Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 43/01 – Vehicle Configuration and Marking) 2006

This instrument, the Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 43/01 , Vehicle Configuration and Marking) 2006 (ADR 43/01), is a national technical standard that prescribes mandatory physical and marking requirements for a wide range of road vehicles. The document sets limits and specifications for vehicle geometry, marking and identity, external projections, axle layout and inter-axle suspension relationships. Mechanically, the rule operates by:

Requiring every vehicle to carry a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) that meets specified ISO standards (ISO 3779, ISO 3780, ISO 4030), with narrow Australian modifications (VIN may be located on the left-hand side, and clause 4.2 of ISO 4030 is not applicable), and by permitting two alternative recognised standards (FMVSS 115 and Australian Standard MP 55-1988) as deemed-equivalent for VIN content, structure and location (see 43.3.0.1-43.3.0.2). The manufacturer must provide lists of VINs periodically to the Administrator (43.3.0.3).
Mandating the presence of an Approved “Compliance Plate” on all motor vehicles and applicable trailers, and permanent engine identification stamped, laser-engraved or cast into the engine main component at time of manufacture (43.3.1; 43.3.2).
Specifying mandatory content for trailer plates (manufacturer name, date of manufacture, Gross Trailer Mass in kg and tyre and rim data as required by ADR 24/…, 43.3.4).
Setting registration-plate mounting requirements and label-holder positions, with different minimums for L-Group vehicles (43.3.5).
Imposing a 25 metre maximum turning-circle diameter measured to the extreme outer edge of the tyre track at ground level (43.2).
Fixing limits for total length, rear overhang, drawbar length, semi-trailer articulation, ground clearance under maximum loaded test mass, overall width, vehicle height and allowed projection of equipment (see Pt 43.4, 43.5 and related clauses).

Commonwealth Coat of Arms

originally made under the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 and continued in force under the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018

Compilation No. 2

Compilation date: 31/10/2024

Includes amendments: Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule) Twin Steer Amendments 2024

Prepared by: Vehicle Safety Policy and Partnerships, Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts

About this compilation

This compilation

This is a compilation of the Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 43/01 – Vehicle Configuration and Marking) 2006 that shows the text of the law as amended and in force on 31/10/2024 (the compilation date).

The notes at the end of this compilation (the endnotes) include information about amending laws and the amendment history of provisions of the compiled law.

Uncommenced amendments

The 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.

Application, saving and transitional provisions for provisions and amendments

If 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.

Modifications

If 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.

Self‑repealing provisions

If a provision of the compiled law has been repealed in accordance with a provision of the law, details are included in the endnotes.

CONTENTS

legislative provisions.............................................4

Purpose and SCOPE.....................................................4

APPLICABILITY......................................................4

43.1. DEFINITIONS..................................................5

43.2. TURNING CIRCLE.............................................6

43.3. MARKING....................................................6

43.4. DIMENSIONS OF VEHICLES....................................8

43.5. PROJECTION OF 'EQUIPMENT’.................................10

43.6. `AXLE' CONFIGURATION......................................11

43.7. `Load Sharing Suspension'.......................................11

ENDNOTES.........................................................13

legislative provisions
1. NAME OF STANDARD
  1. This Standard is the Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 43/01 – Vehicle Configuration and Marking) 2006.
  2. This Standard may also be cited as Australian Design Rule 43/01 — Vehicle Configuration and Marking.

Purpose and SCOPE

This Australian Design Rule (ADR) is part of the Australian motor vehicle standards system and is a national standard for the purposes of the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989.

The function of this Australian Design Rule is to specify requirements for vehicle configuration, dimensions and marking.

APPLICABILITY

This ADR applies to the design and construction of vehicles as set out in the table hereunder.

The /01 issue differs from the /00 issue only in that it specifies new `VIN' requirements (Section 43.3.0). The Package 9 issue of /01 extends the Rule to LB and LE vehicles; and has changes to the registration plate dimensions in Figure 1.

