{"id":"F2006L02694","name":"Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 43/03 – Vehicle Configuration and Dimensions) 2006","slug":"vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-43-03-vehicle-configuration-and-dimensions-2006","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":59958,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2006L02694-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-02","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 43/03 – Vehicle Configuration and Dimensions) 2006","content":"![Commonwealth Coat of Arms](image.001.jpeg)\n\nVehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 43/03 – Vehicle Configuration and Dimensions) 2006\n\noriginally made under the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 and continued in force under the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018\n\nCompilation No. 1\n\nCompilation date: 31/10/2024\n\nIncludes amendments: Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule) Twin Steer Amendments 2024\n\nPrepared by: Vehicle Safety Policy and Partnerships, Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts\n\n  \n\nAbout this compilation\n\nThis compilation\n\nThis is a compilation of the Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 43/03 – Vehicle Configuration and Dimensions) 2006 that shows the text of the law as amended and in force on 31/10/2024 (the compilation date).\n\nThe notes at the end of this compilation (the endnotes) include information about amending laws and the amendment history of provisions of the compiled law.\n\nUncommenced amendments\n\nThe effect of uncommenced amendments is not shown in the text of the compiled law. Any uncommenced amendments affecting the law are accessible on the Register (www.legislation.gov.au). The details of amendments made up to, but not commenced at, the compilation date are underlined in the endnotes. For more information on any uncommenced amendments, see the Register for the compiled law.\n\nApplication, saving and transitional provisions for provisions and amendments\n\nIf the operation of a provision or amendment of the compiled law is affected by an application, saving or transitional provision that is not included in this compilation, details are included in the endnotes.\n\nModifications\n\nIf the compiled law is modified by another law, the compiled law operates as modified but the modification does not amend the text of the law. Accordingly, this compilation does not show the text of the compiled law as modified. For more information on any modifications, see the Register for the compiled law.\n\nSelf‑repealing provisions\n\nIf a provision of the compiled law has been repealed in accordance with a provision of the law, details are included in the endnotes.\n\nCONTENTS\n\n1. legislative provisions.............................................4\n\n2. Function.......................................................4\n\n3. APPLICABILITY...............................................4\n\n4. DEFINITIONS..................................................5\n\n5. TURNING CIRCLE.............................................5\n\n6. DIMENSIONS OF VEHICLES....................................5\n\n7. AXLE CONFIGURATION........................................7\n\n8. LOAD SHARING SUSPENSION..................................8\n\nENDNOTES..........................................................9\n\n  \n\n1.  legislative provisions\n    1.  NAME OF STANDARD\n        1.  This Standard is the Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 43/03 – Vehicle Configuration and Dimensions) 2006.\n        2.  This Standard may also be cited as Australian Design Rule 43/03 — Vehicle Configuration and Dimensions.\n2.  Function\n\nThe function of this national standard is to specify requirements for vehicle configuration and dimensions.\n\n1.  APPLICABILITY\n    1.  Applicability Summary\n        1.  This national standard applies to the design and construction of vehicles as set out in the table below.\n        2.  Vehicles certified to any of the \"Acceptable Prior Rules\" as shown below in the Applicability Table for a particular vehicle category are deemed to comply with this national standard \\*\\* provided that ‘T-Group’ vehicles meet clause 6.1.2.4 and clause 7.3.1.\n\n  \n\n1.  