Unless a specific state condition is more restrictive, the following dimension limits apply nationally to an eligible combination.

Dimension requirements

The Notice provides no exemptions to general dimensions applying to road trains. These are the same requirements as those that apply to other Class 2 vehicles and are summarised in Table 3. 

Trailer length limits

The Notice does not provide an exemption for trailer length. All trailers must comply with the same prescribed trailer dimension limits that apply to the compliant combinations (e.g. the semitrailer length limits in the MDL Regulation).

Mass requirements  

Unless a specific state condition is more restrictive, the following mass limits apply nationally to an eligible combination.

General Mass Limits (GML)

The default mass limit provided by the Notice is GML.  

GML applies to all heavy vehicles and is the stated allowable mass for a heavy vehicle axle group, unless the vehicle is operating under an accreditation or an exemption under the HVNL.

General mass requirements apply mass limits for the following:

• those specified by the vehicle manufacturer
• individual axles and axle groups (see Table 4)
• individual components (vehicles and trailers)
• the combination, including as determined by axle spacing requirements 

A summary of mass requirements is available on the NHVR website at Mass and dimensions. Mass requirements are prescribed in Schedule 1 of the MDL

Axle groups and mass limits 

The maximum mass allowable axle or axle group mass limit under the Notice is summarised in Table 5. To be eligible to operate at Concessional Mass Limits (CML), the axle group must be eligible for the GML shown in Table 4.  

Table 4: Mass limits of axles under GML and CML

Axle group/tyres	Axle	Axle/vehicle requirements	Tyre section width	Mass limit (t)  GML	Mass limit (t)  CML
Steer axle		Default limit	N/A	6.0
		Complying steer axle	Suitably rated	6.5
		A steer axle forming part of a road train	295–375 mm	6.5
			At least 375 mm	7.1
Single axle		Single tyres	Less than 375mm	6.0
			375–450mm	6.7
			At least 450mm	7.0
		Dual tyres	N/A	9.0
Twinsteer axle group  Single tyres		Non-load-sharing suspension system	N/A	10.0
		Load-sharing suspension system	N/A	11.0
Tandem axle group		Single tyres on all axles	Less than 375mm	11.0	11.5
			375–450mm	13.3	13.8
			at least 450mm	14.0	14.5
		Single tyres on one axle and dual tyres on the other axle	N/A	13.0	13.5
		Dual tyres on all axles	n/a	16.5	17.0
Tri-axle group		Single tyres on all axles	Single tyres less than 375mm	15.0	15.5
			At least 375 mm	20.0	21.0
		Combination of single and dual tyres	Single tyres less than 375mm	15.0	15.5
			Single tyres at least 375 mm	20.0	21.0
		Dual tyres on all axles	N/A	20.0	21.0
Quad-axle group		Single tyres on all axles	Less than 375mm	15.0
			At least 375mm	20.0
		Dual tyres on all axles	N/A	20.0

Restricted axles

The following axle groups are restricted in the Notice  

• A prime mover with a tri-axle group is permitted to operate in South Australia on a specific road train network as listed in Tables 9-11 of this Guide. 
• quad-axle groups are prohibited on any road trains operating under the Notice and when on state-controlled roads in Queensland only. 

Axle mass spacing limits 

In addition to complying with the mass and dimension requirements, road trains must comply with the axle spacing mass limits road train table provided under the MDL Regulation. The distance between axle groups determines the maximum allowable mass over those axle groups.

Road train steer mass limits 

Road train steer axle mass limits are those at which prime movers can operate when forming part of a road train (see Table 5).

One-tonne mass exception 

An eligible combination with a tri-axle group operating under this Notice at GML can apply the one-tonne tri-axle mass exception (1TMTA).

1TMTA allows increased mass on tri-axle groups so they can be loaded up to 1t above the standard tri-axle group 20t GML. Any additional mass loaded onto each tri-axle group is offset onto another non-steer axle or other axle groups.

The 1TMTA does not permit any increase to a vehicle’s maximum (total) mass but gives more flexibility in how mass may be distributed across axle groups.

Vehicles operating under the 1TMTA allowance can access the approved networks in New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria, unless travel is restricted by load limiting signs.

For more information, see 1-Tonne Tri-Axle Mass Transfer Allowance information sheet.

Concessional Mass Limits (CML)

Road trains may also load to CML.

