NORTHERN TERRITORY OF AUSTRALIA
MOTOR VEHICLES (STANDARDS) REGULATIONS 2003
As in force at 21 January 2026
Table of provisions
Part 1 Preliminary
1 Citation ............................................................................................ 1
2 Commencement .............................................................................. 1
3 Application ....................................................................................... 1
4 Interpretation ................................................................................... 1
4A Excluded provisions ......................................................................... 5
Part 2 Motor vehicles standards
Division 1 Mass limits of vehicles
5 Mass limit for wheel ......................................................................... 5
6 Mass limit for tyre ............................................................................ 5
7 Mass limit for axle or axle group ...................................................... 5
8 Road friendly suspension ................................................................ 6
9 Ultra low floor 2 axle route bus ........................................................ 6
10 Bus with road friendly suspension ................................................... 6
11 Retractable axle............................................................................... 6
Division 2 Limits to laden mass
12 Laden mass of vehicle or vehicle combination ................................ 7
12A Concessional mass limits for certain vehicles.................................. 7
13 Laden mass of consecutive axle groups.......................................... 8
14 Laden mass of trailer ....................................................................... 8
Division 3 Certain special vehicles
15 Vehicle fitted with non-rubber tyres or solid rubber tyres ................. 9
16 Vehicle fitted with all or some rubber tyres .................................... 10
17 Tyres filled with water .................................................................... 10
Division 4 Axle group spacing for B-Double
18 Axle group spacing requirements for B-Double ............................. 11
Division 5 Size and projection of load
19 Front and side projections ............................................................. 11
20 Rear projections ............................................................................ 12
21 Dangerous projections ................................................................... 12
Motor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 ii
22 Projection of load on motor cycle................................................... 12
23 Size limits ...................................................................................... 13
Division 6 Requirements for converter dollies
24 Converter dollies used in road trains ............................................. 13
Division 7 Identification of road trains
25 Identification of hauling unit of road train ....................................... 14
26 Identification of trailers used in road train ...................................... 14
Part 3 Australian Vehicle Standards Rules
Division 1 Australian Vehicle Standards Rules
27 Australian Vehicle Standards Rules are law of the Territory .......... 15
Division 2 Exemptions from certain rules
28 Exemption from right-hand drive requirement................................ 15
29 Exemption from spray suppression requirement for B-double ....... 16
30 Exemption from pneumatic tyre requirement for certain
vehicles.......................................................................................... 16
31 Exemption from ABS brakes for road trains................................... 16
32 Exemption from speed-limiting requirement for road train ............. 16
33 Exemption in relation to vehicle carriers ........................................ 17
Division 3 Additional requirements in relation to certain
rules
34 Rear marking plates ...................................................................... 17
Part 4 Offences
35 Compliance with Regulations ........................................................ 19
36 Regulatory offences....................................................................... 19
37 Defence if excess loading within certain limits ............................... 20
Part 5 Miscellaneous
38 Certificate in relation to manufacturer's gross axle load limit
etc. ................................................................................................. 20
39 Repeal ........................................................................................... 21
40 Repealed Regulations continue to apply ....................................... 21
Motor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 iii
Schedule 1
Schedule 2
Schedule 3
Schedule 4
Schedule 5
Schedule 6
ENDNOTES
NORTHERN TERRITORY OF AUSTRALIA
As in force at 21 January 2026
MOTOR VEHICLES (STANDARDS) REGULATIONS 2003
Regulations under the Motor Vehicles Act 1949
Part 1 Preliminary
1 Citation
These Regulations may be cited as the Motor Vehicles (Standards)
Regulations 2003.
2 Commencement
These Regulations come into operation on the date fixed by the
Minister by notice in the Gazette.
3 Application
These Regulations do not apply to a nonconforming vehicle within
the meaning of Part 5A of the Act.
4 Interpretation
(1) In these Regulations:
axle spacing means the distance between the centre of an axle of
an axle group of a vehicle or vehicle combination and the centre of
any other axle of the axle group.
hauling unit, in relation to a vehicle combination, means the rigid
motor vehicle or prime mover towing the other vehicles of the
vehicle combination.
inspection label, in relation to a vehicle, means a label, issued by
the Registrar or an approved person, specifying the GVM or GCM
of the vehicle (or other approved particulars in relation to the
vehicle) and affixed to the vehicle in the approved manner.
manufacturer's gross axle load limit, in relation to an axle group,
means the load recommended by the manufacturer of the axle
group, by specification or otherwise, as being the maximum load at
which that axle group should be operated.
Part 1 Preliminary
Motor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 2
manufacturer's maximum rim load, in relation to the rim of a
wheel, means the load recommended by the manufacturer of that
rim, by specification or otherwise, as the maximum load at which
that rim should be operated.
manufacturer's maximum tyre load, in relation to a tyre, means
the load recommended by the manufacturer of the tyre, by
specification or otherwise, as the maximum load at which that tyre
should be operated.
night means the period between sunset on one day and sunrise on
the next day.
non-reactive load sharing suspension system, in relation to a
vehicle, means a load sharing suspension system of an axle group
of the vehicle in which there is no transfer of vertical loading from
one axle of the axle group to another axle of that axle group when
the vehicle's brakes are applied.
overall axle spacing means:
(a) in relation to a rigid motor vehicle, articulated vehicle or
component vehicle of a vehicle combination – the distance
between the centre of the foremost axle and the centre of the
rearmost axle of the rigid motor vehicle, articulated vehicle or
component vehicle; and
(b) in relation to axle groups which are adjacent to each other
when any 2 component vehicles of a vehicle combination,
including a rigid motor vehicle or an articulated vehicle, are
coupled together – the distance between the centre of the
foremost axle of the rearmost axle group of the leading vehicle
and the centre of the rearmost axle of the foremost axle group
of the trailing vehicle.
