{"id":"motor-vehicles-standards-regulations--australian-vehicle-standards-rules","name":"MOTOR VEHICLES (STANDARDS) REGULATIONS - AUSTRALIAN VEHICLE STANDARDS RULES","slug":"motor-vehicles-standards-regulations-australian-vehicle-standards-rules","collection":"regulation","jurisdiction":"nt","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":177028,"registerId":"nt-motor-vehicles-standards-regulations--australian-vehicle-standards-rules-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-05","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"Div 1","sectionType":"division","heading":"General","content":"Division 1 General\nNote The Australian Vehicle Standards Rules set standards that vehicles\nmust comply with to be driven on roads and road-related areas.\nThe ADRs (Australian Design Rules) are rules for designing and building\nvehicles. Imported vehicles must also comply with the ADRs.\nThe Vehicle Standards require a vehicle that is subject to an ADR when built or\nimported to continue to comply with the ADR.\nThe Vehicle Standards also apply certain other standards (adopted standards)\nthat are intended to complement the ADRs.\nThe ADRs do not cover:\n• vehicles built before 1969\n• combinations of vehicles of any age\n• every safety feature for vehicles built between 1969 and 1988.\nThese matters are covered by the Vehicle Standards.\nIn most cases, if a vehicle complies with the Vehicle Standards, it is suitable for\nroad use.\n","sortOrder":0},{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Name of regulations","content":"1 Name of regulations\nThese regulations are the Australian Vehicle Standards Rules (the\nVehicle Standards).\n","sortOrder":1},{"sectionNumber":"2","sectionType":"section","heading":"Object of Vehicle Standards","content":"2 Object of Vehicle Standards\n(1) The object of the Vehicle Standards is to set standards, about the\nconstruction and performance of motor vehicles, trailers and\ncombinations, that are uniform throughout Australia.\n(2) The standards are intended:\n(a) to promote, throughout the life of motor vehicles, trailers and\ncombinations, their safe use and efficiency and the protection\nof the environment; and\n(b) to reduce the cost of transport administration.\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 2\n","sortOrder":2},{"sectionNumber":"3","sectionType":"section","heading":"Definitions – the dictionary etc","content":"3 Definitions – the dictionary etc\n(1) The dictionary at the end of the Vehicle Standards defines certain\nwords and expressions, and includes signpost definitions to words\nand expressions defined elsewhere in the Vehicle Standards.\nNote A signpost definition (eg road-related area see rule 9) is included in\nthe dictionary if the definition applies outside the rule defining the word or\nexpression.\n(2) The dictionary is part of the Vehicle Standards.\n(3) A definition in the Vehicle Standards applies to each use of the\nword or expression in the Vehicle Standards, unless the contrary\nintention appears.\n","sortOrder":3},{"sectionNumber":"4","sectionType":"section","heading":"Diagrams","content":"4 Diagrams\n(1) A diagram in the Vehicle Standards is part of the Vehicle\nStandards.\n(2) A diagram of something (except the essential diagram in rule 165)\nis an illustrative example of the thing in black and white, but does\nnot represent its dimensions or the dimensions of any part of it.\nNote The essential diagram in rule 165 provides the dimensions required\nfor a 75 millimetre kingpin used in a B-double or road train.\n","sortOrder":4},{"sectionNumber":"3A","sectionType":"section","heading":"References to another law of this jurisdiction","content":"3A References to another law of this jurisdiction\nA reference in the Vehicle Standards to another law of this\njurisdiction includes any provision of the Motor Vehicles (Standards)\nRegulations 2003 other than the Vehicle Standards.\n","sortOrder":5},{"sectionNumber":"5","sectionType":"section","heading":"Notes","content":"5 Notes\nA note in the Vehicle Standards is explanatory and is not part of the\nVehicle Standards.\n","sortOrder":6},{"sectionNumber":"6","sectionType":"section","heading":"Examples","content":"6 Examples\n(1) An example (whether or not in the form of a diagram) in the Vehicle\nStandards is part of the Vehicle Standards.\n(2) If the Vehicle Standards includes an example of the operation of a\nprovision of the Vehicle Standards:\n(a) the example is not exhaustive; and\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 3\n(b) the example does not limit, and may extend, the meaning of\nthe provision; and\n(c) the example and the provision are to be read in the context of\neach other and of the other provisions of the Vehicle\nStandards, but, if the example and the provision as so read\nare inconsistent, the provision prevails.\n","sortOrder":7},{"sectionNumber":"7","sectionType":"section","heading":"Application to vehicles and combinations on roads and road-","content":"7 Application to vehicles and combinations on roads and road-\nrelated areas\nThe Vehicle Standards apply to motor vehicles, trailers and\ncombinations on roads and road-related areas.\n","sortOrder":8},{"sectionNumber":"8","sectionType":"section","heading":"What is a road","content":"8 What is a road\nA road is an area that is open to or used by the public and is\ndeveloped for, or has as one of its main uses, the driving or riding\nof motor vehicles.\n","sortOrder":9},{"sectionNumber":"9","sectionType":"section","heading":"What is a road-related area","content":"9 What is a road-related area\nA road-related area is any of the following:\n(a) an area that divides a road;\n(b) a footpath or nature strip adjacent to a road;\n(c) an area that is open to the public and is designated for use by\ncyclists or animals;\n(d) an area that is not a road and that is open to or used by the\npublic for driving, riding or parking vehicles.\n","sortOrder":10},{"sectionNumber":"10","sectionType":"section","heading":"Vehicles to which the Vehicle Standards do not apply","content":"10 Vehicles to which the Vehicle Standards do not apply\nThe Vehicle Standards do not apply to:\n(a) a vehicle used only on a railway or tramway; or\n(b) a vehicle designed to be controlled by a person walking next\nto it; or\n(c) a vehicle propelled by a motor with a maximum power output\nof not over 200 watts; or\n(d) a motorised wheelchair that cannot travel at over\n10 kilometres an hour; or\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 4\n(e) a vehicle or combination that is being repaired, or is being\ntested in the course of being repaired, so it will comply with\nthe Vehicle Standards; or\n(f) a vehicle or combination being driven or towed directly to a\nplace where it is to be repaired so it will comply with the\nVehicle Standards; or\n(g) a vehicle that is categorised, in the Australian Design Rules,\nas a power-assisted pedal cycle; or\n(h) a vehicle that was categorised, in a third edition ADR, as a\npower-assisted pedal cycle, but is no longer categorised as a\npower-assisted pedal cycle because of a change to the\ncategory.\n","sortOrder":11},{"sectionNumber":"11","sectionType":"section","heading":"Non-application of Vehicle Standards – exemption under other","content":"11 Non-application of Vehicle Standards – exemption under other\nlaws\n(1) A provision of the Vehicle Standards does not apply to a vehicle or\ncombination if the vehicle or combination is exempt from:\n(a) the provision under another law of this jurisdiction; or\n(b) the corresponding provision of the law of another jurisdiction.\n(2) However, the vehicle or combination is exempt only if all conditions\nof the exemption (if any) are being complied with.\nAn exemption permitting a greater dimension limit for a vehicle is subject to\nconditions about the route where, and times when, the vehicle is permitted to\ntravel, and the escort vehicles required to accompany the vehicle. A relevant\nprovision of the Vehicle Standards does not apply to the vehicle only if the\nconditions are complied with.\n","sortOrder":12},{"sectionNumber":"12","sectionType":"section","heading":"Non-application of Vehicle Standards – inconsistent ADR","content":"12 Non-application of Vehicle Standards – inconsistent ADR\nrequirements\nA provision of Parts 5 to 13 of the Vehicle Standards does not apply\nto a vehicle if:\n(a) the provision is inconsistent with a requirement of a second or\nthird edition ADR applying to the vehicle; and\n(b) the vehicle complies with the requirement.\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 5\n","sortOrder":13},{"sectionNumber":"13","sectionType":"section","heading":"Non-application of Vehicle Standards – approvals under other","content":"13 Non-application of Vehicle Standards – approvals under other\nlaws\nA provision of Parts 5 to 13 of the Vehicle Standards does not apply\nto a vehicle if:\n(a) the vehicle does not comply with a requirement of an ADR\napplying to the vehicle; and\n(b) the provision of the Vehicle Standards corresponds to the\nrequirement of the ADR; and\n(c) despite the non-compliance:\nAct 1989 (Cwlth), an approval had been given under\nsection 10A(2) or (3) of that Act to place identification\nplates on vehicles of that type; or\n(ii) an approval to place identification plates on vehicles of\nthat type has been given under Schedule 3, item 4(2) or\n6(2) to the Road Vehicle Standards (Consequential and\nTransitional Provisions) Act 2018 (Cwlth); or\n(iii) the vehicle has been entered on the RAV; and\n(d) for a vehicle to which paragraph (c)(i) or (ii) applies – the\nvehicle complies with the approval conditions, if any.\nNote 1 Section 10A(2) of the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 (Cwlth)\n(repealed) dealt with vehicles that did not comply with an ADR, but the non-\ncompliance was only in minor and inconsequential respects.\nNote 2 Section 10A(3) of that Act dealt with vehicles that did not comply with\nan ADR, and the non-compliance was not minor and inconsequential, but the\nvehicle would be safe to use if conditions were complied with.\nNote 3 Schedule 3, items 4(2) and 6(2) of the Road Vehicle Standards\n(Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Act 2018 (Cwth) provide for the\nMinister to decide applications for approval made under section 10A(2) and (3) of\nthe Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 (Cwlth) that were not decided before the\nrepeal of that Act.\nNote This Part applies the second and third edition ADRs to various\nvehicles.\nUnder the Part, a vehicle that is subject to ADRs when it is built\ngenerally remains subject to the ADRs throughout its life. However,\na vehicle need not comply with a standard if the standard is\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 6\nreplaced by, or inconsistent with, a later standard and the vehicle\ncomplies with the later standard. Older vehicles may, therefore, be\nfitted with any equipment allowed on newer vehicles.\nVehicles that are modified must continue to comply with the Vehicle\nStandards.\nThe following provisions of the Vehicle Standards extend the\napplication of particular second or third edition ADRs to vehicles to\nwhich the ADRs are not expressed to apply:\n• rule 41(4) (electrical wiring, connections and installations)\n• rule 119 (rear marking plates)\n• rule 136(1) and (2) (braking system for prime mover in B-double)\n• rule 137 (braking system design for motor vehicles in road\ntrains)\n• rule 138(1) and (3) (braking system design for trailers in\nB-doubles or road trains)\n• rule 155(1) and (2) (speed limiting).\nThe following provisions of the Vehicle Standards apply to a vehicle\ninstead of the corresponding ADR requirement:\n• rule 44(5) and (6) (window tinting)\n• rules 51 and 52 (tyre speed category requirements)\n• rule 115 (warning lights and signs on buses carrying children)\n• rule 118(4) (display of certain lights and reflectors).\nDivision 1 Interpretation\n14 What is an ADR\nAn ADR is an Australian Design Rule.\n19 Compliance with second edition ADRs\n(1) If a second edition ADR recommends that the ADR should apply to\nthe design and construction of a vehicle, the vehicle must comply\nwith the ADR.\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 7\n(2) If a second edition ADR contains a requirement for a type of\nequipment fitted to a vehicle built on or after a stated time any\nequipment of the same type fitted to the vehicle after it is built must\ncomply with:\n(a) the requirement as in force when the vehicle was built; or\n(b) if the requirement is amended after the vehicle is built and\nbefore the equipment is fitted – the requirement as in force:\n(i) when the vehicle was built; or\n(ii) when the equipment was fitted; or\n(iii) at any time between when the vehicle was built and the\nequipment was fitted.\n(3) However, a vehicle, or equipment fitted to a vehicle, need not\ncomply with a recommendation or requirement of a second edition\nADR if:\n(a) the recommendation or requirement is replaced by, or is\ninconsistent with, a requirement of a third edition ADR\napplying to the vehicle or equipment; and\n(b) the vehicle or equipment complies with the requirement of the\nthird edition ADR.\n(4) If a second edition ADR allows a vehicle built on or after a stated\ntime to be fitted with equipment, a vehicle built before the time may\nalso be fitted with the equipment.\n","sortOrder":14},{"sectionNumber":"20","sectionType":"section","heading":"Compliance with third edition ADRs","content":"20 Compliance with third edition ADRs\n(1) If a third edition ADR applies to the design and construction of a\nvehicle, the vehicle must comply with the ADR.\n(2) If a third edition ADR contains a requirement for a type of\nequipment fitted to a vehicle built on or after a stated time, any\nequipment of the same type fitted to the vehicle after it is built must\ncomply with:\n(a) the requirement as in force when the vehicle was built; or\n(b) if the requirement is amended after the vehicle is built and\nbefore the equipment is fitted – the requirement as in force:\n(i) when the vehicle was built; or\n(ii) when the equipment was fitted; or\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 8\n(iii) at any time between when the vehicle was built and the\nequipment was fitted.\n(3) However, a vehicle, or equipment fitted to a vehicle, need not\ncomply with a requirement of a third edition ADR if:\n(a) the requirement is replaced by, or is inconsistent with, a\nrequirement of a later version of the ADR applying to the\nvehicle or equipment; and\n(b) the vehicle or equipment complies with the requirement of the\nlater version.\n(4) If a third edition ADR allows a vehicle built on or after a stated time\nto be fitted with equipment, a vehicle built before the time may also\nbe fitted with the equipment.\n","sortOrder":15},{"sectionNumber":"21","sectionType":"section","heading":"Exception to compliance with ADRs – vehicles that are not","content":"21 Exception to compliance with ADRs – vehicles that are not\nroad vehicles\nA vehicle need not comply with an ADR applied by rule 19(1)\n(a) before the repeal of the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989\n(Cwlth), a determination or declaration under section 5B of\nthat Act provided that the vehicle is not a road vehicle for that\nAct; or\n(b) the vehicle is within a class determined in, or is specified in,\nan instrument under section 6(5)(b) or (6)(b) of the Road\nVehicle Standards Act 2018 (Cwlth).\n","sortOrder":16},{"sectionNumber":"22","sectionType":"section","heading":"Exception to compliance with ADRs – particular approvals","content":"22 Exception to compliance with ADRs – particular approvals\n(1) A vehicle need not comply with an ADR applied by rule 19(1)\n(a) despite non-compliance with the ADR:\nAct 1989 (Cwlth), an approval had been given under\nsection 10A(2) or (3) of that Act to place identification\nplates on vehicles of that type; or\n(ii) an approval to place identification plates on vehicles of\nthat type has been given under Schedule 3, item 4(2)\nor 6(2) to the Road Vehicle Standards (Consequential\nand Transitional Provisions) Act 2018 (Cwlth); and\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 9\n(b) the vehicle complies with the approval conditions, if any.\nNote See notes to rule 13.\n(2) A vehicle need not comply with an ADR applied by rule 19(1)\n(a) either:\nAct 1989 (Cwlth), the vehicle was permitted to be\nsupplied to the market under section 14A(1) of that Act;\nor\n(ii) an approval for the vehicle to be supplied to market has\nbeen given under Schedule 3, item 11(2) to the Road\nVehicle Standards (Consequential and Transitional\nProvisions) Act 2018 (Cwlth); and\n(b) for a vehicle for which an approval was given under a\nprovision mentioned in paragraph (a) – the vehicle complies\nwith the approval conditions, if any.\n(3) A vehicle need not comply with an ADR applied by rule 19(1)\n(a) before the repeal of the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989\n(Cwlth), the vehicle was permitted to be used in transport in\nAustralia under section 15(2) of that Act; and\n(b) for a vehicle for which an approval was given under\nsection 15(2) of the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 (Cwlth)\n– the vehicle complies with the approval conditions, if any.\n(4) A vehicle need not comply with an ADR applied by rule 19(1)\n(a) despite non-compliance with the ADR, the vehicle has been\nentered on the RAV;and\n(b) if the approval of the vehicle's entry on the RAV is subject to\nconditions – the vehicle complies with the conditions.\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 10\n","sortOrder":17},{"sectionNumber":"23","sectionType":"section","heading":"Partial exception to compliance with ADRs – personally","content":"23 Partial exception to compliance with ADRs – personally\nimported vehicles\npersonally imported vehicle means a vehicle built after 1968 that:\n(a) has been imported into Australia by a person in accordance\nwith:\n(i) an approval to import given under regulation 9D or 13 of\nthe Motor Vehicle Standards Regulations 1989 (Cwlth)\nbefore their repeal; or\n(ii) an approval to import under Schedule 3, item 13 to the\nRoad Vehicle Standards (Consequential and Transitional\nProvisions) Act 2018 (Cwlth); or\n(b) has been:\n(i) imported into Australia by a person in accordance with a\nconcessional RAV entry approval granted on the basis\nthat the vehicle satisfied the eligibility criterion set out in\nsection 39 of the Road Vehicle Standards Rules 2019\n(Cth); and\n(ii) entered on the RAV.\n(2) A personally imported vehicle must be fitted with:\n(a) seat belts that are as effective as seat belts that meet an\nAustralian Standard or British Standard for seat belts as in\nforce when this rule commenced; and\n(b) seat belt anchorages that meet the number and location\nrequirements of second or third edition ADR 5; and\n(c) child restraint anchorages that meet the number, location,\naccessibility, thread size and form requirements of second\nedition ADR 34 or third edition ADR 5 or 34; and\n(d) head restraints that meet the number, location and size\nrequirements of second or third edition ADR 22.\n(3) However, a personally imported vehicle need only meet the\nrequirements of an ADR mentioned in subrule (2) if the ADR\nrecommends that it should apply, or applies, to a vehicle of the\nsame type.\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 11\n(4) A personally imported vehicle need not otherwise comply with an\nADR applied by rule 19(1) or 20(1).\n","sortOrder":18},{"sectionNumber":"Part 4","sectionType":"part","heading":"Adopted standards","content":"Part 4 Adopted standards\n","sortOrder":19},{"sectionNumber":"24","sectionType":"section","heading":"What is an adopted standard","content":"24 What is an adopted standard\nAn adopted standard is a standard, except a national standard,\nthat is applied, adopted or incorporated by the Vehicle Standards.\nRule 62(7) adopts Australian Standard AS 1906 Retro-reflective Materials and\nDevices for Road Traffic Control Purposes.\n","sortOrder":20},{"sectionNumber":"25","sectionType":"section","heading":"Reference to adopted standards","content":"25 Reference to adopted standards\nUnless the contrary intention appears, a reference in a rule or\nsubrule to an adopted standard is a reference to the standard as in\nforce when the rule or subrule commenced.\n","sortOrder":21},{"sectionNumber":"26","sectionType":"section","heading":"Exception to compliance with adopted standards","content":"26 Exception to compliance with adopted standards\nA vehicle need not comply with an adopted standard if:\n(a) the standard is replaced by, or is inconsistent with, a later\nversion of the standard; and\n(b) the vehicle complies with the later version of the standard.\nNote For a vehicle to be operated safely, the vehicle needs to be properly\ndesigned to minimise the potential for accidents and harm to other road users.\nThis Part sets out various requirements covering the driver’s view from a vehicle,\nthe driver’s control of a vehicle, protection of vehicle occupants and other road\nusers, and other general safety features.\n","sortOrder":22},{"sectionNumber":"27","sectionType":"section","heading":"Steering","content":"27 Steering\n(1) A motor vehicle must have a right-hand drive.\n(3) A motor vehicle has a right-hand drive if the centre of at least\n1 steering control of the vehicle is to the right of, or in line with, the\ncentre of the vehicle.\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 12\n(4) A component of the steering system of a motor vehicle that is\nessential for effective steering of the vehicle must be built to\ntransmit energy by mechanical means only.\n(5) Failure of a non-mechanical component of the steering system\nmust not prevent effective steering of the vehicle.\n(6) This rule does not apply to a vehicle if the vehicle is built or used\nmainly for a purpose other than the transport of goods or people by\nroad.\n","sortOrder":23},{"sectionNumber":"28","sectionType":"section","heading":"Turning ability","content":"28 Turning ability\n(1) A motor vehicle must be able to turn in a circle not over 25 metres\nin diameter, measured by the outer edge of the tyre track at ground\nlevel.\n(2) The vehicle must be able to comply with subrule (1) whether it turns\nto the left or to the right.\n","sortOrder":24},{"sectionNumber":"29","sectionType":"section","heading":"Ability to travel backwards and forwards","content":"29 Ability to travel backwards and forwards\nA motor vehicle with an unloaded mass over 450 kilograms must be\nable to be driven both backwards and forwards when the driver is in\nthe normal driving position.\n","sortOrder":25},{"sectionNumber":"30","sectionType":"section","heading":"Protrusions","content":"30 Protrusions\n(1) An object fitted to a vehicle must be designed, built and fitted to the\nvehicle in a way that minimises the likelihood of injury to a person\nmaking contact with the vehicle.\n(2) However, subrule (1) does not apply to an object fitted to a vehicle\nif:\n(a) the vehicle was designed before 1965 and the object was part\nof the design of the vehicle; or\n(b) the object was fitted to the vehicle before 1965 in accordance\nwith the law of the place where the object was fitted.\n","sortOrder":26},{"sectionNumber":"31","sectionType":"section","heading":"Driver’s view and vehicle controls","content":"31 Driver’s view and vehicle controls\nA motor vehicle must be built:\n(a) to allow the driver a view of the road and of traffic to the front\nand sides of the vehicle so the driver can drive the vehicle\nsafely; and\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 13\n(b) with its controls located so the driver can drive the vehicle\nsafely.\n","sortOrder":27},{"sectionNumber":"32","sectionType":"section","heading":"Seating","content":"32 Seating\nA seat for a driver or passenger in a vehicle must be securely\nattached to the vehicle.\n","sortOrder":28},{"sectionNumber":"33","sectionType":"section","heading":"Mudguards and spray suppression","content":"33 Mudguards and spray suppression\n(1) A vehicle must have firmly fitted:\n(a) a mudguard for each wheel or for adjacent wheels; and\n(b) for each axle group and single axle on a vehicle that is part of\na B-double – spray suppression devices complying with\nParts 1 and 2 of British Standard AU200-1984 Spray\nReducing Devices for Heavy Goods Vehicle.\n(2) However, subrule (1)(a) does not apply to a vehicle if:\n(a) the construction or use of the vehicle makes the fitting of\nmudguards unnecessary or impracticable; or\n(b) the body or part of the body of the vehicle acts as a\nmudguard.