Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule) Safer Freight Vehicles Amendment No. 2 2023

I, CATHERINE KING, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, make the following determination.

Dated 14 September 2023

[SIGNED]

Catherine King

Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government

CONTENTS

1. Name.........................................................3

2. Commencement.................................................3

3. Authority......................................................3

4. ScheduleS......................................................3

Schedule 1 – AMENDMENTS............................................4

Schedule 2 – AMENDMENTS............................................5

1.                                          Name

1.1.                                    This instrument is the Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule) Safer Freight Vehicles Amendment No. 2 2023.

2.                                          Commencement

2.1.                                    This instrument commences on 1 October 2023.

3.                                          Authority

3.1.                                    This instrument is made under section 12 of the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018.

4.                                          ScheduleS

4.1.                                    Each instrument that is specified in a Schedule to this instrument is amended as set out in the applicable items in the Schedule concerned, and any other item in a Schedule to this instrument has effect according to its terms.

Schedule 1 – AMENDMENTS

Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 13/00 – Installation of Lighting and Light Signalling Devices on other than L-Group Vehicles) 2005

1.                Clause 10.14.1, amend to read:

“10.14.1. For motor vehicles with an ‘Overall Width’ not exceeding 2,500 mm and for trailers, in paragraph 6.21.1.2 of Appendix A of this standard, where it states Mandatory read Optional.”

Schedule 2 – AMENDMENTS

Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 43/04 – Vehicle Configuration and Dimensions) 2006

1.                Clause 6.1.5.1, amend to read:

“6.1.5.1. The ‘Overall Width’ of a category MA, MB, MC, MD, ME, NA or sub-category NB1 vehicle must not exceed 2,500 mm.”

1.                Clauses 6.1.5.2 to 6.1.5.2.3, renumber as clauses 6.1.5.3 to 6.1.5.3.3.
2.                Insert a new clause 6.1.5.2 to read:

“6.1.5.2. The ‘Overall Width’ of a sub-category NB2 or category NC vehicle must not exceed 2,550 mm.

1.                Insert a new clause 6.1.5.2.1 to read:

“6.1.5.2.1 Sub-category NB2 and category NC vehicles with an ‘Overall Width’ exceeding 2,500 mm must comply with:

1.                 the Australian Design Rule 14/03 – Devices for Indirect Vision, or a later version;
2.                the Australian Design Rule 35/07 – Commercial Vehicle Brake Systems, or a later version;
3.                 except for vehicles with four or more ‘Axles’ and vehicles ‘designed for off-road use’ (see note below), the Australian Design Rule 97/00 – Advanced Emergency Braking for Omnibuses, and Medium and Heavy Goods Vehicles, or a later version; and
4.                except for vehicles with four or more ‘Axles’ and vehicles ‘designed for off-road use’ (see note below), the Australian Design Rule 99/00 – Lane Departure Warning Systems, or a later version.

Note: For the definition of ‘designed for off-road use’ see ADR 97/00 and ADR 99/00 (as applicable).”

1.                Insert a new clause 6.1.5.2.2 to read:

“6.1.5.2.2 Sub-category NB2 and category NC vehicles with an ‘Overall Width’ exceeding 2,500 mm must also, with the exception of ‘Partially Completed Vehicles’ and ‘Prime Movers’:

1.                 comply with the Australian Design Rule 106/00 – Side Underrun Protection, or a later version;

1.                be fitted with conspicuity markings to the rear, in accordance with the Australian Design Rule 13/00 – Installation of Lighting and Light Signalling Devices on other than L-Group Vehicles, or a later version; and
2.                 if more than 6,000 mm in ‘Total Length’, be fitted with conspicuity markings to both sides, in accordance with the Australian Design Rule 13/00 – Installation of Lighting and Light Signalling Devices on other than L-Group Vehicles, or a later version.”

1.                Insert a new clause 6.1.5.2.3 to read:

“6.1.5.2.3 Sub-category NB2 and category NC vehicles with a ‘Gross Vehicle Mass’ over 8 tonnes and with an ‘Overall Width’ exceeding 2,500 mm, must also comply with the the Australian Design Rule 105/00 – Blind Spot Information Systems, or a later version, from 1 November 2025 for new model vehicles, and 1 February 2027 for all vehicles.”