Vehicles certified to the requirements of any of the “Acceptable Prior Rules” as shown below in the Applicability Table for a particular category shall be deemed to comply with this Rule.

<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="border:0.75pt solid #000000; border-collapse:collapse"><tbody><tr><td colspan="2" style="width:165.6pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:bottom"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span style="font-weight:bold">Vehicle Category</span></p></td><td style="width:52.05pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:bottom"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span style="font-weight:bold">ADR Category Code </span><a id="_ftnref1"></a><a href="#_ftn1" style="text-decoration:none"><span class="FootnoteReference" style="font-size:6.67pt; font-weight:bold; color:#000000">[*]</span></a></p></td><td style="width:43.35pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:bottom"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span style="font-weight:bold">UNECE Category Code </span><span style="font-size:6.67pt; font-weight:bold; vertical-align:super">*</span></p></td><td style="width:67.6pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:bottom"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span style="font-weight:bold">Manufactured on or After</span></p></td><td style="width:53.4pt; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:bottom"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span style="font-weight:bold">Acceptable Prior Rules</span></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="width:165.6pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>Moped 2 wheels</span></p></td><td style="width:52.05pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>LA</span></p></td><td style="width:43.35pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>L1</span></p></td><td style="width:67.6pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>1 Jan 1989</span></p></td><td style="width:53.4pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>/00 </span><a id="_ftnref2"></a><a href="#_ftn2" style="text-decoration:none"><span class="FootnoteReference" style="font-size:6.67pt; color:#000000">[**]</span></a></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="width:165.6pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>Moped 3 wheels</span></p></td><td style="width:52.05pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>LB</span></p></td><td style="width:43.35pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>L2</span></p></td><td style="width:67.6pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>1 March 1991</span></p></td><td style="width:53.4pt; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>/00 </span><span style="font-size:6.67pt; vertical-align:super">**</span></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="width:165.6pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>Motor cycle</span></p></td><td style="width:52.05pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>LC</span></p></td><td style="width:43.35pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>L3</span></p></td><td style="width:67.6pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>1 Jan 1989</span></p></td><td style="width:53.4pt; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>/00 </span><span style="font-size:6.67pt; vertical-align:super">**</span></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="width:165.6pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>Motor cycle and sidecar</span></p></td><td style="width:52.05pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>LD</span></p></td><td style="width:43.35pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>L4</span></p></td><td style="width:67.6pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>1 Jan 1989</span></p></td><td style="width:53.4pt; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>/00 </span><span style="font-size:6.67pt; vertical-align:super">**</span></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="width:165.6pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>Motor tricycle</span></p></td><td style="width:52.05pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>LE</span></p></td><td style="width:43.35pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>L5</span></p></td><td style="width:67.6pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>1 March 1991</span></p></td><td style="width:53.4pt; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>/00 </span><span style="font-size:6.67pt; vertical-align:super">**</span></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="width:165.6pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>Passenger car</span></p></td><td style="width:52.05pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>MA</span></p></td><td style="width:43.35pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>M1</span></p></td><td style="width:67.6pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>1 Jan 1989</span></p></td><td style="width:53.4pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>/00 </span><span style="font-size:6.67pt; vertical-align:super">**</span></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="width:165.6pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>Forward-control passenger vehicle</span></p></td><td style="width:52.05pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>MB</span></p></td><td style="width:43.35pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>M1</span></p></td><td style="width:67.6pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>1 Jan 1989</span></p></td><td style="width:53.4pt; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>/00 </span><span style="font-size:6.67pt; vertical-align:super">**</span></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="width:165.6pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>Off-road passenger vehicle</span></p></td><td style="width:52.05pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>MC</span></p></td><td style="width:43.35pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>M1</span></p></td><td style="width:67.6pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>1 Jan 1989</span></p></td><td style="width:53.4pt; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>/00 </span><span style="font-size:6.67pt; vertical-align:super">**</span></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="width:165.6pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>Light omnibus</span></p></td><td style="width:52.05pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>MD</span></p></td><td style="width:43.35pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>M2</span></p></td><td style="width:67.6pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span></span></p></td><td style="width:53.4pt; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:3.6pt; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span></span></p></td><td style="width:151.2pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>up to 3.5 tonnes ‘</span><span style="font-style:italic">GVM’</span><span> and up to 12 seats</span></p></td><td style="width:52.05pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span></span><span>MD1</span></p></td><td style="width:43.35pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span></span></p></td><td style="width:67.6pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>1 Jan 1989</span></p></td><td style="width:53.4pt; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>/00 </span><span style="font-size:6.67pt; vertical-align:super">**</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:3.6pt; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span></span></p></td><td style="width:151.2pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>up to 3.5 tonnes </span><span style="font-style:italic">‘GVM’</span><span> and more than 12 seats</span></p></td><td style="width:52.05pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span></span><span>MD2</span></p></td><td