\nExamples of vehicles to which subrule (2)(a) applies\n1. Timber jinkers.\n2. Most road-making plant.\n3. Some agricultural equipment.\n(3) A mudguard fitted to a vehicle with a GVM over 4.5 tonnes must,\nwhen the wheels of the vehicle are in position to move straight\nahead:\n(a) reduce the danger of a person contacting the moving wheels;\nand\n(b) for the rear wheels:\n(i) cover the overall tyre width of the wheel or wheels to\nwhich it is fitted; and\n(ii) be fitted so the height above ground level of the lowest\nedge of the rear of the mudguard is not over one-third of\nthe horizontal distance between the edge and the centre\nof the rearmost axle.\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 14\n(4) However, a mudguard may be up to:\n(a) 230 millimetres above ground level; or\n(b) on a vehicle built to be used off road – 300 millimetres above\n(5) The outside of a rear mudguard, except a mudflap, of a vehicle that\ncan be seen from the rear of the vehicle must be coloured white or\nsilver if the vehicle:\n(a) is at least 2.2 metres wide; and\n(b) has a body the vertical measurement of which is under\n300 millimetres at the rear, measured from the lowest point of\nthe body above ground level to the highest point; and\n(c) is not fitted with rear marking plates in accordance with\nrule 119.\n(6) For subrule (5)(a), the width of a vehicle is measured disregarding\n","sortOrder":29},{"sectionNumber":"34","sectionType":"section","heading":"Horns, alarms etc","content":"34 Horns, alarms etc\n(1) A motor vehicle must be fitted with at least 1 horn or other device\nthat can give sufficient audible warning to other road users of the\napproach or position of the vehicle.\n(2) A motor vehicle must not be fitted with a device that can make a\nsound like the sound of a siren, bell, exhaust whistle, compression\nwhistle or repeater horn.\n(3) However, subrule (2) does not apply to:\n(a) a police vehicle; or\n(b) an emergency vehicle; or\n(c) a transport enforcement vehicle; or\n(d) an Australian Protective Service vehicle; or\n(e) a vehicle in the service of the Australian Border Force (as\ndefined in section 4(1) of the Australian Border Force Act 2015\n(Cth)); or\n(f) an Airservices Australia vehicle; or\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 15\n(g) a vehicle at least 25 years old that is fitted as a police or\nemergency vehicle if:\n(i) the vehicle is used for exhibition purposes; or\n(ii) it is part of a collection of former police or emergency\nvehicles; or\n(h) an anti-theft alarm if the alarm cannot be operated while the\nvehicle’s ignition is on.\n(4) Also, a motor vehicle may be fitted with a device that emits a\nregular, intermittent sound while the vehicle is reversing or in\nreverse gear.\n(5) The device must not be louder than is necessary so the driver, and\na person near the vehicle, can hear the device when it is operating.\n","sortOrder":30},{"sectionNumber":"35","sectionType":"section","heading":"Rear vision mirrors","content":"35 Rear vision mirrors\n(1) A rear vision mirror or mirrors must be fitted to a motor vehicle as\nrequired by this rule so that a driver of the vehicle can clearly see\nby reflection the road behind the vehicle and any following or\novertaking vehicle.\n(2) At least 1 rear vision mirror must be fitted to:\n(a) a car; and\n(b) a motor trike with 2 front wheels; and\n(c) a motor bike, or motor trike with 1 front wheel, built before\nJuly 1975.\n(3) At least 1 rear vision mirror must be fitted to each side of:\n(a) a motor vehicle with a GVM over 3.5 tonnes; and\n(b) a motor bike, or motor trike with 1 front wheel, built after\nJune 1975.\n(4) A motor vehicle with a GVM not over 3.5 tonnes (except a motor\nvehicle mentioned in subrule (2) or (3)) must be fitted with:\n(a) at least 1 rear vision mirror on the right side of the vehicle; and\n(b) at least 1 rear vision mirror on the left side of the vehicle or\ninside the vehicle.\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 16\n(5) A rear vision mirror fitted to a motor vehicle with a GVM over\n3.5 tonnes must not project over 150 millimetres beyond the widest\npart (excluding lights, signalling devices and reflectors) of the\nvehicle or combination.\n(6) However, the rear vision mirror may project not over 230 millimetres\nbeyond the widest part of the vehicle or combination if it can fold to\nproject not over 150 millimetres beyond the widest part.\n","sortOrder":31},{"sectionNumber":"36","sectionType":"section","heading":"Rear vision mirrors – surfaces","content":"36 Rear vision mirrors – surfaces\n(1) A rear vision mirror required to be fitted to the side of a motor\nvehicle with a GVM over 3.5 tonnes must have a reflecting surface\nof at least 150 square centimetres.\n(2) A rear vision mirror required to be fitted to the right side of a motor\nvehicle with a GVM over 3.5 tonnes must have a flat reflecting\nsurface if:\n(a) the motor vehicle has only 1 steering control; and\n(b) the centre of the steering control is to the right of, or in line\nwith, the centre of the motor vehicle.\n(3) The reflecting surface of the rear vision mirrors that are required to\nbe fitted to a motor bike or moped must:\n(a) each be of the same curvature; and\n(b) if convex, be part of a notional sphere with a radius of at\nleast 1.2 metres.\n","sortOrder":32},{"sectionNumber":"37","sectionType":"section","heading":"Additional rear vision mirrors","content":"37 Additional rear vision mirrors\nA motor vehicle may be fitted with additional rear vision mirrors or\nmirror surfaces that are flat or convex or a combination of flat and\nconvex surfaces.\n","sortOrder":33},{"sectionNumber":"38","sectionType":"section","heading":"Automatic transmission","content":"38 Automatic transmission\n(1) A motor vehicle fitted with an automatic transmission must have an\nengine starter mechanism that cannot operate when the\ntransmission control is in a position to drive the vehicle.\n(2) A vehicle built after 1975 that is fitted with an automatic\ntransmission must have an indicator in the driver’s compartment\nshowing the transmission control position.\n(3) Subrules (1) and (2) do not apply to a motor vehicle with less than\n4 wheels.\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 17\n","sortOrder":34},{"sectionNumber":"39","sectionType":"section","heading":"Diesel engines","content":"39 Diesel engines\nA motor vehicle propelled by a compression ignition engine\n(commonly known as a diesel engine) must be fitted with a device\npreventing the engine from being started accidentally or\ninadvertently.\n","sortOrder":35},{"sectionNumber":"40","sectionType":"section","heading":"Bonnet securing devices","content":"40 Bonnet securing devices\n(1) A motor vehicle with a moveable body panel forward of the\nwindscreen that covers an engine or luggage storage or battery\ncompartment, must have a device to secure the panel.\n(2) However, if the panel opens from the front in a way that partly or\ncompletely obstructs the driver’s forward view through the\nwindscreen, the panel must have primary and secondary devices to\nsecure the panel.\n","sortOrder":36},{"sectionNumber":"41","sectionType":"section","heading":"Electrical wiring, connections and installations","content":"41 Electrical wiring, connections and installations\n(1) The wiring of electrical equipment of a vehicle, except the high\ntension ignition wiring, must:\n(a) be supported at intervals of not over 600 millimetres, unless\nthe vehicle is a pole-type trailer with a pole with an adjustable\nlength, or an extendible trailer; and\n(b) be insulated at each of its joints; and\n(c) be located where it cannot:\n(i) become overheated; or\n(ii) contact moving parts; or\n(iii) come near enough to the fuel system to be a fire hazard;\nand\n(d) be protected from chafing.\n(2) The electrical connectors between motor vehicles and trailers, for\noperation of the vehicle lights required by the Vehicle Standards,\nmust comply with Australian Standard AS 2513-1982 Electrical\nConnections for Trailer Vehicles.\n(3) A trailer must be equipped with an electrical conductor,\nindependent of the trailer coupling, that provides a return path\nbetween the electrical circuits of the trailer and towing vehicle.\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 18\n(4) The electrical wiring, connections and installations of a semi-trailer,\ndog trailer or converter dolly used in a road train over 19 metres\nlong after June 1998 must comply with third edition ADR 63,\nwhether or not it was built before the date stated in the ADR for\nvehicles of that type.\n","sortOrder":37},{"sectionNumber":"42","sectionType":"section","heading":"Television receivers and visual display units","content":"42 Television receivers and visual display units\n(1) A television receiver or visual display unit must not be installed in a\nvehicle so any part of the image on the screen is visible to the\ndriver from the normal driving position.\n(2) However, subrule (1) does not apply to:\n(a) a television receiver or visual display unit that cannot be\noperated when the vehicle is moving; or\n(b) a driver’s aid in any vehicle or a destination sign in a bus.\nExamples of driver’s aids\n1. Closed-circuit television security cameras.\n2. Dispatch systems.\n3. Navigational or intelligent highway and vehicle system equipment.\n4. Rearview screens.\n5. Ticket-issuing machines.\n6. Vehicle monitoring devices.\n(3) A television receiver, or visual display unit, and its associated\nequipment in a vehicle must be securely mounted in a position that:\n(a) does not obscure the driver’s view of the road; and\n(b) does not impede the movement of a person in the vehicle.\n","sortOrder":38},{"sectionNumber":"43","sectionType":"section","heading":"Windscreens and windows","content":"43 Windscreens and windows\n(1) Transparent material used in a windscreen, window, or an interior\npartition, of a motor vehicle must be of approved material if:\n(a) the vehicle was built after June 1953; or\n(b) the material was first fitted to the vehicle after June 1953.\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 19\napproved material means material with the same characteristics\nas material mentioned in any of the following standards:\n• Australian Standard AS R1-1965 Safety Glass for Land\nTransport\n• Australian Standard AS R1-1968 Safety Glass for Land\nTransport\n• Australian Standard AS 2080-1977 Safety Glass for Vehicles\n• British Standard BS 857:1967 Specification for Safety Glass for\nLand Transport\n• British Standard BS 5282:1975 Road Vehicle Safety Glass\n• British Standard BS AU178:1980 Road Vehicle Safety Glass\n• Japanese Industrial Standard JIS R 3211-1979 Safety Glasses\nfor Road Vehicles\n• American National Standard ANSI Z26.1-1980 Safety Code for\nSafety Glazing Materials for Glazing Motor Vehicles Operating\non Land Highway.\ntransparent material does not include any coating added to the\nwindscreen, window or partition after its manufacture.\n","sortOrder":39},{"sectionNumber":"44","sectionType":"section","heading":"Window tinting","content":"44 Window tinting\n(1) Glazing used in a windscreen of a motor vehicle must have a\nluminous transmittance of at least:\n(a) for a motor vehicle built after 1971 – 75%; or\n(b) for another motor vehicle – 70%.\n(2) Windscreen glazing of a motor vehicle must not be coated in a way\nthat reduces its luminous transmittance.\n(3) However, subrules (1) and (2) do not apply to the greater of the\nfollowing areas of a windscreen:\n(a) the area above the highest point of the windscreen that is\nswept by a windscreen wiper;\n(b) the upper 10% of the windscreen.\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 20\n(4) Glazing used in a window or interior partition of a motor vehicle\nmust have a luminous transmittance of at least 70%.\n(5) Glazing behind the rear of the driver’s seat may be coated to\nachieve a luminous transmittance of not less than 35%.\n(6) Glazing in a side window forward of the rear of the driver’s seat\nmay be coated to achieve a luminous transmittance of not less\nthan 70% or, if another law of this jurisdiction allows a lesser\nluminous transmittance, the greater of:\n(a) the lesser luminous transmittance allowed under the other law;\nand\n(b) 35%.\n(7) Glazing that has been coated to reduce its luminous transmittance\nmust not have a reflectance of over 10%.\n(8) The luminous transmittance requirements in subrules (5) and (6)\napply to a vehicle instead of the corresponding requirements in the\nrelevant ADR.\n(9) In this rule:\nglazing means material fitted to the front, sides, rear or interior of a\nvehicle, through which the driver can see the road, but does not\ninclude a coating added after manufacture of the material.\nluminous transmittance, for glazing, means the amount of light\nthat can pass through the glazing as a percentage of the amount of\nlight that would be transmitted if the glazing were absent.\n","sortOrder":40},{"sectionNumber":"45","sectionType":"section","heading":"Windscreen wipers and washers","content":"45 Windscreen wipers and washers\n(1) A motor vehicle with 3 or more wheels that is fitted with a\nwindscreen must be fitted with at least 1 windscreen wiper unless a\ndriver in a normal driving position can obtain an adequate view of\nthe road ahead of the motor vehicle without looking through the\nwindscreen.\n(2) At least 1 windscreen wiper fitted to the motor vehicle must:\n(a) be able to remove moisture from the part of the windscreen in\nfront of the driver to allow the driver an adequate view of the\nroad ahead of the motor vehicle when the windscreen is wet;\nand\n(b) be able to be operated from a normal driving position; and\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 21\n(c) for a motor vehicle built after 1934 – continue to operate until\nthe wiper is switched off; and\n(d) for a motor vehicle built after 1959 the driving position of which\nis nearer one side of the vehicle than the other:\n(i) be able to remove moisture from the part of the\nwindscreen in front of the driver, and a corresponding\npart of the windscreen on the other side of the centre of\nthe motor vehicle, to allow the driver an adequate view\nof the road ahead of the motor vehicle when the\nwindscreen is wet; and\n(ii) if the windscreen wipers are operated by engine\nmanifold vacuum – be provided with a vacuum reservoir\nor pump to maintain the efficient operation of the wiper\nor wipers while the vehicle is in motion.\n(3) If the motor vehicle was built after 1982 and has a GVM over\n4.5 tonnes, it must also be fitted with a windscreen washer that can\ndirect water onto the windscreen within the area swept by a\nwindscreen wiper so the wiper can spread the water to all of the\narea swept by the wiper.\nNote The ADRs require certain vehicles with a GVM not over 4.5 tonnes to\nbe fitted with a windscreen washer.\n(4) The windscreen washer must be able to be operated from a normal\ndriving position.\n","sortOrder":41},{"sectionNumber":"46","sectionType":"section","heading":"Wheels and tyres – size and capacity","content":"46 Wheels and tyres – size and capacity\nThe wheels and tyres fitted to an axle of a vehicle must be of\nsufficient size and capacity to carry the part of the vehicle’s gross\nmass transmitted to the ground through the axle.\n","sortOrder":42},{"sectionNumber":"47","sectionType":"section","heading":"Pneumatic tyres generally","content":"47 Pneumatic tyres generally\nA vehicle built after 1932 must be fitted with pneumatic tyres.\n","sortOrder":43},{"sectionNumber":"48","sectionType":"section","heading":"Pneumatic tyres – carcass construction","content":"48 Pneumatic tyres – carcass construction\n(1) A vehicle with a GVM not over 4.5 tonnes must not have pneumatic\ntyres of different carcass construction fitted to the same axle, but\nthe tyres may have different cord materials and a different number\nof plies.\n(2) However, subrule (1) does not apply to a tyre being used in an\nemergency as a temporary replacement for a tyre complying with\nthe subrule.\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 22\n","sortOrder":44},{"sectionNumber":"49","sectionType":"section","heading":"Pneumatic tyres – size and capacity","content":"49 Pneumatic tyres – size and capacity\nThe size and capacity of a pneumatic tyre to be fitted to a vehicle\nmust be decided using a cold inflation pressure that is not more\nthan the lesser of:\n(a) the pressure recommended by the tyre manufacturer; and\n(b) a pressure of:\n(i) for a radial ply tyre – 825 kilopascals; or\n(ii) for another tyre – 700 kilopascals.\n","sortOrder":45},{"sectionNumber":"50","sectionType":"section","heading":"Tyres – defects","content":"50 Tyres – defects\nA tyre fitted to a vehicle must be free of any apparent defect that\ncould make the vehicle unsafe.\n","sortOrder":46},{"sectionNumber":"51","sectionType":"section","heading":"Tyres for use on vehicles with GVM over 4.5 tonnes","content":"51 Tyres for use on vehicles with GVM over 4.5 tonnes\n(1) A tyre fitted to a vehicle with a GVM over 4.5 tonnes must be\nsuitable for road use at the lesser of:\n(a) 100 kilometres an hour; and\n(b) the vehicle’s top speed.\n(2) This rule applies to a vehicle instead of the tyre speed category\nrequirements in the relevant ADR.\n","sortOrder":47},{"sectionNumber":"52","sectionType":"section","heading":"Tyres – manufacturer’s rating","content":"52 Tyres – manufacturer’s rating\n(1) This rule applies to a motor vehicle if the vehicle:\n(a) has 4 or more wheels; and\n(b) was built after 1972; and\n(c) has a GVM not over 4.5 tonnes.\n(2) However, this rule does not apply to a tyre if the tyre:\n(a) is recommended by the vehicle builder as suitable for limited\nuse on the vehicle in special circumstances at a speed less\nthan the speed applying to the vehicle under subrule (3); or\n(b) is being used in an emergency as a temporary replacement\nfor a tyre complying with this rule.\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 23\n(3) A tyre fitted to a motor vehicle must, when first manufactured, have\nbeen rated by the tyre manufacturer as suitable for road use at the\nlesser of:\n(a) a speed of at least:\n(i) for a car with special features for off-road use –\n140 kilometres an hour; or\n(ii) for another car – 180 kilometres an hour; or\n(iii) for another motor vehicle – 120 kilometres an hour; and\n(b) the vehicle’s top speed.\nExample for paragraph (a)(i)\nA four-wheel drive vehicle.\n(4) This rule applies to a vehicle instead of the tyre speed category\nrequirements in the relevant ADR.\n","sortOrder":48},{"sectionNumber":"53","sectionType":"section","heading":"Retreads","content":"53 Retreads\n(1) A tyre that is retreaded before the commencement of this rule must\nnot be used on a vehicle if:\n(a) Australian Standard AS 1973-1976 Retreaded Pneumatic\nPassenger Car and Light Truck Tyre or Australian Standard\nAS 1973-1985 Retreaded Pneumatic Passenger and Light\nTruck Tyre applies to the tyre; and\n(b) the tyre was retreaded after publication of the Australian\nStandard; and\n(c) the tyre was not retreaded in accordance with Australian\nStandard AS 1973-1976 Retreaded Pneumatic Passenger Car\nand Light Truck Tyre, Australian Standard AS 1973-1985\nRetreaded Pneumatic Passenger and Light Truck Tyre or\nAustralian Standard AS 1973-1993 Pneumatic Tyres –\nPassenger Car, Light Truck and Truck/Bus – Retreading and\nRepair Processes.\n(2) A tyre that is retreaded after the commencement of this rule must\nnot be used on a vehicle if:\n(a) Australian Standard AS 1973-1993 Pneumatic Tyres –\nPassenger Car, Light Truck and Truck/Bus – Retreading and\nRepair Processes applies to the tyre; and\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 24\n(b) the tyre was not retreaded in accordance with the Australian\nStandard.\nNote The Australian Standards mentioned in this rule require various\nmarkings on retreaded tyres. These may include a speed rating less than the\nrating originally marked on the tyre.\n","sortOrder":49},{"sectionNumber":"54","sectionType":"section","heading":"Tyre tread","content":"54 Tyre tread\n(1) A tyre on a motor vehicle must not have cleats or other gripping\ndevices that could damage road surfaces.\n(2) Except at tread wear indicators, a tyre fitted to the vehicle must\nhave a tread pattern at least 1.5 millimetres deep in a band that\nruns continuously:\n(a) across:\n(i) for a vehicle with a GVM over 4.5 tonnes – at least 75%\nof the tyre width that normally comes into contact with\nthe road; or\n(ii) for another vehicle – the tyre width that normally comes\ninto contact with the road; and\n(b) around the whole circumference of the tyre.\n(3) A vehicle must not be fitted with a tyre that has been treated by\nrecutting or regrooving the tread rubber, unless the tyre was:\n(a) constructed with an extra thickness of rubber designed for\nrecutting or regrooving; and\n(b) labelled to indicate the construction.\n","sortOrder":50},{"sectionNumber":"55","sectionType":"section","heading":"Steering gear and handlebars","content":"55 Steering gear and handlebars\n(1) The handlebars on a motor bike must extend at least\n250 millimetres, but not over 450 millimetres, on each side of the\ncentre line of the vehicle.\n(2) In taking a measurement for subrule (1), mirrors and lights mounted\non the handlebars of the motor bike are disregarded.\n(3) The lowest part of the hand grip on the handle bars must not be\nhigher than 380 millimetres above the attachment point of the\nhandlebars to the motor bike.\n(4) Hand grips on the handle bars must be fitted symmetrically.\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 25\n(5) If a motor bike has the head stem as the steering pivot point, the\nhorizontal distance from the midpoint between the head stem\nbearings to the centre of the front wheel must not be over\n550 millimetres.\nMaximum horizontal distance from midpoint between head\nstem bearings of motor bike to centre of front wheel\n","sortOrder":51},{"sectionNumber":"56","sectionType":"section","heading":"Foot rests","content":"56 Foot rests\nA motor bike must be fitted with foot rests for the driver, and for any\npassenger for whom a seating position is provided.\n","sortOrder":52},{"sectionNumber":"57","sectionType":"section","heading":"Chain guards","content":"57 Chain guards\n(1) If the engine power of a motor bike is transmitted to the rear wheel\nby a chain, the driver and any passenger must be protected from\nthe front sprocket and at least the upper part of the chain by:\n(a) the frame or equipment of the motor bike; or\n(b) a chain guard.\n(2) A chain guard must cover the chain to a point:\n(a) at least 300 millimetres to the rear of the rearmost foot rest; or\n(b) above the centre of the rear drive sprocket.\nNote This Part contains requirements for a vehicle that help to identify the\nvehicle and, if the vehicle is unusually long, to warn other motorists.\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 26\n","sortOrder":53},{"sectionNumber":"58","sectionType":"section","heading":"Vehicle and engine identification numbers","content":"58 Vehicle and engine identification numbers\nnumber includes letter.\n(2) A motor vehicle must have an individual engine identification\nnumber clearly stamped, embossed or otherwise permanently\nmarked on it.\n(3) A motor vehicle built after 1930 must have the engine identification\nnumber on its engine block or the main component of its engine.\n(4) A vehicle must have an individual vehicle identification number\nclearly stamped, embossed or otherwise permanently marked on a\nsubstantial part of its frame or chassis.\n(5) A vehicle or engine identification number must be located where a\nperson can read it easily without having to use tools to remove a\npart of the vehicle that would otherwise obstruct the person’s view.\n","sortOrder":54},{"sectionNumber":"59","sectionType":"section","heading":"White or silver band on certain vehicles","content":"59 White or silver band on certain vehicles\n(1) This rule applies to a vehicle that:\n(a) is at least 2.2 metres wide; and\n(b) has a body with a vertical measurement under 300 millimetres\nat the rear, measured from the lowest point of the body above\nground level to the highest point; and\n(c) is not fitted with rear marking plates in accordance with\nrule 119.