Applicability Table\n\n| Vehicle Category                  | ADR Category Code [*] | UNECE Category Code * | Manufactured on or After | Acceptable Prior Rules |\n| --------------------------------- | --------------------- | --------------------- | ------------------------ | ---------------------- |\n| Moped 2 wheels                    | LA                    | L1                    | 1 March 1994             | /02 /01                |\n| Moped 3 wheels                    | LB                    | L2                    | 1 March 1994             | /02 /01                |\n| Motor cycle                       | LC                    | L3                    | 1 March 1994             | /02 /01                |\n| Motor cycle and sidecar           | LD                    | L4                    | 1 March 1994             | /02 /01                |\n| Motor tricycle                    | LE                    | L5                    | 1 March 1994             | /02 /01                |\n| Passenger car                     | MA                    | M1                    | 1 Jan 1994               | /02 /01                |\n| Forward-control passenger vehicle | MB                    | M1                    | 1 Jan 1994               | /02 /01                |\n| Off-road passenger vehicle        | MC                    | M1                    | 1 Jan 1994               | /02 /01                |\n| Light omnibus                     | MD                    | M2                    | 1 July 1994              | /02 /01                |\n| Heavy omnibus                     | ME                    | M3                    | 1 July 1994              | /02 /01                |\n| Light goods vehicle               | NA                    | N1                    | 1 July 1994              | /02 /01                |\n| Medium goods vehicle              | NB                    | N2                    | 1 July 1994              | /02 /01                |\n| Heavy goods vehicle               | NC                    | N3                    | 1 July 1994              | /02 /01                |\n| Very light trailer                | TA                    | O1                    | 1 Jan 1994               | /02** /01**            |\n| Light trailer                     | TB                    | O2                    | 1 Jan 1994               | /02** /01**            |\n| Medium trailer                    | TC                    | O3                    | 1 Jan 1994               | /02** /01**            |\n| Heavy trailer                     | TD                    | O4                    | 1 Jan 1994               | /02** /01**            |\n\n1.  DEFINITIONS\n    1.  Refer to Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule Definitions and Vehicle Categories) 2005.\n2.  TURNING CIRCLE\n\nEvery vehicle must have a turning circle in either direction, as determined by reference to the extreme outer edge of the tyre track at ground level, not exceeding 25 metres in diameter.\n\n1.  DIMENSIONS OF VEHICLES\n    1.  ‘Total Length’, including any ‘Equipment’\n        1.  Rigid vehicles\n            1.  The ‘Total Length’ of any vehicle, other than a ‘Semi-trailer’ must not exceed 12.5 metres.\n        2.  ‘Semi-trailers’\n            1.  The distance from the ‘Point of Articulation’ to the line from which the ‘Rear Overhang’ is measured must not exceed 9.5 metres.\n            2.  The forward projection from the ‘Point of Articulation’ of the ‘Semi-trailer’ portion of an ‘Articulated Vehicle’ must be contained within a radius of 1.9 metres.\n            3.  The distance from the ‘Point of Articulation’ to the ‘Rear End’ must not exceed 12.3 metres.\n            4.  The length available for the carriage of animals on a ‘Livestock Trailer’ must not be more than 12.5 metres when measured from the inside of the front wall or door of the trailer to the inside of the rear wall or door of the trailer (as the case may be), and any intervening partition must be disregarded.\n        3.  Non-rigid vehicles (other than ‘Road Trains’, ‘B‑Doubles’ and ‘Articulated Omnibuses’).\n            1.  The ‘Total Length’ must not exceed 19.0 metres.\n            2.  ‘Drawbar Length’\n                1.  for a trailer having a single ‘Axle Group’ the ‘Drawbar Length’ must not exceed 8.5 metres.\n                2.  For all other trailers the ‘Drawbar Length’ must not exceed 5 metres.\n        4.  ‘Articulated Omnibuses’\n            1.  The ‘Total Length’ of an ‘Articulated Omnibus’ must not exceed 18 metres.\n            2.  All parts of an ‘Articulated Omnibus’ except mirrors and signalling devices must be capable of moving within a circular track having an inner radius of 5.3 metres and an outer radius of 12 metres.\n    2.  ‘Rear Overhang’ (including any ‘Equipment’)\n        1.  For a trailer (other than a ‘Semi-trailer’) having a single ‘Axle Group’ the ‘Rear Overhang’ must not exceed the length of the load space forward of the line at the rear of the vehicle from which ‘Rear Overhang’ is measured, or 3.7 metres whichever is the lesser.\n        2.  For a ‘Semi-trailer’ the ‘Rear Overhang’ must not exceed 60 per cent of the distance between the centreline of the ‘Fifth Wheel’ king pin and the line from which ‘Rear Overhang’ of the ‘Semi-trailer’ is measured, or 3.7 metres whichever is the lesser.\n        3.  For all other motor vehicles and trailers (other than ‘Semi-trailers’) the ‘Rear Overhang’ must not exceed 60 per cent of the distance from the centreline of the front ‘Axle’ (or the front ‘Axle’ of a ‘Twin Steer Axle Group’) to the line from which ‘Rear Overhang’ is measured, or 3.7 metres whichever is the lesser.