{"id":"F2006L02299","name":"Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 63/00 – Trailers Designed for Use in Road Trains) 2006","slug":"vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-63-00-trailers-designed-for-use-in-road-trains-2006","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":436810,"registerId":"F2006L02299-fast-fetch-1775953888842","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-12","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 63/00 – Trailers Designed for Use in Road Trains) 2006","content":"---\nmeta-content-style-type: text/css\nmeta-content-type: application/xhtml+xml; charset=utf-8\nmeta-generator: Aspose.Words for .NET 20.2\n---\n\n?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"utf-8\" standalone=\"no\"?>\n\n![](image.001.png)\n\n \n\n \n\n \n\nVehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 63/0063/00 – Trailers Designed for Use in Road TrainsTrailers Designed for Use in Road Trains) 20062006\n\nI, JAMES ERIC LLOYD, Minister for Local Government, Territories and Roads, determine this vehicle standard under subsection 7 (1) of the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989.\n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\nDated  5 July 2022\n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n[Signed]\n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\nJames Eric Lloyd\n\n \n\nMinister for Local Government, Territories and Roads\n\n \n\nCONTENTS\n\n \n\nA. legislative provisions..............................................\n\nB. function and SCOPE..............................................\n\nC. APPLICABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION.........................\n\nD. Applicability Table...............................................\n\n63.1. DEFINITIONS...................................................\n\n63.2. Refer to C.2......................................................\n\n63.3. Not used........................................................\n\n63.4. ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS...................................\n\n63.5. MECHANICAL REQUIREMENTS..................................\n\n\n1. legislative provisions\n  1.                                NAME OF STANDARD\n    1.                          This Standard is the Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 63/00 – Trailers Designed for Use in Road Trains) 2006.\n    2.                          This Standard may also be cited as Australian Design Rule 63/00 — Trailers Designed for Use in Road Trains.\n  2.                                COMMENCEMENT\n    1.                          This Standard commences on the day after it is registered.\n  3.                                REPEAL\n    1.                          This Standard repeals each vehicle standard with the name Australian Design Rule 63/00 — Trailers Designed for Use in Road Trains that is:\n\n\n (a) made under section 7 of the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989; and\n\n (b) in force at the commencement of this Standard.\n\nA.3.2.                            This Standard also repeals each instrument made under section 7 of the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 that creates a vehicle standard with the name Australian Design Rule 63/00 — Trailers Designed for Use in Road Trains, if there are no other vehicle standards created by that instrument, or amendments to vehicle standards made by that instrument, that are still in force at the commencement of this Standard.\n\nB.                                         function and SCOPE\n\nB.1.                                   The function of this Australian Design Rule is to specify additional requirements for trailers designed for use in ‘Road Trains’ having a ‘Gross Combination Mass’ not exceeding 125 tonnes.\n\nC.                                         APPLICABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION\n\nC.1.                                   This ADR applies to the design and construction of vehicles as set out in the table below.\n\nC.2.                                   A ‘Pig Trailer’ other than a ‘Converter Dolly’ must not be ‘Approved’ to this rule.\n\n\nD.                                         