\n(2) For subrule (1)(a), the width of a vehicle is measured disregarding\n(3) The vehicle must have a white or silver band at least 75 millimetres\nhigh across the full width of the rearmost part of the body of the\n","sortOrder":55},{"sectionNumber":"60","sectionType":"section","heading":"Warning signs for combinations over 22 metres long","content":"60 Warning signs for combinations over 22 metres long\n(1) The following vehicles must display road train warning signs\ncomplying with this rule and rule 62:\n(a) a combination over 36.5 metres long;\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 27\n(b) a road train over 30 metres, but not over 36.5 metres, long\nthat includes 1 or more dog trailers.\n(2) The following vehicles must display road train warning signs, or a\nlong vehicle warning sign, complying with this rule and rule 62:\n(a) a road train over 22 metres, but not over 30 metres, long that\nincludes 1 or more dog trailers;\n(b) a road train over 22 metres, but not over 36.5 metres, long\nthat does not include a dog trailer.\n(3) Another combination over 22 metres, but not over 36.5 metres, long\nmust display a long vehicle warning sign complying with this rule\nand rule 62.\n(4) Subrules (1), (2) and (3) do not apply to the extent of any\ninconsistency with a notice or permit issued under another law of\nthis jurisdiction that applies to the combination.\n(5) Road train warning signs must be used in pairs and fitted\nhorizontally, one at the front and the other at the rear of the\ncombination.\n(6) A long vehicle warning sign must be fitted horizontally at the rear of\nthe combination.\n","sortOrder":56},{"sectionNumber":"61","sectionType":"section","heading":"Warning signs not to be displayed on other vehicles","content":"61 Warning signs not to be displayed on other vehicles\n(1) A road train warning sign must not be displayed on a vehicle unless\nthe vehicle is part of a combination or road train mentioned in\nrule 60(1) or (2).\n(2) A long vehicle warning sign must not be displayed on a vehicle\nunless the vehicle is a part of a combination or road train mentioned\nin rule 60(2) or (3).\n","sortOrder":57},{"sectionNumber":"62","sectionType":"section","heading":"Specifications for warning signs","content":"62 Specifications for warning signs\n(1) A road train or long vehicle warning sign must be manufactured in 1\nor 2 parts from sheet steel 0.8 millimetres thick or another material\nof at least the same stiffness, unless it is designed to be fixed to a\nvehicle using an adhesive.\n(2) The warning sign must be at least 1.02 metres wide and at least\n250 millimetres high.\n(3) A road train warning sign must display the words ‘road train’, and a\nlong vehicle warning sign must display the words ‘long vehicle’, in\nblack capital letters at least 180 millimetres high in typeface\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 28\nSeries B(N) that complies with Australian Standard AS 1744 Forms\nof Letters and Numerals for Road Signs.\n(4) If the warning sign is in 2 parts, one word of the expression ‘road\ntrain’ or ‘long vehicle’ must be on one part and the other word of the\nexpression must be on the other part.\n(5) The warning sign must display the sign manufacturer’s name or\nlogo, and the brand and class of retro-reflective material used, in\nblock letters not over 10 millimetres high.\n(6) The warning sign must have a black border.\n(7) The warning sign must be coated with yellow retro-reflective\nmaterial of class 1 or 2 that meets Australian Standard AS 1906\nRetro-reflective Materials and Devices for Road Traffic Control\nPurposes.\n(8) The warning sign must be fitted so:\n(a) no part of the sign is:\n(i) over 1.8 metres above ground level; or\n(ii) under 500 millimetres above ground level; and\n(b) if the sign is in 2 parts – the parts are fitted at the same height\nPositioning of a warning sign\n","sortOrder":58},{"sectionNumber":"63","sectionType":"section","heading":"Left-hand drive signs","content":"63 Left-hand drive signs\n(1) This rule applies to a motor vehicle with a GVM over 4.5 tonnes that\nhas the centre of a steering control to the left of the centre of the\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 29\n(2) The vehicle must display the words ‘left hand drive’ on the rear of\n(3) The words must be in letters at least 75 millimetres high, and in a\ncolour contrast with the background to the words.\nNote This Part sets out various requirements covering the suspension on\nvehicles and size limits for single vehicles and combinations of vehicles, so that\nthey can be operated safely with other traffic, without taking up too much road\nspace or damaging the road and structures on the road.\nGenerally, the limits in this Part apply to a vehicle and any load it may be\ncarrying.\nSpecific requirements for loaded vehicles are covered by other laws.\n","sortOrder":59},{"sectionNumber":"64","sectionType":"section","heading":"Axle configuration","content":"64 Axle configuration\n(1) A motor vehicle, except an articulated bus, must have only:\n(a) 1 axle group, or single axle, towards the front of the vehicle;\nand\n(b) 1 axle group, or single axle, towards the rear of the vehicle.\n(2) An articulated bus must have:\n(a) on its front section:\n(i) only 1 axle group, or single axle, towards the front of the\nsection; and\n(ii) only 1 axle group, or single axle, towards the rear of the\nsection; and\n(b) on another section – only 1 axle group or single axle.\n(3) A trailer must have only:\n(a) 1 axle group or single axle; or\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 30\n(b) 2 axle groups, 2 single axles, or 1 axle group and single axle,\nin the following configuration:\n(i) 1 axle group, or single axle, towards the front of the\nvehicle, with all the wheels on the axle group or single\naxle connected to the steering mechanism for that part\nof the trailer;\n(ii) 1 axle group, or single axle, towards the rear of the\n(4) A semi-trailer that is extendible, or is fitted with sliding axles, must:\n(a) have a securing device that:\n(i) can securely fix the extendible part or sliding axles to the\nrest of the vehicle in any position of adjustment provided;\nand\n(ii) is located in a position that can prevent accidental or\ninadvertent release, if the device is mounted on the\nchassis of the vehicle; and\n(iii) is fitted with a visible or audible warning system to\nindicate to a person standing beside the vehicle that the\ndevice is not engaged; and\n(iv) is fitted with a way of preventing loss of air from the air\nbrake supply, if the device uses air from the brake\nsystem and fails in a way allowing air to escape; and\n(v) is held in the applied position by direct mechanical action\nwithout the intervention of an electric, hydraulic or\npneumatic device; and\n(b) be built so the adjustable parts of the vehicle remain\nconnected if the securing device fails.\n","sortOrder":60},{"sectionNumber":"65","sectionType":"section","heading":"Relation between axles in axle group","content":"65 Relation between axles in axle group\n(1) The axles in an axle group, except a twinsteer axle group, fitted to a\nvehicle with a GVM over 4.5 tonnes must relate to each other\nthrough a load-sharing suspension system.\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 31\nload-sharing suspension system means an axle group\nsuspension system that:\n(a) is built to divide the load between the tyres on the group so\nthat no tyre carries a mass over 10% more than the mass that\nit would carry if the load were divided equally; and\n(b) has effective damping characteristics on all axles of the group.\n","sortOrder":61},{"sectionNumber":"66","sectionType":"section","heading":"Width","content":"66 Width\n(1) A vehicle must not be over 2.5 metres wide.\n(2) For subrule (1), the width of a vehicle is measured without taking\ninto account any anti-skid device mounted on wheels, central tyre\ninflation systems, lights, mirrors, reflectors, signalling devices and\ntyre pressure gauges.\n","sortOrder":62},{"sectionNumber":"67","sectionType":"section","heading":"Length of single motor vehicles","content":"67 Length of single motor vehicles\n(1) A motor vehicle, except an articulated or controlled access bus,\nmust not be over 12.5 metres long.\n(2) A controlled access bus must not be over 14.5 metres long.\n(3) An articulated bus must not be over 18 metres long.\n","sortOrder":63},{"sectionNumber":"68","sectionType":"section","heading":"Length of single trailers","content":"68 Length of single trailers\n(1) On a semi-trailer or a dog trailer:\n(a) the distance between the point of articulation at the front of the\ntrailer and the rear overhang line must not be over 9.5 metres;\nand\n(b) the distance between the point of articulation at the front of the\ntrailer and the rear of the trailer must not be over 12.3 metres.\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 32\n(2) A projection forward of the point of articulation at the front of a\nsemi-trailer must be contained within a radius of 1.9 metres from\nthe point of articulation.\nMaximum dimensions of a semi-trailer\n(3) If a semi-trailer has 2 or more points of articulation at the front of\nthe trailer, it must comply with subrules (1) and (2) when measured\nat one of the points.\n(4) A trailer built to carry cattle, sheep, pigs or horses on 2 or more\npartly or completely overlapping decks must not have over\n12.5 metres of its length available for the carriage of animals.\n(5) For subrule (4), the length available for the carriage of animals on a\ntrailer is measured from the inside of the front wall or door of the\ntrailer to the inside of the rear wall or door of the trailer, with any\nintervening partitions disregarded.\n","sortOrder":64},{"sectionNumber":"69","sectionType":"section","heading":"Length of combinations","content":"69 Length of combinations\n(1) A combination must not be over:\n(a) for a B-double – 25 metres long; and\n(b) for a road train – 53.5 metres long; and\n(c) for a combination, except a road train, designed to carry\nvehicles on 2 or more partly or completely overlapping decks –\n25 metres long; and\n(d) for another combination – 19 metres long.\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 33\n(2) In a B-double built to carry cattle, sheep, pigs or horses, the 2 semi-\ntrailers must not have over 18.8 metres of their combined length\navailable for the carriage of animals.\n(3) For subrule (2), the length available for the carriage of animals on a\ntrailer is measured from the inside of the front wall or door of the\ntrailer to the inside of the rear wall or door of the trailer, with any\nintervening partitions disregarded.\n","sortOrder":65},{"sectionNumber":"70","sectionType":"section","heading":"Rear overhang","content":"70 Rear overhang\n(1) The rear overhang of a semi-trailer, or dog trailer consisting of a\nsemi-trailer and converter dolly, must not exceed the lesser of:\n(a) 60% of the distance between the point of articulation at the\nfront and the rear overhang line; and\n(2) A semi-trailer with 2 or more points of articulation at the front must\ncomply with subrule (1) when measured at the same point used for\nmeasurement for compliance with rule 68(3).\n(3) The rear overhang of a trailer with only 1 axle group or single axle\n(except a semi-trailer) must not exceed the lesser of:\n(a) the length of the load carrying area, or body, ahead of the rear\noverhang line; and\n(4) The rear overhang of a vehicle not mentioned in subrule (1) or (3)\nmust not exceed the lesser of:\n(a) 60% of the distance between the centre of the front axle and\nthe rear overhang line; and\n","sortOrder":66},{"sectionNumber":"71","sectionType":"section","heading":"Trailer drawbar length","content":"71 Trailer drawbar length\n(1) The distance between the coupling pivot point on the drawbar of a\ndog trailer, and the centre line of the front axle group or of the front\nsingle axle of the trailer, must:\n(a) not be over 5 metres; and\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 34\n(b) not be under 3 metres, if the trailer is used in a road train over\n19 metres long.\nLength of a drawbar on a dog trailer\n(2) The distance between the coupling pivot point on a drawbar, and\nthe centre line of the axle group or single axle on a trailer with only\n1 axle group or single axle (except a semi-trailer) must not be over\n8.5 metres.\n","sortOrder":67},{"sectionNumber":"72","sectionType":"section","heading":"Height","content":"72 Height\n(1) A vehicle must not be over 4.3 metres high.\n(2) However:\n(a) a vehicle built to carry cattle, sheep, pigs or horses must not\nbe over 4.6 metres high; and\n(b) a double-deck bus must not be over 4.4 metres high.\n","sortOrder":68},{"sectionNumber":"73","sectionType":"section","heading":"Ground clearance","content":"73 Ground clearance\nground clearance, of a vehicle, means the minimum distance to\nthe ground from a point on the underside of the vehicle, except a\npoint on a tyre, wheel, wheel hub, brake backing plate or flexible\nmudguard or mudflap of the vehicle.\n(2) A motor vehicle or combination must have a ground clearance of:\n(a) at least 100 millimetres at any point within 1 metre of an axle;\nand\n(b) at least one-thirtieth of the distance between the centres of\nadjacent axles at the midpoint between them; and\n(c) at any other point – at least the distance that allows the\nvehicle or combination to pass over a peak in the road with a\ngradient on either side of 1:15, if the wheels of 1 axle of the\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 35\nvehicle or combination are on the slope on one side of the\npeak and the wheels of the next axle are on the slope on the\nother side.\n(3) However, subrule (2) does not apply to:\n(a) a motor vehicle with less than 4 wheels; or\n(b) a combination that includes a motor vehicle with less than\n4 wheels.\nGround clearance at the mid-point between 2 axles\nGround clearance over a peak in the road\nNote This Part deals with how the lights on a vehicle must be fitted and\nwork so that the driver can see the road, pedestrians and other vehicles at night,\nand can signal to others.\nOther laws provide for when certain lights must be switched on.\nIn this Part, the description ‘yellow’ is used as a more modern term, instead of the\ndescription ‘amber’ which is used in earlier legislation and some ADRs.\n","sortOrder":69},{"sectionNumber":"74","sectionType":"section","heading":"Certain requirements apply only at night","content":"74 Certain requirements apply only at night\nThe requirements of this Part for a light, except a brake or direction\nindicator light, to be visible over a stated distance apply only at\nnight.\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 36\n","sortOrder":70},{"sectionNumber":"75","sectionType":"section","heading":"Prevention of glare","content":"75 Prevention of glare\nA light, except a high-beam headlight, fitted to a vehicle must be\nbuilt and adjusted to provide the necessary amount of light, without\ndazzling the driver of another vehicle approaching, or being\napproached by, the vehicle.\n","sortOrder":71},{"sectionNumber":"76","sectionType":"section","heading":"Pairs of lights","content":"76 Pairs of lights\n(1) If lights are required under the Vehicle Standards to be fitted to a\nvehicle in pairs:\n(a) a light must be fitted on each side of the longitudinal axis of\nthe vehicle; and\n(b) the centre of each light in a pair must be the same distance\nfrom the longitudinal axis of the vehicle; and\n(c) the centre of each light in a pair must be at the same height\nabove ground level; and\n(d) each light in a pair must project approximately the same\namount of light of the same colour.\n","sortOrder":72},{"sectionNumber":"77","sectionType":"section","heading":"Headlights to be fitted to vehicles","content":"77 Headlights to be fitted to vehicles\n(1) A motor vehicle must be fitted with:\n(a) 1 low-beam headlight if it is a moped, motor bike, or motor\ntrike with 1 front wheel; or\n(b) a pair of low-beam headlights if it has 4 or more wheels or is a\nmotor trike, except a moped, with 2 front wheels.\n(2) If a motor vehicle built after 1934 can travel at over 60 kilometres\nan hour:\n(a) each low-beam headlight mentioned in subrule (1) must be\nable to work in the high-beam position; or\n(b) the vehicle must be fitted with:\n(i) 1 headlight that can work in the high-beam position if the\nvehicle is required to have 1 low-beam headlight; or\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 37\n(ii) a pair of headlights that can work in the high-beam\nposition.\n(3) A motor bike may be equipped with a headlight modulation system\nthat:\n(a) varies the brightness of its high-beam headlight or low-beam\nheadlight, but not both, at a rate of at least 200 and at most\n280 flashes a minute; and\n(b) is designed to operate only in the daylight.\n(4) Additional headlights may be fitted to a motor bike or motor trike, or\na motor vehicle with 4 or more wheels that was built before 1970.\n(5) Additional pairs of headlights may be fitted to a motor vehicle with 4\nor more wheels that was built after 1969.\n","sortOrder":73},{"sectionNumber":"78","sectionType":"section","heading":"How headlights are to be fitted","content":"78 How headlights are to be fitted\n(1) The centres of low-beam headlights fitted as a pair on a motor\nvehicle with 4 or more wheels must be at least 600 millimetres\napart.\n(2) However, subrule (1) does not apply to a motor vehicle built\nbefore 1970 if the centres of its low-beam headlights:\n(a) were under 600 millimetres apart when the vehicle was built;\nand\n(b) are not nearer than they were when the vehicle was built.\n(3) Each low-beam headlight of a pair on a motor trike (except a\nmoped) with 2 front wheels must not be over 400 millimetres from\nthe nearer side of the vehicle.\n(4) The centre of a low-beam headlight fitted to a motor vehicle built\nafter June 1953 must be:\n(a) at least 500 millimetres above ground level; and\n(b) not over 1.4 metres above ground level.\n","sortOrder":74},{"sectionNumber":"79","sectionType":"section","heading":"How single headlights are to be fitted","content":"79 How single headlights are to be fitted\n(1) A motor bike or trike with a single headlight fitted must have the\nlight fitted in the centre.\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 38\n","sortOrder":75},{"sectionNumber":"80","sectionType":"section","heading":"How additional headlights are to be fitted","content":"80 How additional headlights are to be fitted\nIf 2 or more additional headlights are fitted to a motor vehicle with\n4 or more wheels, the additional headlights must as far as possible\nbe fitted in pairs.\n","sortOrder":76},{"sectionNumber":"81","sectionType":"section","heading":"Performance of headlights","content":"81 Performance of headlights\n(1) When on, a headlight, or additional headlight, fitted to a vehicle\nmust:\n(a) show only white light; and\n(b) project its main beam of light ahead of the vehicle.\n(2) Headlights must be fitted to a vehicle so their light does not reflect\noff the vehicle into the driver’s eyes.\n","sortOrder":77},{"sectionNumber":"82","sectionType":"section","heading":"Effective range of headlights","content":"82 Effective range of headlights\n(1) This rule applies to a headlight that is on at night.\n(2) A low-beam headlight must illuminate the road ahead of the vehicle\nfor at least 25 metres.\n(3) A high-beam headlight must illuminate the road ahead of the\nvehicle for at least 50 metres.\n(4) However, a low-beam headlight fitted to a motor vehicle built\nbefore 1931, or a moped, need only illuminate the road ahead of\nthe vehicle for 12 metres.\n","sortOrder":78},{"sectionNumber":"83","sectionType":"section","heading":"Changing headlights from high-beam to low-beam position","content":"83 Changing headlights from high-beam to low-beam position\n(1) A motor vehicle built after 1934 that can travel at over 60 kilometres\nan hour must be fitted with:\n(a) a dipping device enabling the driver in the normal driving\nposition:\n(i) to change the headlights from the high-beam position to\nthe low-beam position; or\n(ii) simultaneously to switch off a high-beam headlight and\nswitch on a low-beam headlight; and\n(b) for a vehicle built after June 1953 – a device to indicate to the\ndriver that the headlights are in the high-beam position.\n(2) A headlight fitted to a vehicle not fitted with a dipping device\nmentioned in subrule (1)(a) must operate in the low-beam position.\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 39\n(3) When a headlight fitted to a vehicle is switched to the low-beam\nposition, any other headlight on the vehicle must operate only in the\nlow-beam position or be off.\n","sortOrder":79},{"sectionNumber":"84","sectionType":"section","heading":"Parking lights","content":"84 Parking lights\n(1) A motor vehicle built after June 1953 must be fitted with:\n(a) a pair of parking lights if it is a motor trike with 2 front wheels\n(except a moped) or a motor vehicle with 4 or more wheels; or\n(b) at least 1 parking light if it is a motor bike with an attached\nsidecar, or a motor trike with 1 front wheel, (except a moped).\n(2) A pair of parking lights fitted to a motor vehicle with 4 or more\nwheels must be fitted with the centre of each light:\n(a) at least 600 millimetres from the centre of the other light; and\n(b) not over 510 millimetres from the nearer side of the vehicle.\n(3) However, a pair of parking lights fitted to a motor vehicle\nunder 1300 millimetres wide may be fitted with the centre of each\nlight not under 400 millimetres from the centre of the other light.\n(4) A parking light fitted to a motor trike with 2 front wheels must not be\nover 400 millimetres from the nearer side of the vehicle.\n(5) A parking light fitted to a motor bike with a sidecar must be fitted not\nover 150 millimetres from the side of the sidecar furthest from the\nmotor bike.\nLocation of parking lights on a vehicle\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 40\n(6) When on, a parking light must:\n(a) show a white or yellow light visible 200 metres from the front\nof the vehicle; and\n(7) A parking light fitted to a motor vehicle built after 1969 must be\nwired so the parking light is on when a headlight on the vehicle is\non.\n(8) A parking light fitted to a sidecar attached to a motor bike must be\nwired to operate when a headlight, tail light or parking light on the\nmotor bike is on.\n(9) For subrule (3), the width of a vehicle is measured disregarding any\n","sortOrder":80},{"sectionNumber":"85","sectionType":"section","heading":"Daytime running lights","content":"85 Daytime running lights\n(1) A pair of daytime running lights may be fitted to a motor vehicle.\n(2) A pair of daytime running lights fitted to a vehicle with 4 or more\nwheels must be fitted with the centre of each light:\n(a) at least 600 millimetres from the centre of the other light; and\n(b) not over 510 millimetres from the nearer side of the vehicle.\n(3) However, a pair of daytime running lights fitted to a motor vehicle\nunder 1300 millimetres wide may be fitted with the centre of each\nlight not under 400 millimetres from the centre of the other light.\nLocation of daytime running lights on a vehicle\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 41\n(4) When on, a daytime running light must:\n(a) show a white or yellow light visible from the front of the\n(b) not use over 25 watts power.\nNote The third edition ADRs only allow white daytime running lights.\n(5) Daytime running lights must be wired so they are off when a\nheadlight, except a headlight being used as a flashing signal, is on.\n(6) For subrule (3), the width of a vehicle is measured disregarding any\n","sortOrder":81},{"sectionNumber":"86","sectionType":"section","heading":"Tail lights generally","content":"86 Tail lights generally\n(1) A vehicle must have at least 1 tail light fitted on or towards the rear\n(2) A motor trike with 2 rear wheels, or a motor vehicle with 4 or more\nwheels, built after 1959 must have at least 1 tail light fitted on or\ntowards each side of the rear of the vehicle.\n(3) A trailer built after June 1973 must have at least 1 tail light fitted on\nor towards each side of the rear of the vehicle.\n(4) The centre of a tail light mentioned in subrule (1), (2) or (3) must not\nbe over:\n(a) 1.5 metres above ground level; or\n(b) if it is not practicable to fit the light lower – 2.1 metres above\n(5) A vehicle may have 1 or more additional tail lights at any height\n","sortOrder":82},{"sectionNumber":"87","sectionType":"section","heading":"Pattern of fitting tail lights","content":"87 Pattern of fitting tail lights\n(1) If only 1 tail light is fitted to a vehicle, it must be fitted in the centre\nor to the right of the centre of the vehicle’s rear.