style="width:43.35pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span></span></p></td><td style="width:67.6pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>1 Jan 1989</span></p></td><td style="width:53.4pt; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>/00 </span><span style="font-size:6.67pt; vertical-align:super">**</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:3.6pt; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span></span></p></td><td style="width:151.2pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>over 3.5 tonnes and up to 4.5 tonnes </span><span style="font-style:italic">‘GVM’</span></p></td><td style="width:52.05pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span></span><span>MD3</span></p></td><td style="width:43.35pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span></span></p></td><td style="width:67.6pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>1 Jan 1989</span></p></td><td style="width:53.4pt; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>/00 </span><span style="font-size:6.67pt; vertical-align:super">**</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:3.6pt; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span></span></p></td><td style="width:151.2pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>over 4.5 tonnes and up to 5 tonnes </span><span style="font-style:italic">‘GVM’</span></p></td><td style="width:52.05pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span></span><span>MD4</span></p></td><td style="width:43.35pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span></span></p></td><td style="width:67.6pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>1 Jan 1989</span></p></td><td style="width:53.4pt; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>/00 </span><span style="font-size:6.67pt; vertical-align:super">**</span></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="width:165.6pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>Heavy omnibus</span></p></td><td style="width:52.05pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>ME</span></p></td><td style="width:43.35pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>M3</span></p></td><td style="width:67.6pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>1 Jan 1989</span></p></td><td style="width:53.4pt; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>/00 </span><span style="font-size:6.67pt; vertical-align:super">**</span></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="width:165.6pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>Light goods vehicle</span></p></td><td style="width:52.05pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>NA</span></p></td><td style="width:43.35pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>N1</span></p></td><td style="width:67.6pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>1 Jan 1989</span></p></td><td style="width:53.4pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>/00 </span><span style="font-size:6.67pt; vertical-align:super">**</span></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="width:165.6pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>Medium goods vehicle</span></p></td><td style="width:52.05pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>NB</span></p></td><td style="width:43.35pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>N2</span></p></td><td style="width:67.6pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span></span></p></td><td style="width:53.4pt; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:3.6pt; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span></span></p></td><td style="width:151.2pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>over 3.5 tonnes up to 4.5 tonnes </span><span style="font-style:italic">‘GVM’</span></p></td><td style="width:52.05pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span></span><span>NB1</span></p></td><td style="width:43.35pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span></span></p></td><td style="width:67.6pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>1 Jan 1989</span></p></td><td style="width:53.4pt; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>/00 </span><span style="font-size:6.67pt; vertical-align:super">**</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:3.6pt; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span></span></p></td><td style="width:151.2pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>over 4.5 tonnes up to 12 tonnes </span><span style="font-style:italic">‘GVM’</span></p></td><td style="width:52.05pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span></span><span>NB2</span></p></td><td style="width:43.35pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span></span></p></td><td style="width:67.6pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>1 Jan 1989</span></p></td><td style="width:53.4pt; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>/00 </span><span style="font-size:6.67pt; vertical-align:super">**</span></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="width:165.6pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>Heavy goods vehicle</span></p></td><td style="width:52.05pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>NC</span></p></td><td style="width:43.35pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>N3</span></p></td><td style="width:67.6pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>1 Jan 1989</span></p></td><td style="width:53.4pt; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>/00 </span><span style="font-size:6.67pt; vertical-align:super">**</span></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="width:165.6pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>Very light trailer</span></p></td><td style="width:52.05pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>TA</span></p></td><td style="width:43.35pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>O1</span></p></td><td style="width:67.6pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>1 Jan 1989</span></p></td><td style="width:53.4pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>/00 </span><span style="font-size:6.67pt; vertical-align:super">**</span></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="width:165.6pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>Light trailer</span></p></td><td style="width:52.05pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>TB</span></p></td><td style="width:43.35pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>O2</span></p></td><td style="width:67.6pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>1 Jan 1989</span></p></td><td style="width:53.4pt; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>/00 </span><span style="font-size:6.67pt; vertical-align:super">**</span></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="width:165.6pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>Medium trailer</span></p></td><td style="width:52.05pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>TC</span></p></td><td style="width:43.35pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>O3</span></p></td><td style="width:67.6pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>1 Jan 1989</span></p></td><td style="width:53.4pt; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>/00 </span><span style="font-size:6.67pt; vertical-align:super">**</span></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="width:165.6pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>Heavy trailer</span></p></td><td style="width:52.05pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>TD</span></p></td><td style="width:43.35pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>O4</span></p></td><td style="width:67.6pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>1 Jan 1989</span></p></td><td style="width:53.4pt; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>/00 </span><span style="font-size:6.67pt; vertical-align:super">**</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table>

