{"id":"tas:sr-2024-067","name":"Vehicle and Traffic (Vehicle Operations) (Agricultural Vehicles and Agricultural Combinations) Notice 2024","slug":"vehicle-and-traffic-vehicle-operations-agricultural-vehicles-and-agricultural-combinations-notice-20","collection":"regulation","jurisdiction":"tas","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":"67 of 2024","makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":177076,"registerId":"tas-tas:sr-2024-067-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-05","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Short title","content":"### 1 Short title\n\n> This notice may be cited as the [Vehicle and Traffic (Vehicle Operations) (Agricultural Vehicles and Agricultural Combinations) Notice 2024](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/sr-2024-067) .","sortOrder":0},{"sectionNumber":"2","sectionType":"section","heading":"Commencement","content":"### 2 Commencement\n\n> This notice takes effect on 1 December 2024.","sortOrder":1},{"sectionNumber":"3","sectionType":"section","heading":"Interpretation","content":"### 3 Interpretation\n\n> > (1)  In this notice –\n> > \n> > > ***agricultural combination*** means a combination of a light motor vehicle and a light trailer, one of which is an agricultural vehicle;\n> > \n> > > ***agricultural implement*** has the same meaning as in the [Vehicle and Traffic (Driver Licensing and Vehicle Registration) Regulations 2021](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/sr-2021-026) ;\n> > \n> > > ***agricultural machine*** has the same meaning as in the [Vehicle and Traffic (Driver Licensing and Vehicle Registration) Regulations 2021](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/sr-2021-026) ;\n> > \n> > > ***agricultural vehicle*** includes an agricultural implement and an agricultural machine;\n> > \n> > > ***Vehicle Operations Regulations*** means the [Vehicle and Traffic (Vehicle Operations) Regulations 2024](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/sr-2024-014) .\n> \n> > (2)  Unless the contrary intention appears, a word or phrase that is defined in the [Vehicle and Traffic Act 1999](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1999-070) or the Vehicle Operations Regulations and used in this notice has the same meaning in this notice as defined in that Act or in those regulations.\n> \n> > (3)  The [Acts Interpretation Act 1931](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1931-059) applies to the interpretation of this notice as if it were rules within the meaning of that Act.","sortOrder":2},{"sectionNumber":"4","sectionType":"section","heading":"Application of notice","content":"### 4 Application of notice\n\n> An exemption specified in this notice –\n> \n> > > (a) applies to all areas of the State; and\n> > \n> > > (b) applies at all times of the day; and\n> > \n> > > (c) remains in force for a period of 3 years commencing on the date on which this notice takes effect.","sortOrder":3},{"sectionNumber":"5","sectionType":"section","heading":"Exemption of agricultural vehicles and agricultural combinations","content":"### 5 Exemption of agricultural vehicles and agricultural combinations\n\n> > (1)  In this clause –\n> > \n> > > ***oversize vehicle sign*** means an oversize vehicle warning sign in accordance with Divisions 1 and 2 of [Part 2 of Schedule 2](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/sr-2024-014#JS2@HS2@EN) to the Vehicle Operations Regulations;\n> > \n> > > ***pilot vehicle*** means a pilot vehicle that complies with [Part 3 of Schedule 2](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/sr-2024-014#JS2@HS3@EN) to the Vehicle Operations Regulations.\n> \n> > (2)  Subject to the conditions specified in [subclause (3)](#GS5@Gs3@EN) , [regulations 10(1)](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/sr-2024-014#GS10@Gs1@EN) , [11](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/sr-2024-014#GS11@EN) , [13](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/sr-2024-014#GS13@EN) , [14(1)](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/sr-2024-014#GS14@Gs1@EN) and [(3)](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/sr-2024-014#GS14@Gs3@EN) , [15(2)](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/sr-2024-014#GS15@Gs2@EN) and [16(2)(a)](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/sr-2024-014#GS16@Gs2@Hpa@EN) of the Vehicle Operations Regulations do not apply to a person using, or causing or permitting the use of, an agricultural vehicle or an agricultural combination.