\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 42\n(3) If 2 or more tail lights are fitted to a vehicle, at least 2 must be fitted\nas a pair.\nLocation of tail lights on a vehicle\n(4) Tail lights fitted in accordance with this Division may also serve as\nrear clearance lights if they are fitted to a vehicle in accordance with\nrule 93(3).\n","sortOrder":83},{"sectionNumber":"88","sectionType":"section","heading":"Performance of tail lights","content":"88 Performance of tail lights\n(1) When on, a tail light of a vehicle must:\n(a) show a red light visible 200 metres from the rear of the\n(2) A tail light fitted to a street rod vehicle may incorporate a blue lens\nnot over 20 millimetres in diameter.\n(3) A street rod vehicle is a vehicle that has been modified for safe\nroad use and that:\n(a) has a body and frame that were built before 1949; or\n(b) is a replica of a vehicle the body and frame of which were built\nbefore 1949.\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 43\n","sortOrder":84},{"sectionNumber":"89","sectionType":"section","heading":"Wiring of tail lights","content":"89 Wiring of tail lights\nA tail light of a motor vehicle must be wired to come on, and stay\non, when a parking light or headlight on the vehicle is on, unless an\nexternal switch is fitted to operate the tail light.\n","sortOrder":85},{"sectionNumber":"Div 6","sectionType":"division","heading":"Number plate lights","content":"Division 6 Number plate lights\n","sortOrder":86},{"sectionNumber":"90","sectionType":"section","heading":"Number plate lights","content":"90 Number plate lights\n(1) At least 1 number plate light must be fitted to the rear of a vehicle.\n(2) When on, the number plate light or lights must illuminate a number\nplate on the rear of the vehicle with white light, so the characters on\nthe number plate can be read at night 20 metres from the rear of\n(3) A number plate light:\n(a) may be combined with another light; and\n(b) must not project white light to the rear of the vehicle except by\nreflection; and\n(c) must not obscure the characters on the number plate; and\n(d) must be wired to come on, and stay on, when a parking light,\nheadlight or tail light on the vehicle is on.\n","sortOrder":87},{"sectionNumber":"91","sectionType":"section","heading":"Front clearance lights","content":"91 Front clearance lights\n(1) Front clearance lights may only be fitted to a vehicle that is at least\n1.8 metres wide.\n(2) A pair of front clearance lights must be fitted to a motor vehicle that\nis at least 2.2 metres wide, or a prime mover.\n(3) The centre of a front clearance light must be:\n(a) not over 400 millimetres from the nearer side of the vehicle;\nand\n(b) if the vehicle was built after June 1953:\n(i) at least 750 millimetres higher than the centre of any\nlow-beam headlight fitted to the vehicle; or\n(ii) not lower than the top of the windscreen.\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 44\n(4) However, a front clearance light may be mounted on an external\nrear vision mirror or a mirror support if, when the mirror is correctly\nadjusted, no part of the lens of the clearance light is visible to a\nperson in the normal driving position.\n(5) When on, a front clearance light must:\n(a) show a yellow or white light visible 200 metres from the front\nof the vehicle; and\n","sortOrder":88},{"sectionNumber":"92","sectionType":"section","heading":"External cabin lights","content":"92 External cabin lights\n(1) A motor vehicle fitted with front clearance lights may also have\nadditional forward-facing lights on or above the roof of its cabin.\n(2) The additional forward-facing lights must be spaced evenly\nbetween the front clearance lights, with their centres at least\n120 millimetres apart.\n(3) When on, an additional forward-facing light must:\n(a) show a yellow or white light; and\n","sortOrder":89},{"sectionNumber":"93","sectionType":"section","heading":"Rear clearance lights","content":"93 Rear clearance lights\n(1) Rear clearance lights may only be fitted to a vehicle that is at\nleast 1.8 metres wide.\n(2) A pair of rear clearance lights must be fitted to the rear of a vehicle\nthat is at least 2.2 metres wide.\n(3) The centre of a rear clearance light must be:\n(a) not over 400 millimetres from the nearer side of the vehicle;\nand\n(b) if practicable, at least 600 millimetres above ground level.\n(4) When on, a rear clearance light must:\n(a) show a red light visible 200 metres from the rear of the\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 45\n","sortOrder":90},{"sectionNumber":"94","sectionType":"section","heading":"Vehicles needing side marker lights","content":"94 Vehicles needing side marker lights\n(1) A pair of side marker lights must be fitted towards the rear of the\nsides of a motor vehicle that is over 7.5 metres long and at least\n2.2 metres wide.\n(2) A pole-type trailer, and a motor vehicle built to tow a pole-type\ntrailer, with at least 1 cross-bar or bolster must have a side marker\nlight fitted to each side of the back or only cross-bar or bolster.\n(3) A pole-type trailer with 2 or more cross-bars or bolsters may also\nhave a side marker light fitted to each side of the front cross-bar or\nbolster.\n(4) At least 2 side marker lights must be fitted to each side of:\n(a) a trailer, except a pole-type trailer, that is at least 2.2 metres\nwide and not over 7.5 metres long; and\n(b) a semi-trailer that is not over 7.5 metres long.\n(5) At least 3 side marker lights must be fitted to each side of:\n(a) a trailer, except a pole-type trailer, that is at least 2.2 metres\nwide and over 7.5 metres long; and\n(b) a semi-trailer that is over 7.5 metres long.\n(6) For subrules (1), (4) and (5), the width of a vehicle is measured\ndisregarding any anti-skid device mounted on wheels, central tyre\ninflation systems, lights, mirrors, reflectors, signalling devices and\ntyre pressure gauges.\n","sortOrder":91},{"sectionNumber":"95","sectionType":"section","heading":"Location of side marker lights","content":"95 Location of side marker lights\n(1) The centre of a side marker light must not be over 150 millimetres\nfrom the nearer side of the vehicle.\n(2) A front side marker light fitted to a motor vehicle must be towards\nthe front of the side of the vehicle with no part of the lens visible to\nthe driver.\n(3) The centre of a front side marker light fitted to a trailer must be:\n(a) within 300 millimetres of the front of the side of the trailer; or\n(b) if the construction of the trailer makes it impracticable to\ncomply with paragraph (a) – as near as practicable to the front\nof the trailer.\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 46\n(4) The centre of a rear side marker light fitted to a vehicle must be:\n(a) within 300 millimetres of the rear of the side of the vehicle; or\n(b) if the construction of the vehicle makes it impracticable to\ncomply with paragraph (a) – as near as practicable to the rear\n(5) Side marker lights fitted to a vehicle must, as far as practicable, be\nevenly spaced along the side of the vehicle.\n(6) Subrules (2) to (5) do not apply to side marker lights fitted to a\ncross-bar or bolster of a pole-type trailer.\n(7) Only the side marker lights nearest to the rear need be fitted if\ncomplying with subrules (3) and (4) would result in the front and\nrear side marker lights being under 2.5 metres apart.\n(8) A side marker light fitted to a vehicle must be fitted so:\n(a) its centre is not over:\n(i) 1.5 metres above ground level; or\n(ii) if it is not practicable to fit it lower – 2.1 metres above\nground level; and\n(b) its centre is at least 600 millimetres above ground level; and\n(c) it is, as far as practicable, in a row of side marker lights along\nthe side of the vehicle.\n(9) Subrule (8)(a) does not apply to a side marker light that is not\nrequired to be fitted to the vehicle by rule 94.\n","sortOrder":92},{"sectionNumber":"96","sectionType":"section","heading":"Performance of side marker lights","content":"96 Performance of side marker lights\n(1) When on, a side marker light fitted to a vehicle must:\n(a) show a light visible 200 metres from the vehicle; and\n(2) When on, a side marker light fitted to a vehicle must show:\n(a) to the front of the vehicle – a yellow light; and\n(b) to the rear of the vehicle:\n(i) if the light also operates as a rear light or reflector – a\nred light; and\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 47\n(ii) in any other case – a red or yellow light.\n(3) However, if a pole-type trailer with 2 or more cross-bars or bolsters\nhas the side marker lights permitted by rule 94(3):\n(a) the side marker lights fitted to the front cross-bar or bolster\nmay comply with subrule (2)(a) only; and\n(b) the side marker lights fitted to the back cross-bar or bolster\nmay comply with subrule (2)(b) only.\n","sortOrder":93},{"sectionNumber":"97","sectionType":"section","heading":"Side marker lights and rear clearance lights","content":"97 Side marker lights and rear clearance lights\nThe side marker light nearest to the rear of a vehicle may also be a\nrear clearance light for rule 93.\n","sortOrder":94},{"sectionNumber":"98","sectionType":"section","heading":"Fitting brake lights","content":"98 Fitting brake lights\n(1) A brake light must be fitted to the rear of a vehicle built after 1934.\n(2) A pair of brake lights must be fitted to the rear of:\n(a) a motor vehicle built after 1959 that has 4 or more wheels; and\n(b) a motor trike built after 1959 that has 2 rear wheels; and\n(c) a trailer built after June 1973.\n(3) The centre of a brake light must be:\n(a) at least 350 millimetres above ground level; and\n(b) not over:\n(i) 1.5 metres above ground level; or\n(ii) if it is not practicable to fit the light lower – 2.1 metres\n(4) A vehicle may be fitted with 1 or more additional brake lights.\n(5) The centre of an additional brake light must be at least\n350 millimetres above ground level.\n(6) If only 1 brake light is fitted to a vehicle, it must be fitted in the\ncentre or to the right of the centre of the vehicle’s rear.\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 48\n(7) Subrule (6) applies to a motor bike with an attached sidecar as if\nLocation of brake lights on a vehicle\n","sortOrder":95},{"sectionNumber":"99","sectionType":"section","heading":"Performance and operation of brake lights","content":"99 Performance and operation of brake lights\n(1) When on, a brake light must show a red light visible 30 metres from\nthe rear of the vehicle.\n(2) A brake light fitted to a street rod vehicle may incorporate a blue\nlens not over 20 millimetres in diameter.\n(3) A brake light fitted to a motor vehicle must come on, if it is not\nalready on, when:\n(a) for a vehicle with 4 or more wheels or built after 1974 – a\nservice brake is applied; or\n(b) for another vehicle – the rear wheel brake is applied.\n(4) Subrule (3) does not apply if the controls in the vehicle that start the\nengine are in a position that makes it impossible for the engine to\noperate.\n(5) A brake light on a trailer must come on when:\n(a) the brake light of the towing vehicle comes on; or\n(b) a brake control on the towing vehicle, which independently\nactivates the service brake on the trailer, is operated.\n(6) A brake light may be operated by an engine brake, retarder, or\nsimilar device if the device does not interfere with the proper\noperation of the brake light.\n(7) A street rod vehicle is a vehicle that has been modified for safe\nroad use and that:\n(a) has a body and frame that were built before 1949; or\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 49\n(b) is a replica of a vehicle the body and frame of which were built\nbefore 1949.\n","sortOrder":96},{"sectionNumber":"Div 10","sectionType":"division","heading":"Reversing lights","content":"Division 10 Reversing lights\n","sortOrder":97},{"sectionNumber":"100","sectionType":"section","heading":"Reversing lights","content":"100 Reversing lights\n(1) One or more reversing lights may be fitted to the rear of a vehicle\nand on each side towards the rear of the vehicle.\n(2) A reversing light must have its centre not over 1.2 metres above\n(3) When on, a reversing light must show a white or yellow light to the\nrear or to the side and rear of the vehicle.\nNote Third edition ADRs only allow white reversing lights.\n(4) A reversing light fitted to a motor vehicle must be wired so it\noperates only when the vehicle is reversing or in reverse gear.\n(5) A reversing light fitted to a trailer must be wired so it operates only\nwhen a motor vehicle towing the trailer is reversing or in reverse\ngear.\n(6) A yellow reversing light may also operate as a direction indicator\nlight.\n","sortOrder":98},{"sectionNumber":"101","sectionType":"section","heading":"Direction indicator lights on motor vehicles","content":"101 Direction indicator lights on motor vehicles\n(1) A motor vehicle with 4 or more wheels that was built after\nAugust 1966 must have:\n(a) a pair of direction indicator lights fitted on, or towards, its front\nthat face forwards; and\n(b) a pair of direction indicator lights fitted on, or towards, its rear\nthat face backwards.\n(2) A motor vehicle with less than 4 wheels that was built after\nJune 1975 must have:\n(a) a pair of direction indicator lights fitted on, or towards, its front\nthat face forwards; and\n(b) a pair of direction indicator lights fitted on, or towards, its rear\nthat face backwards.\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 50\n(3) A motor vehicle that is not required to have direction indicator lights\nmay have:\n(a) 1 or more pairs of direction indicator lights that are visible from\nboth the front and rear of the vehicle; or\n(b) both:\n(i) a pair of direction indicator lights fitted on, or towards, its\nfront that face forwards; and\n(ii) a pair of direction indicator lights fitted on, or towards, its\nrear that face backwards.\n","sortOrder":99},{"sectionNumber":"102","sectionType":"section","heading":"Direction indicator lights on trailers","content":"102 Direction indicator lights on trailers\n(1) A trailer built after June 1973 must have a pair of direction indicator\nlights fitted on, or towards, its rear that face backwards.\n(2) A trailer that is not required to have direction indicator lights may\nhave 1 or more pairs of direction indicator lights fitted on, or\ntowards, its rear that face backwards.\n","sortOrder":100},{"sectionNumber":"103","sectionType":"section","heading":"Location of direction indicator lights","content":"103 Location of direction indicator lights\n(1) A pair of direction indicator lights fitted to a vehicle must have the\ncentre of each light at least:\n(a) for a motor bike or the single wheel end of a motor trike –\n300 millimetres from the centre of the other light; and\n(b) for lights fitted at the 2 wheel end of a motor trike –\n600 millimetres from the centre of the other light, unless the\ncentre of each direction indicator light is not over\n400 millimetres from the nearer side of the vehicle; and\n(c) for another vehicle with a width of not over 1300 millimetres –\n400 millimetres from the centre of the other light; and\n(d) for another vehicle with a width of over 1300 millimetres –\n600 millimetres from the centre of the other light.\n(2) The centre of each direction indicator light must be at least\n350 millimetres above ground level.\n(3) The centre of each light in a pair of direction indicator lights\nrequired to be fitted to a vehicle must not be over:\n(a) 1.5 metres above ground level; or\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 51\n(b) if it is not practicable for the light to be fitted lower –\n2.1 metres above ground level.\n(4) For subrule (1), the width of a vehicle is measured disregarding any\n","sortOrder":101},{"sectionNumber":"104","sectionType":"section","heading":"Operation and visibility of direction indicator lights","content":"104 Operation and visibility of direction indicator lights\n(1) A direction indicator light fitted to a motor vehicle must:\n(a) when operating, display regular flashes of light at a rate of not\nover 120, and:\n(i) for a motor vehicle with 4 or more wheels – at least 60,\nflashes a minute; and\n(ii) for another motor vehicle – at least 45, flashes a minute;\nand\n(b) be able to be operated by a person in the normal driving\n(c) be wired to an audible or visible device in the vehicle that tells\nthe driver that the direction indicator light is operating; and\n(d) flash at the same time and rate as any other direction indicator\nlights fitted on the same side of the vehicle.\n(2) A direction indicator light fitted to a side of a trailer must, when\noperating, flash at the same time and rate as the direction indicator\nlight or lights fitted to the same side of the motor vehicle towing the\ntrailer.\n(3) The flashes of light displayed by a direction indicator light must be:\n(a) if the light faces forwards – white or yellow; and\n(b) if the light faces backwards:\n(i) yellow; or\n(ii) for a vehicle built before July 1973 – yellow or red; and\n(c) if the light faces out from the side of the vehicle:\n(i) white or yellow towards the front and side; and\n(ii) for a vehicle built before July 1973 – yellow or red\ntowards the rear and side; and\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 52\n(iii) for a vehicle built after June 1973 – yellow towards the\nrear and side.\nNote The ADRs only allow yellow direction indicator lights.\n(4) If a motor vehicle’s direction indicator lights display only yellow light,\nthe vehicle may be equipped to allow the lights to operate\nsimultaneously on both sides of the vehicle, if a visible or audible\nsignal tells the driver when the lights are operating simultaneously.\n(5) When on, a direction indicator light must be visible 30 metres from:\n(a) if the light faces forwards – the front of the vehicle; or\n(b) if the light faces backwards – the rear of the vehicle; or\n(c) if the light faces out from the side of the vehicle – that side of\n(6) When on, each direction indicator light in at least 1 pair of lights\nfitted on or towards the front of a prime mover, or a motor vehicle\nover 7.5 metres long, must be visible at a point:\n(a) 1.5 metres at right angles from the side of the vehicle where\nthe light is fitted; and\n(b) in line with the rear of the vehicle.\n","sortOrder":102},{"sectionNumber":"105","sectionType":"section","heading":"Front fog lights","content":"105 Front fog lights\n(1) A pair of front fog lights may be fitted to a motor vehicle with 4 or\nmore wheels.\n(2) A pair of front fog lights, or a single front fog light, may be fitted to a\nmotor bike or trike.\n(3) A pair of front fog lights fitted to a motor vehicle with 4 or more\nwheels must have the centre of each light not over 400 millimetres\nfrom the nearer side of the vehicle unless the centres of the lights\nare at least 600 millimetres apart.\n(4) If the top of the front fog light is higher than the top of any low-beam\nheadlight on the vehicle, the centre of the fog light must not be\nhigher than the centre of the low-beam headlight.\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 53\n(5) A front fog light must:\n(a) when on:\n(i) project white or yellow light in front of the vehicle; and\n(ii) be a low-beam light; and\n(b) be able to be operated independently of any headlight; and\n(c) be fitted so the light from it does not reflect off the vehicle into\nthe driver’s eyes.\n","sortOrder":103},{"sectionNumber":"106","sectionType":"section","heading":"Rear fog lights","content":"106 Rear fog lights\n(1) A vehicle may have fitted to its rear:\n(a) a pair of rear fog lights; or\n(b) 1 rear fog light fitted on, or to the right, of the centre of the\n(2) Subrule (1)(b) applies to a motor bike with an attached sidecar as if\n(3) A rear fog light must:\n(a) have its centre:\n(i) not over 1.5 metres above ground level; and\n(ii) at least 100 millimetres from the centre of a brake light;\nand\n(b) when on, project red light behind the vehicle; and\n(c) not use over 27 watts power; and\n(d) be wired to a visible device in the vehicle that tells the driver\nthat the rear fog light is operating.\n","sortOrder":104},{"sectionNumber":"107","sectionType":"section","heading":"Interior lights","content":"107 Interior lights\nA vehicle may be fitted with interior lights that illuminate any interior\npart of the vehicle.\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 54\n","sortOrder":105},{"sectionNumber":"Div 14","sectionType":"division","heading":"Reflectors generally","content":"Division 14 Reflectors generally\n","sortOrder":106},{"sectionNumber":"108","sectionType":"section","heading":"General requirements for reflectors","content":"108 General requirements for reflectors\n(1) A reflector fitted to a vehicle must show a red, yellow or white\nreflection of light when light is projected directly onto the reflector at\nnight by a low-beam headlight that:\n(a) is 45 metres from the reflector; and\n(b) complies with the Vehicle Standards.\n(2) The reflection must be clearly visible from the position of the\nheadlight.\n","sortOrder":107},{"sectionNumber":"109","sectionType":"section","heading":"Rear reflectors","content":"109 Rear reflectors\n(1) A motor vehicle with 4 or more wheels, and a trailer, must have a\nrear-facing red reflector towards each side of its rear.\n(2) A motor bike, a sidecar attached to a motor bike, and a motor trike,\nmust have a rear-facing red reflector.\n(3) The centre of each reflector must be:\n(a) at the same height above ground level; and\n(b) not over 1.5 metres above ground level.\n(4) However, subrule (3) does not apply to a reflector fitted to a sidecar\nattached to a motor bike.\n(5) A reflector fitted to a motor vehicle with 4 or more wheels, or a\ntrailer, must not be over 400 millimetres from the nearer side of the\n(6) A vehicle fitted with rear-facing red reflectors in accordance with\nsubrule (1) or (2) may be fitted with additional red reflectors at any\nheight above ground level or at any distance from the side of the\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 55\n","sortOrder":108},{"sectionNumber":"Div 16","sectionType":"division","heading":"Side reflectors","content":"Division 16 Side reflectors\n","sortOrder":109},{"sectionNumber":"110","sectionType":"section","heading":"Compulsory side reflectors on pole-type trailers","content":"110 Compulsory side reflectors on pole-type trailers\n(1) Yellow or red side-facing reflectors must be fitted to the pole of a\npole-type trailer so:\n(a) 1 reflector is fitted to the middle third of the left and right faces\nof the pole; and\n(b) the front reflector is not over 3 metres from the front of the\ntrailer; and\n(c) the other reflectors are not over 3 metres apart.\n(2) Additional side-facing reflectors may be fitted to a pole-type trailer\nin accordance with rule 111.\n","sortOrder":110},{"sectionNumber":"111","sectionType":"section","heading":"Optional side reflectors","content":"111 Optional side reflectors\n(1) A vehicle may be fitted with side-facing reflectors.\n(2) A side-facing reflector:\n(a) towards the front of the vehicle must be yellow or white; and\n(b) towards the rear of the vehicle must be yellow or red; and\n(c) on the central part of the vehicle must be yellow.\n","sortOrder":111},{"sectionNumber":"112","sectionType":"section","heading":"Compulsory front reflectors on trailers","content":"112 Compulsory front reflectors on trailers\n(1) A front-facing white or yellow reflector must be fitted towards each\nside of the front of:\n(a) a semi-trailer, except a pole-type trailer; and\n(b) the front cross-bar or bolster of a pole-type trailer; and\n(c) a trailer that is at least 2.2 metres wide.\n(2) Each reflector must have its centre:\n(a) at the same height above ground level; and\n(b) not over 1.5 metres above ground level; and\n(c) not over 400 millimetres from the nearer side of the vehicle.\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 56\n(3) Additional front-facing reflectors may be fitted to a trailer mentioned\nin subrule (1) in accordance with rule 113.\n","sortOrder":112},{"sectionNumber":"113","sectionType":"section","heading":"Optional front reflectors","content":"113 Optional front reflectors\n(1) A motor vehicle with 4 or more wheels, or a trailer, may have 1 or\nmore front-facing white or yellow reflectors fitted towards each side\nof its front.\n(2) A motor vehicle with less than 4 wheels may have 1 or more front-\nfacing white or yellow reflectors.