IN ADDITION VEHICLES WHICH COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF ADR 43/02 & ADR 61/00 NEED NOT COMPLY WITH ADR 43/01.

DEFINITIONS
1. Refer to Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule Definitions and Vehicle Categories) 2005.
TURNING CIRCLE

Every vehicle, including a motor vehicle in combination with a trailer, shall 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.

MARKING

43.3.0.1. Every vehicle shall have a unique ‘Vehicle Identification Number'. The ‘Vehicle Identification Number' shall comply with the requirements of

43.3.0.1.1. ISO 3779, "Road Vehicles - Vehicle identification number (VIN) - Content and structure" (Ref. No. ISO 3779 - 1983 (E) );

43.3.0.1.2 ISO 3780, 'Road Vehicles - World manufacturer identifier (WMI) code" (Ref. No. ISO 3780 - 1983 (E); and

43.3.0.1.3. ISO 4030, "Road Vehicles - Vehicle identification number (VIN) - Location and attachment" (Ref. No. ISO 4030 - 1983 (E)), except that:

43.3.0.1.3.1 it is permissible to locate the 'VIN' on the left-hand side of the vehicle; and

43.3.0.1.3.2. Clause 4.2 of the ISO Standard 4030 is not applicable in Australia.

43.3.0.2. Alternative Standards

43.3.0.2.1. The technical requirements of FMVSS 115 - "Vehicle Identification Number" (44 FR 17,498 to 17,500; or 48 FR 22,569 to 22572 as amended by 50 FR 4,222) shall be deemed to be equivalent in application to the requirements specified in Clause 43.3.0.1.1 above.

43.3.0.2.2. The requirements of Australian Standard MP 55-1988, 'Vehicle Identification Number Codes", with the ‘VIN’ location on either the right-hand side or the left-hand side of the vehicle shall be deemed to satisfy the requirements of Clause 43.3.0.1 above.

43.3.0.3. Reporting

The `Manufacturer' shall furnish a list of ‘Vehicle Identification Numbers' to the ‘Administrator' or a designated nominee at agreed periodical intervals.

`Compliance Plate'

Every motor vehicle and every applicable trailer shall bear an `Approved' 'Compliance Plate' which shall be placed in a conspicuous position on the vehicle.

Engine Number

An identification number shall be legible and permanently stamped, laser engraved, cast or a combination of these upon the main component of the engine at the time of its manufacture and such number shall be located where it can be readily seen when the engine is installed in the motor vehicle for which it was intended.

