National Transport Commission (Road Transport Legislation – Vehicle Standards) Regulations 2006
148Exhaust systems
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148 Exhaust systems
(1) The outlet of the exhaust system fitted to a motor vehicle (except a bus) must extend: (a) behind the back seat; and (b) at least 40 millimetres beyond the outermost joint of the floorpan that is not continuously welded or permanently sealed; and (c) to the edge of the vehicle, if: (i) the body of the vehicle is permanently enclosed; and (ii) the vehicle is not fitted with a vertical exhaust system; and (d) no further than the edge of the vehicle at its widest point. (2) The outlet must discharge the main exhaust flow to the air: (a) if the vehicle is fitted, or required under a law of this jurisdiction to be fitted, with an exhaust system with a vertical outlet pipe: (i) at an angle above the horizontal; and (ii) at least 150 millimetres above the cab of the vehicle; and (iii) rearwards or to the right of the vehicle; and (b) in any other case: (i) horizontally or at an angle of not over 45° downwards; and (ii) under 750 millimetres above ground level; and (iii) rearwards or to the right of the vehicle. (3) An exposed section of a vertical exhaust system fitted to a motor vehicle (except a bus) with a GVM over 4.5 tonnes must be positioned or shielded to prevent injury. (4) The outlet of the exhaust system fitted to a bus with a GVM over 4.5 tonnes must: (a) be as near as practicable to the rear of the vehicle; and (b) extend no further than the edge of the bus at its widest point. (5) The outlet must discharge the main exhaust flow to the air: (a) if the bus is fitted, or required under a law of this jurisdiction to be fitted, with an exhaust system with a vertical outlet pipe: (i) behind the passenger compartment; and (ii) at an angle above the horizontal; and (iii) upwards or rearwards; and (b) in any other case: (i) horizontally or at an angle of not over 45° downwards; and (ii) rearwards or to the right of the vehicle. (6) A vertical exhaust system fitted to a motor vehicle with a GVM over 4.5 tonnes must: (a) if the vehicle is fitted with an exhaust system with a vertical outlet pipe that does not direct the main exhaust flow straight up—direct the flow rearwards at an angle within 0° to 45° of the longitudinal centre line of the vehicle; and (b) if a rain cap is fitted to the outlet pipe—be installed so the hinge of the cap is at an angle of 90° (plus or minus 10°) to the longitudinal centre line of the vehicle when viewed from above.
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Bus exhaust outlet pipe