\n(3) The centre of at least 1 reflector on each side of the front of the\nvehicle must be:\n(a) at the same height above ground level as the centre of the\nother reflector; and\n(b) the same distance from the longitudinal axis of the vehicle as\nthe centre of the other reflector; and\n(c) at least:\n(i) for a vehicle with a width under 1300 millimetres –\n400 millimetres from the centre of the other reflector; and\n(ii) for another vehicle – 600 millimetres from the centre of\nthe other reflector.\n(4) For subrule (3)(c), the width of a vehicle is measured disregarding\n","sortOrder":113},{"sectionNumber":"Div 18","sectionType":"division","heading":"Warning lights and signs on buses carrying","content":"Division 18 Warning lights and signs on buses carrying\nchildren\n","sortOrder":114},{"sectionNumber":"114","sectionType":"section","heading":"Application of Division","content":"114 Application of Division\nThis Division applies to a bus that is used mainly for carrying\nchildren if the bus is fitted with warning lights after June 1999.\nNote For warning signs and lights fitted before July 1999, see rule 118.\n","sortOrder":115},{"sectionNumber":"115","sectionType":"section","heading":"Fitting of warning lights and signs","content":"115 Fitting of warning lights and signs\n(1) Two warning lights and a warning sign must be fitted to the front\nand rear of the bus.\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 57\n(2) The warning lights must be fitted:\n(a) on each side of, and the same distance from, the centre of the\nwarning sign; and\n(b) with the edge of the warning sign not over 100 millimetres\nfrom the nearest point on the lens of the warning lights; and\n(c) with the distance between the warning lights at least\n300 millimetres at the nearest point; and\n(d) so no part of the bus obstructs the light displayed:\n(i) 30° to the left and right of the centre of each light; and\n(ii) 10° above and below the centre of each light.\n(3) The warning lights may be on the warning sign if the words or\nimage on the sign are not obscured.\n(4) The warning lights at the same end of the bus must be fitted:\n(a) at the same height; and\n(b) as high as practicable; and\n(c) with the lowest point on the lens of each light not lower than\nmidway between the highest and lowest points on the bus\nbody.\n(5) If the centres of the warning lights are under 1.8 metres above\nground level, no part of the warning lights or warning sign may be\non the left of the bus.\n(6) This rule applies to a bus despite any requirement of a third edition\nADR.\n","sortOrder":116},{"sectionNumber":"116","sectionType":"section","heading":"Operation and performance of warning lights","content":"116 Operation and performance of warning lights\n(1) When operating, a warning light must display regular flashes of\nyellow light at a rate of at least 90, and not over 180, flashes a\nminute.\n(2) The warning lights at the same end of the bus must flash\nalternately.\n(3) Unless the driver has turned the warning lights off, they must\noperate automatically when a door on the bus opens and for at\nleast 10, and not over 20, seconds after all the doors on the bus\nhave closed.\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 58\n(4) The bus must have a visible or audible signal that tells the driver\nwhen the warning lights are operating.\n(5) The bus must be fitted with a switch that allows the driver to turn\nthe warning lights off.\n(6) A warning light must have:\n(a) an effective lit lens area of at least 60 square centimetres; and\n(b) a luminous intensity (in candela) of at least the values\nmentioned in the following table when measured at the angles\nmentioned in the table.\nVertical\nangle from\ncentre of\nlight\nHorizontal angle from centre of light\n-\n30°\n-\n20°\n-\n10°\n-5° 0° 5° 10° 20° 30°\n10° 50 80 50\n5° 180 320 350 450 350 320 180\n0° 75 450 100\n450 75\n-5° 40 270 450 570 600 570 450 270 40\n-10° 75 75 75\n(7) For subrule (6)(b), the luminous intensity of a light is to be\nmeasured in accordance with the test method mentioned in third\nedition ADR 6.\n","sortOrder":117},{"sectionNumber":"117","sectionType":"section","heading":"Specifications for warning signs","content":"117 Specifications for warning signs\n(1) A warning sign at the front of the bus must:\n(a) display the words ‘school bus’ in capital letters at least\n100 millimetres high; or\n(b) display an image of 2 children in the same proportions as the\nchildren in AS 1743 Road Signs – Specifications (image\nW6 3), with the image of the taller child at least\n230 millimetres high.\n(2) A warning sign at the rear of the bus must display an image of\n2 children in the same proportions as the children in AS 1743 Road\nSigns – Specifications (image W6-3), with the image of the taller\nchild at least 230 millimetres high.\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 59\n(3) The warning sign mentioned in subrules (1) (b) and (2) must:\n(a) be a rectangular shape at least:\n(i) if warning lights are on the warning sign –\n550 millimetres wide and 400 millimetres high; and\n(ii) in any other case – 400 millimetres wide and\n250 millimetres high; and\n(b) have a black border; and\n(c) have black graphics and be coated with yellow retro-reflective\nmaterial of class 1 or 2 that meets Australian Standard\nAS 1906 Retro-reflective Materials and Devices for Road\nTraffic Control Purposes.\n","sortOrder":118},{"sectionNumber":"Div 19","sectionType":"division","heading":"Other lights, reflectors, rear marking plates or","content":"Division 19 Other lights, reflectors, rear marking plates or\nsignals\n","sortOrder":119},{"sectionNumber":"118","sectionType":"section","heading":"Other lights and reflectors","content":"118 Other lights and reflectors\nexempt vehicle means:\n(a) a police vehicle; or\n(b) an emergency vehicle; or\n(c) a transport enforcement vehicle; or\n(d) an Australian Protective Service vehicle; or\n(e) a vehicle in the service of the Australian Border Force (as\ndefined in section 4(1) of the Australian Border Force Act 2015\n(Cth)); or\n(f) an Airservices Australia vehicle.\nspecial use vehicle means:\n(a) a vehicle built or fitted for use in hazardous situations on a\nroad; or\n(b) a vehicle, or combination, that because of its dimensions is\npermitted to be driven on a road only in accordance with a\nnotice or permit issued under a law of this jurisdiction; or\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 60\n(c) a vehicle built or fitted to accompany a vehicle, or\ncombination, mentioned in paragraph (b); or\n(d) a bus fitted, before July 1999, with a sign telling road users\nthat the bus carries children.\nExamples of special use vehicles to which paragraph (a) applies\n1. Tow trucks.\n2. Vehicle breakdown service vehicles.\n(2) A vehicle may be fitted with any light or reflector not mentioned in\nthe Vehicle Standards.\n(3) However, unless subrule (4) applies, a vehicle must not display:\n(a) a light that flashes; or\n(b) a light or reflector that:\n(i) shows a red light to the front; or\n(ii) shows a white light to the rear; or\n(iii) is shaped or located in a way that reduces the\neffectiveness of a light or reflector that is required to be\nfitted to the vehicle under the Vehicle Standards.\n(4) Despite any requirement of a third edition ADR, an exempt vehicle\nmay be fitted with any light or reflector, and a special use vehicle\nmay be fitted with 1 or more flashing yellow lights.\n","sortOrder":120},{"sectionNumber":"119","sectionType":"section","heading":"Rear marking plates","content":"119 Rear marking plates\nrear marking plate means a rear marking plate (or a combination\nof plates) complying with:\n(a) the requirements of AS4001.1 – 1992 \"Motor Vehicle – Rear\nMarker Plates\" arranged according to AS 4001.2 – 1992\n\"Motor Vehicle – Rear Marker Plates – Installation and\nArrangement Requirements\"; or\n(b) the requirements of ADR45/01 and arranged in accordance\nwith regulation 34.\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 61\n(2) Rear marking plates must be fitted to:\n(a) a motor vehicle with a GVM over 12 tonnes, except a bus\nfitted with hand grips or similar equipment for standing\npassengers to hold; and\n(b) a trailer with a GTM over 10 tonnes.\n(3) Subrule (2) applies to a vehicle even if it was built before the date\nstated in the ADR.\n(4) Rear marking plates may be fitted to a motor vehicle with a GVM\nnot over 12 tonnes or a trailer with a GTM not over 10 tonnes.\nAn example of rear marking plates\nAn alternative pattern for rear marking plates\n","sortOrder":121},{"sectionNumber":"120","sectionType":"section","heading":"Signalling devices","content":"120 Signalling devices\n(1) This rule applies to a motor vehicle if:\n(a) the vehicle is not fitted with a brake light or direction indicator\nlight mentioned in Division 9 or 11; and\n(b) the construction of the vehicle would otherwise prevent the\ndriver from hand signalling an intention:\n(i) to turn or move the vehicle to the right; or\n(ii) to stop or suddenly reduce the speed of the vehicle.\n(2) The vehicle must be fitted with a mechanical signalling device or a\npair of turn signals.\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 62\n","sortOrder":122},{"sectionNumber":"122","sectionType":"section","heading":"Turn signals","content":"122 Turn signals\nA turn signal must:\n(a) consist of a steady or flashing illuminated yellow sign at least\n15 centimetres long and 25 millimetres wide that:\n(i) when in operation – is kept horizontal; and\n(ii) when not in operation – is kept in a position so it is\nunlikely that the driver of another vehicle or anyone else\nwould regard it as a signal; and\n(b) be fitted to the side of the motor vehicle at least\n50 centimetres and not over 2.1 metres above ground level, in\na position so the driver of the vehicle, from the normal driving\nposition, can see whether the signal is in operation; and\n(c) be able to be operated by the driver from the normal driving\n(d) when in operation, be visible from both the front and rear of\nthe vehicle at a distance of 30 metres.\n","sortOrder":123},{"sectionNumber":"121","sectionType":"section","heading":"Mechanical signalling devices","content":"121 Mechanical signalling devices\n(1) A mechanical signalling device must:\n(a) be fitted to the right side of the vehicle; and\n(b) be able to be operated by the driver from a normal driving\n(c) consist of a white or yellow representation of an open human\nhand at least 15 centimetres long; and\n(d) be constructed so that the driver of the vehicle can keep the\ndevice:\n(i) in a neutral position so it is unlikely that the driver of\nanother vehicle or anyone else would regard it as a\nsignal; and\n(ii) in a horizontal position with the palm of the hand facing\nforwards and the fingers pointing out at a right angle to\nthe vehicle to signal an intention to turn or move right;\nand\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 63\n(iii) with the palm of the hand facing forwards and the fingers\npointing upwards to signal an intention to stop or reduce\nspeed suddenly.\n(2) When the mechanical signalling device is in a position mentioned in\nsubrule (1)(d)(ii) or (iii), the complete hand must be clearly visible\nfrom both the front and the rear of the vehicle, at a distance of\n30 metres.\n","sortOrder":124},{"sectionNumber":"Div 20","sectionType":"division","heading":"Vehicles not required to have lights or reflectors","content":"Division 20 Vehicles not required to have lights or reflectors\n","sortOrder":125},{"sectionNumber":"123","sectionType":"section","heading":"Certain vehicles used in daylight","content":"123 Certain vehicles used in daylight\nThis Part does not apply to a vehicle built before 1931 that is used\nonly in the daylight.\n","sortOrder":126},{"sectionNumber":"124","sectionType":"section","heading":"Certain vehicles used for collection or exhibition purposes","content":"124 Certain vehicles used for collection or exhibition purposes\nThis Part does not apply to a vehicle built before 1946 that is used\nmainly for exhibition purposes.\nNote This Part sets out the braking system requirements for vehicles to\nensure that they can be reliably slowed or stopped even if a part of a braking\nsystem fails, and to ensure that a vehicle can be prevented from rolling away\nwhen parked.\nThe Part also includes special requirements for braking systems on B-doubles\nand road trains to ensure that the braking systems on the component vehicles\nare compatible. The special requirements do not apply to a road train that is\n19 metres long or less.\n","sortOrder":127},{"sectionNumber":"125","sectionType":"section","heading":"Parts of a braking system","content":"125 Parts of a braking system\n(1) A brake tube or hose fitted to a vehicle must:\n(a) be manufactured from a material appropriate to its intended\nuse in the vehicle; and\n(b) be long enough to allow for the full range of steering and\nsuspension movements of the vehicle; and\n(c) be fitted to prevent it being damaged during the operation of\nthe vehicle by:\n(i) a source of heat; or\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 64\n(ii) any movement of the parts to which it is attached or\nnear.\n(2) Each component of the braking system of a vehicle with a GVM\nover 4.5 tonnes must comply with the design and performance\nrequirements of:\n(a) a relevant Australian Standard or British Standard as in force\nwhen this subrule commenced; or\n(b) a relevant standard approved by any of the following bodies,\nand as in force when this subrule commenced:\n• American Society of Automotive Engineers\n• American National Standards Institute\n• Japanese Standards Association\n• Deutsches Institut für Normung\n• International Organisation for Standardisation.\n","sortOrder":128},{"sectionNumber":"126","sectionType":"section","heading":"Provision for wear","content":"126 Provision for wear\nThe braking system of a vehicle must allow for adjustment to take\naccount of normal wear.\n","sortOrder":129},{"sectionNumber":"127","sectionType":"section","heading":"Supply of air or vacuum to brakes","content":"127 Supply of air or vacuum to brakes\n(1) If air brakes are fitted to a vehicle:\n(a) the compressor supplying air to the brakes must be able to\nbuild up air pressure to at least 80% of the governor cut-out\npressure in not over 5 minutes after the compressed air\nreserve is fully used up; and\n(b) for a vehicle with a GVM over 4.5 tonnes – the air storage\ntanks must have sufficient capacity to allow 5 applications of\nthe service brakes before the air pressure drops below half the\ngovernor cut-out pressure; and\n(c) there must be an automatic or manual condensate drain valve\nat the lowest point of each air brake reservoir in the system;\nand\n(d) any spring brake fitted to the vehicle must not operate before\nthe warning mentioned in rule 131(4)(a) or 134(3)(a) has been\ngiven.\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 65\n(2) If vacuum brakes are fitted to a vehicle, the vacuum supply must be\nable to build up vacuum:\n(a) to the level when the warning signal mentioned in\nrule 131(4)(a) or 134(3)(a) no longer operates within\n30 seconds after the vacuum reserve is fully used up; and\n(b) to the normal working level within 60 seconds after the\nvacuum reserve is fully used up.\n","sortOrder":130},{"sectionNumber":"128","sectionType":"section","heading":"Performance of braking systems","content":"128 Performance of braking systems\n(1) One sustained application of the brake of a motor vehicle built\nafter 1930, or a combination that includes a motor vehicle built\nafter 1930, must be able to produce the performance mentioned in\nsubrules (2) to (7):\n(a) when the vehicle or combination is on a dry, smooth, level\nroad surface, free from loose material; and\n(b) whether or not the vehicle or combination is loaded; and\n(c) without part of the vehicle or combination moving outside a\nstraight path:\n(i) centred on the longitudinal axis of the vehicle or\ncombination before the brake was applied; and\n(ii) 3.7 metres wide.\n(2) The braking system of a motor vehicle or combination with a gross\nmass under 2.5 tonnes must bring the vehicle or combination from\na speed of 35 kilometres an hour to a stop within:\n(a) 12.5 metres when the service brake is applied; and\n(b) 30 metres when the emergency brake is applied.\n(3) The braking system of a motor vehicle or combination with a gross\nmass of at least 2.5 tonnes must bring the vehicle or combination\nfrom a speed of 35 kilometres an hour to a stop within:\n(a) 16.5 metres when the service brake is applied; and\n(b) 40.5 metres when the emergency brake is applied.\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 66\n(4) The braking system of a motor vehicle or combination with a gross\nmass under 2.5 tonnes must decelerate the vehicle or combination,\nfrom any speed at which the vehicle or combination can travel, by\nan average of at least:\n(a) 3.8 metres a second a second when the service brake is\n(b) 1.6 metres a second a second when the emergency brake is\n(5) The braking system of a motor vehicle or combination with a gross\nmass of at least 2.5 tonnes must decelerate the vehicle or\ncombination, from any speed at which the vehicle or combination\ncan travel, by an average of at least:\n(a) 2.8 metres a second a second when the service brake is\n(b) 1.1 metres a second a second when the emergency brake is\n(6) The braking system of a motor vehicle or combination with a gross\nmass under 2.5 tonnes must achieve a peak deceleration of the\nvehicle or combination, from any speed at which the vehicle or\ncombination can travel, of at least:\n(a) 5.8 metres a second a second when the service brake is\n(b) 1.9 metres a second a second when the emergency brake is\n(7) The braking system of a motor vehicle or combination with a gross\nmass of at least 2.5 tonnes must achieve a peak deceleration of the\nvehicle or combination, from any speed at which the vehicle or\ncombination can travel, of at least:\n(a) 4.4 metres a second a second when the service brake is\n(b) 1.5 metres a second a second when the emergency brake is\n(8) The parking brake of a vehicle or combination must be able to hold\nthe vehicle or combination stationary on a 12% gradient.\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 67\n","sortOrder":131},{"sectionNumber":"129","sectionType":"section","heading":"What braking system a motor vehicle must have","content":"129 What braking system a motor vehicle must have\nindependent brake, for a vehicle, means a brake that is operated\nentirely separately from any other brake on the vehicle, except for\nany drum, disc or part, on which a shoe, band or friction pad makes\ncontact, that is common to 2 or more brakes.\n(2) A motor vehicle with 4 or more wheels built, or used, mainly for\ntransporting goods or people by road must be fitted with:\n(a) a braking system that:\n(i) consists of brakes fitted to all wheels of the vehicle; and\n(ii) has at least 2 separate methods of activation, arranged\nso effective braking remains on at least 2 wheels if a\nmethod fails; or\n(b) 2 independent brakes, each of which, when in operation, acts\ndirectly on at least half the number of wheels of the vehicle.\n(3) The braking system of a motor vehicle mentioned in subrule (2) that\nwas built after 1945 must have a service brake operating on all\nwheels that, when applied:\n(a) acts directly on the wheels and not through the vehicle’s\ntransmission; or\n(b) acts on a shaft between a differential of the vehicle and a\nwheel.\n(4) The braking system of a motor vehicle with 4 or more wheels must\nhave a parking brake that:\n(a) is held in the applied position by direct mechanical action\nwithout the intervention of an electrical, hydraulic or pneumatic\ndevice; and\n(b) is fitted with a locking device that can hold the brake in the\napplied position; and\n(c) has its own separate control.\n(5) The parking brake may also be the emergency brake.\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 68\n(6) If 2 or more independent brakes are fitted to a motor vehicle with 4\nor more wheels, the brakes must be arranged so brakes are applied\nto all the wheels on at least 1 axle of the vehicle when any brake is\noperated.\n(7) A motor bike or motor trike must be fitted with:\n(a) 2 independent brakes; or\n(b) a single brake that acts directly on all wheels of the vehicle\nand is arranged so effective braking remains on at least 1\nwheel if a part of the system fails.\n(8) Subrule (7) applies to a motor bike with a sidecar attached as if the\nsidecar were not attached.\n(9) A motor trike must have a parking brake that is held in the applied\nposition by mechanical means.\n","sortOrder":132},{"sectionNumber":"130","sectionType":"section","heading":"Operation of brakes on motor vehicles","content":"130 Operation of brakes on motor vehicles\nThe braking system on a motor vehicle must be arranged to allow\nthe driver of the motor vehicle to apply the brakes from a normal\ndriving position.\n","sortOrder":133},{"sectionNumber":"131","sectionType":"section","heading":"Air or vacuum brakes on motor vehicles","content":"131 Air or vacuum brakes on motor vehicles\n(1) If a motor vehicle has air brakes, the braking system of the vehicle\nmust include at least 1 air storage tank.\n(2) If a motor vehicle has vacuum brakes, the braking system of the\nvehicle must include at least 1 vacuum storage tank.\n(3) An air or vacuum storage tank must be built so the service brake\ncan be applied to meet the performance standards of rule 128 at\nleast twice if the engine of the vehicle stops or the source of air or\nvacuum fails.\n(4) An air or vacuum storage system must:\n(a) be built to give a visible or audible warning to the driver, while\nin a normal driving position, of a lack of air or vacuum that\nwould prevent the service brake from being applied to meet\nthe performance standards of rule 128 at least twice; and\n(b) be safeguarded by a check valve or other device against loss\nof air or vacuum if the supply fails or leaks.\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 69\n(5) However, subrule (4)(a) does not apply to a vehicle with a GVM of\n4.5 tonnes or less that is fitted with an air or vacuum assisted\nbraking system.\n(6) If air or vacuum brakes are fitted to a motor vehicle equipped to tow\na trailer, the brakes of the vehicle must be able to stop the vehicle,\nat the performance standards for emergency brakes under rule\n128 if the trailer breaks away.\n(7) The braking system of a motor vehicle with a GVM over 4.5 tonnes\nequipped to tow a trailer fitted with air brakes must include\nprotection against loss of supply line air or brake control signal air.\n(8) The protection mentioned in subrule (7) must:\n(a) operate automatically if a brake supply line hose connecting\nthe motor vehicle and a trailer fails; and\n(b) maintain enough air pressure to allow the brakes to be applied\nto meet performance standards for emergency brakes under\nrule 128; and\n(c) include a visible or audible warning to the driver.\n","sortOrder":134},{"sectionNumber":"132","sectionType":"section","heading":"What brakes a trailer must have","content":"132 What brakes a trailer must have\n(1) A trailer with a GTM over 750 kilograms must have brakes that\noperate on at least 1 wheel at each end of 1 or more axles of the\ntrailer.\n(2) A semi-trailer or converter dolly with a GTM over 2 tonnes must\nhave brakes that operate on all its wheels.\n","sortOrder":135},{"sectionNumber":"133","sectionType":"section","heading":"Operation of brakes on trailers","content":"133 Operation of brakes on trailers\n(1) The braking system of a trailer with a GTM over 2 tonnes must\nallow the driver of a motor vehicle towing the trailer to operate the\nbrakes from a normal driving position.\n(2) However, subrule (1) does not apply to an unloaded converter dolly\nthat weighs under 3 tonnes if the motor vehicle towing the converter\ndolly has a GVM over 12 tonnes.\n(3) The brakes on a trailer with a GTM over 2 tonnes must:\n(a) operate automatically and quickly if the trailer breaks away\nfrom the towing vehicle; and\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 70\n(b) remain in operation for at least 15 minutes after a break-away;\nand\n(c) be able to hold the trailer on a 12% grade while in operation\nafter a break-away.\n","sortOrder":136},{"sectionNumber":"134","sectionType":"section","heading":"Air or vacuum brakes on trailers","content":"134 Air or vacuum brakes on trailers\n(1) If a trailer has air brakes, its braking system must include at least\n1 air storage tank.