\n> \n> > (3)  The exemption under [subclause (2)](#GS5@Gs2@EN) is subject to the following conditions:\n> > \n> > > > (a) the width of the agricultural vehicle must not exceed 5 metres;\n> > > \n> > > > (b) an agricultural vehicle that exceeds 3.5 metres in width must not be used at night;\n> > > \n> > > > (c) an agricultural vehicle which is used in daylight and exceeds 4.5 metres in width must be accompanied by 2 pilot vehicles, with each pilot vehicle displaying a warning light and an oversize vehicle sign;\n> > > \n> > > > (d) an agricultural vehicle which is used in daylight and exceeds 3.5 metres in width or 12.5 metres in length must be accompanied by a pilot vehicle displaying a warning light and an oversize vehicle sign;\n> > > \n> > > > (e) if the agricultural vehicle (other than a tractor) or the agricultural combination, exceeds 2.5 metres in width, flags must be displayed, in accordance with [clause 4 of Schedule 1](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/sr-2024-014#JS1@GC4@EN) to the Vehicle Operations Regulations;\n> > > \n> > > > (f) if the agricultural vehicle or agricultural combination is not an agricultural machine, a warning light must be displayed on the agricultural vehicle or agricultural combination –\n> > > > \n> > > > > > (i) if used at night, if the agricultural vehicle or agricultural combination exceeds 2.5 metres in width or 22 metres in length; or\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > (ii) at all times, if the agricultural vehicle or agricultural combination exceeds 3 metres in width;\n> > > \n> > > > (g) if the agricultural vehicle (other than a tractor) exceeds 2.5 metres in width or 12.5 metres in length, an oversize vehicle sign must be displayed at the front and rear of the vehicle;\n> > > \n> > > > (h) if the agricultural combination exceeds 2.5 metres in width or 19.5 metres in length, an oversize vehicle sign must be displayed –\n> > > > \n> > > > > > (i) if a tractor is not the front vehicle of the combination, at the front and rear of the combination; and\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > (ii) if a tractor is the front vehicle of the combination, at the rear of the combination;\n> > > \n> > > > (i) the length of the agricultural combination must not exceed 25 metres;\n> > > \n> > > > (j) an agricultural combination that exceeds 19 metres in length must be accompanied by a pilot vehicle that displays –\n> > > > \n> > > > > > (i) a warning light; and\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > (ii) an oversize vehicle sign;\n> > > \n> > > > (k) the length of the agricultural vehicle must not exceed 15 metres, regardless of whether that agricultural vehicle is used alone or as part of an agricultural combination;\n> > > \n> > > > (l) the rear overhang of the agricultural vehicle must not exceed 5.5 metres;\n> > > \n> > > > (m) the height of the agricultural vehicle must not exceed 4.6 metres;\n> > > \n> > > > (n) any axle, on an agricultural vehicle that is a tractor, which protrudes more than 150 millimetres past the outer wall of a tyre must be painted fluorescent yellow or be covered in a high-visibility material;\n> > > \n> > > > (o) if an agricultural vehicle or agricultural combination operating under this exemption is fitted with headlights, the headlights must be operated on low beam if the vehicle or combination is used in daylight;\n> > > \n> > > > (p) an agricultural vehicle that is an agricultural implement that is towed at night must be fitted with brake lights, tail lights and reflectors at its rear, either fixed to the implement or mounted on a detachable board;\n> > > \n> > > > (q) an agricultural vehicle, or agricultural combination, that is used at night must display side markers and rear markers in accordance with [clause 6 of Schedule 1](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/sr-2024-014#JS1@GC6@EN) to the Vehicle Operations Regulations.","sortOrder":4},{"sectionNumber":"6","sectionType":"section","heading":"Restriction on use of vehicle or combination on certain bridges","content":"### 6 Restriction on use of vehicle or combination on certain bridges\n\n> An exemption under this notice does not authorise the use of a light vehicle or light combination on –\n> \n> > > (a) the Tasman Bridge, if the vehicle or combination, inclusive of its load, exceeds 4.4 metres in height or 3 metres in width; or\n> > \n> > > (b) the Bridgewater Bridge, if the vehicle or combination, inclusive of its load, exceeds 4.6 metres in height or 2.5 metres in width.\n\nThis notice was made by The Transport Commission at a meeting held on 13 November 2024.