Part 11Mechanical connections between vehicles

Part 11—Mechanical connections between vehicles This Part sets out various requirements to ensure that the couplings used when operating motor vehicles and trailers in combinations are strong enough to hold them together. 145—General coupling requirements (1) A fifth wheel coupling, the mating parts of a coupling, a kingpin or a towbar must not be used for a load more than the manufacturer's load rating. (2) A kingpin must be used only with a fifth wheel coupling that has a corresponding jaw size. An adaptor must not to be used to fit a kingpin to a fifth wheel coupling. (3) The mating parts of a coupling used to connect a semi‑trailer to a towing vehicle must not allow the semi‑trailer to roll to an extent that makes the towing vehicle unstable. 146—Drawbar couplings (1) A coupling for attaching a trailer, except a semi‑trailer or pole‑type trailer, to a towing vehicle must be built and fitted so— (a) the coupling is equipped with a positive locking mechanism; and (b) the positive locking mechanism can be released regardless of the angle of the trailer to the towing vehicle. (2) If the trailer is in a combination and is not fitted with breakaway brakes in accordance with rule 127(2), it must be connected to the towing vehicle by at least 1 chain, cable or other flexible device, as well as the coupling required by subrule (1). (3) The connection must be built and fitted so— (a) the trailer is kept in tow if the coupling breaks or accidentally detaches; and (b) normal angular movement of the coupling is permitted without unnecessary slack. (4) If practicable, the connection must be built and fitted so the drawbar of the trailer is prevented from hitting the ground if the coupling accidentally detaches. (5) For the purposes of subrules (3) and (4), a connection between a trailer and a towing vehicle includes anything which connects the trailer and the towing vehicle. Examples of what is included in a connection— (a) chains (b) cables (c) a thing fixed to a trailer or a towing vehicle to which a chain is attached (d) shackles. Legislative history Notes • Please note—References in the legislation to other legislation or instruments or to titles of bodies or offices are not automatically updated as part of the program for the revision and publication of legislation and therefore may be obsolete. • Earlier versions of these rules (historical versions) are listed at the end of the legislative history. • For further information relating to the Act and subordinate legislation made under the Act see the Index of South Australian Statutes or www.legislation.sa.gov.au. Legislation revoked by principal rules The Road Traffic (Light Vehicle Standards) Rules 2018 revoked the following: Road Traffic (Light Vehicle Standards) Rules 2013 Principal rules and variations New entries appear in bold. Year No Reference Commencement Gazette 23.1.2018 p302 23.1.2018: r 1A Gazette 27.6.2019 p2564 1.7.2019: r 2 Gazette 15.10.2020 p4850 15.10.2020: r 2 Gazette 28.11.2024 p4294 28.11.2024: r 2 Provisions varied New entries appear in bold. Provision How varied Commencement Pt 1