\n(2) If a trailer has vacuum brakes, its braking system must include at\nleast 1 vacuum storage tank.\n(3) An air or vacuum storage system must:\n(a) be built to give a visible or audible warning to the driver of the\ntowing vehicle, while in a normal driving position, of a lack of\nair or vacuum that would prevent the brakes from meeting the\nperformance standards of rule 128; and\n(b) be safeguarded by a check valve or other device against loss\nof air or vacuum if the supply fails or leaks.\n(4) Subrules (1), (2) and (3) do not apply to a trailer with a GTM of\n2 tonnes or less.\n","sortOrder":137},{"sectionNumber":"Div 4","sectionType":"division","heading":"Additional brake requirements for B-doubles and","content":"Division 4 Additional brake requirements for B-doubles and\nlong road trains\n","sortOrder":138},{"sectionNumber":"135","sectionType":"section","heading":"Application of Division to certain road trains","content":"135 Application of Division to certain road trains\nThis Division does not apply to a road train, or a vehicle used in a\nroad train, if the road train has a length of 19 metres or less.\n","sortOrder":139},{"sectionNumber":"136","sectionType":"section","heading":"Braking system design for a prime mover in a B-double","content":"136 Braking system design for a prime mover in a B-double\n(1) A prime mover used in a B-double must comply with second edition\nADR 35A or third edition ADR 35.\n(2) A prime mover used in a B-double must also have an anti-lock\nbraking system complying with third edition ADR 64, if the prime\nmover:\n(a) was built after 1989; or\n(b) was first used in a B-double after 1993; or\n(c) is used in a B-double that includes a road tank vehicle\ncarrying dangerous goods.\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 71\n","sortOrder":140},{"sectionNumber":"137","sectionType":"section","heading":"Braking system design for motor vehicles in road trains","content":"137 Braking system design for motor vehicles in road trains\nThe performance of the service, secondary and parking brake\nsystems of a motor vehicle used in a road train must comply with\nsecond edition ADR 35A or third edition ADR 35 if the vehicle would\nnot otherwise be required to comply with an ADR about braking.\n","sortOrder":141},{"sectionNumber":"138","sectionType":"section","heading":"Braking system design for trailers in B-doubles or road trains","content":"138 Braking system design for trailers in B-doubles or road trains\n(1) The performance of the service, secondary and parking brake\nsystems of a trailer used in a B-double or road train must comply\nwith second edition ADR 38 or third edition ADR 38 if the trailer\nwould not otherwise be required to comply with an ADR about\nbraking.\n(2) A road train trailer to which subrule (1) applies need not be fitted\nwith a mechanical parking brake if it carries wheel chocks that\nprovide a performance equal to the performance standard required\nfor a parking brake system.\n(3) A semi-trailer, regardless of when it was built, must have an anti-\nlock braking system that complies with third edition ADR 38/01, if:\n(a) it is being used in a B-double that includes a road tank vehicle,\nwhether or not the semi-trailer is itself a road tank vehicle; and\n(b) the road tank vehicle is carrying dangerous goods.\n","sortOrder":142},{"sectionNumber":"139","sectionType":"section","heading":"Air brakes of motor vehicles in B-doubles or road trains","content":"139 Air brakes of motor vehicles in B-doubles or road trains\n(1) If a B-double or road train is fitted with brakes that operate using\ncompressed air, the braking system of the motor vehicle must\ncomply with subrules (2) and (3) when:\n(a) the pressure is measured in an 800 millilitre vessel connected\nby a 2 metre pipe with a bore of approximately 13 millimetres\nto the coupling head of the braking system; and\n(b) the air pressure before the brakes are applied is not under:\n(i) the average of the maximum and minimum pressures in\nthe operating pressure range specified by the vehicle’s\n650 kilopascals.\n(2) The pressure must reach at least 420 kilopascals within\n400 milliseconds after the rapid and complete application of the\nfoot-operated brake control.\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 72\n(3) After the brakes have been fully applied, the pressure must fall,\nwithin half a second after the release of the foot-operated brake\ncontrol, to 35 kilopascals.\n","sortOrder":143},{"sectionNumber":"140","sectionType":"section","heading":"Air brakes in a B-double or road train: least favoured chamber","content":"140 Air brakes in a B-double or road train: least favoured chamber\nleast favoured chamber means the brake chamber with the\nlongest line to the treadle valve in the prime mover.\n(2) The pressure in the least favoured chamber of the braking system\nof a B-double or road train with brakes that operate using\ncompressed air must comply with subrules (3) and (4) when the air\npressure before the brakes are applied is not under:\n(a) the average of the maximum and minimum pressures in the\noperating pressure range specified by the vehicle’s\n(b) if there is no manufacturer’s specification – 650 kilopascals.\n(3) The pressure must reach at least 420 kilopascals within:\n(a) for a B-double – 1 second after the rapid and complete\napplication of the foot-operated brake control; or\n(b) for a road train – 1.5 seconds after the rapid and complete\napplication of the foot-operated brake control.\n(4) After the brakes have been fully applied, the pressure must fall to\n35 kilopascals, or the pressure at which the friction surfaces cease\nto contact each other, within:\n(a) for a B-double – 1 second after the release of the\nfoot-operated brake control; or\n(b) for a road train – 1.5 seconds after the release of the\nfoot-operated brake control.\n","sortOrder":144},{"sectionNumber":"141","sectionType":"section","heading":"Recovery of air pressure for brakes in B-doubles and road","content":"141 Recovery of air pressure for brakes in B-doubles and road\nThe air pressure in each air brake reservoir in a B-double or road\ntrain must recover to at least 420 kilopascals within 1 minute after\n3 full brake applications have been made within a 10 second period\nif, before the 3 brake applications have been made:\n(a) the engine is running at maximum speed; and\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 73\n(b) the governor cut-in pressure is no higher than:\n(i) the pressure specified by the vehicle’s manufacturer; or\n550 kilopascals; and\n(c) the air pressure in the storage tanks of the vehicle is not\nunder:\n(i) the average of the maximum and minimum pressures in\nthe operating pressure range specified by the vehicle’s\n650 kilopascals.\n","sortOrder":145},{"sectionNumber":"142","sectionType":"section","heading":"Air supply for brakes in B-doubles and road trains","content":"142 Air supply for brakes in B-doubles and road trains\nA B-double or road train that uses compressed air to operate\naccessories must have:\n(a) sufficient air compressor capacity and air receiver volume to\nensure that the operation of the accessories does not\nadversely affect brake performance; and\n(b) a compressed air system built to ensure that the brake system\nis preferentially charged.\n","sortOrder":146},{"sectionNumber":"143","sectionType":"section","heading":"Brake line couplings","content":"143 Brake line couplings\n(1) Brake line couplings on the same part of a vehicle in a B-double or\nroad train must not be interchangeable.\n(2) The couplings must be polarised in accordance with Australian\nStandard AS D8-1971 Hose Couplings for Use with Vacuum and\nAir-Pressure Braking Systems on Prime Movers, Trailers and Semi-\ntrailers if the hoses used with the brake couplings are used for the\nsame purpose as the hoses mentioned in the standard.\n","sortOrder":147},{"sectionNumber":"144","sectionType":"section","heading":"Simultaneous parking brake application","content":"144 Simultaneous parking brake application\n(1) If the parking brake of a motor vehicle in a B-double or road train is\napplied, the parking brakes of any attached trailer must be applied\nautomatically.\n(2) This rule does not apply to a trailer carrying wheel chocks\ncomplying with rule 138 (2).\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 74\n","sortOrder":148},{"sectionNumber":"145","sectionType":"section","heading":"Capacity of air reservoirs","content":"145 Capacity of air reservoirs\n(1) The capacity of the air storage tanks of a motor vehicle used in a\nB double or road train must be at least 12 times the volume of all\nthe brake activation chambers on the motor vehicle.\n(2) The capacity of the air storage tanks of a trailer used in a B-double\nor road train must be at least 8 times the volume of all the brake\nactivation chambers on the trailer.\nNote This Part sets out requirements to ensure that motor vehicles do not\nemit too much smoke or noise and that exhaust gases cannot enter the\npassenger compartment of a vehicle.\nDivision 1 Crank case gases and visible emissions\n","sortOrder":149},{"sectionNumber":"146","sectionType":"section","heading":"Crank case gases","content":"146 Crank case gases\n(1) This rule applies to a motor vehicle with 4 or more wheels that is\npowered by a petrol engine and was built after 1971.\n(2) The vehicle must be built to prevent, or fitted with equipment that\nprevents, crank case gases from escaping to the atmosphere.\n","sortOrder":150},{"sectionNumber":"147","sectionType":"section","heading":"Visible emissions","content":"147 Visible emissions\n(1) This rule applies to a motor vehicle that is propelled by an internal\ncombustion engine and was built after 1930.\n(2) The vehicle must not emit visible emissions for a continuous period\nof at least 10 seconds.\n(3) However, this rule does not apply to emissions that are visible only\nbecause of heat or the condensation of water vapour.\n","sortOrder":151},{"sectionNumber":"148","sectionType":"section","heading":"Exhaust systems","content":"148 Exhaust systems\n(1) The outlet of the exhaust system fitted to a motor vehicle with a\nGVM over 4.5 tonnes (except a bus) must extend:\n(a) behind the back seat; and\n(b) at least 40 millimetres beyond the outermost joint of the\nfloorpan that is not continuously welded or permanently\nsealed; and\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 75\n(c) to the edge of the vehicle, if:\n(i) the body of the vehicle is permanently enclosed; and\n(ii) the vehicle is not fitted with a vertical exhaust system;\nand\n(d) no further than the edge of the vehicle at its widest point.\n(2) The outlet must discharge the main exhaust flow to the air:\n(a) if the vehicle is fitted, or required under a law of this\njurisdiction to be fitted, with an exhaust system with a vertical\noutlet pipe:\n(i) at an angle above the horizontal; and\n(ii) at least 150 millimetres above the cab of the vehicle; and\n(iii) rearwards or to the right of the vehicle; and\n(b) in any other case:\n(i) horizontally or at an angle of not over\n45° downwards; and\n(ii) under 750 millimetres above ground level; and\n(iii) rearwards or to the right of the vehicle.\n(3) An exposed section of a vertical exhaust system fitted to a motor\nvehicle (except a bus) with a GVM over 4.5 tonnes must be\npositioned or shielded to prevent injury.\n(4) The outlet of the exhaust system fitted to a bus with a GVM over\n4.5 tonnes must:\n(a) be as near as practicable to the rear of the vehicle; and\n(b) extend no further than the edge of the bus at its widest point.\n(5) The outlet must discharge the main exhaust flow to the air:\n(a) if the bus is fitted, or required under a law of this jurisdiction to\nbe fitted, with an exhaust system with a vertical outlet pipe:\n(i) behind the passenger compartment; and\n(ii) at an angle above the horizontal; and\n(iii) upwards or rearwards; and\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 76\n(b) in any other case:\n(i) horizontally or at an angle of not over\n45° downwards; and\n(ii) rearwards or to the right of the vehicle.\n(6) A vertical exhaust system fitted to a motor vehicle with a GVM over\n4.5 tonnes must:\n(a) if the vehicle is fitted with an exhaust system with a vertical\noutlet pipe that does not direct the main exhaust flow straight\nup – direct the flow rearwards at an angle within 0° to 45° of\nthe longitudinal centre line of the vehicle; and\n(b) if a rain cap is fitted to the outlet pipe – be installed so the\nhinge of the cap is at an angle of 90° (plus or minus 10°) to\nthe longitudinal centre line of the vehicle when viewed from\nabove.\nBus exhaust outlet pipe\n","sortOrder":152},{"sectionNumber":"149","sectionType":"section","heading":"Silencing device for exhaust systems","content":"149 Silencing device for exhaust systems\nA motor vehicle propelled by an internal combustion engine must\nbe fitted with a silencing device through which all the exhaust from\nthe engine passes.\n","sortOrder":153},{"sectionNumber":"150","sectionType":"section","heading":"Stationary noise levels – car-type vehicles and motor bikes","content":"150 Stationary noise levels – car-type vehicles and motor bikes\nand trikes\ncar-type vehicle means:\n(a) a car; or\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 77\n(b) a utility truck, panel van, or another motor vehicle derived from\na car design; or\n(c) another motor vehicle with 4 or more wheels that is built\nmainly to carry not over 9 people including the driver.\n(2) The stationary noise level of a car-type vehicle, or motor bike or\ntrike, must not exceed:\n(a) for a car-type vehicle built after 1982 – 90 dB(A); or\n(b) for another car-type vehicle – 96 dB(A); or\n(c) for a motor bike or trike built after February 1985 – 94 dB(A);\nor\n(d) for another motor bike or trike – 100 dB(A).\n(3) However, this rule does not apply to a car-type vehicle built\nafter 1982 for 2 years after the commencement of this rule, if:\n(a) the stationary noise level of the vehicle does not\nexceed 96 dB(A); and\n(b) the stationary noise level limit applying to the vehicle under\nthe law of the State or Territory where the vehicle is\nregistered, or otherwise authorised to be driven on a road or\nroad-related area, by a vehicle registration authority is\nnot 90dB(A) or less.\n","sortOrder":154},{"sectionNumber":"151","sectionType":"section","heading":"Stationary noise levels – other vehicles with spark ignition","content":"151 Stationary noise levels – other vehicles with spark ignition\nengines\n(1) This rule applies to a motor vehicle (except a motor vehicle to which\nrule 150 applies) with a spark ignition engine.\n(2) The stationary noise level of the motor vehicle must not exceed the\nnoise level applying to the vehicle under the table.\nItem\nGVM\n(t)\n(mm)\n1 <3.5 <1500 before July 1983 92\nafter June 1983 89\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 78\nItem\nGVM\n(t)\n(mm)\n2 >3.5 <1500 before July 1983 98\nafter June 1983 95\n3 <3.5 >1500 before July 1983 88\nafter June 1983 85\n4 >3.5 >1500 before July 1983 94\nafter June 1983 91\n","sortOrder":155},{"sectionNumber":"152","sectionType":"section","heading":"Stationary noise levels – other vehicles with diesel engines","content":"152 Stationary noise levels – other vehicles with diesel engines\n(1) This rule applies to a motor vehicle (except a motor vehicle to which\nrule 150 applies) with a diesel engine.\n(2) The stationary noise level of the motor vehicle must not exceed the\nnoise level applying to the vehicle under the table.\nItem\nGVM\n(t)\n(mm)\n1 <3.5 <1500 before July 1980 105\nafter June 1983 99\n2 >3.5\nbut\n<1500 before July 1980 107\n<12 after June 1980\nafter June 1983 101\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 79\nItem\nGVM\n(t)\n(mm)\n3 >12 <1500 before July 1980 109\nafter June 1983 103\n4 <3.5 >1500 before July 1980 101\nafter June 1983 95\n5 >3.5\nbut\n>1500 before July 1980 103\n<12 after June 1980\nafter June 1983 97\n6 >12 >1500 before July 1980 105\nafter June 1983 99\n","sortOrder":156},{"sectionNumber":"153","sectionType":"section","heading":"Measurement of stationary noise levels","content":"153 Measurement of stationary noise levels\nFor this Division, the stationary noise level of a motor vehicle is to\nbe measured in accordance with the test method mentioned in the\nRoadworthiness Guidelines that are approved by the Ministerial\nCouncil and current at the commencement of this rule.\nNote The Roadworthiness Guidelines are published by the National Road\nTransport Commission and available from AusInfo Bookshops.\n\nDivision 1 Definitions and application of number plate labels\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 80\nNotes for Part\n1 This Part sets out requirements to ensure that Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG)\nand Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) fuel systems are safely installed in\nmotor vehicles.\n2 This Part also sets out requirements to ensure that an LPG-powered,\nhydrogen-powered or electric-powered vehicle can be identified by labels on\nthe number plates of the vehicle.\nDivision 1 Definitions and application of number plate labels\n","sortOrder":157},{"sectionNumber":"154","sectionType":"section","heading":"Definitions","content":"154 Definitions\nIn this Part:\ncharacter, in relation to a number plate, does not include a\ndiamond shaped mark on a number plate.\nelectric-powered vehicle, see rule 154A.\nhydrogen-powered vehicle means a motor vehicle that:\n(a) is powered by a hydrogen fuel system; and\n(b) has 1 or more hydrogen fuel containers fitted to the vehicle for\nthe system.\nLPG means Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG).\n","sortOrder":158},{"sectionNumber":"154A","sectionType":"section","heading":"Meaning of electric-powered vehicle","content":"154A Meaning of electric-powered vehicle\n(1) An electric-powered vehicle means a motor vehicle that is\npowered by 1 or more electric motors or traction motors that:\n(a) are the only propulsion system for the vehicle; or\n(b) are used in conjunction with another propulsion system for the\n(2) An electric-powered vehicle does not include a motor vehicle that is\na hydrogen-powered vehicle even if the vehicle is fitted with an\nelectric motor or traction motor that is used in conjunction with a\nhydrogen fuel system for the propulsion of the vehicle.\n","sortOrder":159},{"sectionNumber":"154B","sectionType":"section","heading":"Number plate labels","content":"154B Number plate labels\nTo comply with a requirement in this Part to affix a label to a\nnumber plate:\n(a) each character on the label must be legible;\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 81\n(b) the colour of the label must be distinguishable from the colour\nof the following:\n(i) any character on the label;\n(ii) if the label is affixed to a number plate – the number\nplate;\n(iii) if the label is affixed to a part of the vehicle – the part of\nthe vehicle;\n(iv) if the label is affixed to a part that is attached to the\nvehicle – the part attached to the vehicle.\n","sortOrder":160},{"sectionNumber":"154C","sectionType":"section","heading":"Number plate label affixed to one number plate","content":"154C Number plate label affixed to one number plate\nFor the following vehicles, a requirement to affix a label to front and\nrear number plates applies only to the number plate that is required\nto be affixed:\n(a) a motor vehicle that is exempt by the Registrar under\nsection 16(3) of the Act from the requirement under\nsection 16(1) of the Act to have affixed more than 1 number\nplate;\n(b) a motor cycle.\n","sortOrder":161},{"sectionNumber":"Div 2","sectionType":"division","heading":"Number plate labels for particular alternative fuel","content":"Division 2 Number plate labels for particular alternative fuel\nsystems\n","sortOrder":162},{"sectionNumber":"154D","sectionType":"section","heading":"LPG-powered vehicles","content":"154D LPG-powered vehicles\n(1) An LPG system installed in a motor vehicle, and the vehicle, must\ncomply with Australian Standard AS 1425 or Australian/New\nZealand Standard AS/NZS 1425 that is current at the time the\nsystem is installed in the vehicle.\n(2) A motor vehicle that has an LPG system installed must have affixed\nconspicuously to the motor vehicle's front and rear number plates\nthe labels required by the version of Australian Standard AS 1425\nor Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 1425 that is current at\nthe time the system is installed in the vehicle.\n(3) If a motor vehicle had an LPG system installed before Australian\nStandard AS 1425 was first published, the vehicle must have\naffixed conspicuously to the motor vehicle's front and rear number\nplates a label:\n(a) that is made of durable material; and\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 82\n(b) that is at least 25 mm wide and 25 mm high; and\n(c) that is of a reflective red that conforms with Australian\nStandard AS 1743: 2018 \"Road signs – Specifications\" or\n(Part 1: Retroreflective sheeting)\"; and\n(d) that states 'LPGAS' or 'LPG', or similar words or acronyms\nthat have the same meaning, in capital letters at least 6 mm\nhigh.\n","sortOrder":163},{"sectionNumber":"154E","sectionType":"section","heading":"Vehicles powered by natural gas","content":"154E Vehicles powered by natural gas\nA natural gas system installed in a motor vehicle, and the vehicle,\nmust comply with Australian Standard AS 2739 or Australian/New\nZealand Standard AS/NZS 2739 that is current at the time the\nsystem is installed in the vehicle.\nExamples of natural gasses for rule 154E\n1 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).\n2 Liquid Natural Gas (LNG).\n154F Hydrogen-powered vehicle built on or after 1 January 2019\n(a) a hydrogen-powered vehicle built on or after 1 January 2019;\n(b) a vehicle modified to be a hydrogen-powered vehicle on or\nafter 1 January 2019.\n(2) The vehicle must have affixed conspicuously to the vehicle's front\nand rear number plates:\n(a) for a vehicle fitted with 1 hydrogen fuel container – a label that\ncomplies with rule 154H; or\n(b) for a vehicle fitted with 2 or more hydrogen fuel containers –\n2 labels that comply with rule 154H.\n","sortOrder":164},{"sectionNumber":"154G","sectionType":"section","heading":"Hydrogen-powered vehicle built before 1 January 2019","content":"154G Hydrogen-powered vehicle built before 1 January 2019\n(a) a hydrogen-powered vehicle built before 1 January 2019;\n(b) a vehicle modified to be a hydrogen-powered vehicle before\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 83\n(2) The vehicle is not required to have any label affixed under this Part.\n(3) Despite subrule (2), the vehicle may have affixed conspicuously to\nthe vehicle's front and rear number plates:\n(a) for a vehicle fitted with 1 hydrogen fuel container – a label that\ncomplies with rule 154H; or\n(b) for a vehicle fitted with 2 or more hydrogen fuel containers –\n2 labels that comply with rule 154H.\n","sortOrder":165},{"sectionNumber":"154H","sectionType":"section","heading":"Label requirements for hydrogen-powered vehicles","content":"154H Label requirements for hydrogen-powered vehicles\nFor rules 154F(2) and 154G(3), the label must comply with the\n(a) the label is affixed to a plate made of metal that is at least\n1 mm thick;\n(b) the label, and the plate to which the label is affixed, is a\nregular pentagonal shape:\n(i) each side of which is 20 mm long; and\n(ii) each interior angle of which is 108°;\n(c) the label has a yellow surface that complies with class 2 of\n(Part 1: Retroreflective sheeting)\";\n(d) the label is marked 'H' in a black capital letter that is at least\n10 mm high and has the orientation shown in the example;\n(e) the label, and the plate to which the label is affixed, is affixed\nto the number plates so that the letter on the label is in an\nupright position;\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 84\n(f) the label, and the plate to which the label is affixed, does not\nwholly or partly obscure any characters on the number plates.\nExample for rule 154H\nNote\n","sortOrder":166},{"sectionNumber":"154J","sectionType":"section","heading":"Electric-powered vehicles built on or after 1 January 2019","content":"154J Electric-powered vehicles built on or after 1 January 2019\n(a) an electric-powered vehicle that is built on or after\n1 January 2019;\n(b) a vehicle modified to be an electric-powered vehicle on or\nafter 1 January 2019.