\n        4.  In the case of a vehicle fitted with ‘Twin Steer Axle Group’, the front ‘Axle’ of that group must be the ‘Axle’ used to determine the permitted ‘Rear Overhang’.\n    3.  Height, including any ‘Equipment’\n        1.  The height of any vehicle, except for a ‘Livestock Trailer’ must not exceed 4.3 m.\n        2.  The height of a ‘Livestock Trailer’ must not exceed 4.6 metres.\n    4.  ‘Ground Clearance’\n\nThe ‘Ground Clearance’ of a vehicle, other than an L‑Group vehicle, measured from a horizontal road surface to any point on the underside of the vehicle except the tyres, wheels and wheel hubs must, under the conditions of ‘Maximum Loaded Test Mass’ loading as specified in the relevant braking rule, be not less than:\n\n1.  for any point in the width of the vehicle which is within one metre fore and aft of any ‘Axle’, 100 mm;\n2.  for the mid-point between any 2 consecutive ‘Axles’, the dimension in millimetres obtained by multiplying the distance between those 2 ‘Axles’ in metres by 33.33; and\n3.  for any other point, ‘Ground Clearance’ is such that if the wheels of one ‘Axle’ are on one plane and the wheels on the next consecutive ‘Axle’ are on another plane which intersects the first so that the angle between them is 7 degrees 38 minutes the point will pass over the apex transverse to the vehicle formed by that intersection, as shown in Figure 1.\n\n1.  ‘Overall Width’, including any ‘Equipment’\n    1.  The ‘Overall Width’ of any motor vehicle (other than an L-Group vehicle) or trailer must not exceed 2,500 mm.\n    2.  The ‘Overall Width’ of an L-Group vehicle must be as follows:\n        1.  In the case of a two wheel vehicle (LA or LC), the maximum width must not exceed 1,000 mm.\n        2.  In the case of a three wheel vehicle (LB or LE) or a motor cycle with a side car (LD), the maximum width must not exceed 1,850 mm.\n\n1.  AXLE CONFIGURATION\n    1.  Vehicles must satisfy the following requirements:\n    2.  A rigid motor vehicle must be supported by 2 ‘Axle Groups’ disposed as follows:\n        1.  one towards the front of the vehicle, with all wheels connected to the steering system for that part of the vehicle, on either a ‘Single Axle’ or a ‘Twin Steer Axle Group’; and\n        2.  one towards the rear of the vehicle.\n    3.  A ‘Semi-trailer’ must be supported towards the rear by an ‘Axle Group’.\n        1.  Every ‘Semi-trailer’ which is extendible or fitted with a sliding ‘Axle Group’ must be so constructed that:\n            1.  positive locking devices are utilised;\n            2.  all locking device controls must be in a lockable enclosure when mounted on the chassis;\n            3.  failure of the engagement of the locking device must activate a visible and/or audible warning device;\n            4.  where the locking device is air operated the supply must be fitted with a protection valve to prevent loss of air to the air brake supply in the event of line fracture or failure; and\n            5.  the movable assembly must be fitted with substantial stops to prevent disconnection from the vehicle in the event of failure of the locking device.\n    4.  A trailer other than a ‘Semi-trailer’ must be supported by either:\n        1.  one ‘Axle Group’; or\n        2.  an ‘Axle Group’ towards both the front and rear of the trailer provided that all wheels in the front ‘Axle Group’ are connected to the steering mechanism for that part of the vehicle.\n2.  LOAD SHARING SUSPENSION\n    1.  All the ‘Axles’ in an ‘Axle Group’, other than a ‘Twin Steer Axle Group’ with not more than 2.0 metres horizontal distance between the centrelines of each ‘Axle’, must be related to each other through a ‘Load Sharing Suspension’ except:\n        1.  this requirement must not apply to a ‘Close Coupled Axle Group’ on any motor vehicle or trailer (including a ‘Semi-trailer’) with a ‘GVM’ or ‘ATM’ less than 4.5 tonnes provided that the load carrying capacity of each of the ‘Axles’ and the wheel and tyres fitted to each ‘Axle’ is at least 120% of the nominal load imposed on that ‘Axle’ with the vehicle or trailer at its ‘GVM’ or ‘ATM’; and\n        2.  this requirement must not apply to a ‘Close Coupled Axle Group’ fitted with a ‘Retractable Axle’ on any motor vehicle or trailer (including a ‘Semi-trailer’) with a ‘GVM’ or ‘ATM’ less than 4.5 tonnes provided that the load carrying capacity of each other ‘Axle’ and the wheels and tyres fitted to it is at least equal to the load imposed on that ‘Axle’ with the motor vehicle or trailer at its ‘GVM’ or ‘ATM’ and with the ‘Retractable Axle’ retracted.\n\n![Figure 1\nFigure 1 illustrates the requirements of clause 6.4.3](image.002.png)\n\nFigure 1\n\nENDNOTES\n\nEndnote 1—About the endnotes\n\nThe endnotes provide information about this compilation and the compiled law.\n\nThe following endnotes are included in every compilation:\n\nEndnote 1—About the endnotes\n\nEndnote 2—Abbreviation key\n\nEndnote 3—Legislation history\n\nEndnote 4—Amendment history\n\nAbbreviation key—Endnote 2\n\nThe abbreviation key sets out abbreviations that may be used in the endnotes.