Trailer Plate
1. On every trailer, there shall be permanently affixed a plate in a prominent external position on which is:

`Manufacturer's' Name

`Date of Manufacture,

'Gross Trailer Mass' (in kg).

Tyre and rim data as required by the placard specified in Australian Design Rule 24/... -Tyre and Rim Selection'.

Information which is contained in the 'Compliance Plate’ or in a tyre placard in accordance with ADR 24/... 'Tyre & Rim Selection' does not need to be shown on the trailer plate.
Registration-Plates and Labels and their Holders
1. Registration Plates
  1. All Vehicles other than L-Group Vehicles
    1. Provision shall be made for mounting a registration plate (as shown in Figure 1) to be affixed to the rear of the vehicle so that no part of such plate will be more than 1,300 mm from the ground.
    2. Provision shall be made for mounting a registration plate (as shown in Figure 1) to be affixed to the front of the motor vehicle forward of and parallel to the front ‘Axle’ so that no part of such registration plate will be more than 1,300 mm from the ground.
    3. No part of a vehicle, including its standard equipment, regular production options or 'Equipment' shall be so located as to obscure any part of the registration plate(s).
  2. I.-Group Vehicles Only.
    1. Provision shall be made for mounting a registration plate to the rear of the vehicle so that the centre of each registration plate shall not be less than 300 mm from the ground.
2. Label Holder
  1. All vehicles, other than L-Group vehicles, which have no windscreen, shall have a holder for the registration label affixed to their left-hand side in such a position as to be clearly visible to a person facing the holder at a distance of 6 metres.
  2. For L-Group vehicles, a holder for the registration label shall be affixed in a conspicuous position on the vehicle.
Not used
Marking of 'Converter Dollies'

All 'Converter Dollies' shall have clearly and permanently marked on their chassis:

the name or trademark of the 'Manufacturer';
the ‘Manufacturer’s 'Gross Trailer Mass' rating; and
a unique serial number identifying the unit.
The requirements of Clauses 43.3.6.1 to 43.3.3.6.3 can be satisfied by the 'Compliance Plate' of the 'Converter Dolly'.
Visibility of Tray

On every vehicle which, together with the 'Equipment' thereof, is 2.2 m or more wide and which has a body of the tray type and does not have a 'Rear Marking Plate' (refer to ADR 13/... "Installation of Lighting and Light-signalling Devices'), there shall be displayed by painting or otherwise across the full width of the rearmost portion of the tray of such vehicle, a horizontal band having a uniform depth of at least 75 mm and being white or silver in colour and dearly visible.