Operators wishing to benefit from the productivity gains of CML are required to become an NHVAS member, meet the 8 standards of compliance in the NHVAS Accreditation module - Mass Management and nominate vehicles to participate in the scheme.

CML authorises an increase mass to a nominated heavy vehicle by a maximum of  5% above the GML, subject to:

• a maximum of 1t for a vehicle or combination with an allowable gross mass not exceeding 55t
• a maximum of 2t for vehicle combinations with an allowable gross mass exceeding 55t.

To be eligible to operate at CML, the axle group must be eligible for the GML shown in Table 4.  

For more information see Concessional Mass Limits.

Higher Mass Limits (HML)

Road train operators seeking to operate under HML must comply with the conditions of the relevant HML Notice/Declaration.

For more information visit the Higher Mass Limits page or the 'Related Notices’ tab of this Operator’s Guide.

Local mass requirements  

Operators must also comply with local mass requirements. These are shown on the maps detailing road train access. These local requirements reflect the limitations of specific road infrastructure. For example,  a bridge load limit. 

Livestock transportation 

This Notice provides GML and CML only. Operators seeking greater mass limits should refer to the respective state livestock notice shown in the 'Related Notices’ tab of this Operator’s Guide.

Rigid truck and two trailers type 1 road trains  

Must not exceed 79t.  

Livestock transport  

 A type 1 A-double transporting livestock must be fitted with a tri-axle converter dolly and the converter dolly must not exceed GML when operating east of the Newell Highway. Details are published on Transport for New South Wales’ road train access maps (see the 'Network and Mapping' section of this Operator's Guide). 

Braking requirements  

The following additional braking requirements apply in New South Wales:  

• The prime mover of a B-triple or AB-triple must be fitted with an anti-lock braking system (ABS) complying with third edition Australian Design Rule (ADR) 64.  
• A tank trailer forming part of any heavy vehicle combination and used to transport specified dangerous goods must be fitted with an electronic roll-over control system.  

These requirements apply to heavy vehicles, irrespective of when they were built.

Eligible road trains that include a prime mover with a tri-axle group are permitted to operate on state-controlled roads only under this notice.

Eligible road trains that include a prime mover with a tri-axle group are limited to operating on the networks stated in the networks in Tables 9-11 in the 'Network & mapping' tab.

Quad-axle groups 

Quad-axle groups must not be fitted on any road trains while operating on state-controlled roads in Queensland.

Eligible road trains  

Eligible road trains under this Notice in Victoria are limited to A-doubles with a tandem axle dolly up to 36.5m and have a steer axle mass not exceeding 6.5t. Eligible road trains must not have a twinsteer while operating under this Notice.

All other combinations will need to apply for a permit for access in Victoria.  

Additional conditions to those described above apply to road train operation on a road-by-road basis. These are described on the individual roads as displayed on the maps for road train access.

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

A third party is an entity with which consultation is required by either State or Commonwealth law, as a condition of operation or access.

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 2).

Road trains longer than 30m must display a road train warning sign at the front and rear of the combination (as shown in Figure 3)..

Warning sign requirements are described in the NHVR's VSG19 - Vehicle warning signs (Long vehicle and Road train) (PDF, 547KB).

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).

Failure to comply may result in the driver and/or operator being liable for an offence. Penalties can include infringement notices or prosecution.

Speed limits

Unless specified in a notice, road train speed limits are determined by the state or territory road authority.

Loading requirements

To meet the loading requirements, the heavy vehicle must be loaded:

• in a way that load placement does not make the heavy vehicle unsafe or unstable
• in a way that the load is not likely to fall or be dislodged from the vehicle
• using an appropriate system to restrain the load.

Visit the NHVR loading page for more information on load requirements.

Chain of Responsibility (CoR)

Under the HVNL, every party in the Chain of Responsibility (CoR) has a positive duty to ensure the safety of their activities in relation to a heavy vehicle. This duty, known as the “primary duty”, applies to the scheduling, loading and consigning of a vehicle, as well as to its operation on a road.

Safety is broader than the safety of drivers and other road users. It also includes protection of road infrastructure, preventing damage to other vehicles or property, and minimising environmental harm. Substantial penalties may be imposed upon parties who breach this obligation and upon their executives.

For more information on your CoR obligations visit Chain of Responsibility on the NHVR website.

Our Regulatory Advice offers guidance, tips and tools for managing a range of heavy vehicle safety risks.

