{"id":"tas:sr-2024-071","name":"Vehicle and Traffic (Vehicle Operations) (Vehicles Transporting Hay) Notice 2024","slug":"vehicle-and-traffic-vehicle-operations-vehicles-transporting-hay-notice-2024","collection":"regulation","jurisdiction":"tas","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":"71 of 2024","makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":177074,"registerId":"tas-tas:sr-2024-071-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) (Vehicles Transporting Hay) Notice 2024](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/sr-2024-071) .","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> > > ***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 for vehicles transporting hay","content":"### 5 Exemption for vehicles transporting hay\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> > (2)  Subject to the conditions specified in [subclause (3)](#GS5@Gs3@EN) , [regulations 10](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/sr-2024-014#GS10@EN) and [28](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/sr-2024-014#GS28@EN) of the Vehicle Operations Regulations do not apply to a person using, or causing or permitting the use of, a light vehicle or light combination carrying only hay that is in bales or rolls.\n> \n> > (3)  The exemption under [subclause (2)](#GS5@Gs2@EN) is subject to the following conditions:\n> > \n> > > > (a) the width of the vehicle or combination, inclusive of its load, must not exceed 3 metres;\n> > > \n> > > > (b) if the width of the vehicle or combination, inclusive of its load, exceeds 2.5 metres, the vehicle or combination must display –\n> > > > \n> > > > > > (i) an oversize vehicle sign on the front and rear of the vehicle or combination; and\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > (ii) flags 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; and\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > (iii) warning lights if the vehicle or combination is used at night;\n> > > \n> > > > (c) if the exemption relates to regulation 28, the width of the vehicle, exclusive of its load, must exceed 2.3 metres;\n> > > \n> > > > (d) the vehicle or combination must not be used if –\n> > > > \n> > > > > > (i) visibility is less than 250 metres in daylight; or\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > (ii) the headlights of a standard vehicle approaching within 250 metres would be unable to be seen at night.","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 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":{"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":5,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The notice establishes a new, time‑limited exemption rather than expanding or amending the underlying regulations. It applies statewide for three years and exempts compliance with regulations 10 and 28 for light vehicles/light combinations carrying only hay, subject to specified conditions (cl.4; cl.5(2)–(3)). A specific bridge restriction remains in force for Bridgewater Bridge (cl.6). The text contains no provision extending scope beyond these stated limits."},"complexity_factors":["Cross‑references to other instruments and definitions (Vehicle Operations Regulations; Vehicle and Traffic Act 1999; Acts Interpretation Act) — cl.3(1)–(3)","Conditional exemption structure that depends on multiple numeric thresholds (2.3 m, 2.5 m, 3 m, 4.6 m, 250 m visibility) — cl.5(3)(a)–(d); cl.6","Different requirements triggered by thresholds (signs/flags/lights required only if width >2.5 m; reg.28 condition refers to vehicle width exclusive of load) — cl.5(3)(b)–(c)","Temporal and geographic scope set and limited (statewide, all times, 3‑year duration) which limits permanence and affects planning — cl.4","Interaction with specific regulations (regulations 10 and 28 are exempted conditionally) requiring readers to consult those provisions to understand what is being displaced — cl.5(2)","A special, stricter restriction for a named structure (Bridgewater Bridge) that imposes a different height/width ceiling — cl.6","Operational compliance requirements (visibility tests, display of oversize signs/flags/warning lights) that create measurement and enforcement demands for operators and regulators — cl.5(3)(b),(d)"],"plain_english_summary":"This notice gives a three‑year, statewide exemption allowing light vehicles or light combinations carrying only hay bales or rolls to operate without complying with two specific vehicle‑operation rules, provided they meet size, marking and visibility conditions. It affects people who drive or arrange hay transport: they can move wider loads in some cases but must install signs, flags and lights when required and respect a specific Bridgewater Bridge height/width cap; those operators bear the compliance costs and enforcement risk."