DIMENSIONS OF VEHICLES
1. ‘Total Length' (including any 'Equipment’)
  1. Rigid vehicles
    1. The ‘Total Length’ of the rigid portion of any vehicle, other than an omnibus, or a 'Semi-trailer' shall not exceed 11 m and the distance from the 'Front End' to the line from which the 'Rear Overhang' is measured shall not exceed 8.3 m.
    2. Except as provided for in Clause 43.4.1.1.2.1 the 'Total Length' of a rigid omnibus shall not exceed 12.2 m and the distance from the 'Front End' to the line from which the 'Rear Overhang' is measured shall not exceed a figure equal to 8.3 m plus the amount if any, by which the 'Total Length' exceeds 11 m.
      1. The 'Total Length' of an omnibus equipped with a ‘Twin Steer Axle Group' and a 'Tandem Axle Group' operating on a specified route shall not exceed 12.8 m.
  2. ‘Semi-trailers'
    1. The ‘Total Length' of a 'Semi-trailer' over which the maximum width of the vehicle may be attainable shall not exceed 12.5 m.
    2. The distance from the 'Point of Articulation' to the line from which the 'Rear Overhang' is measured shall not exceed 9.0 m.
    3. The forward projection from the 'Point of Articulation' of the ‘Semi-trailer' portion of an ‘Articulated Vehicle' shall be contained within a radius of 1.9 m.
    4. Every ‘Semi-trailer’ shall, when viewed in plan, be contained wholly within the envelope shown in Figure 2.
  3. Non-rigid Vehicles (other than 'Road Trains', 'B-Doubles' and 'Articulated Omnibuses’).
    1. The 'Total Length' shall not exceed 17.5 m.
    2. The 'Drawbar Length' forming part of the vehicle shall not exceed
      1. 5 m; or
      2. 8.5 m in the case of trailers having a single 'Axle Group'.
  4. 'Articulated Omnibuses'
    1. The 'Total Length' of an 'Articulated Omnibus' shall not exceed 18 metres.
    2. All parts of an 'Articulated Omnibus' except mirrors and signalling devices shall be capable of moving within a circular track having an inner radius of 5.3 m and an outer radius of 12 m.
2. 'Rear Overhang’ (including ‘Equipment’)
  1. Dimensions
    1. Except ac provided in Clause 43.4.2.1.4, for a rigid motor vehicle having a 'Total Length' up to 9.5 metres, the 'Rear Overhang' shall not exceed 60 percent 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 3.2 metres whichever is the lesser
    2. For a trailer (other than a 'Semi-trailer') having a single 'Axle Group' the 'Rear Overhang' shall 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.
    3. For a 'Semi-nailer' the 'Rear Overhang' shall not exceed 50 percent 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 3.2 metres whichever is the lesser.
    4. The 'Rear Overhang’ of a rigid omnibus shall be the least of : 60 percent of the 'Wheelbase'; or for an omnibus with a 'Single Axle' towards the rear 3.2 m; or for any other rigid omnibus 3.7 m.
    5. For all other motor vehicles and trailers (other than 'Semi-trailers') the `Rear Overhang' shall not exceed 60 percent 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.
  2. Not used
  3. Not used
  4. In the case -of a vehicle with 'Twin Steer Axle Group', the front 'Axle' of that group shall be the 'Axle' used to determine the permitted 'Rear Overhang’ in accordance with Clause 43.4.2.1.
3. ' Height (including any 'Equipment')
  1. Except as provided for in Clause 43.4.3.3 for a double-deck cattle trailer the height of any vehicle (other than a double-deck omnibus) shall not exceed 4.3 m.
  2. The height of double-deck omnibus shall not exceed 4.4 m.
  3. The height of a vehicle with a double-deck cattle trailer may be up to 4.6 m provided that:
    1. the drawing vehicle shall have tandem driven rear ‘Axles', and if an interaxle differential is fitted then it shall be of the positive locking type;
    2. double-deck cattle trailers (other than 'Sari-tailers') shall have a ‘Tandem Axle Group' towards the front and a ‘Triaxle Group' towards the rear, and
    3. double-deck cattle ‘Semi-trailers’ shall have a ‘Triaxle Group' towards the rear.
4. ‘Ground Clearance’

The '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 shall, under the conditions of 'Maximum Loaded Test Mass' loading as specified in the relevant braking Rule, be not less than:

for any point in the width of the vehicle which is within one metre fore and aft of any ‘Axle', 100 mm;
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
1. for any other point, 'Ground Clearance’ 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 3.
'Overall Width' (including any 'Equipment')
1. The `Overall Width' of any motor vehicle (other than an L-Group vehicle) or trailer shall not exceed 2,500 mm.
2. The 'Overall Width' of an L-group vehicle shall be as follows
  1. In the case of a 2 wheeled vehicle (LA or LC), the maximum width shall not exceed 1,000 mm.
  2. In the case of a three wheel vehicle (LB or LE) or a motor cycle with a side car (LD), the maximum width shall not exceed 1,850 mm.
PROJECTION OF 'EQUIPMENT’
1. For vehicles other than L-Group vehicles, any 'Equipment' shall not project more than 1,200 mm from the 'Front End' or 'Rear End.
  1. For the purposes of Clause 43.3.1 'Equipment' shall include the pole of a 'Pole-type Trailer'.
2. Any `Equipment' for L-Group vehicles (other than LD vehicles) shall not project:
  1. more than 150 mm in front of the outer extremity of the front wheel or more than 300 mm behind the outer extremity of the rear wheel, or
  2. more than 150 mm beyond the extreme outer portion of the vehicle on either side
3. Any 'Equipment' for LD vehicles only shall not project:
  1. more than 600 mm in front of the outer extremity of the front wheel or more than 900 mm behind the outer extremity of the rear wheel; or
  2. more than 150 mm beyond the extreme outer portion of the vehicle on either side.
`AXLE' CONFIGURATION

