Tasmania Class 1 Heavy Vehicle Unladen Low Loader Dimension Exemption Notice 2016 (No. 1)

Statutory Instrument Series:

Class 1 Heavy Vehicle Exemption Notice – Dimension Exemption

1. Purpose

The purpose of this notice is to exempt class 1 heavy vehicles that are unladen low loaders from the prescribed dimension requirement in sections 3(1) and 7(1) of Schedule 6 of the Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulation (the National Regulation).

2.      Authorising Provisions

This notice is made under section 117 of the Heavy Vehicle National Law as in force in each participating jurisdiction (HVNL).

3.      Title

This notice may be cited as the Tasmania Class 1 Heavy Vehicle Unladen Low Loader Dimension Exemption Notice 2016.

4.      Commencement

This notice commences on 1 December 2016.

5.      Expiry

This notice expires on 30 November 2021.

6.      Definitions

1)      Unless otherwise stated, words and expressions used in this notice have the same meaning as those defined in the HVNL.

2)      In this notice—

“2.7 metre low loader” means a low loader that is a semitrailer that is fitted with 8 tyres on each axle, that does not exceed 2.7m wide as constructed, and that cannot be reduced to comply with the prescribed dimension requirement relating to width.

7.      Application

1)      This notice only applies in Tasmania.

2)      This notice applies to a class 1 heavy vehicle combination, that may include a low loader dolly, consisting of a prime mover and:

a)      an unladen 2.7 metre low loader; or

b)      an unladen low loader.

Note: Section 14 of Schedule 8 to the Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Location) National Regulations only allows dollies to be towed with unladen low loaders when the combination is 2.5m wide or less, and when it would be unreasonable to require the dolly to be loaded onto the low loader because of the short distance to be travelled, or special difficulties in loading or unloading the dolly due to the nature of the location where the loading or unloading is to take place.

8.      Exemption from prescribed dimension requirement

1)      A heavy vehicle to which this notice applies is exempt from length requirements of s3(1) of Schedule 6 of the National Regulation.

2)      A unladen 2.7 metre low loader is exempt from s7(1) of Schedule 6 of the National Regulation limiting vehicle width to 2.5 metres.

9.      Permissible dimensions

1)      An unladen 2.7 metre low loader may operate up to a maximum width of 2.7 metres.

2)      A vehicle described in section 7(2) may operate up to a maximum length of 26 metres.

10.  Areas and Routes to which this exemption applies

1)      A heavy vehicle to which this notice applies may use the Tasmanian Unladen Low loader networks published by the Tasmanian Department of State Growth.

Note: The maps can be found at http://data.stategrowth.tas.gov.au/TLCClass1Network/

Note: Section 11 of Schedule 8 to the Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Location) National Regulations requires drivers and operators to be satisfied that it is safe for the vehicle to be driven along the route without damaging the road or infrastructure.

11.  General operating conditions

1)      The following vehicle types in any combination or quantity do not count as a load when determining if the low loader semitrailer is unladen:

a)      a pilot vehicle; or

b)      a low loader dolly; or

c)      a jinker.

Note: “Pilot vehicle” means a vehicle that meets the requirements of Schedule 8 Part 1, Division 5 of the National Regulation.

2)      The vehicle must be reduced to its minimum dimensions prior to travel.

12.  Night travel

1)      Section 7 of Schedule 8 to the National Regulation is disapplied.

2)      A heavy vehicle to which this Notice applies may travel at night.

3)      A heavy vehicle to which this Notice applies must be accompanied by a pilot vehicle if it is longer than 22m whilst travelling at night.

Date: 25 November 2016

Sal Petroccitto

Chief Executive Officer

National Heavy Vehicle Regulator