MULTI-COMBINATION THEORY COURSE
MULTI-COMBINATION
THEORY COURSE
(MODULE 1)
The contents of this manual remain the property of the Department for Transport, Energy and
Infrastructure, (DTEI). No part of it can therefore be used or reproduced without the prior written
permission of the Coordinator, Standards and Training, DTEI.
D:\106754383.doc
Multi-Combination Course
DTEI
Multi-Combination Course
1 by 3 Hour Session
SESSION PLAN
STUDENT REGISTRATION
MASS DEFINITIONS
LICENCE CLASSIFICATIONS
GIVE WAY RULES
SPEED LIMITS
ROAD RULES
CRASHES – LEGAL OBLIGATION
DRUGS AND DRIVING
EYE SIGHT
OBSERVATION
REACTION AND BRAKING
VEHICLE DIMENSIONS
PERMIT VEHICLE CONFIGURATIONS
TRAILERS
AXLE WEIGHTS
PERMITS
WARNING SIGNS FOR COMBINATIONS OVER 22 METRES LONG
MULTI-COMBINATION VEHICLES AND REQUIREMENTS
ROUTES
HOURS OF DRIVING AND RECORDS KEEPING
REFERENCE MATERIAL
 ROAD FRIENDLY SUSPENSION
 HEAVY VEHICLE DRIVER FATIGUE LAWS
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TABLE OF CONTENT
Page No.
Cover Page
1
Session Plan
2
Content
3-4
Mass Definitions
5
Licence Classifications
6-8
Give-Way Hierarchy
9-10
Speed Limits
11
Road Rules
12-14
Crashes – Legal Obligation
15
Drugs / Alcohol and Driving Offences
16-18
The Eyes
19-21
Observation
22
Night Driving
23
Rules of Braking / Skidding & Reaction / Braking
24-26
Heavy Vehicle Dimensions
27-31
Rear Marker Plates / Portable Reflectors
32-33
Permit Vehicle Configurations
34
Trailers
35
Axle weights
36
Permits / Government Gazette Notices
37-40
Warning signs for combinations over 22 metres long
40-41
B-DOUBLE VEHICLES
Conditions
42
Dimensions
42
Transport of Freight
42-43
Operating Requirements
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B-DOUBLE VEHICLES (continued)
Page No.
Inspection Labelling
44
Mudguards / Spray Suppression
45
Miscellaneous Items
45
ROAD TRAINS
Conditions
46
Dimensions
46
Draw Bar
46
Rear Overhang
46-47
Tow coupling Overhang
47
Comparative Length of Trailers
47
Maximum Gross Vehicle Mass
47
Tracking
48
Maximum Speed Limit / Speed Restrictions
48
Lighting
48
Travel on Approved Routes
48
Vehicle Maintenance Management Accreditation
49
Drivers Health
49
Transport of Indivisible Items
50
Routes
50
Route Restrictions
50
Times of Travel
51
Definitions
52-54
Driving Hours, Work Diary and Record keeping
55-59
Road Friendly Suspension (Reference Material)
60-65
Note Page
66
Note:
The information recorded in this document may change without notice.
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MASS DEFINITIONS:
UNLADEN MASS (UL)
The weight of the vehicle without any cargo but does include your fuel, oil and tools etc. In the case
of an articulated vehicle it means the prime mover only.
GROSS VEHICLE MASS (GVM)
The maximum loaded mass of the vehicle, as set by the motor vehicle manufacturer or the
registration authority.
GROSS COMBINATION MASS (GCM)
The greatest possible sum of the maximum loaded mass of a motor vehicle and of any vehicles
that may lawfully be towed by it at one time, as specified by the motor vehicle manufacturer or the
registration authority.
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DRIVER’S LICENCE CLASSIFICATIONS
CLASS C
MAY DRIVE
any motor vehicle with a gross vehicle mass (GVM) not exceeding 4500 kg (but not
including buses designed to carry more than 12 seated persons, motor cycles and
motor trikes). Examples of vehicles which may be driven: sedans, station wagons,
panel vans, utilities, light delivery vans, small trucks, quad bikes, special purpose
vehicles (e.g. farm machines, small tractors, forklifts, or other like machinery);
small articulated vehicles provided the GVM of the towing vehicle does not exceed
4500 kg. For example, small truck towing a horse float, trailer or caravan.
MAY TOW
Trailer, horse float, caravan or farm implement.
Minimum
Age
17 years, learner’s permit for at least 12 months (6 months if aged over 25).
Moped with engine capacity 50 ml or less
CLASS LR
MAY DRIVE
any motor vehicle covered by class C
any motor vehicle with a GVM exceeding 4500 kg but not exceeding 8000 kg (e.g.
trucks, vans, tippers, special purpose vehicles, and buses designed to carry 13 or
more seated persons );
medium articulated vehicles, provided the GVM of the towing vehicle does not
exceed 8000 kg.
MAY TOW
Driving
Experience
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any farm implement. Any trailer provided the overall mass is within the gross
combination mass (GCM) of the towing vehicle.
Must have held a class C driver’s licence for at least one year.
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DRIVER’S LICENCE CLASSIFICATIONS (continued)
CLASS MR
MAY DRIVE
any motor vehicle covered by class LR.
any motor vehicle with two axles and a GVM greater than 8000 kg (e.g. two axle
trucks, tippers and buses);
three axle motor vehicles, but only where the GVM is 8000 kg or less;
any special purpose vehicle, with two or more axles and an unladen mass not
exceeding 15000 kg;
medium articulated vehicles, provided the GVM of the towing vehicle does not
exceed 8000 kg.
MAY TOW
Driving
Experience
any farm implement. Any trailer with a GVM not exceeding 9000 kg provided it is
within the GCM of the towing vehicle.
Must have held a class C driver’s licence for at least one year.
CLASS HR
MAY DRIVE
any motor vehicle covered in class MR;
any motor vehicle with three or more axles (e.g. trucks and tippers);
any special purpose vehicle;
medium articulated vehicles, provided the GVM of the towing vehicle does not
exceed 8000 kg;
any bus (including articulated buses).
MAY TOW
any farm implement. Any trailer with a GVM not exceeding 9000 kg provided it is
within the GCM of the towing vehicle.
Driving
Experience
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Must have held a class C driver’s licence for at least two years, or a class LR or MR
driver’s licence for at least one year.
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DRIVER’S LICENCE CLASSIFICATIONS (continued)
CLASS HC
MAY DRIVE
any motor vehicle covered by class HR;
a prime mover to which is attached a single semi-trailer (whether or not any
unladen converter dolly is also attached);
a rigid motor vehicle to which is attached a single trailer with a GVM greater than
9000 kg (whether or not any unladen converter dolly is also attached).
Driving
Experience Must have held a class MR or HR driver’s licence for at least one year.
CLASS MC
MAY DRIVE
any motor vehicle covered by class HC;
B doubles;
road trains
Driving
Experience
Must have held a class HC or HR driver’s licence for at least one year.
DRIVER’S LICENCE (Motor Vehicles Act: Rule 98AAA)
A person must carry his or her driver’s licence at all times while driving a heavy vehicle on a road
and must produce the licence forthwith if requested to do so by a police officer. A heavy vehicle
means a motor vehicle that has a GVM greater than 4500 kg.
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THE GIVE WAY HIERARCHY
When the driver of a vehicle approaches any intersection,
the rules for Giving Way should be considered in this order:
1. Traffic Lights
-
obey traffic light rules and rule 4.
2. Signs or Lines
-
‘Give Way’ sign, ‘Stop’ sign, ‘Roundabout’ sign,
‘Give Way’ line, ‘Stop’ line.
3. ‘T’ intersection rule - there must be only one terminating road.
4. Vehicles turning to the right must give way to vehicles approaching from
the opposite direction.
5.. In all other cases - give way to the right (‘D’ rule).
Note:
If you are a turning vehicle at an intersection or “T” intersection (Both left and right) you must give
way to pedestrians at or near the road you are about to enter.
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GIVE WAY SITUATIONS
(OTHER THAN AT INTERSECTIONS)
1.
Moving away from the kerb - to all other vehicles travelling along the same road.
2.
Approaching a level crossing - to all rolling stock (trams or trains).
3.
At pedestrian crossings - to all pedestrians using the crossing, only while the lights
are flashing or have been activated to allow pedestrians to
cross.
4.
Entering a road from private land - to all pedestrians and vehicles using the road.
5.
Entering private land from a road - to all pedestrians and vehicles using the road.
6.
When attempting a ‘U’ turn - to all other vehicles and pedestrians.
7.
When merging into traffic (Zip Merge) – where the road narrows, to any vehicle that is
partly or wholly in front of your vehicle.
8.
Emergency vehicles
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-
to allow a free passage by moving to the left or right or
slowing down.
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SPEED LIMITS IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA
School zones. The speed-limit for a driver for any length of road in a school zone is 25 km/h at
anytime when children are in the zone.
Shared zones. The speed-limit for a driver for any length of road in a shared zone is the number of
kilometres per hour indicated by the number on the shared zone sign on the road, or
the road into the zone.
25 km/h
Maximum speed in any direction when passing a school bus which has stopped to
allow children to board or alight.
25 km/h
Maximum speed-limit when passing emergency services vehicles which are
stationary and displaying red and/or blue flashing lights (whether or not they are
also displaying other lights)
50 km/h
Speed limit within a built up area unless you pass a different sign posted speed limit
on that road.
100 km/h
State limit which includes "L" plate holders,"P" plate holders, omnibuses with a GVM
over 5 tonnes, or heavy vehicles with a GVM over 12 tonnes.
Note:
1. Some roads in South Australia may be sign posted at a limit of 110 km/h which allows drivers of
certain vehicles to travel up to 110 km/h.
2. If a vehicle is an oversize or over-mass vehicle, the vehicle may be restricted to a lower speed
limit.
3. Where two speed limits apply at the same time, the lower limit must be obeyed.
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ROAD RULES
A ROAD (RULE 12) IS:
An area that is open to or used by the public and is developed for, or has as one of its main uses,
the driving or riding of motor vehicles.
A ROAD RELATED AREA (RULE 13) IS:




An area that divides a road;
A footpath or nature strip adjacent to a road;
An area that is not a road and that is open to the public and designated for use by cyclists or
animals;
An area that is not a road and that is opened to or used by the public for driving, riding or
parking vehicles.
A BUILT-UP AREA IS:
A built-up area, in relation to a length of road, means an area in which there are buildings on land
next to the road, or there is street lighting, at intervals not over 100 metres for a distance of at least
500 metres or, if the road is shorter than 500 metres, for the whole road.
HEAVY VEHICLES TO BE EQUIPPED WITH PORTABLE WARNING
TRIANGLES (RULE 226):
This rule applies to drivers of:
 Any motor vehicle (except a bus or tram) with a GVM over 12 tonnes; or
 Any motor vehicle (except a bus or tram) forming part of a combination if the total GVM of the
combination is over 12 tonnes.
LONG VEHICLES TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT FROM THE NEXT LANE
(RULES 28 & 32):
When turning left or right, a driver may approach and enter an intersection from partly or wholly
within the marked lane that is next to the respective left or right lane if:

The driver’s vehicle, together with any load or projection, is 7.5 metres long, or longer; and

The vehicle displays a “do not overtake turning vehicle sign”; and

Any part of the vehicle is within 50 metres of the nearest point of the intersection; and

It is not practicable for the driver to turn left or right from the appropriate lane; and

The driver can safely occupy the next marked lane and can safely turn left or right at the
intersection by occupying the next marked lane, or both lanes.
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ROAD RULES (continued)
STOPPING ON A ROAD - HEAVY AND LONG VEHICLES (RULE 200):
1.
The driver of a heavy vehicle or a long vehicle must not stop on a length of road that is not in
a built-up area, except on the shoulder of the road.
2.
The driver of a heavy vehicle, or a long vehicle, must not stop on a length of road in a builtup area for longer than 1 hour, unless the driver is permitted to stop on the length of road for
longer than 1 hour by information on or with a traffic control device, or under another law of
this jurisdiction.
In this rule; a heavy vehicle means a vehicle with a GVM of 4.5 tonnes or more.
BICYCLE LANES (RULE 153):
1.
A driver (except the rider of a bicycle) must not drive in a bicycle lane, except as stated
below.
2.
If stopping or parking is permitted at a place in a bicycle lane under another law of this
jurisdiction, a driver may drive up to 50 metres in the bicycle lane to stop or park at that
place.
3.

A driver may drive for up to 50 metres in a bicycle lane:
If he driver is driving a public bus, public minibus or taxi, and is dropping off or picking up,
passengers; or
To enter or leave a road; or
To enter a part of a road of one kind from a part of the road of another kind (for example,
moving to or from a service road, the shoulder of the road or an emergency stopping lane; or
To overtake a vehicle that is turning right, or making a U-turn from the centre of the road,
and is giving a right change of direction signal; or
To enter a marked lane, or a line of traffic, from the side of the road.




BUS LANES (RULE 154):
A driver must not drive in a ‘Bus’ lane except to:

Turn left at or before the next road on the left,

Enter or leaving land adjacent to a road;

Move from one line of traffic to another or go around an obstruction; or

Pass another vehicle on the left that is waiting to turn right.
In each case, the driver is not permitted to travel for more than 100 metres in the ‘Bus’ lane unless
the driver is driving a public bus.
GIVE WAY:
To give way means that if there is a reasonable possibility of a collision with or endangering the
other person or driver, the driver shall slow down to such an extent or stop, if necessary, for such
time to allow the vehicle or person to continue on course without risk of such a collision or danger.
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ROAD RULES (continued)
NIGHT DRIVING (RULE 215):
When driving at night "lighting up" time is from sunset to sunrise, or during periods of poor visibility.
Headlights should be used together with rear lights, number plate light and, if appropriate, clearance
lights. It is an offence to drive a vehicle displaying parking lights only during sunset to sunrise.
USING HEADLIGHTS ON HIGH-BEAM (RULE 218)
The driver of a vehicle must not use the vehicle’s headlights on high-beam, if the driver is driving:

Less than 200 metres behind a vehicle travelling in the same direction as the driver; or

Less than 200 metres from any oncoming vehicle.
However, if the driver is overtaking a vehicle, the driver may briefly switch the headlights from lowbeam to high-beam immediately before the driver begins to overtake the vehicle.
TURN SIGNALS (RULES 46 & 48):
A driver who intends to turn or diverge his vehicle to the left or the right must give a clear signal for a
reasonable distance or time to allow sufficient warning to be given to other road users.
If the driver is about to change direction by moving from a stationary position at the side of the
road or in a median strip parking area, the driver must give the change of direction signal for at
least 5 seconds before the driver changes directions. The driver must stop giving the change of
direction signal as soon as the driver completes the change of direction.
KEEPING A MINIMUM DISTANCE BETWEEN LONG VEHICLES (RULE 127):
The driver of a long vehicle must drive at least the required minimum distance behind another long
vehicle travelling in front of the driver, unless the driver is:

Driving on a multi-lane road or any length of road in a built-up area; or

Overtaking.
Required minimum distance means:


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For a long vehicle in a road train area – 200 metres; or
For a long vehicle in another area – 60 metres.
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CRASHES - LEGAL OBLIGATIONS
A DRIVER INVOLVED IN A CRASH MUST:
1.
Stop immediately.
2.
Renders assistance to those injured.
3.
Give names, and addresses of the driver and registered owner, and the registered number of
the vehicle and any other information that could identify the vehicle to others involved in the
crash or their representatives.
4.
Report the crash to Police as soon as possible, including details of weather and road
conditions, positions and speeds of vehicles before and at the time of collision;

In any case, where special circumstances exist, within 24 hours;

If the required details are not given to the other driver for any reason;

If the vehicle is towed or carried away by another vehicle;

If a fair estimate of the cost of making good the damage to property is more than $3000.
5.
Report the crash to Police within 90 minutes where a person is killed or injured.
6.
As soon as possible, notify the 3rd party insurance company in writing if any person is
injured or killed.
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DRUGS AND DRIVING
It is an offence to drive under the influence of drugs in all States of Australia. The drug does not
have to be illegal; it could be prescribed by a doctor. However, if it affects your driving ability, then it
becomes an offence.
WHAT IS A DRUG?
A drug is any chemical compound, which when taken, affects the mood, performance or the state of
being of the person.
Alcohol is a drug.
FACTS ON ALCOHOL:
Alcohol is a depressant drug. Its effects are varied and can depend on the amount that is consumed





Your age
Body size
Gender
Mood and emotional state
How tired you feel
BLOOD ALCOHOL CONCENTRATION
The level of alcohol in your blood can be measured. This measure is called BAC or Blood Alcohol
Concentration.
HOW IS BAC DETERMINED?
The BAC can be determined by analysing a sample of blood or by using a Breath Analysing
Instrument (Breathalyser) to measure the level of alcohol in the breath.
The results are expressed as a ratio of alcohol (in grams) per volume 100 millilitres of blood.
In other words a BAC of 0.08 means that there is 0.08 of a gram of alcohol in each 100 millilitres of
your blood.
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DRUGS AND DRIVING (continued)
THE EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL ON TRUCK DRIVERS:






Feeling light-headed.
Feelings of fatigue are noticed much earlier.
Being less alert, more relaxed and more likely to fall asleep.
False sense of confidence, making drivers more likely to take risks on the road.
Poor driving ability, e.g. slower to react and poor judgement.
Remember – even very low levels of alcohol in the blood can cause feelings of fatigue. Drivers
need to be aware of this when they plan to have a drink before starting a shift.
ALCOHOL ABUSE CAUSES SERIOUS HEALTH PROBLEMS:






High blood pressure.
High risk of stroke.
Ulcers, cancer of the mouth, throat and stomach.
Liver disease.
Depression.
Brain damage.
MEDICATION:
Certain medicines such as cough mixtures cold/flu and allergy medications can:



Cause drowsiness.
Impair senses.
Slow your responses, particularly while driving.
If you have taken any kind of medication, watch for the following signs before you start to drive:






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Drowsiness.
Blurred vision.
Mood changes.
Strange feelings you don’t normally get.
Be sure to strictly follow any medical advice given to you.
Read and understand information about drowsiness, potential effects while driving and correct
dosage. If this kind of information is not on the label, then it is your responsibility to ask the
doctor or chemist.
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DRUGS AND DRIVING (continued)
STIMULANT DRUG GROUPS:
Amphetamines, such as Methedrine or pep pills, have immediate effects of:
 Excitement and feeling high.
 Reduced fatigue.
 Boosting of person’s confidence.
When stimulants wear off, depression and fatigue set in.
Cocaine is a mental and physical stimulant, commonly used as a drug to stay awake. It has the
immediate effect of appearing to reduce feelings of tiredness. As it wears off, the user becomes
depressed and even more fatigued.
The effect of marijuana usually has two stages:
 High feeling, followed by:
 Being less alert and having a loss of judgement of time and space.
OFFENCES FOR PUBLIC PASSENGER AND HEAVY VEHICLE
DRIVERS (section 47 Road Traffic Act)
IT IS AN OFFENCE IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA IF THE FOLLOWING DRIVERS
DRIVE WITH ANY CONCENTRATION OF ALCOHOL IN THEIR BLOOD:
 Vehicles with a gross vehicle mass exceeding 15 tonnes.
 Prime movers with an unladen mass exceeding 4 tonnes.
 Buses designed to carry more than 12 persons including the driver.
 Mini-buses designed to carry 9 - 12 persons, including the driver, which are used for hire,
business or community purposes.
 Taxis and hire cars while carrying passengers for hire.
 Vehicles used to transport dangerous substances within the meaning of the Dangerous
Substances Act.
 Persons who are driving under learner’s permit or probationary licence conditions.
MAIN ALCOHOL OFFENCES WHEN DRIVING:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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DUI.
Driving Under the Influence
BAC.
Driving with a Blood Alcohol Concentration
Refuse a Breath Test.
Refuse a Blood Test.
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THE EYES
ABILITIES AND LIMITATIONS
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EYESIGHT
Of the five major senses the most important one when driving is sight. Vision is the main sense
that we use. The four areas of the eye that we use are:




Peripheral Vision (180° with both eyes)
Colour Vision (60° - 70°) Recognition
Clear focal vision (2° – 3° for each eye)
Blind spot area
DEFINITION: A blind spot is an area in a driver’s visual field which is obstructed in
such a way that the driver may be blind to potential danger from those areas unless
the driver takes specific precautionary action to manage such potential danger.
TWO TYPES OF BLIND SPOTS ARE:
1.
2.
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This blind spot is from a small oval shaped area of the retina, where the optic nerve enters; in
which vision is not experienced (i.e. there are no light-sensitive Cone or Rod cells in that part
of the Retina to detect light).
A place or area where vision is hidden or obscured such as behind the screen pillars or
behind another vehicle or object outside the vehicle.
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OBSERVATION
The ‘rods’ and ‘cones’ within the eye are nerve endings that receive the light images
that translate those images and colours to the brain by way of the optic nerve.
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RULES OF OBSERVATION
Knowing that the ability to see is the most important sense that we use in driving, researchers
have nominated five “Rules of Observation” to provide a system of training the eyes and mind to
consistently select the important details:
AIM HIGH IN STEERING:
Look well ahead when driving your vehicle. Steer the vehicle using your lower fringe vision. Look
in the direction you want the vehicle to go especially in bends and corners.
GET THE BIG PICTURE:
By moving your eyes, you are able to check the far distance, the middle distance and the near
distance directly in front. In addition, the mirror should be checked on average at least once every
8-10 seconds. This constant checking ensures that the driver is fully aware of everything that is
occurring around the vehicle.
KEEP THE EYES MOVING:
Don’t fix your eyes on any single object for more than about 2 seconds. Keep moving your eyes
from object to object; otherwise danger could threaten your vehicle from another source without
you being aware of it.
LEAVE YOURSELF AN “OUT”:
When driving, always have a plan of escape should the traffic conditions change quickly. If a
vehicle is tailgating, leave more space in front of your vehicle which reduces your braking
requirements. Offset your vehicle where possible to the vehicle travelling alongside. This allows
space for other vehicles to escape if they should swerve suddenly.
MAKE SURE OTHER ROAD USERS SEE YOU:
Look at the faces of other drivers to see if they are looking at you. Get eye contact with those
other drivers. Use your signals early in plenty of time ensuring they are clearly understood.
Position your vehicle in such a way to clearly show your intention. Where possible do not travel in
the blind spot areas of other vehicles.
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NIGHT DRIVING
Night driving is something that does not come naturally to humans. Unlike creatures such as bats
and owls which are nocturnal, our eyes are designed to work with light and if there is none then
we have to compromise by using artificial lights such as the headlights of the vehicle. During the
day we can see all around us by turning the head and moving the eyes as there is light
everywhere but at night we can only see where the headlights are pointing which is in front of us
so we cannot see to the sides or behind us. We also become reliant on other drivers using their
lights correctly.
Some simple rules for night driving are:

Do not out-drive your headlights. If, at the speed you are travelling, it takes 100 metres to
stop and your lights are only showing you 80 metres ahead then you are going too fast.

Do not look directly at on-coming headlights, look to the left side of the road and if necessary,
follow the edge line, slow down or stop if you cannot see. You can easily be ‘blinded’ by the
lights and it will take several seconds to recover so keep your speed down until your eyes
recover from the glare.

High beam must be dipped if an on-coming vehicle is within 200 metres. Consider dipping
your headlights earlier if possible and safe. . Rule 219 states that “a driver must not use, or
allow to be used, any light fitted to or in the driver’s vehicle to dazzle, or in a way that is likely
to dazzle, another road user”

High beam must be dipped if driving behind a vehicle travelling in the same direction that is
within 200 metres. Consider dipping your headlights earlier if possible and safe.

Keep your windscreen clean, both on the inside and outside and don’t forget the headlights.

Avoid using dark or tinted glasses at night as these cut down the available light to the eyes.

Stop and rest if you feel tired or drowsy, even a short break can be beneficial.

Avoid smoking – it depletes the brain of oxygen and reduces alertness.

Allow for reduction of night vision as you get older.

Avoid bright lights inside the cabin at night.

Ensure headlights are adjusted for load.
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RULES OF BRAKING
Brake in plenty of time (i.e. early and gently, never savagely)
Brake firmly, only when travelling in a straight line.
Vary the brake pedal pressure according to the condition of the road surface.
When descending a steep winding hill, brake firmly on the straight stretches and ease off in the
bends. Remember the value of engaging a low gear early in the descent.
NOTE: Rarely do brakes fail on heavy vehicles going downhill. Usually it is the driver that is at
fault for not selecting a sufficiently low enough gear to maintain a safe constant speed for the
descent requiring minimum, if any, use of the service brake. This can cause the brakes to
overheat, which may result in brake failure or a fire.
REASONS WHY BRAKING FIRMLY SHOULD BE PERFORMED WITHIN A
STRAIGHT LINE:
When the brakes are applied to a moving vehicle, the weight is thrown forward and downward
onto the front wheels and the rear tends to lift. The resulting unequal distribution of weight makes
steering heavier and reduces the general stability of the vehicle, especially at the rear wheels.
This stability rapidly decreases in a corner as a result of the centrifugal forces generated by the
cornering vehicle.
WEIGHT
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SKIDDING
DEFINITION:
An involuntary movement of a vehicle due to the grip of the tyres on the road becoming less than
the force or forces acting on the vehicle.
Or
A vehicle skids when one or more of the wheels slide instead of having pure rolling action.
CAUSES OF SKIDDING:

Excessive speed for conditions

Sudden or excessive braking

Harsh or excessive acceleration

A rapid change of direction; or

A combination of all or any of the above
FACTORS THAT INCREASE THE RISK OF SKIDDING:

Ice, snow, leaves oil or fuel on the road

Water (aquaplaning), loose surface, corrugations or potholes

Adverse camber, downhill slopes

Bald or poorly inflated tyres

Suspension faults, steering mechanism faults

Painted lines and arrows, metal inspection plates, steel plates covering road works

Panic

Poor load distribution

Brake adjustment/truck-trailer bias
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REACTION AND BRAKING
REACTION
REACTION TIME:
Reaction time is the time between the moment the driver observes the need for action and
actually starts to take that action.
REACTION DISTANCE:
Reaction distance is the distance travelled in the reaction time.
Reaction distance increases at the same rate as the speed of the vehicle increases.
To calculate reaction distance, multiply the reaction time (in seconds) by speed (in metres per
second).
REACTION DISTANCE
=
REACTION TIME
x
SPEED
(METRES)
(SECONDS)
(METRES/SECOND)
BRAKING
BRAKING DISTANCE:
The distance taken to stop the vehicle once the brakes have been applied. This can be
influenced by factors such as downhill gradients, which may increase the distance, or uphill
gradients which may reduce the braking distance. Also wet or slippery roads, uneven or unsealed
roads will affect the distances.
The braking distance, being the distance taken to stop once the brakes have been applied,
increases at a proportionally greater rate as the speed rises. As the speed doubles (X2) the
braking distance increases by four times (X4). The reason for this is that the distance taken to
stop is proportionate to the square of the speed so if the distance taken to stop from 30km/h is 5
metres, the distance taken from 60km/h will be 20 metres (twice the speed, four times the
distance).
The braking distances of commercial vehicles can vary depending on the weight that is being
carried. A lightly loaded vehicle can sometimes take a greater distance to stop as there is less
weight or down force on the tyres to create the friction needed between tyre and road surface, and
a fully loaded vehicle may also take further to stop, as the brakes have to deal with the greater
weight.
Excessive use of the brakes can cause a build up of heat at the brakes leading to a loss of
effectiveness and increased stopping distances so supplementary braking systems such as
engine or exhaust brakes should be considered when descending steep hills.
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HEAVY VEHICLE DIMENSIONS
MAXIMUM LENGTH OF A RIGID VEHICLE:
A rigid vehicle, except an articulated or controlled access bus, must not exceed 12.5 metres in
length (including any overhang).
Illustration of:
 front projection limits; and
 rear overhang limit from vehicle standards; and
 maximum rear projection of load allowed without a warning signal.
COMBINATIONS
MAXIMUM LENGTH OF VEHICLES:
An articulated vehicle (semi-trailer) must not exceed 19 metres in length (including any overhang).
19 metres
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HEAVY VEHICLE DIMENSIONS (continued)
A B-DOUBLE MUST NOT EXCEED 25 METRES IN LENGTH
However, the operation of B-Doubles up to 26 metres in length is allowed subject to:

the combination must not be over 26 metres in length; and

the distance between the point of articulation at the front of the lead semi trailer and the rear
of the combination is not over 20.6 metres in length; and

the prime mover of the combination is fitted with a complying Front Underrun Protective
Device; and

if the prime mover is manufactured after 31 December 2005 it is fitted with a complying
protective cab; and

the prime mover does not have a load carrying area.
A B-TRIPLE MUST NOT EXCEED 36.5 METRES IN LENGTH
A DOUBLE ROAD TRAIN MUST NOT EXCEED 36.5 METRES IN LENGTH
A TRIPLE ROAD TRAIN MUST NOT EXCEED 53.5 METRES IN LENGTH
A LONG VEHICLE is any vehicle that, together with any load or projection, is 7.5 metres long or
longer.
An ARTICULATED BUS is a bus consisting of more that one rigid section with passenger access
between the sections and the sections connected to one another so as to allow rotary movement
between the sections and must not exceed 18 metres in length.
A COMPLYING BUS is a bus with 2 or 3 axles and a single steer axle that is fitted with a
compliance plate indicating that it was manufactured during or after July 1994 and meets the
emergency exit specifications (ADR44); meets the rollover strength specifications (ADR59); meets
the occupant protection specifications (ADR68) and is equipped with an approved air suspension
system.
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HEAVY VEHICLE DIMENSIONS (continued)
MAXIMUM WIDTH OF VEHICLES:
The maximum width of a vehicle is 2.5 metres (including any load)
REAR VISION MIRRORS:
A rear vision mirror fitted to a motor vehicle with a GVM over 3.5 tonnes must not project over 150
millimetres beyond the widest part (excluding lights, signalling devices and reflectors) of the vehicle
or combination;
However, the rear vision mirror may project not over 230 millimetres beyond the widest part of the
vehicle or combination if it can fold to project not over 150 millimetres beyond the widest part.
Loads On Vehicles – Side Overhang
The maximum side overhang of a load
on a vehicle is 150 mm providing the
overall width does not exceed 2.5
metres.
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HEAVY VEHICLE DIMENSIONS (continued)
MAXIMUM HEIGHT OF VEHICLES:
A VEHICLE MUST NOT EXCEED 4.3 METRES IN HEIGHT.
However:



A vehicle built to carry cattle, sheep, pigs or horses must not exceed 4.6 metres in height.
A car carrier must not exceed 4.6 metres in height when loaded.
A double-deck bus must not exceed 4.4 metres in height.
CAR CARRIER
REAR OVERHANG:
The distance measured at right angles between the rear overhang line of a trailer carrying vehicles
on more than one deck and the rear of the rearmost vehicle on the trailer must not exceed 4.9
metres.
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HEAVY VEHICLE DIMENSIONS (continued)
LOAD PROJECTION:
More than 1.2 metres
Flag (day) or light (night)
REAR PROJECTION:
1.
The rear of a load on a vehicle must carry a warning signal if the load:

projects more than 1.2 metres behind the vehicle; or

projects to the rear of the vehicle so that the end of the load cannot be seen easily from
behind; or

is on a pole-type trailer.
2.
In daytime, the warning signal must be a brightly coloured flag or a piece of material, with each
side at least 300 millimetres long.
3.
In the night-time, the warning signal must be a red light which can be seen for 200 metres.
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REAR MARKER REFLECTOR PLATES
All vehicles with a gross vehicle mass (GVM) exceeding 12 tonnes, and all trailers with a gross
vehicle mass (GVM) exceeding 10 tonnes must be fitted with two retro-reflective rear marker plates.
VARIOUS REFLECTOR TYPES
DO NOT OVERTAKE TURNING VEHICLE signs may be displayed on long vehicles, (vehicles
over 7.5 metres in length). If incorporated on the rear marker plate, must be displayed on the left
side of the rear of the vehicle.
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PORTABLE REFLECTORS (TRIANGLES)under 80kmp
A person must not drive a motor vehicle with a GVM over 12 tonnes unless the vehicle is equipped with at least 3
portable warning triangles.
If a driver stops on a road and the vehicle is not visible at any time for at least 200 metres in all
directions from the vehicle, the driver must use at least 3 portable warning triangles positioned, as
detailed below, to warn other road users of the vehicle.
If some or all of any load being carried by the vehicle falls onto a road and is not clearly visible at
any time for at least 200 metres in all directions from the fallen load, the driver must use at least 3
portable warning triangles positioned, as detailed below, to warn other road users of the fallen load.
The requirement for positioning the triangles is:
 1 triangle positioned at least 50 metres, but not over 150 metres, in front of the vehicle or fallen
load; and
 1 triangle positioned at least 50 metres, but not over 150 metres, behind the vehicle or fallen
load; and
 1 triangle positioned at the side of the vehicle, or fallen load that gives sufficient warning to
other road users of the position of the vehicle or fallen load.
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PERMIT VEHICLES
CONFIGURATIONS
PRIME MOVER
3 AXLE LOW LOADER
PLATFORM
PRIME MOVER
PRIME MOVER
PRIME MOVER
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LOW LOADER DOLLY
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STEERABLE JINKER
4 AXLE LOW LOADER
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TRAILERS
SKEL TRAILER
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MAXIMUM AXLE WEIGHTS
AXLE WEIGHTS LIMITS FOR TRUCKS IN GENERAL USE:
On each steer axle there are two tyres, and on all others axles there are four
(excluding “super singles”).
Front steering axles:

Any single axle fitted with two tyres
6.0 tonnes

A single axle fitted with two tyres on a Complying Bus
6.5 tonnes

Any single axle fitted with two “wide” tyres
6.7 tonnes

Any twin steer (two axle) group without “load sharing suspension”
10.0 tonnes

Any twin steer (two axle) group with a “load sharing suspension”
11.0 tonnes
Other axles:

Any single axle fitted with four tyres

Any single axle fitted with four tyres on a Complying Bus
10.0 tonnes

Any Tandem axle group fitted with four tyres
11.0 tonnes

Any Tandem axle group fitted with four “wide” tyres
13.3 tonnes

Any Tandem axle group fitted with eight tyres
16.5 tonnes

Any Tandem axle group fitted with single tyres on one axle
9.0 tonnes
and dual tyres on the other axle
13.0 tonnes

On a Complying Bus
14.0 tonnes

Any Tri-axle group fitted with twelve tyres
20.0 tonnes

Any Tri-axle group fitted with six “wide” tyres
20.0 tonnes

Any variation to a Tri-axle
15.0 tonnes
PIG TRAILERS:

Any Tandem axle fitted with eight tyres
15.0 tonnes

Any Tri-axle fitted with twelve tyres
18.0 tonnes

Any Tri-axle fitted with six “wide’ tyres
18.0 tonnes
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PERMITS
INTRODUCTION
The Road Traffic Act 1961 specifies maximum limits for the height, width, length and mass of
vehicles which may travel on public roads in South Australia. These limits are necessary to
promote the free flow of traffic, to prevent damage to the community’s substantial investment in
the road system and to ensure a reasonable level of safety for road users.
AUTHORITY TO ISSUE EXEMPTION
In accordance with the Road Traffic Act Amendment Act of 1986 and Section 163aa of the Road
Traffic Act, the power to exempt from the requirements of the Road Traffic Act is vested in the
Minister of Transport.
Exemptions for road travel outside the statutory limits outlined on pages ? are provided under the
power of Exemption, Section 163aa of the Road Traffic Act. The Minister has delegated this Power
of Exemption to Officers of the Department of Transport to issue exemptions subject to consideration
of the following principles:

the economic benefits of the permit operation;

the need to protect the state’s road and bridge assets from structural damage;

the preservation of safety and convenience of all road users in the community;

the ability of the vehicle to carry the load;

acceptable environmental impacts; and

equity to all sectors and individual operators of the transport industry.
There are two ways of issuing an exemption:
1. By Permit
Exemption by “Permit” means that the written authority is prepared and issued to exempt a specific
vehicle to carry a specific load in excess of the statutory dimension and/or mass limits.
This written authority is known as a “permit” and details all the terms and conditions under which the
exemption will apply. The permit must be carried in the vehicle when operating subject to the
exemption so the driver is fully aware of all the terms, conditions and restrictions specified.
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PERMITS (continued)
2. By Government Gazette Notice
Exemption by Government Gazette Notice means that a general approval is granted for specific
vehicle classes or specific commodities to be exempt from a clause or clauses of a statutory
dimension and/or mass limits. The notice details all the terms and conditions under which the
exemption shall apply, i.e. some notices are required to be carried for the same reasons that the
permit must be carried.
PERMIT APPLICATION
Written applications for permits are made by completing an ‘Application for a permit for a vehicle to
exceed the Statutory Mass/or Dimension Limits’ and lodge it at one of specified Transport SA,
Customer Service Centres.
ASSESSMENT OF THE PERMIT APPLICATION
Over-dimensional loads require consideration of the width and alignment of the roads and
intersections, traffic conditions, and the proximity of roadside and overhead obstacles. Clearly these
conditions vary widely throughout the State, and therefore so will the conditions imposed on permit
travel. For example, transportable classrooms may be moved on relatively open country roads, but
would not physically fit along roads in the Adelaide Hills or in some suburban streets.
For excess mass loads, the strength of bridges and culverts must be assessed. Many of the State’s
bridges were built at a time when design loads were considerably less than those presently in force.
Road pavements and bridges and other structures do not have an indefinite life and are subject to
gradual deterioration. Allowable loadings are therefore continually reviewed and may alter from time
to time on a given route.
The assessment process therefore requires consideration of many factors and it may be necessary
to evaluate a number of alterative routes. It should not be assumed that a permit will be assessed
only on the information provided with the application, or that permit issued consists merely of
producing the permit document. The production and ‘issue’ of the permit is the end result of the
assessment process.
ISSUE OF PERMIT
Permit can be issued in two ways:1. As a printed documented on special stationary; or
2. By facsimile machine
The permit application (yellow form B) provides a section “Issue Instructions” for the applicant to
specify how and / or where the permit is to be issued. If this section is not completed the permit will
be held at the Permit Office, Regency Park for collection.
PRINTED PERMIT
Printed permits are issued for all types of permits and are prepared on high quality paper designed to
withstand rigours of being in the vehicle for at least twelve months. All annual permits and permit in
excess of one month are only issued by this means from the Permit Office, Regency Park, and can
either be collected or posted to an address nominated by the applicant. Printed can not be issued
through facsimile machines.
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PERMITS (continued)
INSPECTION OF PERMIT VEHICLES AND LOADS
Permit operations may stretch the capacity of the road system to the limits. Therefore to ensure safe
vehicle operating conditions and to protect the road and bridge system, inspection and weighing of
permit vehicles and loads may be undertaken.
Depending on the circumstances, inspections and weighing may be undertaken during the
assessment process prior to the issue of a permit, at the commencement of a permit move, or during
the permit operation.
These inspections and weighing are supplementary to any mandatory inspection required elsewhere
or in the course of normal on-road enforcement.
GENERAL CONDITIONS
All permits are issued subject to general conditions which are printed on the back of the permit
document or for permits issued by ‘Fax’ where conditions are printed within the text of the permit.
1. Acceptance of the permit by the permittee shall be deemed to be acceptance of this and all the
conditions of the permit.
2. The permit shall be carried by the driver of the vehicle at all times and be produced when
requested by an Inspector appointed under the Act, or a Police Officer.
3. The permit may be cancelled or revoked at any time.
4. The permit is issued on the express conditions that the limitations specified shall not be
exceeded.
5. The exemption shall operate only with respect to the vehicle, loads, routes and time specified,
and does not relieve the owner and/or driver of the duty to observe all the other provisions of the
Road Traffic Act and Regulations.
6. The exemption shall not operate or be deemed to operate on routes that are newly formed,
constructed or repaired or have been damaged by floods, submergence, subsidence or otherwise
and/or to which special limitations have been applied.
7. The exemption shall not operate or be deemed to operate on any bridge, culvert, causeway or
road ferry in respect of which a special limitation may have been fixed at any time before or after
the date of the permit.
8. The permit is issued subject to the condition that if in the course of the operation of the vehicle
pursuant to the permit any damage is caused to the road or property owned or maintained by the
Commissioner of Highways, by the said vehicle, its owner, driver or escort then in such an event
the permittee hereby authorises and requests the Commissioner of Highways, to repair and make
good such damage and agrees to pay the cost thereof as a debt due to the Commissioner of
Highways for materials supplied and work done within 14 days of the service upon him of a letter
setting out the cost of such repairs and materials.
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PERMITS GENERAL CONDITIONS (continued)
9. No warranty is given that the road specified on the permit, or the bridge, culverts or causeways
thereon are capable of carrying the vehicle or loading stated and it shall be a condition of this
permit that any journey shall be made at the permittee’s own risk absolutely.
WARNING SIGNS FOR COMBINATIONS OVER 22 METRES
LONG
1. The following vehicles must display road train warning signs complying with this section and
also the items specified under the heading “Specifications for warning signs”:
(a)
a combination over 36.5 metres long
(b)
a road train over 30 metres, but not over 36.5 metres long, that includes 1 or more dog
trailers.
2. The following vehicles must display road train warning signs, or a long vehicle warning sign,
complying with this section and also the items specified under the heading “Specifications for
warning signs”:
(a)
(b)
a road train over 22metres, but not over 30 metres long, that includes 1 or more dog trailers;
a road train over 22 metres, but not over 36.5 metres long, that does not include a dog trailer.
3. Another combination over 22 metres, but not over 36.5 metres long, must display a long vehicle
warning sign complying with item 5 “Specifications for warning signs”.
4. Road Train warning signs must be used in pairs and fitted horizontally, one at the front and the
other at the rear of the combination.
5. A long vehicle warning sign must be fitted horizontally at the rear of the combination.
WARNING SIGNS NOT TO BE DISPLAYED ON A VEHICLE
A road train or long vehicle warning signs not to be displayed on a vehicle unless the vehicle is part
of a combination or road train mentioned in items 1, 2 and 3 on the previous page. Both signs must
be covered when not part of the combination.
SPECIFICATIONS FOR WARNING SIGNS
1. A road train or long vehicle warning sign must be manufactured in 1 or 2 parts from sheet steel
0.8 millimetres thick or another material of at least the same stiffness, unless it is designed to be
fixed to the vehicle using an adhesive.
2. The warning sign must be at least 1.02 metres wide and at least 250 millimetres high.
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SPECIFICATIONS FOR WARNING SIGNS (continued)
3. A road train warning sign must display the words “road train”, and a long vehicle warning sign
must display the words “long vehicle’, in black capital letters at least 180 millimetres high in
typeface Series B (N) that complies with the Australian Standards AS 1744 Forms of Letters and
Numerals for Road Signs.
4. If the warning sign is in two parts, one word of the expression ”road train” or “long vehicle” must
be on one part and the other word of expression must be on the other part.
5. The warning sign must display the sign manufacture’s name or logo, and the brand and class of
the retro-reflective material used, in block letters not over 10 millimetres high.
6. The warning sign must have a black border
7. The warning sign must be coated with yellow retro- reflective material of class 1 and 2 that meet
Australian Standard AS 1906 Reto-reflective Materials and devices for Road Traffic Control
Purposes.
THE WARNING SIGN MUST BE FITTED SO:
(a)
No part of the sign is:
(I) Over 1.8 metres above ground level; or
(II) Under 500 millimetres above ground level; and
(b) If the sign is in 2 parts — the parts are fitted at the same height above ground level.
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B-DOUBLE VEHICLES
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
The document titled ”Operation of Medium Combination Vehicles in South Australia” or a copy must
be carried by the driver at all times when operating under the terms and conditions of the gazette
notice. The document titled above must be produced when requested by an inspector appointed
under the Road Traffic Act, or a Police Officer.
DIMENSION LIMITS
Medium Combination Vehicles shall comply with the following dimensional requirements:

Maximum width
2.5 metres

Maximum Length
25.0 metres
23.0 metres applies to some designated routes

Maximum Heights
4.3 metres general freight
4.6 metres for the transport of motor vehicles and livestock
TRANSPORT OF MOTOR VEHICLES
The following conditions apply
(a) This concession only applies to B-Double, Stringer Car Carriers, Road Train, and
(b) The load consists solely of motor vehicles, and
(c) The height of the vehicle including motor vehicles carried on the vehicle does not exceed 4.6
metres, and
(d) The vehicle is constructed as a multiple deck vehicle transporter and does not exceed a
constructed height of 4.3 metres, and
(e) No vehicles are loaded on the upper deck unless each deck below is fully loaded.
The provisions of section 142 of the Act (maximum height of 4.3) will apply if any goods other than
motor vehicles are carried.
TRANSPORT OF LIVESTOCK
For the purpose of this concession “livestock” means live animals commonly known as cattle, pigs,
sheep and goats.
The following conditions apply:
(a) This concession only applies to B-Doubles and Road Trains built for the purpose of transporting
livestock.
(b) Vehicles carrying livestock:
1. The height of the vehicle and load does not exceed 4.6 metres, and
2. The load consists solely of livestock, and
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TRANSPORT OF LIVESTOCK (continued)
3. The prime mover has a tandem axle group towards the rear, and
4. One of the semi-trailers has a tri axle group toward the rear and the other a tandem or tri axle
group toward the rear, and
5. No animals are loaded on the upper deck unless each deck below is fully loaded, and
If any deck on the vehicle is not fully loaded, the animals must be confined in a full width
compartment which is fully loaded.
Or
(c) Vehicles travelling unladen:
1. The height of the vehicle does not exceed 4.6 metres, and
2. No load is carried.
Or
(d) Vehicles designed to carry livestock and are carrying freight other than livestock:
1. The height of the vehicle does not exceed 4.6 metres
2. Where the load consists of freight other than livestock, the load height does not exceed 4.3
metres, and
3. One of the semi- trailers has a tri axle group towards the rear.
TRANSPORT OF BALED WOOL
Baled wool may be carried subject to the following conditions:
1. The baled wool shall not be loaded more than four layers high.
2. The maximum overall vehicle height including the baled wool shall not exceed 4.6 metres.
3. The overall width of all axles or axle groups of the vehicle carrying the load, excluding the front
axle or axle group, when measured between two vertical parallel planes located at the outer
extremities of the tyres, shall not be less than 2.1 metres.
4. Baled wool carried on the vehicle shall be secured in accordance with the guidelines detailed in
the ‘Load Restraint Guide’ published by the Federal Office of Road Safety and the national Road
Transport Commission.
Hauliers operating under the provisions of this notice should be aware that some bridges, signs,
overhead wires, trees and signals may not provide sufficient clearance for the passage of 4.6 metre
high vehicles.
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OPERATING REQUIREMENTS
B-DOUBLES
(a) B-Doubles can operate up to 62.5 tonnes Gross Combination Mass subject to compliance with all
other requirements.
(b) The gross combination mass rating for a B-Double operating under this scheme (Comment:
which scheme is this?) shall be 59 tonnes or greater.
(c) B-Doubles shall not exceed a speed of 100km/h or any posted speed limit whichever is the
lesser.
(d) Where a medium combination vehicle is carrying dangerous goods on the Mount Barker Road
the vehicle shall be fitted with an approved anti-lock brake system in accordance with the
Transport SA’s technical specifications. Refer to Permit Information Bulletin titled “B-Double AntiLock Brake System”.
STRINGER CAR CARRIERS
(a) Stinger Car Carriers can operate up to 42.5 tonnes gross combination mass subject to
compliance with all other requirements.
(b) Stinger Car Carriers shall not exceed a speed of 100km/h or any posted speed limit whichever is
the lesser.
RIGID TRUCK AND DOG TRAILERS
(a) Rigid truck and dog trailer combinations can operate up to 59.0 tonnes gross combination mass
subject to compliance with all other requirements.
(b) Rigid truck and dog trailer combinations shall not exceed 100Kp/h or any posted speed limit
whichever is the lesser.
ROUTE DETAILS
Travel is permitted on roads in South Australia except for the bridge structures listed in the current
version of the SA Government Gazette.
INSPECTION AND LABELLING
All vehicles shall have successfully completed a specification and roadworthy examination in
accordance with all relevant requirements of the B-Double Specification and Inspection Manual and
in the case of Road Train, the Road Train Specification and Inspection Manual.
To signify approval to operate under this scheme all vehicles shall display the appropriate inspection
label applicable to the configuration whereby the current month and year has not passed the month
and year punched out on the inspection label.
The label shall be maintained in a clean and legible condition at all times for sighting upon request by
a Police Officer or an inspector appointed under the Road Traffic Act.
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INSPECTION AND LABELLING (continued)
Please note that TruckSafe will not be recognised as a maintenance management scheme by
Transport SA as of 8 July 2004. Accordingly, any vehicles displaying only TruckSafe labels will no
longer be able to access regulatory concessions, for which NHVAS (National Heavy Vehicle
Accreditation Scheme) maintenance management membership is now required.
Other States and Territories may not recognise TruckSafe as a maintenance management scheme
as of 1 July 2004 and therefore operators travelling interstate are advised to check with relevant
State and Territory Road Transport Agencies to determine if TruckSafe labels enable operators to
access regulatory concessions.
Note: Road Train operators wishing to operate Road Train vehicles in South Australia are
required to carry the Primary Gazette Notice titled ‘Operation of Road Train Vehicles in South
Australia’, dated 26 June 2003, but are not required to carry the ‘Supplementary Road Train
Gazette Notice’ published in the South Australian Government Gazette 1 July 2004.
MUDGUARDS AND SPRAY SUPPRESSION
1. A vehicle must have firmly fitted:
(a) A mudguard for each wheel or for adjacent wheels; and
(b) For each axle group and single axle on a vehicle that is part of a B-double suppression devices
complying with Part 1 and 2 of the British Standards AU200-1984 Spray Reducing Devises for
heavy Vehicle.
2. However, sub rule 1 (a) does not apply to a vehicle if:
(a) The construction or use of the vehicle makes the fitting of mudguards unnecessary or
impracticable and the vehicle is not driven or towed at a speed greater than 40 kilometres an
hour; or
(b) The body or part of body of the vehicle acts as a mudguard.
Example of vehicles to which sub rule 2 (a) applies
1. Timber jinkers.
2. Most road-making plant.
3. Some agricultural equipment.
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
Entry into or exit from private property or depot driveway is permitted in accordance with the
diagrams shown under the heading “Driveway/Depot Entry Exit Rules” recorded in the document
titled “Operation of Medium Combination Vehicles in South Australia".
Where turning manoeuvres into or out of depots cannot be undertaken safely, the driver shall not use
the driveway or depot entrance until such time as the entrances have been made suitable for
medium combination vehicles.
Medium Combination Vehicles must be driven forwards when entering or exiting roadways and
depots (No Reversing).
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ROAD TRAIN VEHICLES
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
The document titled ”Operation of Road Train Vehicles in South Australia” or a copy must be carried
by the driver at all times when operating under the terms and conditions of the gazette notice. The
document titled above must be produced when requested by an inspector appointed under the Road
Traffic Act, or a Police Officer.
DIMENSION LIMITS
Road Train Vehicles shall comply with the following dimensional requirements:

Maximum width

Maximum length
2.5 metres

Short double Road Train
32.0 metres

Double Road Train
36.5 metres

Triple Road Train
53.5 metres
SEMI-TRAILER INTERNAL DIMENSIONS

The distance from the point of articulation
(king pin) to the rear end of the semi-trailer
shall not exceed

12.3 metres
The distance from the point of articulation
(king pin) of the semi-trailer to the line from
which the rear overhang is measured
(centre of the axle group) shall not exceed