\n(2) The vehicle must have affixed conspicuously to the vehicle's front\nand rear number plates:\n(a) a label that complies with rule 154L(1); or\n(b) if affixing the label to the electric vehicle's number plate would\nobscure a character on the number plate – a label that\ncomplies with 154L(2).\n","sortOrder":167},{"sectionNumber":"154K","sectionType":"section","heading":"Electric-powered vehicles built before 1 January 2019","content":"154K Electric-powered vehicles built before 1 January 2019\n(a) an electric-powered vehicle built before 1 January 2019;\n(b) a vehicle modified to be an electric-powered vehicle before\n(2) The vehicle is not required to have any label affixed under this Part.\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 85\n(3) Despite subrule (2), the vehicle may have affixed conspicuously to\nthe vehicle's front and rear number plates:\n(a) a label that complies with rule 154L(1); or\n(b) if affixing the label to the electric vehicle's number plate would\nobscure a character on the number plate – a label that\ncomplies with rule 154L(2).\n","sortOrder":168},{"sectionNumber":"154L","sectionType":"section","heading":"Label requirements for electric-powered vehicles","content":"154L Label requirements for electric-powered vehicles\n(1) For rules 154J(2)(a) and 154K(3)(a), a label must comply with the\n(a) the label is affixed to a plate made of metal that is at least\n1 mm thick;\n(b) the label, and the plate to which the label is affixed, is an\nequilateral triangular shape:\n(i) each side of which is 30 mm in length; and\n(ii) each interior angle of which is 60°;\n(c) the label has a blue surface that complies with class 2 of\n(Part 1: Retroreflective sheeting)\";\n(d) the label is marked 'EV' in white capital letters that are at least\n8 mm high and have the orientation shown in the example;\n(e) the label, and the plate to which the label is affixed, is affixed\nto the number plates so that the letters on the label are in an\nupright position;\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 86\n(f) the label, and the plate to which the label is affixed, does not\nwholly or partly obscure any characters on the number plates.\nExample for subrule (1)\nNote\n(2) For rules 154J(2)(b) and 154K(3)(b), a label must comply with the\n(a) the label, and any plate to which the label is affixed, is an\nequilateral triangular shape:\n(i) each side of which is 30 mm in length; and\n(ii) each interior angle of which is 60°;\n(b) the label has a blue surface that complies with class 2 of\nand devices for road traffic control purposes (Part 1:\nRetroreflective sheeting)\";\n(c) the label is marked 'EV' in white capital letters that are at least\n8 mm high and have the orientation shown in the example;\n(d) the label, and any plate to which the label is affixed, is affixed\nto the vehicle or to a part attached to the vehicle within\n100 mm of an edge of the number plate;\n(e) the label, and any plate to which the label is affixed, is affixed\nin a manner that shows the letters on the label in an upright\nposition and on the same horizontal plane as the characters\non the number plate;\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 87\n(f) the label is visible from the same angles from which the\nnumber plate is visible.\nExample for subrule (2)\nNote\nNote This Part requires certain heavy vehicles built after 1987, but before\nJuly 1991, to have a restricted top speed. However, emergency vehicles and\ncertain 2-axle prime movers owned by farmers and used in primary production\nare exempt.\n","sortOrder":169},{"sectionNumber":"155","sectionType":"section","heading":"Speed limiting","content":"155 Speed limiting\n(1) A bus with a GVM over 14.5 tonnes that was built after 1987 must\ncomply with third edition ADR 65.\n(2) A prime mover with a GVM over 15 tonnes that was built after 1987\nmust comply with third edition ADR 65.\n(3) For third edition ADR 65, the maximum road speed capability of a\nmotor vehicle used in a road train is 90 kilometres an hour.\nNote Vehicle Standards Bulletin 2 (VSB 2) contains the requirements of\nthird edition ADR 65. The Bulletin is available from the Federal Office of Road\nSafety.\n","sortOrder":170},{"sectionNumber":"156","sectionType":"section","heading":"Exemptions from speed limiting","content":"156 Exemptions from speed limiting\nRule 155 does not apply to:\n(a) an emergency vehicle or police vehicle; or\n(b) a bus fitted with hand grips or similar equipment for standing\npassengers to hold; or\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 88\n(c) a 2-axle prime mover if:\n(i) it was built after 1987 but before July 1991; and\n(ii) its owner is a person who uses it for agriculture,\nhorticulture, or other primary production activities (except\nforestry, fishing and mining).\nNote This Part sets out various requirements to ensure that the couplings\nused when operating motor vehicles and trailers in combinations are strong\nenough to hold them together.\nThe requirements in this Part about the mechanical connections between\nvehicles in a road train do not apply to a road train 19 metres long or less.\n","sortOrder":171},{"sectionNumber":"157","sectionType":"section","heading":"General coupling requirements","content":"157 General coupling requirements\n(1) A fifth wheel coupling, the mating parts of a coupling, a kingpin or a\ntowbar must not be used for a load more than the manufacturer’s\nload rating.\n(2) A kingpin must be used only with a fifth wheel coupling that has a\ncorresponding jaw size.\nAn adaptor must not to be used to fit a kingpin to a fifth wheel coupling.\n(3) The mating parts of a coupling used to connect a semi-trailer to a\ntowing vehicle must not allow the semi-trailer to roll to an extent that\nmakes the towing vehicle unstable.\n","sortOrder":172},{"sectionNumber":"158","sectionType":"section","heading":"Drawbar couplings","content":"158 Drawbar couplings\n(1) A coupling for attaching a trailer, except a semi-trailer or pole-type\ntrailer, to a towing vehicle must be built and fitted so:\n(a) the coupling is equipped with a positive locking mechanism;\nand\n(b) the positive locking mechanism can be released regardless of\nthe angle of the trailer to the towing vehicle.\n(2) If the trailer is in a combination and is not fitted with breakaway\nbrakes in accordance with rule 133(3), it must be connected to the\ntowing vehicle by at least 1 chain, cable or other flexible device, as\nwell as the coupling required by subrule (1).\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 89\n(3) The connection must be built and fitted so:\n(a) the trailer is kept in tow if the coupling breaks or accidentally\ndetaches; and\n(b) normal angular movement of the coupling is permitted without\nunnecessary slack.\n(4) If practicable, the connection must be built and fitted so the drawbar\nof the trailer is prevented from hitting the ground if the coupling\naccidentally detaches.\nDivision 2 Additional coupling requirements for B-doubles\nand long road trains\n","sortOrder":173},{"sectionNumber":"159","sectionType":"section","heading":"Application of Division to road trains","content":"159 Application of Division to road trains\nThis Division does not apply to a vehicle, coupling, or part of a\ncoupling, used in a road train not over 19 metres long.\n","sortOrder":174},{"sectionNumber":"160","sectionType":"section","heading":"Couplings for B-doubles and road trains","content":"160 Couplings for B-doubles and road trains\n(1) A fifth wheel coupling used to connect a towing vehicle to a semi-\ntrailer used in a B-double or road train must not be built with a pivot\nthat allows a semi-trailer to roll relative to the towing vehicle.\n(2) However, subrule (1) does not apply to a fifth wheel coupling if:\n(a) the semi-trailer design requires torsional stresses to be\nminimised; and\n(b) the roll axis of the fifth wheel coupling is above the surface of\nthe coupler plate; and\n(c) the degree of rotation allowed around the roll axis of the fifth\nwheel coupling is restricted to prevent roll instability.\n(3) A trailer with only 1 axle group, or a single axle, (except a semi-\ntrailer or a converter dolly) that is used in a road train must not have\na coupling fitted at its rear.\n","sortOrder":175},{"sectionNumber":"161","sectionType":"section","heading":"Selection of fifth wheel couplings for B-doubles and road","content":"161 Selection of fifth wheel couplings for B-doubles and road\n(1) A fifth wheel coupling used in a B-double or road train must have a\nD-value complying with Australian Standard AS 1773-1990\nArticulated Vehicles–Fifth Wheel Assemblies.\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 90\n(2) A turntable used in a B-double or road train must have a D-value\ncomplying with Australian Standard AS 1773-1990 Articulated\nVehicles–Fifth Wheel Assemblies.\n(3) If a fifth wheel coupling used in a B-double or road train is built for a\n50 millimetre or 90 millimetre kingpin, the coupling must:\n(a) meet the dimension requirements in Australian Standard\nAS 1773-1990 Articulated Vehicles–Fifth Wheel Assemblies;\nand\n(b) not be worn away more than recommended by the standard.\n(4) If a fifth wheel coupling used in a B-double or road train is built for a\n75 millimetre kingpin, the coupling must:\n(a) be compatible with the kingpin mentioned in rule 165(3); and\n(b) not be worn away so that it does not comply with rule 162.\n","sortOrder":176},{"sectionNumber":"162","sectionType":"section","heading":"D-value of a fifth wheel coupling","content":"162 D-value of a fifth wheel coupling\nIn testing a fifth wheel coupling built for a 75 millimetre kingpin used\nin a B-double or road train to decide whether its D-value complies\nwith rule 161(1), the longitudinal movement (after readjusting the\njaws of the coupling using a kingpin built to the dimensions\nmentioned in rule 165(3)(a)) must not be over 4 millimetres.\n","sortOrder":177},{"sectionNumber":"163","sectionType":"section","heading":"Mounting of fifth wheel couplings on B-doubles and road","content":"163 Mounting of fifth wheel couplings on B-doubles and road\nA fifth wheel coupling must be mounted on a prime mover, or a\nsemi-trailer used in a B-double or road train, in accordance with\nAustralian Standard AS 1771-1987 Installation of Fifth Wheel and\nTurntable Assemblies.\n","sortOrder":178},{"sectionNumber":"164","sectionType":"section","heading":"Branding of fifth wheel couplings and turntables on B-doubles","content":"164 Branding of fifth wheel couplings and turntables on B-doubles\nand road trains\n(1) A fifth wheel coupling on a vehicle built after June 1991 forming part\nof a B-double or road train must be clearly and permanently marked\nin accordance with Australian Standard AS 1773-1990 Articulated\nVehicles–Fifth Wheel Assemblies with:\n(b) its D-value rating; and\n(c) its nominal size.\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 91\n(2) A turntable used in a vehicle built after the commencement of this\nrule that forms part of a B-double or road train must be marked\nwith:\n(a) the name or trademark of the turntable’s manufacturer; and\n(b) the D-value rating of the turntable in accordance with\nAustralian Standard AS 1773-1990 Articulated Vehicles–Fifth\nWheel Assemblies.\n","sortOrder":179},{"sectionNumber":"165","sectionType":"section","heading":"Selection of kingpins for B-doubles and road trains","content":"165 Selection of kingpins for B-doubles and road trains\n(1) A kingpin used in a B-double or road train must:\n(a) be a 50, 75 or 90 millimetre kingpin; and\n(b) have a D-value complying with Australian Standard AS 2175-\n","sortOrder":180},{"sectionNumber":"1990","sectionType":"section","heading":"Articulated Vehicles–Kingpins.","content":"1990 Articulated Vehicles–Kingpins.\n(2) A 50 or 90 millimetre kingpin used in a B-double or road train must:\n(a) be built to meet the dimension requirements in Australian\nStandard AS 2175-1990 Articulated Vehicles–Kingpins; and\n(b) not be worn away more than recommended by the standard.\n(3) A 75 millimetre kingpin used in a B-double or road train must:\n(a) be built to meet the dimensions in the following essential\ndiagram; and\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 92\n(b) not be worn away more than mentioned in subrule (4).\nMinimum\nRadius of 3\n101.2 +\n- 0.1\nSkid Plate\nφ\nφ +\nφ 99.4 +\n- 1.3\n(All Dimensions in Millimetres)\n(G)\n(H)\n-76.2 0.1 (F)\nDimensions of a 75 millimetre kingpin\n(4) In testing a 75 millimetre kingpin mentioned in the essential\ndiagram in subrule (3) to decide whether its D-value complies with\nsubrule (1)(b):\n(a) diameter F must not wear more than 3 millimetres; and\n(b) diameter G must not wear more than 2 millimetres; and\n(c) height H must not wear more than 2.3 millimetres.\n","sortOrder":181},{"sectionNumber":"166","sectionType":"section","heading":"Attachment of kingpins on B-doubles and road trains","content":"166 Attachment of kingpins on B-doubles and road trains\nA kingpin used in a trailer that forms part of a B-double or road train\nmust be attached in accordance with:\n(a) the manufacturer’s specifications and instructions; or\n(b) the guidelines detailed in Australian Standard AS 2175-1990\nArticulated Vehicles–Kingpins.\n","sortOrder":182},{"sectionNumber":"167","sectionType":"section","heading":"Branding of kingpins on B-doubles and road trains","content":"167 Branding of kingpins on B-doubles and road trains\nA kingpin used in a trailer built after June 1991 that forms part of a\nB-double or road train must be clearly and permanently marked on\nthe lower circular face of the kingpin in accordance with Australian\nStandard AS 2175-1990 Articulated Vehicles–Kingpins with:\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 93\n(b) its D-value rating; and\n(c) its nominal size.\n","sortOrder":183},{"sectionNumber":"168","sectionType":"section","heading":"Selection of couplings and drawbar eyes for road trains","content":"168 Selection of couplings and drawbar eyes for road trains\nA drawbar-type coupling, or drawbar eye, used in a road train must:\n(a) be a 50 millimetre pin type; and\n(b) have a D-value complying with Australian Standard AS 2213-\n1984 50mm Pin Type Couplings and Drawbar Eyes for\nTrailers; and\n(c) be built to the dimensions mentioned in the standard; and\n(d) not be worn away more than is recommended in the standard.\n","sortOrder":184},{"sectionNumber":"169","sectionType":"section","heading":"Attachment of couplings and drawbar eyes on road trains","content":"169 Attachment of couplings and drawbar eyes on road trains\nA drawbar-type coupling, or drawbar eye, used in a road train must\nbe built and positioned so:\n(a) when the road train is moving, the drawbar can move at\nleast 15° upwards or downwards from the position it occupies\nwhen the road train is parked on level ground; and\n(b) the pivot point of the coupling is not over 300 millimetres\nforward of the rear of the trailer to which it is attached; and\n(c) it is at a height of at least 800 millimetres, but not over 950\nmillimetres, when the road train is unloaded and parked on\nlevel ground.\n","sortOrder":185},{"sectionNumber":"170","sectionType":"section","heading":"Branding of couplings and drawbar eyes on road trains","content":"170 Branding of couplings and drawbar eyes on road trains\nA drawbar-type coupling, or drawbar eye, used on a vehicle built\nafter June 1991 that forms part of a road train must be clearly and\npermanently marked in accordance with Australian Standard\nAS 2213-1984 50mm-Pin Type Couplings and Drawbar Eyes for\nTrailers with:\n(b) its D-value rating.\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 94\n","sortOrder":186},{"sectionNumber":"171","sectionType":"section","heading":"Tow coupling overhang on road trains","content":"171 Tow coupling overhang on road trains\ntow coupling overhang, of a vehicle, means the horizontal\ndistance from the centre of the axle group, or the centre line of the\nsingle axle, at the rear of the vehicle to the pivot point of the\ncoupling near the rear of the vehicle.\n(2) The tow coupling overhang of a motor vehicle, except a prime\nmover, used in a road train must not be more than the greater of:\n(a) 30% of the distance from the centre of the front axle to the\ncentre of the axle group or single axle at the rear of the\n(b) 2.7 metres.\n(3) The tow coupling overhang of a semi-trailer, or a dog trailer\nconsisting of a semi-trailer and converter dolly, used in a road train\nmust not be more than 30% of the distance from the point of\narticulation to the centre of the axle group or single axle at the rear\n(4) The tow coupling overhang of another dog trailer used in a road\ntrain must not be more than 30% of the distance from the centre of\nthe front axle group or single axle to the centre of the axle group or\nsingle axle at the rear of the vehicle.\nTow coupling overhang – semi-trailer with\nextra coupling at rear\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 95\nTow coupling overhang – motor vehicle\nTow coupling overhang – dog trailer\n","sortOrder":187},{"sectionNumber":"172","sectionType":"section","heading":"Vehicle equipment","content":"172 Vehicle equipment\nA vehicle is taken to have equipment mentioned in the Vehicle\nStandards only if the equipment is in working order.\n","sortOrder":188},{"sectionNumber":"173","sectionType":"section","heading":"Restored vehicles","content":"173 Restored vehicles\n(1) For the Vehicle Standards, a restored vehicle is taken to have been\nbuilt when it was originally built and not when it was restored.\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 96\nrestored vehicle means a vehicle that is being, or has been,\nrestored to its manufacturer’s specifications, so far as it is\npracticable to meet the specifications.\n","sortOrder":189},{"sectionNumber":"174","sectionType":"section","heading":"Retractable axles","content":"174 Retractable axles\n(1) For the Vehicle Standards, a retractable axle is taken to be an axle\nonly when it is in the lowered position.\nretractable axle means an axle with a means of adjustment\nenabling it to be raised or lowered relative to the other axles in the\naxle group.\n","sortOrder":190},{"sectionNumber":"175","sectionType":"section","heading":"Measurement of distance between parallel lines","content":"175 Measurement of distance between parallel lines\nFor the Vehicle Standards, a distance between 2 parallel lines is\nmeasured at right angles between the lines.\n","sortOrder":191},{"sectionNumber":"176","sectionType":"section","heading":"Interpretation of certain second edition ADRs","content":"176 Interpretation of certain second edition ADRs\nThe words ‘left’ and ‘right’ in the following second edition ADRs\nhave the opposite meaning in the application of the ADRs, in\naccordance with the Vehicle Standards, to a motor vehicle with a\nleft-hand drive:\n• ADR 8 Safety Glass\n• ADR 12 Glare Reduction in Field of View\n• ADR 14 Rear Vision Mirrors\n• ADR 16 Windscreen Wipers and Washers\n• ADRs 18 and 18A Location and Visibility of Instruments\n• ADRs 35 and 35A Commercial Vehicle Braking Systems.\nNote The following table contains a list of some terms used in the third\nedition ADRs and the corresponding term used in the Vehicle Standards.\nThird edition ADRs Vehicle Standards\ndipped-beam headlamp low-beam (for a\nheadlight)\nfront fog lamp front fog light\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 97\nThird edition ADRs Vehicle Standards\nrear fog lamp rear fog light\nwheelguard mudguard\nmain-beam headlamp high-beam (for a\nheadlight)\nreversing lamp reversing light\ndirection indicator lamp direction indicator light\nstop lamp brake light\nrear registration plate\nlamp\nnumber plate light\nfront position (side) lamp parking light\nrear position (side) lamp tail light\nend-outline marker lamp front or rear clearance\nlight\nexternal cabin lamp external cabin light\ninternal lamp interior light\nside marker lamp side marker light\ndaytime running lamp daytime running light\nrear reflex reflector,\nrear reflector\nfront reflex reflector,\nfront reflector\nside reflex reflector,\nside reflector\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 98\n50 millimetre kingpin means a kingpin meeting the dimension\nrequirements for a 50 millimetre kingpin in Australian Standard\nAS 2175-1990 Articulated Vehicles Kingpins.\n75 millimetre kingpin means a kingpin with the dimensions\nmentioned in rule 165 (3).\n90 millimetre kingpin means a kingpin meeting the dimension\nrequirements for a 90 millimetre kingpin in Australian Standard\nAS 2175-1990 Articulated Vehicles Kingpins.\nadopted standard see rule 24.\nADR see rule 14.\nair brake means an air-operated or air-assisted brake.\narticulated bus means a bus with at least 2 rigid sections that\nallow passengers access between the sections and are connected\nto allow rotary movement between the sections.\nAustralian Standard means a standard approved for publication\non behalf of the Council of the Standards Association of Australia.\nNote Copies of Australian Standards are available from offices of the\nStandards Association of Australia.\naxle means 1 or more shafts, positioned in a line across a vehicle,\non which 1 or more wheels intended to support the vehicle turn.\naxle group means a single, tandem, twinsteer, tri, or quad axle\ngroup.\nAustralian Design Rule see section 5(1) of the Motor Vehicles\nAct 1949.\nB-double means a combination consisting of a prime mover towing\n2 semi-trailers.\nB-double\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 99\nbraking system, of a vehicle, means all the brakes of the vehicle\nand all the components of the mechanisms by which they are\noperated.\nBritish Standard means a standard approved for publication on\nbehalf of the British Standards Institution.\nNote Copies of British Standards are available from offices of the\nStandards Association of Australia.\nBritish Standards Institution means the institution of that name\nestablished under royal charter in the United Kingdom.\nbus means a motor vehicle built mainly to carry people that seats\nover 9 adults (including the driver).\ncar means a motor vehicle built mainly to carry people that:\n(a) seats not over 9 adults (including the driver); and\n(b) has a body commonly known as a sedan, station wagon,\ncoupe, convertible, or roadster; and\n(c) has 4 or more wheels.\ncentre line, of an axle group, means:\n(a) if the group consists of 2 axles, one of which is fitted with twice\nthe number of tyres as the other axle – a line located one-third\nof the way from the centre line of the axle with more tyres\ntowards the centre line of the axle with fewer tyres; and\n(b) in any other case – a line located midway between the centre\nlines of the outermost axles of the group.\nCentre line of a tandem axle group fitted with an equal number of tyres\non each axle\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 100\nCentre line of a tandem axle group fitted with a different number of tyres\non each axle\nCentre line of a tri axle group\nCentre line of a quad axle group\ncombination means a group of vehicles consisting of a motor\nvehicle connected to 1 or more vehicles.\ncontrolled access bus means a bus, except an articulated bus,\nover 12.5 metres long.\nconverter dolly means a trailer with 1 axle group or single axle,\nand a fifth wheel coupling, designed to convert a semi-trailer into a\ndog trailer.\nConverter dolly\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 101\ndaylight means the period in a day from sunrise to sunset.\ndog trailer means a trailer (including a trailer consisting of a semi-\ntrailer and converter dolly) with:\n(a) 1 axle group or single axle at the front that is steered by\nconnection to the towing vehicle by a drawbar; and\n(b) 1 axle group or single axle at the rear.\nDog trailer\ndrawbar means a part of a trailer (except a semi-trailer) connecting\nthe trailer body to a coupling for towing purposes.\ndrive includes be in control of.\ndriver, of a vehicle, means the person driving the vehicle.\nemergency brake means a brake designed to be used if a service\nbrake fails.\nemergency vehicle means a vehicle that is an emergency vehicle\nfor the Vehicle Standards under a law of this jurisdiction.\nfifth wheel coupling means a device, except the upper rotating\nelement and the kingpin (which are parts of a semi-trailer), used\nwith a prime mover, semi-trailer, or converter dolly, to allow quick\ncoupling and uncoupling and to provide for articulation.