The requirement to carry the Notice

Drivers do not need to carry a copy of the Notice.

Braking requirements

Most braking system requirements are made by the ADR to which the vehicle was constructed. A road train must continue to comply with those requirements.  

The VS Regulation makes some additional requirements that apply to road train combinations. These include ensuring there is sufficient air pressure available in the braking system.  

The ADRs have also mandated:  

• anti-lock braking systems to be fitted on prime movers built from 1 January 2015  
• vehicle stability control to be fitted on prime movers built from 1 July 2020  
• rollover control systems to be fitted on heavy trailers built from 1 November 2019. 

The ADRs' requirements apply to heavy vehicles operating in any state or territory in Australia. 

Mechanical couplings and ratings  

Mechanical couplings are the devices that connect one component vehicle of a combination to another. They include:  

• fifth wheels, king pins and turntables  
• pin-type couplings and drawbar eyes on converter dolly couplings.  

Eligible road trains are defined in the Notice partly by the types of mechanical couplings with which they are fitted. A key difference between coupling types is their capacity to resist roll between the connected vehicles.  

• Fifth-wheel assemblies that utilise two rotating plates are considered to be roll-coupled connections.  
• Pin-type couplings and drawbar eyes - a feature of converter dollies - are not considered to be roll-coupled. The pin-type connection to the towing (forward) vehicle offers lesser resistance to roll. 

Attachment of couplings and drawbar eyes on road trains

A drawbar-type coupling, or drawbar eye, used in a road train must be built and positioned so that:

• when the road train is moving, the drawbar can move at least 15º upwards or downwards from the position it occupies when the road train is parked on level ground; and
• the pivot point of the coupling is not more than 300mm forward of the rear of the trailer to which it is attached; and
• it is at a height of at least 800mm, but not more than 950mm, when the road train is unloaded and parked on level ground.
• For more information, please refer to VSG31 - Road trains - Trailer coupling requirements (PDF, 475KB). 

Key road train trailer couple strength requirements of ADR63/00

All road train trailers built from July 1991 onwards must comply with Australian Design Rule 63/00 - Trailers Designed for Use in Road Trains. ADR 63 requires that they be equipped with mechanical couplings meeting the standards and strength requirements shown in Table 7.

For road train trailers built before July 1991 and not subject to ADR 63/00, requirements made in the VS Regulation apply. Those include complying with the following Australasian Standards and updated/later versions of these:

• AS 2175-1990: Articulated Vehicles – Kingpins
• AS 2213-1984: 50mm Pin-Type Couplings and Drawbar Eyes for Trailers
• AS/NZS 4968.1:2003: Heavy road vehicles –Mechanical coupling between articulated vehicle combinations.

These Australasian Standards describe a method to - and require operators to - calculate coupling strength requirements (minimum D-values). Example calculations are shown in Table 8. Alternatively, values no less than those required by ADR 63/00 and shown in Table 7 are acceptable.

The maximum speed limit when operating under this Notice is 90km/h unless a traffic sign indicates a lesser speed limit.

Note: Regulation for road rules (such as speed limits), licensing and registration are a state and territory government responsibility. The HVNL does not provide the NHVR the power to exempt an operator from complying with the road rules.

Queensland special access for Type 2 Road train travelling on Burke Development Road and Ootann Road

Special access is provided to Type 2 road trains operating in Queensland on the following route:

1. Burke Development Road Mungana (From the Type 2 Road train network on Burke Development Road Mungana to the intersection of Ootann road Almaden)
2. Ootann Road (Full length of road - From Burke Development Road intersection Almaden to Type 2 Road train network Kennedy Hwy Gunnawarra).

Special conditions for Burke Development Road and Ootann Road 

The following conditions apply to Type 2 road trains travelling on Burke Development Road and Ootann Road:

1. The following section of Schedule 8 of the MDL Regulation applies to a Type 2 road train travelling on Burke Development Road and Ootann Road under this Notice, as though the eligible vehicle were a Class 1 vehicle:
   • Part 3 (Division 1) Warning Lights.
2. Operators must use a 'call point' contact system at signal points along the approved route. Contact should be made on UHF Channel 40.
3. The operator must stop and drop dust (dedust) before entering the boundaries of Chillagoe township.
   • Note: Dedusting is the process of tapping the wheel rim with a rubber mallet to remove excess dust from the rim. This process assists in reducing dust within the township.
4. Type 2 road trains are not to exceed a speed limit of 60km/h on:
   • unsealed sections of Burke Development Road between Chillagoe and the Ootann Road intersection; and
   • unsealed sections of Ootann Road.
5. Vehicles must be separated by a minimum distance of 2km and not operate in convoy.