\n\nThe common seal of The Transport Commission was affixed on 13 November 2024, in the presence of –\n\nCYNTHIA HEYDON\n\nCommissioner for Transport\n\nDisplayed and numbered in accordance with the *[Rules Publication Act 1953](/view/html/inforce/current/act-1953-050)*.\n\nNotified in the *Gazette* on 20 November 2024\n\nThis notice is administered in the Department of State Growth.","sortOrder":5}],"analysis":{"issue_detection":{"absurdities":[],"contradictions":[]},"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"A positive credit balance is required for all requests, including BYOK, so fallback providers remain available. Add credits at https://vercel.com/d?to=%2F%5Bteam%5D%2F%7E%2Fai%3Fmodal%3Dtop-up to continue.","source":"analysis-cron"},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":5,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"This instrument establishes a set of temporary exemptions and conditions; it does not state that it alters or narrows a prior legislative scope. The notice sets its own scope (statewide, all times, three-year duration) without indicating an amendment to earlier rules (see cl.4)."},"complexity_factors":["Numerous technical dimensional thresholds (width, length, height, rear overhang) that trigger different requirements (cl.5(3)(a),(i),(k),(l),(m)).","Different rules for day versus night use (cl.5(3)(b),(f)(i)), creating time-based compliance distinctions.","Multiple equipment and marking requirements (warning lights, oversize signs, flags, side/rear markers, painted axle ends) with varied triggers (cl.5(3)(e),(f),(g),(h),(n),(p),(q)).","Pilot vehicle requirements that depend on size and tractor position in combinations (cl.5(3)(c),(d),(j),(h)).","Cross-references to external instruments (Vehicle Operations Regulations, Vehicle and Traffic Regulations, Schedules and Acts) for definitions and technical standards (cl.3(1), cl.5(1)).","Temporal and geographic scope constraints (applies statewide, at all times, limited to a 3‑year term) that affect planning and renewal (cl.4).","Specific exclusions for two named bridges with independent height/width caps, adding route constraints (cl.6).","Compliance and enforcement complexity for operators (provisioning pilot vehicles, signage, lighting, and physical modifications) and for regulators verifying conformity."],"plain_english_summary":"This notice temporarily exempts agricultural vehicles and agricultural combinations from certain Vehicle Operations Regulations, subject to detailed safety conditions on width, length, height, lighting, signage and use of pilot vehicles. It applies across the State at all times for three years starting 1 December 2024. Operators must meet the listed conditions to rely on the exemption; the Transport Commission made the notice and specific bridge height/width limits remain excluded (see cl.5 and cl.6)."},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":4,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"This notice appears to serve its original intended purpose: creating a time-limited, conditional exemption regime for agricultural vehicles from standard vehicle dimension regulations. The scope is tightly focused on agricultural operations with clear boundaries (3-year sunset, specific dimensional caps, bridge exclusions). There is no evidence of scope creep beyond the original policy intent of facilitating farm machinery movement while maintaining safety controls."},"complexity_factors":["15 distinct conditional exemption conditions in subclause 5(3), many with nested sub-conditions (e.g., 5(3)(f)(i) and (ii))","Multiple cross-references to parent regulations (Vehicle Operations Regulations 2024) and the Vehicle and Traffic Act 1999 for defined terms","Incorporation by reference to Schedule provisions (Schedule 1, clause 4 and 6; Schedule 2, Parts 2 and 3) without reproducing those rules in the notice","Dual definition structure: 5 defined terms in clause 3, plus 2 additional local definitions in clause 5(1)","Dimensional triggers create a matrix of requirements: width thresholds at 2.5m, 3m, 3.5m, 4.5m, 5m; length thresholds at 12.5m, 15m, 19m, 19.5m, 22m, 25m; height at 4.6m","Differential treatment based on vehicle type (tractor vs. non-tractor, agricultural machine vs. implement vs. combination) and time of use (daylight vs. night)","Specific bridge restrictions override general exemptions in clause 6"],"plain_english_summary":"**What this does:**\n\nThis notice creates special rules that let farmers use oversized agricultural vehicles on Tasmanian roads without needing the usual permits or approvals. Normally, vehicles over certain size limits need special permission to operate — this notice exempts agricultural vehicles and combinations (like a ute towing farm equipment) from those rules, provided they follow specific safety conditions.