\n\nLegislation history and amendment history—Endnotes 3 and 4\n\nAmending laws are annotated in the legislation history and amendment history.\n\nThe legislation history in endnote 3 provides information about each law that has amended (or will amend) the compiled law. The information includes commencement details for amending laws and details of any application, saving or transitional provisions that are not included in this compilation.\n\nThe amendment history in endnote 4 provides information about amendments at the provision (generally section or equivalent) level. It also includes information about any provision of the compiled law that has been repealed in accordance with a provision of the law.\n\nMisdescribed amendments\n\nA misdescribed amendment is an amendment that does not accurately describe how an amendment is to be made. If, despite the misdescription, the amendment can be given effect as intended, then the misdescribed amendment can be incorporated through an editorial change made under section 15V of the Legislation Act 2003.\n\nIf a misdescribed amendment cannot be given effect as intended, the amendment is not incorporated and “(md not incorp)” is added to the amendment history.\n\n  \n\nEndnote 2—Abbreviation key\n\n| ad = added or inserted                         | orig = original                     |\n| ---------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------- |\n| am = amended                                   | par = paragraph(s)/subparagraph(s)  |\n| amdt = amendment                               | /sub‑subparagraph(s)                |\n| c = clause(s)                                  | pres = present                      |\n| C[x] = Compilation No. x                       | prev = previous                     |\n| Ch = Chapter(s)                                | (prev…) = previously                |\n| def = definition(s)                            | Pt = Part(s)                        |\n| Dict = Dictionary                              | r = regulation(s)/rule(s)           |\n| disallowed = disallowed by Parliament          | reloc = relocated                   |\n| Div = Division(s)                              | renum = renumbered                  |\n| exp = expires/expired or ceases/ceased to have | rep = repealed                      |\n| effect                                         | rs = repealed and substituted       |\n| F = Federal Register of Legislation            | s = section(s)/subsection(s)        |\n| gaz = gazette                                  | Sch = Schedule(s)                   |\n| LA = Legislation Act 2003                      | Sdiv = Subdivision(s)               |\n| LIA = Legislative Instruments Act 2003         | SLI = Select Legislative Instrument |\n| (md not incorp) = misdescribed amendment       | SR = Statutory Rules                |\n| cannot be given effect                         | Sub‑Ch = Sub‑Chapter(s)             |\n| mod = modified/modification                    | SubPt = Subpart(s)                  |\n| No. = Number(s)                                | underlining = whole or part not     |\n| o = order(s)                                   | commenced or to be commenced        |\n| Ord = Ordinance                                |                                     |\n\n  \n\nEndnote 3—Legislation history\n\n| Name                                                                              | Registration | Commencement | Application, saving and transitional provisions |\n| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------ | ------------ | ----------------------------------------------- |\n| Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule) Twin Steer Amendments 2024(F2024L01388) | 30/10/2024   | 31/10/2024   |                                                 |\n\n  \n\nEndnote 4—Amendment history\n\n| Provision affected | How affected | Amending legislation/instrument                                      |\n| ------------------ | ------------ | -------------------------------------------------------------------- |\n| c 1.2              | rep          | Legislation Act 2003 – section 48D                                   |\n| c 1.3              | rep          | Legislation Act 2003 – section 48C                                   |\n| c 7.2.1            | am           | Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule) Twin Steer Amendments 2024 |\n| c 8.1.             | am           | Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule) Twin Steer Amendments 2024 |\n\n---\n\n[\\[\\*\\]](#_ftnref1) The category code may also be in the format L1, LA etc.","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":6,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The compilation incorporates the Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule) Twin Steer Amendments 2024 (registered 30/10/2024; commenced 31/10/2024). Those amendments explicitly altered clause 7.2.1 and clause 8.1, changing the requirements and/or exemptions that apply to twin‑steer axle groups and to load‑sharing suspension for certain axle groups. The change is targeted to those technical scope areas rather than to the ADR’s overall subject‑matter coverage."