9.5 metres
The forward projection from the point of
articulation (king pin) of the semi-trailer unit
shall be continued within a radius of
1.9 metres
LENGTH OF DRAWBAR
The length of the drawbar shall be greater than 3.0 metres but less than 5.0 metres.
REAR OVERHANG
(a) Except as provided in sub-section (b) of this section, the rear overhang of any motor vehicle,
trailer or combination shall not exceed 3.2 metres
(b) The rear overhang of a rigid motor vehicle having a length greater than 9.5 metres shall not
exceed 3.7 metres.
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REAR OVERHANG (continued)
(c) Further to sub-section (a) of this section, the rear overhang of a rigid motor vehicle or trailer with
a trailer with a single or tandem axle group at the front shall not exceed 60 percent of the distance
from the centreline of the front axle or axle group to the line from which the rear overhang is
measured.
(d) Further to sub-section (a) of this section, the rear overhang of a seme-trailer shall not exceed 50
percent of the distance from the line from which the rear overhang of the prime mover is
measured to the line from which the rear overhang of the semi-trailer is measured.
TOW COUPLING OVERHANG
The tow coupling shall not exceed:
(a) In the case of a trailer, 30 percent of the distance from the centre of the front axle or axle group to
the line from which the rear overhang is measured;
(b) In the case of a semi-trailer, 30 percent of the distance from the point of articulation to the line
from which the rear overhang is measured; or
(c) In the case of a rigid motor vehicle, 30 percent of the distance from the centre of the front axle to
the line from which the rear overhang is measured
LOCATION OF TOWING POINT
Except on a rigid motor vehicle, the horizontal distance from the rearmost point of a vehicle, trailer or
semi-trailer to the towing pivot shall not exceed 300 MM.
DRAWBAR ANGLE
The tow coupling mounting position and draw bar configuration shall be such that the longitudinal
axis of the drawbar, or in the case of a hinged drawbar that portion between the tow coupling and the
hinge, is within (5) degrees of horizontal when the assembled laden Road Train is standing on a level
surface.
COMPARATIVE LENGTH OF TRAILERS
All trailers used in a Road Train shall be of approximately the same length and trailers differing in
length by more than 3.0 metres shall not be used in the same Road Train.
VEHICLE MASS
Maximum Gross Combination Mass for:
Double Road Trains
79.0 tonnes
Triple Road Trains
115.5 tonnes
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OPERATING REQUIREMENTS OF A ROAD TRAIN
TRACKING
All units incorporated in a Road Train travelling on a level, smooth surface shall track in the path of
the hauling unit without shifting or swerving more than 100MM either side of the path of the hauling
unit when travelling in a straight line.
SPEED
Road Trains shall not exceed 90Km/h or any posted speed limit whichever is the lesser
SPEED RESTRICTIONS
Road Trains shall not exceed a maximum speed of:
(a) 40 Km/h within the 60Km/h zone posted in Port Augusta.
(b) 40 Km/h when travelling through the township of Peterborough.
(c) 40 Km/h within the 60Km/h zone posted in Whyalla
LIGHTING
The headlights of the Prime Mover are to be alight at all times when part of a Road Train
combination.
FOR TRAVEL ON APPROVED ROUTE
(a) All South Australian and Victorian registered vehicle units in a Road Train (prime movers,
converter dollies and semi-trailers) shall be inspected and display a current inspection label as
detailed in the document ‘Operation of Road Train Vehicles in South Australia’, Edition 1, issued
by Transport SA, or be under a Maintenance Management Scheme and display a label that
identifies scheme membership.
(b) Vehicles registered in New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia and the Australian
Capital Territory are not required to display South Australian labels or undergo inspections which
are additional to those required in their home states.
(c) Vehicles registered in the Northern Territory are required to display either South Australian
inspection labels or Northern Territory Inspection and rating labels or be accredited under a
Maintenance Management Scheme and display a label that identifies scheme membership.
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VEHICLE MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT ACCREDITATION
(a) For travel between Port Augusta West, on National Highway 1 and northern Adelaide on the
route and to the depots described the South Australian Government Gazette (SAGG), Notice
1449 in the maps Route Network for Road Train Vehicles in SA. All vehicle units in a Double
Road Train (prime movers, converter dollies and semi-trailers) are required to be accredited
under a Maintenance Management Scheme and display a label that identifies scheme
membership.
Please note that TruckSafe will not be recognised as a maintenance management scheme by
Transport SA as of 8 July 2004. Accordingly, any vehicles displaying only TruckSafe labels will no
longer be able to access regulatory concessions, for which NHVAS (National Heavy Vehicle
Accreditation Scheme) maintenance management membership is now required.
Other States and Territories may not recognise TruckSafe as a maintenance management scheme
as of 1 July 2004 and therefore operators travelling interstate are advised to check with relevant
State and Territory Road Transport Agencies to determine if TruckSafe labels enable operators to
access regulatory concessions.
Note: Road Train operators wishing to operate Road Train vehicles in South Australia are
required to carry the Primary Gazette Notice titled ‘Operation of Road Train Vehicles in South
Australia’, dated 26 June 2003, but are not required to carry the ‘Supplementary Road Train
Gazette Notice’ published in the South Australian Government Gazette 1 July 2004.
DRIVER HEALTH
(a) All Road Train drivers when operating under this approval and exemption on the routes described
in the South Australian Government Gazette (SAGG), Notice 1449 shall carry a recognised
medical certificate or legible copy which certifies that the driver has passed a medical
examination in accordance with the document titled ‘Medical Examination of Commercial Vehicle
Drivers (revised version 1997)’
(b) The certificate is valid subject to there being no significant changes in medical condition for a
period not exceeding 3 years for drivers up to the age of 49 and annually thereafter.
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TRANSPORT OF INDIVISIBLE ITEMS
For the purpose of this exemption an ‘Indivisible Item’ shall be an item which cannot without
disproportionate effort, expense or risk of damage, be divided into two or more items for road
transport
Indivisible items may be carried on a Road Train subject to the following:
1. Travel is only permitted between Port Augusta West and the SA/NT border via Woomera Road,
Madland Street, Stuart Highway and from the Stuart Highway to Olympic Dam mine via the
Pimba/Olympic Dam Road and Olympic Way.
2. The maximum width of an item carried on a Triple Road Train shall not exceed 3.1 metres.
3. The maximum width of an item carried on a Double Road Train shall not exceed 3.5 metres
4. The overall height of the vehicle and load shall not exceed 4.6 metres.
5. If the load consists of transportable building the overall height of the vehicle and transportable
building shall not exceed 4.85 metres.
6. Travel is only permitted between the hours of sunrise and sunset as specified in the Proof of
Sunrise and Sunset Act 1923, as amended, and published in the South Australian Gazette.
7. The Road Train shall display an ‘OVERSIZE’ sign at the front and rear of the vehicle combination
in addition to the normally required ‘ROAD TRAIN’ signs.
8. The specification of the ‘OVERSIZE’ sign shall be in accordance with the specifications detailed
in the document titled ‘OVER DIMENSIONAL AND EXCESS MASS PERMIT GUIDELINES’
dated July 1995.
9. The wider part of any load shall always be carried on the forward trailer if the road train is carrying
loads of varying widths.
10. The rear vision mirrors fitted to the prime mover shall be extended sufficiently to ensure that the
driver has a clear reflected view of traffic to the sides and rear of the road train.
ROUTES
Road Trains operating in accordance with this notice shall operate only on the approved routes
specified in the maps Route Network for Road Train Vehicles in SA.
ROUTE RESTRICTIONS

All right turn manoeuvres across National Highway 1 are prohibited except where allowed by
notice in the SA Government Gazette or by individual permit.

Road Trains are not permitted to assemble disassemble along the route, or enter or exit depots,
roadways parking bays service stations or otherwise deviate from the route unless allowed in the
SA Government Gazette or under individually issued permit.

Road Trains may only turn left to stop in parking bays showing a ‘Truck Parking Area’ sign for
rest purposes or vehicle checks but not for assembly or disassembly purposes. The sign shall
comply with Australian Standard AS 1742.6 service symbol sign S13. The signs displays a
white ‘P’ and symbolic articulated vehicle on a blue background.

Access into depots, which abut the Double Road Train route detailed in the appropriate SA
Government Gazette, is permitted provided the operator/driver has the approval of the land
owner or tenant.
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TIMES OF TRAVEL
Permits for the movement of over-dimensional vehicles and loads may be issued for travel on any
day including weekends and public holidays between sunrise and sunset, except for the following
circumstances:
GENERAL RESTRICTIONS
(a) Movement of large loads will be restricted to specific days and times of travel to reduce traffic
disruption to a minimum and to avoid conflict with other permit loads on the same route.
(b) The movement of very large loads will be restricted to Sunday morning or at times of low traffic
density such as at night in the metropolitan area and to specific days and times as determined by
Transport SA from the traffic data for travel in all other areas.
(c) Travel times may be restricted on weekdays, weekends or holidays due to special events.
(d) Travel will not be permitted during periods of low visibility as defined in the Road Traffic Act.
ALL VEHICLE /LOADS (EXCEPT CARRIER MOUNTED MOBILE CRANES)
Travel will not be permitted between the hours of 7.00am and 9.00am or 4.00pm and 6.00pm
Monday to Friday inclusive. (Travel may be permitted during these hours on public holidays.)
Travel will not be allowed within the Adelaide City Council Area except as follows:
(a) For loads/vehicles which do not require a pilot or Police escort travel will be permitted during the
following times:
Monday – Friday
sunrise to 7am
9am to 4pm
6pm to sunset except on days of late night trading
Saturday, Sunday
And Public Holidays
sunrise to 4pm
(b) For loads/vehicles which require a pilot or Police escort travel will be permitted during the
following times:
Monday – Friday
sunrise to 7am
6pm to sunset except on days of late night trading
Saturday, Sunday
And Public Holidays
sunrise to 4pm
Travel may be permitted outside these hours with prior written approval of the Adelaide City Council.
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DEFINITIONS
A HEAVY TRUCK IS:


A motor vehicle (except a bus or tram) with a GVM over 12 tonnes; or
A motor vehicle (except a bus or tram) forming part of a combination if the total GVM of the
combination is over 12 tonnes.
A COMMERCIAL BUS IS:

A motor vehicle built mainly to carry people that will seat over 12 adults (including the driver).
ARTICULATED BUS

A bus with at least 2 rigid sections that allow passengers access between the sections and
are connected to allow rotary movement between the sections.
CONTROLLED ACCESS BUS

A bus, except an articulated bus, over 12.5 metres long.
COMPLYING BUS

A bus with two or three axles and a single steer axle that:
a)
is not fitted with a compliance plate in accordance with the Motor Vehicle Standards Act
1989 of the Commonwealth, as in force from time to time; or
b)
is fitted with a compliance plate in accordance with the Act but the compliance indicates that
the bus was manufactured before 1 July 1994.