Diagram depicting overall axle spacing
Part 1 Preliminary
Motor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 3
pig trailer means a trailer with one axle group or single axle near
the middle of its load-carrying surface, and connected to the towing
vehicle by a drawbar.
Diagram depicting a typical pig trailer
public place means any part (other than a road) of a park, reserve,
parking area, recreational or sporting ground, racecourse, drive-in
theatre, beach or any other open place, that is open to or used by
the public, whether with or without payment for admission, but does
not include the track within an enclosed ground used for vehicle or
animal speed races or trials.
road friendly suspension means a suspension system approved
by the Registrar or another registration authority, or certified as
such by the manufacturer, in relation to which:
(a) during free transient low frequency vertical oscillation of the
sprung mass above an axle or axle group, the measured
frequency and damping with the suspension carrying its
maximum legal load fall within the following limits:
(i) the frequency of the sprung mass above the axle or axle
group in free transient vertical oscillation is not higher
than 2.0Hz;
(ii) the mean damping ratio is more than 20% of the critical
damping for the suspension in its normal operating
condition;
(iii) where dampers have been fitted, the damping ratio of
the suspension with all dampers removed or
incapacitated is not more than 50% of the mean
damping ratio;
(iv) in respect of a multiple axle group fitted to a vehicle, the
static load share between axles in the axle group is less
than 5%; and
Part 1 Preliminary
Motor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 4
(b) each axle is fitted with dual tyres, except in respect of a
6-tyred tandem axle group in which case one axle in the axle
group may have single tyres fitted.
single-pivot load sharing suspension system, in relation to a
tandem axle group, means a load sharing suspension system of the
tandem axle group, designed to allow the springing medium of the
2 axles of that tandem axle group to pivot about a common centre
of rotation.
specification includes an identification device, vehicle data plate,
catalogue, handbook or other written matter issued by or on behalf
of a manufacturer in respect of a vehicle or a component of a
vehicle, or plant, machinery or equipment, manufactured by the
manufacturer.
steer axle means an axle or axle group connected to the steering
mechanism of a motor vehicle and capable of being used by the
driver to direct the course of that motor vehicle.
steerable axle means an axle or axle group fitted to a vehicle, but
not connected to the steering mechanism of the vehicle, by means
of which the course of that vehicle may be altered.
these Regulations include the Australian Vehicle Standards
Rules contained in Schedule 6.
tyre section width means the nominal linear distance between the
exteriors of the sidewalls of an inflated pneumatic tyre.
urban route means a route within a motor omnibus urban route
service area declared by notice under section 47 of the Commercial
Passenger (Road) Transport Act 1991.
(2) Unless the contrary intention appears, if a word or expression that
is used in a regulation is defined for the purposes of the Australian
Vehicle Standards Rules, the word or expression has the same
meaning in the regulation as it has in the Australian Vehicle
Standards Rules.
(2A) However, subregulation (2) does not apply in relation to a word or
expression that is defined in this regulation or section 5(1) of the
Act.
(3) Unless the contrary intention appears, a reference in a regulation to
a rule and a number is a reference to the rule of that number in the
Australian Vehicle Standards Rules.
Part 2 Motor vehicles standards
Division 1 Mass limits of vehicles
Motor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 5
(4) In these Regulations:
(a) the expression mass carried on a tyre or similar expression
means the total mass transmitted to the road by the tyre,
including the mass of the tyre; and
(b) the expression mass carried on an axle or mass carried on
an axle group or similar expression (whether by reference to
a single axle, a tandem axle group, a triaxle group, a
twin-steer axle group, or one axle of an axle group), means
the total mass transmitted to the road by the wheels attached
to the axle or the axle group, including the mass of any
wheels, tyres and other attachments or fittings attached or
fitted to the axle or axles.
4A Excluded provisions
For section 5A(2)(h) of the Act, all provisions of these Regulations
are excluded provisions.
Part 2 Motor vehicles standards
Division 1 Mass limits of vehicles
5 Mass limit for wheel
The mass carried on a wheel is not to exceed the limit set by its
manufacturer.
6 Mass limit for tyre
The mass carried on a tyre is not to exceed the greatest load
capacity determined for the tyre by its manufacturer at a cold
inflation pressure that does not exceed:
(a) 825 kilopascals for a radial ply tyre; or
(b) 700 kilopascals for any other tyre.
7 Mass limit for axle or axle group
The mass carried on an axle or an axle group is not to exceed:
(a) the limit set by its manufacturer; or
(b) the limit specified in Schedule 1 for the type of axle or axle
group,
whichever is the lesser.