},"complexity_factors":["Technical measurement rules with precise numeric limits (turning circle: ≤25 m; various length, height and width caps) (clauses 5, 6.1–6.3).","Complex ground‑clearance formula tied to axle spacing and a referenced braking rule for Maximum Loaded Test Mass (clause 6.4).","Multiple vehicle categories and grandfathering to acceptable prior rules with specific manufacture dates (Applicability Table), increasing scope of review for different cohorts.","Percent‑based and geometric limits for rear overhangs and semi‑trailers (clause 6.2) that vary by vehicle type and measurement point.","Conditional exemptions and narrowly worded exceptions (T‑Group, Twin Steer Axle Groups, Close Coupled Axle Groups, Retractable Axles) that require careful applicability assessment (clauses in Applicability, 7 and 8).","Dependence on external definitions and rules (Vehicle Standard ADR Definitions 2005; unspecified ‘relevant braking rule’) which create cross‑reference demands and potential interpretive ambiguity.","Recent targeted amendments (Twin Steer Amendments 2024) altering specific clauses (c7.2.1 and c8.1), adding versioning and transitional complexity.","Terminology and measurement locus precision (e.g. ‘Point of Articulation’, ‘extreme outer edge of the tyre track’) that shift enforcement and testing outcomes depending on definitions (clause 5, 6.1/6.2)."],"plain_english_summary":"This national standard sets measurable design limits for vehicles: turning circle, overall length, rear overhang, height, width, ground clearance, axle arrangements and load‑sharing suspension. It tells manufacturers, importers and certifiers which vehicle categories and prior ADRs are acceptable for certification and which technical measurements must be met. The Standard mechanically changes vehicle designs and certification steps by imposing dimensional caps and suspension/axle requirements that can require design changes, testing and documentation to demonstrate compliance."},"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"},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":4,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The legislation maintains its original scope as a technical vehicle construction standard. The 2024 amendments regarding twin steer axle groups represent a targeted technical update to address specific heavy vehicle configurations, rather than an expansion beyond the original purpose of regulating vehicle dimensions and configuration."},"complexity_factors":["Multiple defined terms referenced externally (relies on ADR Definitions and Vehicle Categories 2005 for definitions rather than defining terms internally)","Nested conditional logic in dimension limits (e.g., 'whichever is the lesser' comparisons, different rules for different axle configurations)","Cross-referencing between clauses (e.g., clause 6.1.2.4 and 7.3.1 referenced in applicability table for T-Group vehicles)","Technical measurement specifications requiring geometric interpretation (Figure 1 for ground clearance involving 7 degrees 38 minutes angle calculations)","Multiple vehicle category codes (ADR codes vs UNECE codes) creating parallel classification systems","Exception stacking in load-sharing suspension rules (exemptions for close-coupled axles under 4.5 tonnes, further exemption for retractable axles)","Conditional applicability based on manufacture dates ranging from 1994 to 2006"],"plain_english_summary":"This law sets mandatory physical design standards for vehicles in Australia — size, turning circle, overhang, ground clearance, axle arrangement and load-sharing — affecting manufacturers, importers and modifiers so vehicles safely fit roads, bridges and roundabouts and protect infrastructure. \n\nThe 2024 amendments clarify rules for twin-steer trucks, updating how rear overhang and suspension requirements are measured for those dual-front-axle configurations."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-43-03-vehicle-configuration-and-dimensions-2006","history":"/api/acts/vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-43-03-vehicle-configuration-and-dimensions-2006/history","analysis":"/api/acts/vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-43-03-vehicle-configuration-and-dimensions-2006/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-43-03-vehicle-configuration-and-dimensions-2006/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-43-03-vehicle-configuration-and-dimensions-2006/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-43-03-vehicle-configuration-and-dimensions-2006/documents"}}