Note: The approved access on Burke Development Road does not extend past the Ootann Road intersection. Access is not provided to Almaden township.

One-tonne mass exception

For vehicles operating in Queensland, 1TMTA only applies where the approved routes covered by this Notice are also approved for 1TMT network. Refer to the Queensland Government Globe to check approved roads.

For more information, see 1-Tonne Tri-Axle Mass Transfer Allowance information sheet.

South Eastern Freeway Restriction

• Combinations with more than two trailers are strictly prohibited along the South Eastern Freeway.
• Maximum mass limit - 68.5t.
• Maximum length limit - 26m.

Heavy Vehicle - Road Operations Access Map (HV-ROAM)

Prior to commencing any journey in South Australia, operators should refer to the Heavy Vehicle – Road Operations Access Map (HV-ROAM) page on the South Australian Government website to assist with journey and route planning. 

HV-ROAM should be used alongside the NHVR National Network Map and Traffic SA. 

For further information about the map, please visit the Heavy Vehicle – Road Operations Access Map (HV-ROAM) webpage.

Commodity transport in South Australia  

Dedicated road networks for road trains carrying certain commodities are available in South Australia.  

These networks provide additional access, beyond that for the same combinations carrying goods other than the specified commodities.  

Road trains eligible to operate on the South Australian Commodity networks are:  

• A-doubles up to 36.5m long  
• B-triples up to 36.5m long (including modular B-triples up to 35.0m long)  
• rigid trucks towing two trailers up to 36.5m long.  

Detailed information on local conditions for commodity-carrying road trains in South Australia is available in the NHVR National Network Map

Ceduna District Council

Road condition

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.

Speed restrictions

An eligible vehicle whether loaded or unloaded is restricted to the following speeds:

• 80km/h on sealed Council maintained roads with speed limits posted above 80km/h;
• 70km/h on unsealed Council maintained roads with speed limits posted above 60km/h;
• 40km/h on all Council maintained roads with speed limits posted at 60km/h or lower.

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 hours 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

Prior to commencing any journey, operators should review traffic alerts, road closures, travel delays, and other traffic advisory information for participating jurisdictions.

Table 12 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.

A road train permit is required for:

• travel on a road that is not authorised under this Notice; or
• for ineligible combinations including non-compliant road train combinations. 

Note: If a road train configuration or axle group type is compliant with the MDL Regulation but is not covered under the Notice, it is still a Class 2 heavy vehicle.

For more information on when you may need a permit refer to the NHVR Road train permit webpage.

BA-triples

BA-triple road train access is limited to South Australia. Access in other jurisdictions is currently under review. 

Please refer to the South Australian special requirements when applying for a road train permit (below). 

Special jurisdictional requirements when applying for a road train permit 

Victoria 

For a road train application in Victoria, an operator must supply the vehicle's axle mass and spacing details. These can be provided in two ways: 

• completing a custom road train application; or
• attaching a completed additional axle mass and spacing form (PDF, 290KB) to a standard road train application.

If the vehicle's axle mass and spacing details are not supplied with your application, the NHVR or the road manager may request the details through an information request. This would result in delays in processing your application. 

South Australia

BA-triples

If access is required on local council roads not included on a network, a permit is required to operate. 

You will need to submit an 'Area' application for each local council area, and plot the local roads required for your travel off the approved state network. 

How to apply for a BA-triple permit

To begin your permit application, navigate to the NHVR Go. 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 'Road train' configuration from the list. 

Note: Select the appropriate vehicle being a 'Road Train (incl. HML), Road Train (Livestock), Road Train (Tanker).'

• Once the correct configuration is selected, click on the ‘OVERALL' tab and go to ‘Configuration, mass and dimensions.'
  • select the appropriate road train configuration options, this will create an application at General Mass Limits (GML).
• Input the height (4.3m or 4.3m-4.6m).
• Input the length by selecting the appropriate option or adding the vehicle length under the 'Other' button. 
  • for example, BA-triples in South Australia can select the 'Other' option and input 36.5m, 42m or 44m.
• 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.

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 NHVR Go 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.