},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":3,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"This notice appears to serve its original intended purpose: creating a targeted, time-limited exemption for agricultural hay transport. The scope is narrow and specific — it addresses exactly what it says on the tin (vehicles transporting hay) without creeping into broader vehicle exemptions or permanent regulatory changes. The 3-year sunset clause and specific dimensional limits suggest this was designed as a temporary, measured response to seasonal agricultural needs rather than a creeping expansion of regulatory relief."},"complexity_factors":["Only 6 clauses total, with straightforward structure","Single defined term in clause 5 ('oversize vehicle sign'), plus standard statutory interpretation references","One main conditional exemption with 4 sub-conditions (3a-d), including nested sub-bullets for the visibility and signage requirements","Cross-references to 2 regulations (regs 10 and 28) and 2 schedules of the parent regulations, plus the enabling Act and Interpretation Act","Temporal limitation clearly stated (3 years from commencement)","Geographic limitation (statewide application except Bridgewater Bridge restriction)","No exceptions to exceptions or deeply nested logic — conditions are additive and clearly enumerated"],"plain_english_summary":"**What this does:**\nThis notice creates a temporary, 3-year exemption that lets farmers and transport operators move hay bales on Tasmanian roads using vehicles that are slightly wider than normally allowed, without needing special permits.\n\n**Who it affects:**\n- **Primary producers and transport operators** moving hay in bales or rolls using light vehicles or light combinations (think utes, small trucks, and tractor-trailer setups)\n- **Other road users** who need to watch out for these wider loads\n\n**The deal:**\nNormally, vehicles wider than 2.5 metres face strict rules under the *Vehicle Operations Regulations* — particularly rules about dimension limits (regulation 10) and width requirements for certain vehicles (regulation 28). This notice says: *you can go up to 3 metres wide* when carrying hay, **but only if you follow safety conditions**:\n\n- **Under 2.5m wide:** Business as usual, no extra requirements\n- **Between 2.5m and 3m wide:** You must display:\n  - Oversize warning signs front and back\n  - Safety flags\n  - Warning lights if driving at night\n- **Visibility rules:** Can't use the exemption when it's foggy/smoky (under 250m visibility in daylight) or when headlights wouldn't be visible at night from 250m away\n- **One technical catch:** If you're relying on the exemption from regulation 28, your vehicle itself (not counting the hay) must already be wider than 2.3 metres\n\n**Hard no-go:**\nThe exemption **does not apply** to the Bridgewater Bridge if your loaded vehicle is over 4.6m high or 2.5m wide — you'll need to find another route.\n\n**Why it matters:**\nHay season is time-critical. Wet hay spoils, and harvest windows are narrow. This lets farmers move large bales efficiently without red tape, while the safety conditions (flags, lights, visibility limits) try to keep everyone on the road safe. It's a practical carve-out for agricultural logistics that recognises reality: hay bales are bulky but relatively light and stable compared to other oversize loads."},"issue_detection":{"absurdities":[],"contradictions":[]},"summary":{"complexity_score":2,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"Based on the available information, the notice appears to remain focused on its original stated purpose: regulating vehicles transporting hay in Tasmania. There is no evidence of scope creep or expansion beyond agricultural hay transport."},"complexity_factors":["Narrow and specific subject matter (hay transport only) limits complexity","Operates as a subordinate instrument under a parent Act, requiring some cross-referencing","Full operative provisions were not included in the excerpt, preventing complete assessment","Likely contains technical road/vehicle specifications (dimensions, weights, routes) that require some interpretation","Limited geographic scope — Tasmania only"],"plain_english_summary":"This Tasmanian notice sets special vehicle rules for transporting hay on public roads, modifying normal vehicle and load requirements under the Vehicle and Traffic (Vehicle Operations) framework. It affects farmers, transport operators, truck drivers and road authorities by allowing certain hay loads to operate under specified conditions — or otherwise remain noncompliant and liable."},"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"}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/vehicle-and-traffic-vehicle-operations-vehicles-transporting-hay-notice-2024","history":"/api/acts/vehicle-and-traffic-vehicle-operations-vehicles-transporting-hay-notice-2024/history","analysis":"/api/acts/vehicle-and-traffic-vehicle-operations-vehicles-transporting-hay-notice-2024/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/vehicle-and-traffic-vehicle-operations-vehicles-transporting-hay-notice-2024/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/vehicle-and-traffic-vehicle-operations-vehicles-transporting-hay-notice-2024/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/vehicle-and-traffic-vehicle-operations-vehicles-transporting-hay-notice-2024/documents"}}