Applicability Table\n\n \n\n| Vehicle Category | ADR Category Code [[*]](#_ftn1) | UNECE Category Code * | Manufactured on or After | Acceptable Prior Rules |\n| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |\n| Moped 2 wheels | LA | L1 | Not Applicable |  |\n| Moped 3 wheels | LB | L2 | Not Applicable |  |\n| Motor cycle | LC | L3 | Not Applicable |  |\n| Motor cycle and sidecar | LD | L4 | Not Applicable |  |\n| Motor tricycle | LE | L5 | Not Applicable |  |\n| Passenger car | MA | M1 | Not Applicable |  |\n| Forward-control passenger vehicle | MB | M1 | Not Applicable |  |\n| Off-road passenger vehicle | MC | M1 | Not Applicable |  |\n| Light omnibus | MD | M2 | Not Applicable |  |\n| Heavy omnibus | ME | M3 | Not Applicable |  |\n| Light goods vehicle | NA | N1 | Not Applicable |  |\n| Medium goods vehicle | NB | N2 | Not Applicable |  |\n| Heavy goods vehicle | NC | N3 | Not Applicable |  |\n| Very light trailer | TA | O1 | Not Applicable |  |\n| Light trailer | TB | O2 | Not Applicable |  |\n| Medium trailer | TC | O3 | 1 July 1991 | Nil |\n| Heavy trailer | TD | O4 | 1 July 1991 | Nil |\n\n\n63.1.                                DEFINITIONS\n\n63.1.1.                          Refer to Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule Definitions and Vehicle Categories) 2005.\n\n63.2.                                Refer to C.2.\n\n63.3.                                Not used.\n\n63.4.                                ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS\n\n63.4.1.                          Electrical connectors having a minimum rated capacity for the lighting circuit of 30 amps at nominal 12V  or 15 amps at 24V for connection of lighting and signalling systems must be fitted.\n\n63.4.2.                          Main line supply cables, other than feeder wires to lamps, must have a DC resistance of not more than 4 m/metre or in the case of copper cables must  have a cross–sectional area not less than 5 mm2.\n\n63.4.3.                          Every trailer must be equipped with an electrical conductor having a minimum cross–sectional area of 5 mm2, independent of the trailer ‘Coupling’, or ‘Fifth Wheel’ assembly in the case of a ‘Semi-trailer’ providing a return path between the electrical circuits of the trailer and that of the drawing vehicle.\n\n63.5.                                MECHANICAL REQUIREMENTS\n\nEvery trailer must be fitted with connection devices which meet the following additional requirements:\n\n63.5.1.                          Location requirements\n\n63.5.1.1.                    The ‘Tow Coupling Overhang’ must not exceed:\n\n63.5.1.1.1.              in the case of a trailer other than a ‘Semi-trailer’, 30 percent of the distance from the centre of the front ‘Axle Group’ to the centre of the rear ‘Axle Group’;\n\n63.5.1.1.2.              in the case of a ‘Semi-trailer’ 30 per cent of the distance from the ‘Point of Articulation’ to the centre of the rear ‘Axle Group’.\n\n63.5.1.2.                    The height of the towing attachment and the ‘Drawbar’ pivots determined in the unladen condition must be 875 ± 75 mm.\n\n63.5.1.3.                    The vertical axis of the ‘Coupling’ pivot must be not more than 300 mm forward from the rear–most projection of the trailer.\n\n63.5.1.4.                    The ‘Drawbar Length’  must exceed 3.0 m but must not exceed 5.0 m.\n\n63.5.2.                          Marking and strength requirements\n\nUnless otherwise ‘Approved’ all connection devices must conform with the marking and strength requirements as specified below:\n\n63.5.2.1.                    ‘Fifth Wheel’ assemblies must comply with the requirements of Australian Standard 1773-1990 \"Articulated Vehicles - Fifth Wheel Assemblies\" and have a ‘D-value’ of not less than 162 kN (16.5 t).\n\n63.5.2.2.                    ’Fifth Wheel Kingpins’ must comply with the requirements of Australian Standard 2175-1990 \"Articulated Vehicles - Kingpins\" and have a ‘D-value’ of not less than 162 kN (16.5 t).\n\n63.5.2.3.                    Tow ‘Coupling’ assemblies must comply with Australian Standard 2213-1984 \"50 mm Pin-type Couplings and Drawbar Eyes for Trailers\" and must have a ‘D-value’ of not less than 186 kN (19.0t).\n\n63.5.2.4.                    The ‘Drawbar’ and ‘Towbar’ must withstand the following forces without incurring any residual deformation that would interfere with or degrade the function of the assembly, nor must there be any breaks, cracks, or separation of components:\n\n63.5.2.4.1.              Longitudinal tension and compression of 300 kN; or\n\n63.5.2.4.2.              A dynamic force of ± 112 kN for 2 million cycles.  The frequency not to exceed 10 Hz but must be chosen not to coincide with the natural frequency of the system.\n\n \n\n---\n\n\n[[*]](#_ftnref1) The category code may also be in the format L1, LA etc.\n","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":3,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The legislation remains tightly focused on its original purpose: setting technical standards for trailers used in heavy road train combinations. The 2006 version (as amended to 2022) maintains the same scope as earlier iterations — medium and heavy trailers (TC/TD categories) for 125-tonne GCM road trains — without expanding into broader vehicle categories or additional operational requirements."