Part 2 Motor vehicles standards
Division 1 Mass limits of vehicles
Motor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 6
8 Road friendly suspension
If a vehicle or vehicle combination is fitted with a road friendly
suspension, the limit of:
(a) for a tandem axle group – 17 tonnes; and
(b) for a triaxle group – 22.5 tonnes,
is substituted for the limit specified in Schedule 1 for that axle
group.
9 Ultra low floor 2 axle route bus
If a bus is of a class known as an ultra low floor 2-axle route bus
and is operating on an urban route, the limit of 11 tonnes is
substituted for that specified in Schedule 1 in respect of a single
axle fitted with dual wheels, provided that the GVM does not
exceed 16 tonnes.
10 Bus with road friendly suspension
If a bus is constructed to comply with third edition ADR 68, 59
and 44 and is fitted with road friendly suspension:
(a) the limit of 6.5 tonnes for a steer axle may be substituted for
the limit specified by Schedule 1; and
(b) the limit specified in Schedule 1 for any other axle or axle
group is increased by 1 tonne,
provided that, if the bus is fitted with a tandem axle group, the bus
is permitted under a law of a State or another Territory of the
Commonwealth to carry the maximum mass that would be
permitted under this regulation.
11 Retractable axle
If an axle group includes a retractable axle, the retractable axle is to
be ignored for the purposes of determining from Schedule 1 the
mass limit that applies to the axle group unless the tyres of the
retractable axle are on the ground and the load sharing suspension
system is operating on each axle (including the retractable axle)
and tyre in the group when:
(a) if the axle group is a tandem axle group – the mass on the
group exceeds 6 tonnes; and
(b) if the axle group is a triaxle group – the mass on the group
exceeds 11 tonnes.
Part 2 Motor vehicles standards
Division 2 Limits to laden mass
Motor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 7
Division 2 Limits to laden mass
12 Laden mass of vehicle or vehicle combination
(1) The laden mass of a vehicle is not to exceed:
(a) the sum of the masses permitted by Division 1 to be carried by
the tyres or axles (or axle groups) of the vehicle; or
(b) the GVM of the vehicle,
whichever is the lesser.
(2) The laden mass of an articulated vehicle or a vehicle combination is
not to exceed:
(a) the sum of the masses permitted by Division 1 to be carried by
the tyres or axles (or axle groups) of the vehicle; or
(b) the GCM of the vehicle or, if no GCM is certified by the
manufacturer or the Registrar, the mass in kilograms
determined by the use of the formula set out in Schedule 2,
whichever is the lesser.
12A Concessional mass limits for certain vehicles
(1) This regulation applies if:
(a) an interstate owner or operator is accredited under a national
heavy vehicle accreditation scheme; and
(b) the owner or operator has implemented a quality system that
ensures the suspension system of a vehicle owned or
operated by that person is adequately maintained; and
(c) the vehicle is permitted to operate using concessional mass
limits in a State or another Territory.
(2) The vehicle may, in the Territory, exceed the laden mass limits
arrived at under regulation 12:
(a) if the gross mass limit arrived at under regulation 12 does not
exceed 55 tonnes – by one tonne; and
(b) if the gross mass limit arrived at under regulation 12 exceeds
55 tonnes – by 2 tonnes.
Part 2 Motor vehicles standards
Division 2 Limits to laden mass
Motor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 8
(3) The additional mass permitted under this regulation to be carried
may result in the mass limit for an axle group specified in
Schedule 1 being exceeded as follows:
(a) if a mass limit of 16.5 tonnes is specified in Schedule 1 – a
limit of 17 tonnes is substituted;
(b) if a mass limit of 20 tonnes is specified in Schedule 1 – a limit
of 21 tonnes is substituted.
(4) In this regulation:
interstate owner or operator means a person who, under
legislation of another jurisdiction that deals with registration of
motor vehicles or trailers, is the equivalent of an owner or operator
under the Act.
13 Laden mass of consecutive axle groups
The laden mass carried by any combination of 2 or more
consecutive axle groups in a vehicle or vehicle combination is not to
exceed:
(a) the mass in tonnes calculated in accordance with the formula
(3L + 12.5) where "L" is the distance in metres of the overall
axle spacing of those axle groups; or
(b) if the vehicle combination is a B-double, the mass specified in
Schedule 3.
14 Laden mass of trailer
(1) If a vehicle combination (not being a road train) is comprised of a
rigid motor vehicle towing a trailer, the laden mass of the trailer is
not to exceed the laden mass of the rigid motor vehicle unless
approved by the Registrar.
(2) If a motor vehicle with a GVM not exceeding 4.5 tonnes is towing a
trailer, the laden mass of the trailer is not to exceed:
(a) the towing capacity of the motor vehicle; or
(b) the towing capacity of the towing apparatus fitted to the
vehicle,
whichever is the lesser.
Part 2 Motor vehicles standards
Division 3 Certain special vehicles
Motor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 9
(3) In this regulation:
towing capacity of the motor vehicle means:
(a) the towing capacity of the motor vehicle, including any
operational restrictions, specified by the manufacturer; or
(b) if a towing capacity is not specified or is not able to be
identified:
(i) if the trailer is fitted with brakes, 1.5 times the unladen
mass of the motor vehicle; and
(ii) if the trailer is not fitted with brakes, the unladen mass of
the motor vehicle.
towing capacity of the towing apparatus means the towing
capacity of the towing apparatus specified by its manufacturer.