\nfront fog light means a light used to improve the illumination of the\nroad in case of fog, snowfall, heavy rain or a dust storm.\nGTM (gross trailer mass) means the mass transmitted to the\nground by the axles of a trailer when the trailer is loaded to its GVM\nand connected to a towing vehicle.\nGVM see section 5(1) of the Motor Vehicles Act 1949.\nhigh-beam, for a headlight or front fog light fitted to a vehicle,\nmeans that the light is built or adjusted so, when the vehicle is\nstanding on level ground, the top of the main beam of light\nprojected is above the low-beam position.\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 102\nleft, for a vehicle, means to the left of the centre of the vehicle\nwhen viewed by a person in the vehicle who is facing to the front of\nlow-beam, for a headlight or front fog light fitted to a vehicle,\nmeans that the light is built or adjusted so, when the vehicle is\nstanding on level ground, the top of the main beam of light\nprojected is:\n(a) not higher than the centre of the headlight or fog light, when\nmeasured 8 metres in front of the vehicle; and\n(b) not over 1 metre higher than the level where the motor vehicle\nis standing, when measured 25 metres in front of the vehicle.\nA headlight in the low-beam position\nMinisterial Council means the Ministerial Council for Road\nTransport established by the Heavy Vehicles Agreement, a copy of\nwhich is set out in Schedule 1 to the National Road Transport\nCommission Act 1991 of the Commonwealth.\nmoped means a motor bike or trike with an engine cylinder\ncapacity of not over 50 millilitres and a maximum speed of not over\n50 kilometres an hour.\nmotor bike means a motor vehicle with 2 wheels, and includes a\n2 wheeled motor vehicle with a sidecar attached to it that is\nsupported by a third wheel.\nmotor trike means a motor vehicle with 3 wheels, but does not\ninclude a 2 wheeled motor vehicle with a sidecar attached to it that\nis supported by a third wheel.\nmotor vehicle means a vehicle built to be propelled by a motor that\nforms part of the vehicle.\nmudguard means a fitting or device, with or without a mudflap, that\nis built and fitted to a vehicle in a way that will, as far as practicable,\ncatch or deflect downwards any stone, mud, water, or other\nsubstance, thrown up by the rotation of the wheel to which the\nfitting or device is fitted.\nnational standard see section 5(1) of the Motor Vehicles Act 1949.\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 103\npoint of articulation means:\n(a) the axis of a kingpin for a fifth wheel; or\n(b) the vertical axis of rotation of a fifth wheel coupling; or\n(c) the vertical axis of rotation of a turntable assembly; or\n(d) the vertical axis of rotation of the front axle group, or single\naxle, of a dog trailer; or\n(e) the coupling pivot point of a semi trailer.\nPoint of articulation – fifth wheel coupling on a converter dolly (forming\nthe front axle group of a dog trailer)\nPoint of articulation – fifth wheel on a prime mover\nPoint of articulation – kingpin for fifth wheel\npole-type trailer means a trailer that:\n(a) is attached to a towing vehicle by a pole, or an attachment\nfitted to the pole; and\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 104\n(b) is ordinarily used for transporting loads, such as logs, pipes,\nstructural members, or other long objects, that can generally\nsupport themselves like beams between supports.\nPole-type trailer\npolice vehicle means a vehicle driven by a police officer in the\ncourse of his or her duty.\nprime mover means a motor vehicle built to tow a semi-trailer.\nquad axle group means a group of 4 axles in which the horizontal\ndistance between the centre lines of the outermost axles is over\n3.2 metres, but not over 4.9 metres.\nrear fog light means a light used on a vehicle to make it more\neasily visible from the rear in dense fog.\nrear overhang, of a vehicle, means the distance between the rear\noverhang line and the rear of the vehicle.\nrear overhang line, of a vehicle, means:\n(a) if there is a single axle at the rear of the vehicle – the centre\nline of the axle; or\n(b) if there is an axle group at the rear of the vehicle – the centre\nline of the axle group, decided without regard to the presence\nof any steerable axle unless all axles in the group are\nsteerable.\nRear overhang and rear overhang line – vehicle with tri axle group at\nrear\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 105\nRear overhang and rear overhang line – motor vehicle\nRear overhang and rear overhang line – semi-trailer\nrepeater horn means a device that makes a sound alternating\nbetween different tones or frequencies on a regular time cycle.\nright, for a vehicle, means to the right of the centre of the vehicle\nwhen viewed by a person in the vehicle who is facing to the front of\nroad see rule 8.\nroad-related area see rule 9.\nroad tank vehicle has the same meaning as in the sixth edition of\nthe Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road\nand Rail.\nroad train means a combination, except a B-double, consisting of a\nmotor vehicle towing at least 2 trailers (counting as a single trailer a\nconverter dolly supporting a semi-trailer).\nRoad train\nsecond edition ADR see section 5(1) of the Motor Vehicles\nAct 1949.\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 106\nsemi-trailer means a trailer (including a pole-type trailer) that has:\n(a) 1 axle group or single axle to the rear; and\n(b) a means of attachment to a prime mover that results in some\nof the load being imposed on the prime mover.\nservice brake, for a vehicle, means the brake normally used to\ndecelerate the vehicle.\nsingle axle means an axle not forming part of an axle group.\nsingle axle group means a group of at least 2 axles in which the\nis under 1 metre.\nspring brake means a brake using 1 or more springs to store the\nenergy needed to operate the brake.\nStandards Association of Australia means the association of that\nname incorporated in Australia under royal charter.\ntandem axle group means a group of at least 2 axles in which the\nis at least 1 metre, but not over 2 metres.\nthird edition ADR see section 5(1) of the Motor Vehicles Act 1949.\ntransport enforcement vehicle means a vehicle that is a transport\nenforcement vehicle for the Vehicle Standards under a law of this\njurisdiction.\ntrailer means a vehicle that is built to be towed, or is towed, by a\nmotor vehicle, but does not include a motor vehicle that is being\ntowed.\ntri axle group means a group of at least 3 axles in which the\nis over 2 metres, but not over 3.2 metres.\nturntable means a bearing built to carry vertical and horizontal\nloads, but does not allow quick separation of its upper and lower\nrotating elements, and that is used to connect and allow articulation\nbetween:\n(a) a prime mover and semi-trailer; or\n(b) the steering axle or axle group of a dog trailer and the body of\nthe trailer; or\n\nMotor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 107\n(c) a fifth wheel coupling and the vehicle to which it is mounted.\ntwinsteer axle group means a group of 2 axles:\n(a) with single tyres; and\n(b) fitted to a motor vehicle and connected to the same steering\nmechanism; and\n(c) the horizontal distance between the centre lines of which is at\nleast 1 metre, but not over 2 metres.\nTw instee r a xl e grou p\nTwinsteer axle group on a motor vehicle\nvacuum brakes means vacuum-operated or vacuum-assisted\nbrakes.\nvehicle includes the equipment fitted to, or forming part of, the\nyellow includes amber.","sortOrder":192}],"analysis":{"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":9,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"Compared with the coverage of ADRs alone, the Vehicle Standards explicitly extend and fill gaps in ADR coverage: they apply ADRs throughout a vehicle’s life and add standards for items ADRs do not cover (vehicles built before 1969, combinations, some safety features) (Part 1 introductory note; Part 3 preface).  The Rules therefore broaden the regulatory scope beyond the ADRs by (a) imposing additional requirements where ADRs are silent, (b) extending ADR obligations to certain vehicle types or equipment, and (c) creating specific transitional/approval paths for non‑complying vehicles (rules 19–23; rule 13)."},"complexity_factors":["Large volume of detailed technical requirements across multiple vehicle systems (lights, brakes, couplings, tyres, emissions, dimensions) (Parts 5–13).","Extensive cross‑references to external instruments (second/third edition ADRs, Australian and British Standards, Roadworthiness Guidelines) that must be located and version‑checked (rules 14, 19–20, 24–26, 153).","Numerous date‑ and build‑date‑based distinctions and transitional rules (eg different obligations for vehicles built before/after specified years, personally imported vehicles, Part 3 and rules 19–23).","Multiple vehicle‑type and weight‑based differentiations (cars, buses, prime movers, trailers, B‑doubles, road trains) with bespoke requirements (e.g. rules 64–73, 129–145, 157–171).","Interlocking performance tests and measurement procedures (braking distances and decelerations, noise tests, luminous intensities) requiring laboratory or field testing (rules 128, 149–153, 116).","Administrative discretion and conditional approvals/exemptions referencing other laws and the RAV, producing case‑by‑case application complexity (rules 11–13, 22).","Prescriptive dimensional and mechanical tolerances (kingpin dimensions, D‑values, tow coupling overhangs) that require technical measurement and maintenance regimes (rules 161–166, 171).","Multiple compliance actors (manufacturers, importers, repairers, vehicle owners, registrars) and different compliance pathways (standard compliance, approvals, exemptions) increase coordination complexity (rules 19–23, 11–13)."],"plain_english_summary":"What these rules do, mechanically\n\n- These Australian Vehicle Standards Rules (the Vehicle Standards) set uniform technical and safety requirements for motor vehicles, trailers and combinations that are driven on roads and road‑related areas (rule 2; rule 7).  They specify what equipment must be fitted, how vehicles may be configured and dimensioned, how lights, brakes, tyres, exhausts, couplings and other systems must perform, and what markings and labels vehicles must carry (see Parts 5–13 and Part 6).  The Rules also apply Australian Design Rules (ADRs) and other adopted standards to vehicles (rules 14, 19–20, 24–26).\n\nWho it affects\n\n- Vehicle manufacturers, importers and modifiers: must design and fit vehicles to the ADRs and adopted standards that apply to a vehicle (rules 19–20, 24–26).  Personally imported vehicles have partial exceptions but still must meet specified seatbelt, anchorage and restraint requirements (rule 23).\n- Vehicle owners and operators (including fleets and transport operators): must maintain equipment in working order and ensure vehicles in service comply with the standards in use (rule 172; Parts 5–13).  Operators of long combinations (B‑doubles, road trains) face extra braking, coupling and dimension requirements (Parts 7, 9, 13).\n- Repairers and aftermarket suppliers: must fit replacements and modifications that comply with the applicable ADRs or later versions where the Rules allow (rules 19–20; Part 3 preface).\n- Registrars and regulators: exercise approvals, exemptions and entries on registers (eg RAV) that interact with these Rules (rules 11, 13, 22).\n\nWhy it matters (official purpose, and practical testing of that purpose)\n\n- Officially, the object is to set uniform construction and performance standards to promote safe, efficient vehicles and environmental protection and to reduce transport administration costs (rule 2).  The Rules implement this by prescribing detailed technical and labelling requirements (Parts 5–13, Part 11 on alternative fuels).\n\n- Costs, incentives and trade‑offs: compliance requires manufacturers, importers and owners to bear equipment, testing, retrofit and labelling costs (eg ADR compliance rules 19–20; alternative fuel label rules 154F–154L).  Requiring particular designs or materials (eg specified Australian or other standards for brakes, couplings and tyres: rules 125(2), 161, 165, 52) raises suppliers’ production or sourcing costs and can favour suppliers who already meet those standards.  Where the Rules require access to external standards (Australian Standards, ADRs), businesses must obtain and follow those documents (rule 25), which creates an ongoing informational and compliance cost.\n\n- Implementation risk and bureaucratic discretion: the Rules permit non‑application or exemptions where other laws or approvals apply (rules 11–13) and refer to approvals given under prior Acts and to entries on the RAV (rule 13; rule 22).  Those approval and exemption pathways concentrate benefit on recipients of approvals and create administrative discretion in how exceptions are managed (rule 13, note).  The Rules also cross‑reference ADRs and adopted standards whose versions and test methods matter to compliance (rules 19–20, 25–26; rule 153), so regulatory clarity depends on careful version control and publication of the referenced tests and guidelines.\n\n- Effects on private choice and markets: the Rules restrict certain design and aftermarket choices (for example, a right‑hand drive requirement for motor vehicles (rule 27); mandatory labelling for LPG, hydrogen and electric vehicles (rules 154D, 154F, 154J, 154L)).  Those restrictions affect import choices, resale markets, and aftermarket modification options.  By prescribing mandatory technical parameters (tyre ratings, braking performance, coupling dimensions, vehicle widths/lengths/heights: e.g. rules 46–54, 128, 157–171, 66–73), the Rules standardise vehicle interfaces and compatibility (benefit for interoperability) while limiting deviations that some small or specialist providers might prefer.\n\n- Who pays and who decides (mechanisms):\n  - The primary economic burden falls on vehicle builders, importers and owners who must fit and maintain required equipment, obtain approvals and, in some cases, retrofit older vehicles to meet particular mandatory items (rules 19–20, 23, 172).  Operators of heavy and long combinations absorb extra capital and operational costs from specialised couplings, anti‑lock brakes, air systems and larger reservoirs (see Parts 9, 13 — rules 136–145, 141, 145).\n  - Decision‑making and discretion are exercised by registration/approval authorities and Ministers where the Rules reference approvals, exemptions, the RAV and ministerial instruments (rules 11–13, 21–22).  Technical details are implemented through ADRs and adopted standards that are external documents referenced in the Rules (rules 14, 24–26).\n\nPractical compliance points and trade‑offs to watch (source‑grounded)\n\n- The Rules explicitly extend ADR requirements to vehicles and equipment beyond the ADRs’ original textual coverage in some cases (Part 3 preface; rules 19–20) and allow older vehicles to be retrofitted with equipment permitted on newer vehicles (rules 19(4), 20(4)).  That creates an upgrade pathway but also a compliance decision for owners who must choose whether to retrofit.\n- Exemptions and transitional approvals exist for vehicles that do not meet ADRs but have prior approvals or RAV entries (rule 13; rule 22).  These are narrow and conditional (compliance with approval conditions required) and therefore allocate concentrated regulatory relief to specific vehicles or applicants (rule 13(1)(b)–(d)).\n- The Rules rely on versioned external standards (rule 25) and on other administrative instruments (eg Roadworthiness Guidelines referenced for noise testing, rule 153).  That means compliance depends on access to up‑to‑date technical documents and on regulators’ publication of test methods.\n\nBottom line (mechanical effect)\n\n- The Vehicle Standards create a detailed national technical rulebook for what may be driven on public roads and road‑related areas in Australia.  They do this by: applying ADRs where relevant, imposing additional vehicle safety, dimension and equipment rules where ADRs do not apply, and providing narrowly framed exemption and approval pathways.  Those provisions set clear requirements and some pathways for exceptions, but they also impose measurable compliance costs, require ongoing access to external standards and give administrative bodies scope to grant conditional approvals (see rules 2, 7, 19–23, 24–26, 11–13)."},"kimi_summary":{"_metrics":{"completionTokens":827},"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":8,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The legislation appears consistent with its original purpose of establishing uniform national vehicle safety standards. The scope covers motor vehicles, trailers and combinations as originally intended, with appropriate exemptions for low-powered vehicles and specialised equipment. The inclusion of alternative fuel labelling (Part 11) and updated references to the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018 represent evolutionary updates rather than scope expansion."},"complexity_factors":["Extensive cross-referencing between second and third edition ADRs with conditional compliance rules","Multiple nested exemptions and exceptions (e.g., rules 10-13, 21-23, 156)","Detailed technical specifications with precise measurements (e.g., 47 separate rules on lights with millimetre tolerances)","Age-based thresholds throughout (e.g., 'built after 1934', 'built after June 1953', 'built after 1987') creating layered compliance frameworks","Specialised heavy vehicle provisions (B-doubles, road trains) with additional technical requirements","Dictionary with 50+ defined terms including complex mechanical concepts (axle groups, points of articulation, D-values)","Incorporation of external standards by reference (Australian Standards, British Standards, ISO) without reproducing their content","Left-hand drive vehicle provisions requiring mirror-image interpretation of ADRs"],"plain_english_summary":"These regulations set the **Australian Vehicle Standards Rules** — the technical safety and design standards that cars, trucks, motorbikes, trailers and other vehicles must meet to be driven on roads in the Northern Territory (and across Australia, as these are nationally uniform rules).\n\n**What the rules cover:**\n\n- **Who must comply:** Almost all motor vehicles, trailers and combinations (like trucks towing trailers) used on public roads. Exemptions include low-powered vehicles (under 200 watts), motorised wheelchairs under 10 km/h, railway vehicles, and vehicles being repaired or towed for repair.\n\n- **Australian Design Rules (ADRs):** Vehicles must comply with national ADRs — either \"second edition\" (older) or \"third edition\" (current) rules depending on when the vehicle was built. If you modify a vehicle or fit new equipment, it must still meet the ADRs that applied when the vehicle was built (or later versions if you choose).\n\n- **Key safety requirements:**\n  - **Steering and controls:** Right-hand drive required; steering must work mechanically even if other systems fail.\n  - **Brakes:** All wheels must have brakes with at least two separate activation methods; parking brakes must work mechanically; heavy vehicles need specific performance standards.\n  - **Lights and reflectors:** Detailed rules for headlights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, fog lights, clearance lights and reflectors — including when they must be visible and how they must be wired.\n  - **Tyres:** Must be free of defects, have adequate tread depth (1.5mm minimum), and meet speed and load ratings.\n  - **Dimensions:** Width capped at 2.5m; length limits vary by vehicle type (e.g., 12.5m for most cars, up to 53.5m for road trains); height generally capped at 4.3m.\n  - **Emissions:** Limits on noise and visible exhaust smoke; exhaust outlets must discharge away from passengers.\n  - **Alternative fuels:** Special labelling requirements for LPG, natural gas, hydrogen and electric vehicles on number plates.\n\n- **Heavy vehicle extras:** Special rules for B-doubles and road trains (long truck combinations) covering brake compatibility, coupling strength, and warning signs for very long vehicles.\n\n- **Restored vehicles:** Treated as built when originally manufactured, not when restored.\n\n**Why it matters:** These rules ensure vehicles are safe to operate, protect other road users, reduce environmental harm, and allow vehicles to travel across state/territory borders without needing separate approvals."},"summary":{"complexity_score":4,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"Based on the available information, these rules appear to be a straightforward Northern Territory adoption of the national Australian Vehicle Standards Rules. There is no indication the scope has shifted from its original intent of setting technical and safety standards for motor vehicles operating in the NT."},"complexity_factors":["Technical vehicle engineering standards require specialist knowledge to fully interpret","Split administration between two government departments (Logistics & Infrastructure for most parts; Treasury & Finance for Part V) creates jurisdictional complexity","Incorporates federal (national) standards into NT law, meaning readers must cross-reference multiple layers of legislation","The document provided contains very limited actual content, making full assessment difficult — the real rules themselves would be highly technical","Commencement date (21 January 2026) is future-dated, meaning transition and compliance timing matters"],"plain_english_summary":"## Australian Vehicle Standards Rules (Northern Territory)\n\nThese rules set out the **technical and safety standards** that motor vehicles must meet in Australia. They apply in the Northern Territory and cover what vehicles need to comply with before they can be legally used on public roads.\n\n**Who does this affect?**\n- **Vehicle owners and drivers** — your car, truck, or motorcycle must meet these standards to be registered and legally driven\n- **Vehicle manufacturers and importers** — vehicles must comply before they can be sold or brought into Australia\n- **Vehicle dealers and modifiers** — anyone who sells, modifies, or builds vehicles needs to ensure compliance\n\n**What does it actually do?**\nThese rules specify technical requirements for things like brakes, lights, tyres, emissions, safety equipment, and vehicle construction. They are the Northern Territory's adoption of national (federal) vehicle standards, meaning the NT has incorporated the national rules into its own legal framework so they apply locally.\n\n**Why does it matter?**\nIf your vehicle doesn't comply, it may not be able to be registered, could be defected (issued a notice requiring repairs), or you could face penalties. These rules also affect people importing vehicles or making significant modifications.\n\n**Two agencies administer different parts:**\n- The **Department of Logistics and Infrastructure** handles most of the rules (vehicle safety and standards)\n- The **Department of Treasury and Finance** handles **Part V** (which likely covers fees, levies, or financial matters related to vehicle standards)"},"issue_detection":{"absurdities":[],"contradictions":[{"severity":"medium","section_a":"rule 91(1)","section_b":"rule 91(2)","confidence":0.96,"description":"For a prime mover less than 1.8 metres wide, rule 91(1) says front clearance lights may only be fitted to a vehicle at least 1.8 metres wide, while rule 91(2) requires a pair on a prime mover.","source_quotes":["Front clearance lights may only be fitted to a vehicle that is at least\n1.8 metres wide.","A pair of front clearance lights must be fitted to a motor vehicle that\nis at least 2.2 metres wide, or a prime mover."]}]}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/motor-vehicles-standards-regulations-australian-vehicle-standards-rules","history":"/api/acts/motor-vehicles-standards-regulations-australian-vehicle-standards-rules/history","analysis":"/api/acts/motor-vehicles-standards-regulations-australian-vehicle-standards-rules/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/motor-vehicles-standards-regulations-australian-vehicle-standards-rules/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/motor-vehicles-standards-regulations-australian-vehicle-standards-rules/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/motor-vehicles-standards-regulations-australian-vehicle-standards-rules/documents"}}