\n\n**Who it affects:**\n\n- **Farmers and agricultural operators** — anyone using tractors, harvesters, ploughs, or other farm machinery on public roads\n- **Rural contractors** — those moving agricultural equipment between properties\n- **Other road users** — who will encounter these larger vehicles with warning signs, pilot vehicles, and lights\n\n**The key trade-off:**\n\nYou can drive bigger farm vehicles than normally allowed, but you must follow strict safety conditions based on how wide, long, or tall your vehicle is:\n\n- **Width limits:** Up to 5 metres maximum; over 3.5 metres and you can't drive at night; over 4.5 metres wide in daylight needs two pilot vehicles (escort cars with warning lights and signs)\n- **Length limits:** Single vehicle max 15 metres; combination (vehicle + trailer) max 25 metres; over 19 metres needs a pilot vehicle\n- **Height limit:** 4.6 metres maximum\n- **Safety gear required:** Warning lights, oversize signs, fluorescent flags, high-visibility axle covers on tractors, and specific lighting for night driving\n\n**Important restrictions:**\n\n- **No-go on major bridges:** You cannot use these exemptions on Hobart's Tasman Bridge if over 4.4m high or 3m wide, or the Bridgewater Bridge if over 4.6m high or 2.5m wide\n- **Time limit:** These rules expire after 3 years (late 2027)\n- **Statewide:** Applies everywhere in Tasmania, at all hours (subject to the night-driving width restrictions)\n\n**Why it matters:**\n\nModern farm equipment is often too large for standard road rules. Without this notice, farmers would need to apply for individual permits every time they moved oversized machinery — creating red tape and delays during critical farming periods like harvest. The conditions balance agricultural productivity with road safety by requiring visible warnings and escort vehicles for the largest equipment."},"summary":{"complexity_score":4,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"Based on the available metadata, there is no indication that the scope of this notice changed from its original intent. It appears to be a targeted instrument dealing specifically with agricultural vehicles and combinations operating on Tasmanian roads, consistent with its title and enabling legislation. No amending instruments that would suggest scope expansion or contraction could be assessed from the provided text alone."},"complexity_factors":["Technical vehicle standards and measurements (weights, dimensions, axle loads) are typically involved in this type of notice, requiring specialist knowledge to interpret","Interaction with broader Tasmanian and national heavy vehicle law adds a layer of regulatory context","Conditional permissions (e.g., road type, time of day, speed) can create compliance complexity for farmers","The document provided contains only metadata — the actual substantive provisions were not available for analysis, limiting confidence in the score","Agricultural combinations (multi-vehicle configurations) introduce complexity around what constitutes a lawful combination","Score is moderated downward because the audience is narrow (agricultural operators) and the subject matter is relatively self-contained"],"plain_english_summary":"This Tasmanian government notice sets out rules for moving agricultural vehicles and combinations (tractors, harvesters, trailers) on public roads, affecting farmers, transport operators, and anyone moving farm machinery in Tasmania.\n\nIt matters because farm machinery’s size, weight and speed raise safety and infrastructure concerns. The supplied document contains only administrative metadata (not the substantive rules), and the notice took effect 1 December 2024 under the Vehicle and Traffic Act."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/vehicle-and-traffic-vehicle-operations-agricultural-vehicles-and-agricultural-combinations-notice-20","history":"/api/acts/vehicle-and-traffic-vehicle-operations-agricultural-vehicles-and-agricultural-combinations-notice-20/history","analysis":"/api/acts/vehicle-and-traffic-vehicle-operations-agricultural-vehicles-and-agricultural-combinations-notice-20/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/vehicle-and-traffic-vehicle-operations-agricultural-vehicles-and-agricultural-combinations-notice-20/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/vehicle-and-traffic-vehicle-operations-agricultural-vehicles-and-agricultural-combinations-notice-20/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/vehicle-and-traffic-vehicle-operations-agricultural-vehicles-and-agricultural-combinations-notice-20/documents"}}