Division 3 Certain special vehicles
15 Vehicle fitted with non-rubber tyres or solid rubber tyres
(1) If a vehicle has any wheel that is not fitted with either a pneumatic
tyre or a solid rubber tyre of 30 mm or more in thickness, the
vehicle is to comply with the following requirements:
(a) the laden mass of the vehicle is not to exceed 3 tonnes;
(b) the mass carried on an axle of the vehicle is not to exceed
1.4 tonnes;
(c) the mass carried on a wheel that is not fitted with either a
pneumatic tyre or a solid rubber tyre 30 mm or more in
thickness is not to exceed the maximum mass specified in
Schedule 4 for a wheel of that diameter and width of contact
with the ground;
(d) the vehicle is not to be driven at a speed exceeding
15 kilometres per hour.
(2) For the purposes of Schedule 4, the mass per millimetre of width of
a tyre (or wheel without a tyre) is determined by dividing the
number of kilograms comprised in the wheel load on the wheel by
the number of millimetres comprised in the width of tyre fitted to the
wheel (or wheel, if no tyre is fitted) in contact with the ground when
the vehicle is standing on level ground.
(3) For the purposes of subregulation (1), a group of co-axial wheels on
one side of the centre-line of a vehicle are taken to be one wheel.
Part 2 Motor vehicles standards
Division 3 Certain special vehicles
Motor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 10
16 Vehicle fitted with all or some rubber tyres
(1) If a vehicle has solid rubber tyres 30 mm or more in thickness fitted
to all wheels, or a mixture of such solid rubber tyres fitted to one or
more wheels and pneumatic tyres fitted to all other wheels, the
vehicle is to comply with the following requirements:
(a) the laden mass of the vehicle is not to exceed 4 tonnes;
(b) the mass carried on an axle of the vehicle is not to exceed
1.8 tonnes;
(c) the mass carried on a wheel that is not fitted with a pneumatic
tyre is not to exceed:
(i) the maximum mass specified in Schedule 4 for a wheel
of that diameter and width of contact of tyre with the
ground; or
(ii) the maximum mass specified in Schedule 5 for the
thickness of the tyre (measured at its thinnest point),
whichever is the lesser;
(d) the vehicle is not to be driven at a speed exceeding
25 kilometres per hour.
(2) For the purposes of Schedules 4 and 5, the mass per millimetre of
width of a tyre is determined by dividing the number of kilograms
comprised in the wheel load on the wheel by the number of
millimetres comprised in the width of tyre fitted to the wheel in
contact with the ground when the vehicle is standing on level
ground.
(3) For the purposes of subregulation (1), a group of co-axial wheels on
one side of the centre-line of a vehicle are taken to be one wheel.
17 Tyres filled with water
A tyre that would otherwise be a pneumatic tyre but that is filled or
partly filled with water, whether with or without a chemical additive,
is to be regarded for the purposes of this Division as a solid rubber
tyre.
Part 2 Motor vehicles standards
Division 5 Size and projection of load
Motor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 11
Division 4 Axle group spacing for B-Double
18 Axle group spacing requirements for B-Double
(1) The spacing between consecutive axle groups of a B-Double, other
than a B-Double with 2 triaxle groups, is to comply with the
following requirements:
(a) the distance between the centres of 2 tandem axle groups is
not to be less than 6 metres;
(b) the distance between the centres of a tandem axle group and
a triaxle group is not to be less than 7 metres.
(2) The spacing between consecutive axle groups of a B-Double with
2 triaxle groups is to comply with the clear space rule.
(3) In subregulation (2):
clear space rule means that x-y < 1 and y-x < 1.3, where x is the
distance in metres between the centres of the closest axles in the
second and third axle groups and y is the distance in metres
between the centres in the closest axles of the third and fourth axle
groups.
Division 5 Size and projection of load
19 Front and side projections
A load on a vehicle is not to project more than 1.2 metres in front of
the vehicle or more than 150 mm from the outermost part of either
side of it.
Maximum side projection of load allowed under regulation 19.
Note: The combined dimensions of a vehicle and its load must still meet the
requirements of the Australian Vehicle Standards Rules in Schedule 6 even if the
load projects from the vehicle in any direction.
Part 2 Motor vehicles standards
Division 5 Size and projection of load
Motor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 12
20 Rear projections
(1) The rear of a load on a vehicle is to carry a warning signal if the
load:
(a) projects more than 1.2 metres behind the vehicle;
(b) projects to the rear of the vehicle so that the end of the load
cannot be seen easily from behind; or
(c) is on a pole-type trailer.
(2) In daylight, the warning signal referred to in subregulation (1) is to
be a brightly coloured flag or piece of material, with each side at
least 300 mm long.
(3) At night, the warning signal referred to in subregulation (1) is to be
a red light that can be seen for 200 metres.
21 Dangerous projections
A load on a vehicle is not to project in a way that is dangerous to a
person or to property, even if all dimension and warning
requirements are met.
22 Projection of load on motor cycle
(1) The load or equipment of a motor cycle is not to project:
(a) beyond the extreme outer edge of the motor cycle;
(b) more than 150 mm to the front of the outer extremity of the
front wheel of the motor cycle; and
(c) more than 300 mm to the rear of the outer extremity of the
rear wheel of the motor cycle.
