments' section of the application, attach any required supporting documents or additional information.
Step 5 - The 'Additional instructions' section allows the nomination of an approved Portal member of your account (if you will not be the relevant contact for the application). Include any additional instructions required for the application.
Step 6 - In the 'Confirmation' stage ensure all details of the application have been reviewed and confirmed. The application can then be submitted with the appropriate payment.
For more information on applying for a permit refer to the NHVR access permit applications webpage, or contact us.
Related notices
In this tab, you will find a list of national, state and territory notices related to the National Class 3 20m Long 3-axle Truck and 4-axle Dog Trailer Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2022 (No.2).
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
Related state and territory notices
Jurisdiction | Notice |
---|---|
South Australia | |
Tasmania | |
Victoria |
Victoria Class 3 Log Carrying Truck and Dog Trailer Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2024 (No.1) This Notice commences on 9 November 2024, and revokes and replaces the previously published Victoria Class 3 Heavy Vehicle Log Carrying Truck and Dog Trailer Dimension Exemption Notice 2019 (No.1). |
Supporting documents
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
Class 3 - 20m Truck and Dog Notice Dimension and Axle Spacing Check Sheet
The following link will take you to the Class 3 - 20m Truck and Dog Notice Dimension and Axle Spacing Check Sheet. Once you have opened the check sheet, please follow the 'Check Sheet Instructions' below to check your compliance with axle spacing limits and vehicle dimension requirements.
Class 3 - 20m Truck and Dog Notice Dimension and Axle Spacing Check Sheet (XLSX, 40KB)
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 Concessional Mass Limits (CML) or Higher Mass Limits (HML).
- Steer: 6t (6.5t if complying steer axle).
- Tandem:16.5t maximum - Note: A 50.5t total mass limit applies to level 1 operation meaning some tandem masses will need to be less than 16.5t to comply.
- Axle group length and intergroup spacing, distances are measured consecutively between axle centres of extreme axles of each group.
Check Sheet Instructions
- Work down the check sheet entering values in shaded boxes only.
- In the shaded boxes in the "Axle spacing (m)" row, working from left to right, record the distance in metres between:
- steer axle and first drive axle;
- first drive axle and second drive axle;
- second drive axle and first trailer axle;
- first trailer axle and second trailer axle;
- second trailer axle and third trailer axle;
- third trailer axle and fourth trailer axle.
- In the shaded boxes in the “Axle group mass (t)” row, enter the proposed axle/axle group mass (tonnes) for each axle/axle group. Note: Maximum steer axle mass is 6.5t, maximum tandem axle group mass is 17t with tandem axle mass reduced for Level 1 operation
Compliance with axle spacing limits (Tier 1 Bridge Formulae)
Compliance with Level 1 and Level 2 bridge formulae requirements will be indicated as PASS or FAIL under Level 1 or Level 2.
Note: If the result is a FAIL for the proposed Level, reducing masses at step 3 or increasing distances in step 2 could provide a PASS result. A PASS result means the given information complies with “Class 3 - 20m Truck and Dog Notice Axle spacing limits (Tier 1 Bridge Formulae)” and “Tow mass ratio” requirements for Level 1 or Level 2 operation.
Compliance with vehicle dimension requirements
- Continue to work through the check sheet entering values in metres (m) and in shaded boxes only.
- overall vehicle length (m);
- overall truck (not bin) height (m);
- truck bin height (m);
- truck bin floor height (m) - TFH;
- drawbar length (m) - DBL;
- dog trailer bin floor height (m) - DFH;
- tow coupling overhang (m) - TCO.
- Compliance with notice/regulation overall dimension requirements and low bin and high bin dimension requirements are indicated as PASS or FAIL.
Note: If the result is a FAIL, altering dimensions at step 4 could provide a PASS result. A PASS result means the given information complies with Class 3 - 20m Truck and Dog Notice dimension requirements for low bin or high bin operation.
Changes and updates
Date | Summary | Links to resources and communications |
---|---|---|
3 May 2024 | National Class 3 20m Long 3-axle Truck and 4-axle Dog Trailer Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2024 (No.1) commenced. Update to New South Wales schedule of the Notice for IAP, RIM and TMA requirements. | |
23 April 2024 | New South Wales Intelligent Access Program conditions added. | |
13 January 2023 | Queensland Intelligent Transport System (ITS) condition added. | |
5 January 2022 | Class 3 - 20m Truck and Dog Notice Dimension and Axle Spacing Check Sheet updated, and instructions have been amended. | |
5 December 2022 | National Class 3 20m Long 3-axle Truck and 4-axle Dog Trailer Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2022 (No.2) commenced. Update to Queensland schedule of the Notice for IAP and TMA requirements. | C2022G01207 |
28 September 2022 | National Class 3 20m Long 3-axle Truck and 4-axle Dog Trailer Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2022 (No.1) commenced. | C2022G00939 |
www.nhvr.gov.au
E info@nhvr.gov.au
P 13 NHVR (136 487)
PO Box 492, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006