The Registrar of Motor Vehicles may declare that a bus equipped with an approved air
suspension system is a complying bus for these regulations if the Registrar is satisfied the bus
meets:
a)
the emergency exit specifications in ADR 44; and
b)
the rollover strength specifications in ADR 59; and
c)
the occupant protection specifications ADR 68.
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DEFINITIONS (continued)
CONVERTER DOLLY
A “converter dolly” means a trailer with one tandem axle group or single axle and a fifth wheel
coupling designed to convert a semi-trailer into a dog trailer.
Typical converter dolly
DOG TRAILER
A “dog trailer” means a trailer (including a trailer consisting of a semi-trailer and a converter dolly)
with:
a) one axle group or single axle at the front that is steered by connection to the towing vehicle
by a drawbar; and
b)
one axle group or single axle at the rear.
Typical dog trailer
DRIVER’S BASE
The driver’s base is the reference point for the 100km radius and is the place from which the
driver normally works and receives instruction. If no address is written on the Driver base and
record storage page, the Driver’s Base will be taken as the garaged address of the vehicle.
“TWO-UP DRIVING ARRANGEMENTS” means an arrangement under which 2 drivers
share the driving of:


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A heavy vehicle with a sleeper berth complying with ADR 42; or
A commercial bus with an approved sleeper berth.
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DEFINITIONS (continued)
TWO-UP DRIVING
Two-up driving is the time spent by a two-up driver driving a commercial bus or a heavy vehicle.
A driver is a two-up driver if:

He or she shares with another person the driving of a commercial bus or a heavy vehicle;
and

He or she travels as a passenger on a commercial bus or the heavy vehicle while another
person is driving the commercial bus or a heavy truck.
WORKING
Working is the time spent driving a commercial bus or a heavy vehicle and is counted in 15 minute
intervals from the time zone of the driver’s base. Work is always rounded upwards – for example,
a period less than 15 minutes is counted as 15 minutes and a period of between 15 and 30
minutes is counted as 30 minutes. It includes:

Loading, unloading or queuing in a commercial bus or a heavy vehicle; or

Inspecting, servicing or repairing a commercial bus or a heavy vehicle, inspecting or
attending to the load (other than passengers) on a commercial bus or heavy vehicle, or
attending to passengers on a commercial bus; or

Cleaning or refuelling a commercial bus or a heavy vehicle; or

Performing marketing tasks in relation to the operation of a commercial bus or a heavy
vehicle; or

Helping with, or supervising, an activity mentioned above; or

Recording information or completing a document in accordance with the regulations or in
relation to the operation of a commercial bus or heavy vehicle.
REST
Rest is a continuous period of time of at least 15 minutes where a driver is not working. Rest is
always rounded downwards – for example, a period less than 15 minutes does not count towards
rest while a period of between 15 and 30 minutes is counted as 15 minutes rest.

Rest periods of 5 hours or more must be taken away from the commercial bus or heavy
vehicle unless the commercial bus or heavy vehicle is fitted with an approved sleeper berth
(two-up driving).

Stationary rest periods must be taken away from the commercial bus or heavy vehicle or in
an approved sleeper berth of a stationary regulated vehicle.

Under standard hours solo driving, a 30 minute rest break can be taken as 2x15 minute rest
breaks, but 7 hour and 24 hour rest breaks must be taken as a continuous rest break.
TIME ZONE
Under Standard Hours, your driver base or registered address of the vehicle is the time zone in
which you work under for the entire trip.
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THE NATIONAL DRIVER WORK DIARY
INTRODUCTION
On the 29th September 2008, nationally consistent laws were introduced into South Australia to
regulate the hours that a driver of heavy trucks and commercial buses can spend working and
resting, and the records that must be kept.
These new laws promote positive fatigue management systems to ensure the safety of drivers
and other road users. They apply to everyone in the supply chain – not just drivers - to ensure
safe driving practices. It is an offence for an employer or consignor to roster, or require a driver to
carry out duties that could cause the driver to commit a driving hours or speeding offence.
A Work Diary is required to be carried and completed by drivers of heavy truck and commercial
bus if they are on a journey that will take them outside a radius of 100kms from the driver’s base.
Refer to page 32 for the definitions of heavy truck and commercial bus.
OBTAINING A WORK DIARY
A driver who wishes to be issued with a work diary (including a replacement work diary) must
apply in person using the application form provided.
If the application is for the replacement of an existing work diary, the driver must return the
existing work diary with the application, unless that work diary has been destroyed, lost or stolen.
Any unused pages in the existing work diary must be cancelled on the issue of a new work diary.
If the existing work diary has been destroyed, lost or stolen the driver must outline the
circumstances of the destruction, loss or theft in writing to the relevant road authority within 2
business days. The driver has a maximum of 7 business days before he or she must get a new
work diary.
A driver is required to show his/her current driver’s licence and pay an appropriate fee for a work
diary and must not have in his/her possession more than one work diary in which information can
be recorded on a daily sheet.
Work diaries may be obtained from all Service SA Customer Service Centres and at some Police
Stations.
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DRIVERS DAILY SHEET