(2) The load or equipment of a motor cycle with a sidecar is not to
project:
(a) beyond the extreme outer edge of the motor cycle and
sidecar;
(b) more than 600 mm to the front of the outer extremity of the
front wheel of the motor cycle; and
(c) more than 900 mm to the rear of the outer extremity of the
rear wheel of the motor cycle.
Part 2 Motor vehicles standards
Division 6 Requirements for converter dollies
Motor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 13
23 Size limits
(1) Subject to regulation 33, a vehicle or a combination, and its load, is
not to exceed a size limit set for the vehicle or combination in the
Australian Vehicle Standards Rules.
(2) The distance measured at right angles between the rear overhang
line of a vehicle and the rear of any load it is carrying is not to
exceed the rear overhang that the vehicle is allowed under the
Australian Vehicle Standards Rules.
Illustration of:
• front projection limit; and
• rear overhang limit from Australian Vehicle Standards Rules; and
• maximum rear projection of load allowed without a warning signal.
Division 6 Requirements for converter dollies
24 Converter dollies used in road trains
A converter dolly is not to be used in a road train unless the
converter dolly is so constructed that the torque reaction generated
in the converter dolly from braking forces is:
(a) transmitted through the converter dolly's fifth wheel assembly
into the vehicle towing the converter dolly, in which case:
(i) the drawbar of that converter dolly is to be attached to
the chassis of the converter dolly through a flexible
coupling that allows the drawbar to pivot vertically about
a transverse horizontal axis; and
(ii) if the converter dolly has other than a single axle group –
the axle group is to have an approved non-reactive load
sharing suspension system;
Part 2 Motor vehicles standards
Division 7 Identification of road trains
Motor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 14
(b) transmitted, through a tow coupling designed for the purpose,
into the vehicle towing the converter dolly, in which case:
(i) the drawbar and chassis of the converter dolly are to be
an integral unit and the converter dolly's fifth wheel
assembly is to be able to pivot about a horizontal axis;
and
(ii) if the converter dolly has other than a single axle group –
the axle group is to have an approved single-pivot load-
sharing suspension system; or
(c) if the converter dolly has an approved suspension system
fitted to the axle group – carried through that suspension
system, in which case the drawbar of the converter dolly is to
be attached to the chassis of the dolly converter through a
flexible coupling that allows the drawbar to pivot vertically
about a transverse horizontal axis.
Division 7 Identification of road trains
25 Identification of hauling unit of road train
(1) A hauling unit used in a road train is to have displayed on it the
following particulars:
(a) the gross vehicle mass of the hauling unit;
(b) the gross combination mass of the hauling unit.
(2) The particulars may be displayed by means of an identification
device, registration certificate, inspection label or a document
approved by the Registrar.
(3) A hauling unit used in a road train is to have an inspection label (or
other document approved by the Registrar for the purposes of this
regulation) that is in force.
26 Identification of trailers used in road train
(1) A trailer used in a road train is to have displayed on it the following
particulars:
(a) the name or trademark of the manufacturer of the trailer;
(b) a distinguishing serial number of the trailer.
(2) The particulars may be displayed by means of an identification
device, registration certificate, inspection label or a document
approved by the Registrar.
Part 3 Australian Vehicle Standards Rules
Division 2 Exemptions from certain rules
Motor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 15
(3) A trailer used in a road train is to have an inspection label (or other
document approved by the Registrar for the purposes of this
regulation) that is in force.
Part 3 Australian Vehicle Standards Rules
Division 1 Australian Vehicle Standards Rules
27 Australian Vehicle Standards Rules are law of the Territory
(1) The Australian Vehicle Standards Rules contained in Schedule 6
are made as regulations under the Act and are a law of the
Territory.
(2) A reference in an Act or instrument of a legislative or administrative
character to the Australian Vehicle Standards Rules is a reference
to the Australian Vehicle Standards Rules contained in Schedule 6.
Division 2 Exemptions from certain rules
28 Exemption from right-hand drive requirement
(1) The requirement under rule 27(1) that a motor vehicle must have a
right-hand drive does not apply to the following types of motor
vehicles:
(a) a personally imported vehicle as defined in rule 23(1);
(b) a vehicle imported under an approval to import given under
regulation 9F or 17 of the Motor Vehicle Standards
Regulations 1989 (Cth) before their repeal;
(c) a vehicle imported under an approval to import given under
regulation 11 of the Motor Vehicle Standards
Regulations 1989 (Cth) before its repeal, on the basis that the
vehicle satisfied the eligibility criterion set out in section 36 of
the RVS Rules;
(d) a vehicle imported under an approval to import given under
section 19 of the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 (Cth) and
supplied to market under section 14A or 16(2) of that Act, on
the basis that the vehicle satisfied the rarity criterion set out in
section 135 of the RVS Rules;
Part 3 Australian Vehicle Standards Rules
Division 2 Exemptions from certain rules
Motor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 16
(e) a vehicle that is entered on the RAV because it satisfied the
requirements of the concessional RAV entry approval pathway
mentioned in section 15(2)(b) of the Road Vehicle Standards
Act 2018 (Cth) by satisfying:
(i) the eligibility criterion set out in section 36 of the RVS
Rules; or
(ii) the eligibility criterion set out in section 37 of the RVS
Rules because it is covered by an entry on the SEVs
register on the basis that it satisfied the rarity criterion
set out in section 135 of the RVS Rules.