},"complexity_factors":["Short, focused scope: only applies to trailers in road trains up to 125 tonnes GCM","Minimal defined terms: only 5-6 technical terms used, with most definitions outsourced to ADR Definitions 2005","Simple structure: 5 main sections with clear mechanical and electrical divisions","No nested exceptions or conditional logic chains — requirements are mostly absolute (must comply with AS 1773, must exceed 3.0m, etc.)","Heavy reliance on external Australian Standards (AS 1773, AS 2175, AS 2213) rather than inline technical specifications","Single applicability table with straightforward 'Not Applicable' / date entries"],"plain_english_summary":"This law sets technical standards for trailers used in road trains up to 125 tonnes, requiring robust electrical systems, strong couplings, specified drawbar dimensions, and compliant fifth‑wheel assemblies. It targets manufacturers and operators of medium/heavy trailers in remote Australian jurisdictions and excludes approval of pig trailers.\n\nThe rule aims to prevent catastrophic failures of long, heavy road trains—protecting drivers and other road users by ensuring trailers withstand the extreme forces and harsh conditions of outback transport."},"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":6,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The instrument expressly repeals earlier instruments with the same ADR name (1.3) but does not state a different substantive scope. It specifies applicability to trailers designed for road trains with Gross Combination Mass not exceeding 125 tonnes (B.1) and applies to medium and heavy trailers as shown in the applicability table (C.1; D). No textual indication is given here that the covered vehicle classes or mass limit were expanded or narrowed from the prior ADR."},"complexity_factors":["Technical numerical thresholds and tolerances (electrical: 30 A @12V / 15 A @24V; resistance 4 mΩ/m; conductor ≥5 mm²) (63.4.1–3).","Mechanical dimensional and positional requirements (drawbar length 3.0–5.0 m; towing height 875 ±75 mm; coupling pivot limits) (63.5.1.2–4; 63.5.1.1).","High‑load performance and fatigue specifications (D‑values 162 kN and 186 kN; longitudinal force 300 kN; dynamic ±112 kN for 2 million cycles) (63.5.2.1–4).","Cross‑references to other ADRs and Australian Standards (Definitions ADR 2005; AS 1773‑1990; AS 2175‑1990; AS 2213‑1984) requiring external interpretation and testing protocols (63.1.1; 63.5.2.1–3).","Applicability and transitional rules (applicability table; manufactured on or after dates; repeal of prior instruments) affecting which vehicles must comply (C.1; D; 1.3).","A prohibition on approving certain trailer types (Pig Trailer except Converter Dolly) that may need legal/technical interpretation (C.2).","Approval discretion for alternatives (references to being 'Approved') creating administrative decision points and potential case‑by‑case compliance pathways (63.5.2).","Implementation burden on manufacturers/owners for certification, component sourcing, and fatigue testing, which may involve specialist testing and documentation (63.4; 63.5)."],"plain_english_summary":"This Australian Design Rule sets mandatory electrical and mechanical design standards for trailers intended for use in road trains with a Gross Combination Mass up to 125 tonnes, and replaces earlier ADR 63/00 instruments (B.1; 1.3). It governs connector capacity, conductor size, tow‑coupling location and strength, and drawbar dimensions. Manufacturers and owners bear compliance costs through specified component dimensions and performance tests; the rule references external Australian Standards and permits alternative designs subject to approval, creating administrative discretion (63.4.1–3; 63.5.1–2; 63.5.2)."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-63-00-trailers-designed-for-use-in-road-trains-2006","history":"/api/acts/vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-63-00-trailers-designed-for-use-in-road-trains-2006/history","analysis":"/api/acts/vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-63-00-trailers-designed-for-use-in-road-trains-2006/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-63-00-trailers-designed-for-use-in-road-trains-2006/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-63-00-trailers-designed-for-use-in-road-trains-2006/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-63-00-trailers-designed-for-use-in-road-trains-2006/documents"}}