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The work diary must be used and carried at all times if the driver is working.
Drivers must always keep a work diary in their vehicle that contains current records of work
and rest time within the last 28 day period.
Drivers must record all the required information (as specified in the work diary instructions)
in their work diary on a daily basis.
Drivers must continue to record the information until their next major rest break (5 hours
continuous rest or more)
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DRIVING RECORDS AND WORK DIARIES
Under the Standard Hours option a driver must take 4 nights rest including one pair of consecutive
nights rest in any 14 day period. For example, in a 14 day period, a driver would be able to work
up to 6 night shifts (between the hours of midnight to 6am) in 1 week and 4 night shifts the
following week.
HOURS OF DRIVING
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DRIVING RECORDS AND WORK DIARIES (continued)
DRIVING RECORDS TO BE KEPT
Your Base location and / or vehicle Garaged Address is the nominated Time zone.
When driving a regulated vehicle the driver must keep in the vehicle a Work Diary (WD)
containing info for last 28 days including:
 Record location;
 Day of the week and date;
 Name;
 Licence number/jurisdiction; state of issue
 Type of hours – Standard, BFM or AFM;
 Nature of rest/period/time/place of rest change; plus more.
 If a driver has nearly filled up his or her work diary, a new one can be obtained by applying
in person to the relevant road authority. The road authority will cancel the unused pages. If
a work diary is lost, stolen, destroyed – or filled up before the driver can get a new work
diary – he or she must report this in writing to the relevant road authority within 2 business
days. The driver has a maximum of 7 business days before he or she must get a new work
diary.
 Until the driver is issued with a new work diary, he or she must continue to record all work
and rest time in a supplementary record. This record must contain the same information
that would be required in his or her work diary.
 A work diary must contain a record of the driver’s work/rest history as required under the
legislation.
 The written work diary contains similar information to the existing logbook and is issued by
a road authority.
 Drivers must complete daily sheets to record their work/rest history.
 Employers will be obliged to request and actively pursue the provision of copies of drivers’
work diaries.
 Drivers must record the required information on a separate daily sheet in a current work
diary.
 Ensure adequate pressure is applied to ensure a readable record of the driver’s information
appears on duplicate sheets.
 Each page in the written work diary has three copies. The driver must give the first copy
(marked record keeper) to the person he or she is currently working for as soon as possible
or within 21 days of the date recorded on the daily sheet.
 The record keeper must keep copies of the work diary sheets for 3 years.
 Employers, prime contractors, operators and schedulers need to ensure driver compliance
with record keeping requirements;
 False work records – Penalty up to $10,000 court imposed; and
 Electronic Work Diaries accepted.
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Driving records made by employed drivers—non-local work
An employed driver must give a copy of the driver’s driving record for non-local work for each
day’s activity to the driver’s employer (or, if the driver has two or more employers on the same
day, a copy of the records must be sent to each employer).
a) Within 21 days after that day.
Driving records for non-local area work to be kept
1) An employer must keep the copy of a driver’s driving records given to the employer for the
driver’s non-local area work for each day’s activity for 3 years after that day at a place where
the employer manages the employment of the driver.
2) A self-employed driver must keep the driver’s driving records for non-local area work for each
day’s activity for 3 years after that day at the driver’s base.
Local area records to be kept
1) An employer must keep local area management records made in relation to the driver for each
day’s activity for 3 years after that day at the place where the employer manages the
employment of the driver.
2) A self-employed driver must keep the driver’s local area management records for each day’s
activity for 3 years after that day at the driver’s base.
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HIGHER MASS LIMITS FOR VEHICLES
FITTED WITH ROAD FRIENDLY
SUSPENSION
SA Government Gazette, 19 October 2000
PURSUANT to Section 163AA of the Road Traffic Act, 1961, I, T N Argent, Executive Director, Transport SA,
as an authorised delegate of the Minister for Transport and Urban Planning, hereby exempt vehicles fitted
with ‘Road Friendly Suspensions’, as defined in Clause 3.1.1 for vehicle configurations as described in Table
1 of this Notice, from the axle and axle group mass limits in Schedule 1 Table 1 of the Road Traffic (Mass
and Loading Requirements) Regulations 1999 as detailed in Table 2 of this Notice, for travel on only those
routes specified in this Notice, in accordance with approvals granted under Section 161A of the said Act.
This exemption is subject to the following conditions:
1
Special Conditions
1.1
This Notice or a legible copy shall be carried by the driver of the vehicle at all times when operating
under this exemption and be produced when requested by an Inspector appointed under the Road
Traffic Act, 1961 or a Police Officer.
1.2
Drivers of road trains when operating under this exemption must carry a copy of:
The current South Australian Government Gazette notice titled ‘Operation of Road Train
Vehicles in South Australia’;
and
1.2.2 The information booklet titled ’Operation of Road Train Vehicles in South Australia’ Edition
No.1 (Part 1 clauses 1-6, 8-10 and Part 2 clauses 11-17 only), issued by Transport SA.
1.2.1
1.3
Drivers of B-Doubles when operating under this exemption must also carry a copy of:
The current South Australian Government Gazette notice titled ‘Operation of B-Double
Vehicles up to 25m in Length’,
and
The Information booklet titled ‘Operation of Medium Combination Vehicles in South
Australia’ Edition No 1 (clauses 1-6, 8-10 only) issued by Transport SA.
1.4
Drivers of Car Carrier Combinations, other than B-Doubles or Road Trains, which are more than
19m long when operating under this exemption, must also carry a copy of:
1.4.1
1.4.2
1.5
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The current South Australian Government Gazette notice titled ‘Operation Car Carrier
Combinations up to 25m in Length’, and
The information booklet titled ‘Operation of Medium Combination Vehicles in South
Australia’ Edition No.1 (clauses 1-6, 8-10 only), issued by Transport SA.
The axle mass limits and other conditions specified in this Notice take precedence over any mass
limits and conditions specified for B-Doubles, Car Carrier Combinations and Road Trains operating
under existing South Australian Government Gazette Notices.
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ROAD FRIENDLY SUSPENSION (continued)
Approved Vehicles
2.1
Only the axle groups specified for vehicles and/or combinations nominated in Table 1 with the
corresponding configuration codes and which are fitted with road friendly suspensions are approved
to operate, at higher mass limits, under this Notice.
Table 1
a
Vehicle Configuration
Configuration Code
Rigid Trucks fitted with a tandem drive axle group and operated 2R3,2R4,MR3,MR4,
without a trailer
LR3,LR4,SR3,SR4
b
Rigid Trucks fitted with a tandem drive axle group towing a Car SR3,SR4,MR3,
Carrier Combination trailer that is fitted with a tandem or triaxle MR4,T2,T3
group
c
Articulated vehicles where the prime mover is fitted with a SP3, SP4
tandem drive axle group and the semi trailer is fitted with either a T2, T3
tandem or triaxle group
d
Buses fitted with a single drive axle or a six tyred tandem axle 2B2, 2B3
group (which includes the drive axle) at the rear.
e
B-Doubles where the prime mover is fitted with a tandem drive MP3
axle group and the trailers are fitted with either tandem or triaxle T2, T3
groups
f
Double and Triple Road Trains where the prime mover is fitted LP3, LP4
with a tandem drive axle group, the semi trailers are fitted with T2, T3
either tandem or triaxle group and the converter dolly is fitted
with a tandem axle group.
3.
Definitions
3.1
For the purpose of this Notice the following definitions shall apply:
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3.1.1
Road Friendly Suspensions’; for vehicles manufactured prior to 1 July 2000, means a
suspension system that uses air bags in combination with effective hydraulic dampers, with
their air bags being the principal suspension medium.
3.1.2
‘Mass Management Accreditation Scheme’ means a scheme specified in this Notice.
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ROAD FRIENDLY SUSPENSION (continued)
3.1.3
A ‘Car Carrier Combination’ means a rigid motor vehicle (but not including a prime mover)
designed to carry motor vehicles, fitted with a tandem axle group at the rear, towing a trailer
designed to carry motor vehicles which has a single axle, tandem axle group or triaxle group
at the rear, and where the front of the trailer is connected to the rear of the motor vehicle by
a coupling. The overall length of the vehicle combination, including any load shall not
exceed 25m.
3.1.4
A ‘General Access Vehicle’ means a vehicle included under vehicle configuration a or c or d,
specified in Table 1 or a Car Carrier Combination longer than 19m. For General Access
Vehicles, this Notice shall stand alone.
3.1.5
A ‘Restricted Access Vehicle’ means a vehicle included under vehicle configuration e or f,
specified in Table 1 or a Car Carrier Combination longer than 19m. For these Restricted
Access Vehicle, this Notice shall be read in conjunction with the relevant South Australian
Government Gazette notice approval.
4.
Axle Mass Limits
4.1
The total mass on the axle or axle group shall not exceed the limits listed in Table 2 for the specified
axle or axle group.
4.2
The mass limits specified in Table 2 shall only apply to axles or axle groups fitted with a road
friendly suspension (except for the steer axle on the Road Train prime mover).
Table 2
Axle or Axle Group Configuration
Mass Limit (tonnes)
Single drive axle on buses fitted
with 4 tyres
9.0
Mass Limit under this Notice
(tonnes)
10.0
Tandem axle groups fitted with 6
tyres
13.0
14.0
Tandem axle groups fitted with 8
tyres
16.5
17.0
Triaxle group fitted with 12 tyres
20.0
22.5
Single steer axle fitted with wide
single tyres* on road train prime
mover registered LP3, LP4
6.0
6.7
* tyres with section width greater
than 375mm
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ROAD FRIENDLY SUSPENSION (continued)
5.
Mass Accreditation
5.1
Vehicles or vehicle configurations fitted with triaxle groups where the triaxle group is loaded in
accordance with Table 2 are required to be accredited under one of the following Mass Management
Accreditation Schemes and display a label that identifies scheme membership.
5.1.1
Transport SA Heavy Vehicle Mass Management Accreditation Scheme.
5.1.2
Mass Management Module of the National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme.
5.1.3
National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme for Mass Management, known as the Mass
Management Accreditation (Pilot) Program (Victorian).
5.2
Drivers of vehicles accredited under the scheme specified in 5.1.1 must carry documented
evidence of route planning, confirming that a higher mass limit route is available by reference to the
maps contained in this Notice, when operating at higher mass limits as per Standard 4 “Vehicle
Route’ of the Transport SA Heavy Vehicle Mass Management Accreditation Scheme.
5.3
Vehicles accredited under the schemes specified in 5.1.2 and 5.1.3 may operate in South Australia
under the terms and conditions and on the routes detailed in this Notice, provided the driver;
5.3.1
has determined that a higher mass limit route is available by reference to the maps
contained in this Notice; and
5.3.2
records the route details on a Route Compliance Certificate and has signed the Certificate;
and
5.3.3
carries the Route Compliance Certificate in the vehicle when operating at higher mass
limits; and
5.3.4
produces the Certificate if requested by a Transport SA Inspector or Police Officer; and
5.3.5
retains the original copy of the Certificate for a period of not less than 12 months from the
date it is signed for auditing purposes.
6. Routes
6.1
Vehicle configurations a, c and d, specified in Table 1 and Car Carrier Combinations not longer
than 19m shall operate only on the approved routes specified in the maps titled ‘Route Network for
General Access Vehicles fitted with Road Friendly Suspension’ as included in this Notice.
6.2
B-Doubles operating accordance with the South Australian Government Gazette notice titled
‘Operation of B-Double Vehicles up to 25m in Length’, may operate at increased mass limits only
where routes specified in the South Australian Government Gazette Notice ‘Operation of B-Double
Vehicles up to 25m in Length’, are also routes specified in the maps ‘Route Network for General
Access Vehicles fitted with Road Friendly Suspension’ as included in this Notice.
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ROAD FRIENDLY SUSPENSION (continued)
6.3
Car Carrier Combinations operating in accordance with South Australian Government Gazette
notice titled ‘Operation of Car Carrier Combinations up to 25m in Length’, may operate at increased
mass limits only where routes specified in the South Australian Government Gazette Notice
‘Operation of Car Carrier Combinations up to 25m in Length’, are also routes specified in the maps
‘Route Network for General Access Vehicles fitted with Road Friendly Suspension’, as included in
this Notice.
6.4
Double and Triple Road Trains operating in accordance with the South Australian Government
Gazette Notice titled ‘Operation of Road Train Vehicles in South Australia’, may operate at
increased mass limits only where routes specified in the South Australian Government Gazette
Notice titled ‘Operation of Road Train Vehicles in South Australia’, are also routes specified in the
maps ‘Route Network for General Access Vehicle fitted with Road Friendly Suspension’, as
included in this Notice.
6.5
B-Double vehicles registered under the Commonwealth of Australia Interstate Road Transport Act
1985, operating at higher mass may operate on the routes specified in the Commonwealth of
Australia Gazette notice titled ‘Determination of Routes for B-Double Vehicle Carrying Higher Mass
Limits Under the Federal Interstate Registration Scheme (FIRS)’.
6.6
Vehicle combinations other than B-Doubles and Rigid Truck and Trailers registered under the
Commonwealth of Australia Interstate Road Transport Act 1985, operating at higher mass may
operate on the routes specified in the Commonwealth of Australian Gazette notice titled
‘Determination of Routes for Vehicles, Other than B-Doubles and Rigid Truck and Trailer
Combinations, Carrying Higher Mass Limits Under the Federal Interstate Registration
Scheme(FIRS)’.
7.
Vehicle Specifications
7.1
General requirements:
MC
7.1.1
The vehicle and/or combination shall not be driven or loaded in excess of the manufacturers
rating for axle, suspension, tyre and coupling capacities or in excess of the manufacturers
gross combination mass ratings.
7.1.2
South Australian registered vehicles shall not exceed the Gross Vehicle Mass Limit and/or
Gross Combination Mass Limit as shown on the certificate of registration for that vehicle.
7.1.3
Vehicles registered in other States and Territories shall comply with the requirements of
Clause or 7.1.1 or the Gross Vehicle Mass and/or Gross Combination Mass as shown on the
certificate of registration for that vehicle.
7.1.4
Vehicles manufactured prior to 1 July 2000 must be fitted with certified Road Friendly
Suspensions before 1 July 2002.
7.1.5
Vehicles manufactured on or after 1 July 2000 must have a suspension system that is certified
as complying with the performance criteria detailed in the Federal Office of Road Safety
Vehicle Standards Bulletin 11 – Certification of Road – Friendly Suspension Systems, April
1999.
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ROAD FRIENDLY SUSPENSION (continued)
7.2
B-Double Coupling Requirements:
7.2.1
7.3
The ‘D’ rating for the fifth wheel couplings and king-pins shall be equal to or greater than
112kN.
Road Train Coupling Requirements:
7.31
For Double Road Trains the minimum ‘D’ rating for the fifth wheel couplings and king pins
shall be equal to or greater than 135kN and the minimum ‘D’ rating for tow couplings and
drawbar eyes shall be equal to or greater than 15 tonnes.
7.32
For Triple Road Trains the minimum ‘D’ rating for the fifth wheel couplings and king pins
shall be equal to or greater than 173kN and the minimum ‘D’ rating for tow couplings and
drawbar eyes shall be equal to or greater than 21 tonnes.
This Notice is valid from midnight 26 October 2000 and the Notice titled ‘Higher Mass Limits for Vehicles
Fitted with Road Friendly Suspensions’ that appeared in the South Australian Government Gazette, dated
13 July 2000, is revoked at midnight on 26 October 2000.
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NOTES:
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