(2) In this regulation:
RVS Rules means the Road Vehicle Standards Rules 2019 (Cth).
29 Exemption from spray suppression requirement for B-double
The requirement under rule 33(1)(b) that certain spray suppression
devices be fitted for each axle group and single axle on a vehicle
that is a B-Double does not apply in the Territory.
30 Exemption from pneumatic tyre requirement for certain
vehicles
The requirement under rule 47 that a vehicle built after 1932 must
be fitted with pneumatic tyres does not apply to a vehicle that
complies with Part 2, Division 3.
31 Exemption from ABS brakes for road trains
(1) The requirement under rule 136(1) that a prime mover used in a
B-Double must be fitted with an anti-lock braking system does not
apply in the Territory if the prime mover is identified as a road train
hauling unit in accordance with regulation 25.
(2) The requirement under rule 138(3) that a trailer used in a B-Double
must, in certain circumstances, be fitted with an anti-lock braking
system does not apply in the Territory if the trailer is identified as a
road train trailer in accordance with regulation 26.
32 Exemption from speed-limiting requirement for road train
The speed limiting requirement under rule 155(3) does not apply to
a motor vehicle used as a hauling unit in a road train providing that:
(a) the hauling unit of the road train has been certified to third
edition ADR 65; and
Part 3 Australian Vehicle Standards Rules
Division 3 Additional requirements in relation to certain rules
Motor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 17
(b) the hauling unit of the road train is fitted with an electronically
programmable speed limiter; and
(c) the speed limiter is set to limit the road speed of the hauling
unit to not more than 100 kilometres per hour.
33 Exemption in relation to vehicle carriers
Despite regulation 23:
(a) the height of a vehicle that is carrying vehicles on more than
one deck, and its load, is not to exceed 4.6 metres; and
(b) the distance measured at right angles between the rear
overhang line of a trailer carrying vehicles on more than one
deck and the rear of the rearmost vehicle on the trailer is not
to exceed 4.9 metres.
Maximum allowable dimensions of a loaded car carrier
Division 3 Additional requirements in relation to certain rules
34 Rear marking plates
(1) Rear marking plates required by rule 119 are to:
(a) comply with the requirements of AS 4001.1 – 1992 "Motor
Vehicle – Rear Marker Plates" arranged according to
AS 4001.2 – 1992 "Motor Vehicle – Rear Marker Plates –
Installation and Arrangement Requirements"; or
(b) be mounted at the rear of the vehicle and arranged as follows
and as depicted in the diagram:
(i) arrangement A – 2 Category 1 plates;
(ii) arrangement B – a single Category 2 plate;
Part 3 Australian Vehicle Standards Rules
Division 3 Additional requirements in relation to certain rules
Motor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 18
(iii) arrangement C – one Category 2a plate and
one Category 2b plate, arranged horizontally;
(iv) arrangement D – one Category 2a plate and
one Category 2b plate, arranged vertically.
(2) Arrangement A is the preferred arrangement, but where that
arrangement is not possible, an alternative arrangement listed in
subsection (1)(b) may be utilised.
(3) The plates are to be orientated rearwards and mounted:
(a) at the same height and with the lower edge not less than
400 mm and not more than 1 500mm from the ground;
(b) so that the outer edge of a plate:
(i) does not protrude beyond the nearest outer face of the
vehicle; and
(ii) is within 150 mm (if practicable, but in any case within
500 mm) of the nearest outer face of the vehicle.
(c) so that the lower edge of a plate is horizontal to the ground;
(d) as near as practicable to and in any case within 20 degrees
(horizontally and vertically) of being in a vertical plane
representing the back of the vehicle; and
(e) so that the plates are visible from a position within 30 degrees
either side, and within 15 degrees up and down, of square
from the face of a plate.
Category 1
Category 2 Category 2a
Arrangement A Arrangement C
Arrangement DArrangement B
Category 2bCategory 2a
Category 2b
Part 4 Offences
Motor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 19
(4) The total plate area is to be not less than 0.32 square metres.
(5) No lamps are to be placed inside the boundaries of a marker plate,
but the warning sign "DO NOT OVERTAKE TURNING VEHICLE"
may be printed in black lettering 50 mm high on the yellow portion
of one of the Category 1 plates.
(6) If the nature of the vehicle requires it:
(a) the plates may be attached to fabricated supports that can be
removed or swung aside for loading or unloading;
(b) the plates may be attached to the underside of tip-up loading
ramps so that they are visible when the ramp is in position for
the vehicle to be driven; and
(c) the plates may be cut so that a plate can be mounted across
the edges of movable or opening panels (the sections can be
moved apart by not more than 25 mm or a strip of material not
wider than 10 mm per side may be removed adjacent to the
cut to enable the panels to separate).
(7) The Registrar may approve an installation that does not fully
comply with this regulation.
Part 4 Offences
35 Compliance with Regulations
Subject to section 59 of the Act, a person must not drive, or cause
or permit to be driven, on a road or in a public place a vehicle that
does not comply with a requirement of these Regulations applicable
to it.
Maximum penalty: If the offender is an individual – 20 penalty
units.
If the offender is a corporation – 100 penalty
units.
36 Regulatory offences
An offence that relates to the contravention of, or failure to comply
with, a requirement of these Regulations is a regulatory offence.
Part 5 Miscellaneous
Motor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 20
37 Defence if excess loading within certain limits
If a person is prosecuted for an offence against regulation 35 where
the substance of the breach is that a load limit set out in Part 2,
Division 1, 2 or 3 was exceeded, it is a defence if the person
charged with the offence proves that the person made, or caused to
be made, all reasonable efforts to comply with the relevant
regulation and that:
(a) the load the subject of the charge did not cause the
manufacturer's recommendations, by specification or
otherwise, of the safe working load for any component to be
exceeded;
(b) the load limit set out in the relevant regulation was not
exceeded:
(i) for a single steer axle – by more than .25 tonnes;
(ii) for a single axle other than a single steer axle – by more
than .5 tonnes; or
(iii) for any other axle group – by more than one tonne; and
(c) the GVM or GCM was not exceeded by more than 10%.
Part 5 Miscellaneous
38 Certificate in relation to manufacturer's gross axle load limit
etc.
(1) For the purposes of a prosecution for an offence against these
Regulations, the particulars stated in a certificate issued by the
Registrar as to:
(a) the manufacturer's gross axle load limit of an axle group;
(b) the GCM of a vehicle combination;
(c) the GVM of a vehicle;
(d) the manufacturer's maximum rim load of a rim of a tyre; or
(e) the manufacturer's maximum tyre load of a tyre,
are taken to be that limit, mass or load, as the case may be, unless
the contrary is proven.
Part 5 Miscellaneous
Motor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 21
(2) The particulars included in a certificate under subregulation (1) may
be derived from the records of the Registrar or from records kept by
a registrar (however described) of vehicles in a State or another
Territory of the Commonwealth.
(3) No proof as to the signature of the Registrar is required in relation
to a certificate under subregulation (1).
39 Repeal
The following Regulations are repealed:
(a) Motor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations (Regulations
No. 74, 1982);
(b) Amendments of Motor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations
(Regulations No. 31, 1988).
40 Repealed Regulations continue to apply
Despite regulation 39, the Motor Vehicles (Standards)
Regulations 1982 as in force immediately before the
commencement of these Regulations continue to apply in relation
to an offence that was committed before the commencement of
these Regulations.
Schedule 1
Motor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 22
Schedule 1
regulation 7
Description of axle or axle group Mass Limit
(tonnes)
Single axles and single axle groups
Single steer axle on a motor vehicle 6.0
Single axle or single axle group fitted with single tyres with
section width of:
(a) less than 375 mm
(b) at least 375 mm but less than 450 mm
(c) at least 450 mm
6.0
6.7
7.0
Single axle or single axle group fitted with dual tyres on:
(a) a pig trailer
(b) a bus licensed to carry standing passengers
(c) any other vehicle
8.5
10.0
9.0
Twinsteer axle groups
Twinsteer axle group without a load-sharing
suspension system 10.0
Twinsteer axle group with a load-sharing suspension
system 11.0
Tandem axle groups
Tandem axle group fitted with single tyres with section width of:
(a) less than 375 mm
(b) at least 375 mm but less than 450 mm
(c) at least 450 mm
11.0
13.3
14.0
Tandem axle group fitted with single tyres on one axle and dual
tyres on the other axle 13.0
Schedule 1
Motor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 23
Description of axle or axle group Mass Limit
(tonnes)
Tandem axle group fitted with dual tyres on:
(a) a pig trailer
(b) any other vehicle
15.0
16.5
Tri-axle groups
Tri-axle group on a vehicle fitted with single tyres with section
width of less than 375 mm on all axles, or single tyres on one
or 2 axles and dual tyres on the other axle or axles 15.0
Tri-axle group on a pig trailer with either single tyres with
section width of at least 375 mm, dual tyres on all axles, or a
combination of those tyres 18.0
Tri-axle group, on a vehicle other than a pig trailer, with either
single tyres with section width of at least 375 mm, dual tyres,
or a combination of those tyres 20.0
Quad axle groups
Quad-axle group fitted with single tyres with section width of
less than 375 mm 15.0
Quad-axle group fitted with single tyres with section width of
at least 375 mm or dual tyres 20.0
Other axle groups
Any other axle group not specifically referred to in this Schedule 20.0
Schedule 2
Motor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 24
Schedule 2
regulation 12
Mass in kilograms = K x M x R x T
16
if:
K = drive efficiency constant for the type of drive axle fitted to the vehicle,
being:
for a single drive axle – 0.055
for a single drive tandem axle group – 0.053
for a dual drive tandem axle group – 0.051;
M = number of tyre revolutions per kilometre as specified by the tyre
manufacturer for the tyres fitted to the driving axle or axles;
R = overall gear reduction between engine and drive wheels;
T = maximum engine net torque in Newton metres.
Schedule 4
Motor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 26
Schedule 4
regulations 15 and 16
Diameter of wheel in metres Maximum mass in kilograms for each
25 millimetres width of tyre in contact with
the ground
For other than
pneumatic tyres and
solid rubber tyres
30 mm thick
For solid rubber
tyres not less than
30 mm thick
Less than 0.3 of a metre 136 227
Not less than 0.3 of a metre and
less than 0.6 of a metre
181 272
Not less than 0.6 of a metre and
less than 0.9 of a metre
227 318
Not less than 0.9 of a metre and
less than 1.2 metres
272 363
Not less than 1.2 metres and less
than 1.5 metres
318 363
1.5 metres or more 363 363
Schedule 5
Motor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 27
Schedule 5
regulation 16
Thickness of tyre in millimetres Maximum mass in kilograms per
25 millimetres width of tyre in contact
with the ground
Not less than 30 millimetres and less
than 40 millimetres
272
Not less than 40 millimetres and less
than 45 millimetres
295
Not less than 45 millimetres and less
than 50 millimetres
318
Not less than 50 millimetres and less
than 55 millimetres
340
55 millimetres or more 363
Schedule 6
Motor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 28
Schedule 6
regulation 27
AUSTRALIAN VEHICLE STANDARDS RULES
FOR THE AVSR's – PLEASE SEE SEPARATE DOCUMENT
REPM020R7AVSR(NT)
ENDNOTES
Motor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 29
ENDNOTES
1 KEY Key to abbreviations
amd = amended od = order
app = appendix om = omitted
bl = by-law pt = Part
ch = Chapter r = regulation/rule
cl = clause rem = remainder
div = Division renum = renumbered
exp = expires/expired rep = repealed
f = forms s = section
Gaz = Gazette sch = Schedule
hdg = heading sdiv = Subdivision
ins = inserted SL = Subordinate Legislation
lt = long title sub = substituted
nc = not commenced
2 LIST OF LEGISLATION
Motor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations (SL No. 17, 2003)
Notified 30 April 2003
Commenced 1 May 2003 (Gaz S7, 30 April 2003)
Motor Vehicles (Standards) Amendment Regulations 2006 (SL No. 29, 2006)
Notified 23 August 2006
Commenced 23 August 2006
Penalties Amendment (Miscellaneous) Act 2013 (Act No. 23, 2013)
Assent date 12 July 2013
Commenced 28 August 2013 (Gaz G35, 28 August 2013, p 2)
Statute Law Revision Act 2017 (Act No. 4, 2017)
Assent date 10 March 2017
Commenced 12 April 2017 (Gaz G15, 12 April 2017, p 3)
Transport Legislation Amendment Act 2020 (Act No. 23, 2020)
Assent date 10 July 2020
Commenced 1 July 2021 (Gaz G23, 9 June 2021, p 1)
Amending Legislation
Statute Law Revision Act 2020 (Act No. 26, 2020)
Assent date 19 November 2020
Commenced 20 November 2020 (s 2)
Motor Vehicles Legislation Amendment Regulations 2022 (SL No. 24, 2022)
Date made 20 December 2022
Commenced 1 February 2023
ENDNOTES
Motor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 30
Transport Legislation Amendment Act 2025 (Act No. 23, 2025)
Assent date 12 September 2025
Commenced pts 2, 4, 5 and 6: 21 January 2026 (Gaz S5,
19 January 2026); rem: 18 November 2025 (Gaz S69,
17 November 2025)
3 GENERAL AMENDMENTS
General amendments of a formal nature (which are not referred to in the table
of amendments to this reprint) are made by the Interpretation Legislation
Amendment Act 2018 (Act No. 22, 2018) to: rr 1, 4, 23, 27 and 40 and sch 6.
4 LIST OF AMENDMENTS
r 3 amd Act No. 23, 2020, s 44
r 4 amd Act No. 23, 2020, s 45
r 4A ins Act No. 23, 2020, s 46
r 10 amd Act No. 23, 2020, s 47
r 12A ins No. 29, 2006, r 3
amd Act No. 23, 2020, s 48
r 25 amd Act No. 23, 2020, s 49
r 26 amd Act No. 23, 2020, s 50
pt 3 hdg amd Act No. 4, 2017, s 34
r 28 sub Act No. 23, 2020, s 51
r 32 amd Act No. 23, 2020, s 52
r 35 amd Act No. 23, 2013, s 4
sch 6
r 3A ins Act No. 23, 2020, s 54
r 10 amd Act No. 23, 2020, s 55
r 13 amd Act No. 23, 2020, s 56
r 14 amd Act No. 23, 2020, s 57
r 15 – 18 rep Act No. 23, 2020, s 58
r 21 amd Act No. 23, 2020, s 59
r 22 amd Act No. 23, 2020, s 60
r 23 amd Act No. 23, 2020, s 61; Act No. 23, 2025, s 66
r 27 amd Act No. 23, 2020, s 62
r 34 amd Act No. 4, 2017, s 34
r 118 amd Act No. 4, 2017, s 34
pt 11 hdg sub No. 24, 2022, r 4
pt 11
div 1 hdg ins No. 24, 2022, r 4
r 154 sub No. 24, 2022, r 4
rr 154A – 154C ins No. 24, 2022, r 4
pt 11
div 2 hdg ins No. 24, 2022, r 4
rr 154D – 154L ins No. 24, 2022, r 4
dict amd Act No. 23, 2020, s 63