43.6.0. Vehicles shall satisfy the following requirements:

A rigid motor vehicle shall be supported by 2 `Axle' Groups' disposed as follows:
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
2. one towards the rear of the vehicle by an `Axle Group'.
A `Semi-Trailer' shall be supported towards the rear by an `Axle Group'.
A trailer other than a `Semi-trailer' shall be supported by either.
1. one ‘Axle Group'; or
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.
`Load Sharing Suspension'

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’, shall be related to each other through a `Load Sharing Suspension’.

Figure 2 Figure 2 illustrates the requirements of clause 43.3.4.1.1.1 and 43.3.4.1.1.2

Figure 1

TOLERANCES:

External Dimensions  1 mm

Diameter of Fixing Holes  0.5 mm

Other Dimensions  0.5 mm

Figure 2 Figure 2 illustrates the requirements of clause 43.4.1.2.4

Figure 2

Figure 3 Figure 3 illustrates the requirements of clause 43.4.4.2.1

Figure 3

ENDNOTES

Endnote 1—About the endnotes

The endnotes provide information about this compilation and the compiled law.

The following endnotes are included in every compilation:

Endnote 1—About the endnotes

Endnote 2—Abbreviation key

Endnote 3—Legislation history

Endnote 4—Amendment history

Abbreviation key—Endnote 2

The abbreviation key sets out abbreviations that may be used in the endnotes.

Legislation history and amendment history—Endnotes 3 and 4

Amending laws are annotated in the legislation history and amendment history.

The 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.

The 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.

Misdescribed amendments

A 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.

If a misdescribed amendment cannot be given effect as intended, the amendment is not incorporated and “(md not incorp)” is added to the amendment history.

Endnote 2—Abbreviation key

ad = added or inserted	orig = original
am = amended	par = paragraph(s)/subparagraph(s)
amdt = amendment	/sub‑subparagraph(s)
c = clause(s)	pres = present
C[x] = Compilation No. x	prev = previous
Ch = Chapter(s)	(prev…) = previously
def = definition(s)	Pt = Part(s)
Dict = Dictionary	r = regulation(s)/rule(s)
disallowed = disallowed by Parliament	reloc = relocated
Div = Division(s)	renum = renumbered
exp = expires/expired or ceases/ceased to have	rep = repealed
effect	rs = repealed and substituted
F = Federal Register of Legislation	s = section(s)/subsection(s)
gaz = gazette	Sch = Schedule(s)
LA = Legislation Act 2003	Sdiv = Subdivision(s)
LIA = Legislative Instruments Act 2003	SLI = Select Legislative Instrument
(md not incorp) = misdescribed amendment	SR = Statutory Rules
cannot be given effect	Sub‑Ch = Sub‑Chapter(s)
mod = modified/modification	SubPt = Subpart(s)
No. = Number(s)	underlining = whole or part not
o = order(s)	commenced or to be commenced
Ord = Ordinance

Endnote 3—Legislation history

Name	Registration	Commencement
Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 43/01 - Vehicle Configuration and Marking) 2006(F2006L02692)	17/08/06	18/08/06
Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 43/01 - Vehicle Configuration and Marking) 2006 Amendment 1(F2007L00827)	29/03/2007	30/03/2007
Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule) Twin Steer Amendments 2024(F2024L01388)	30/10/2024	31/10/2024

Endnote 4—Amendment history

Provision affected	How affected	Amending legislation/instrument
c 0.2	rep	Legislation Act 2003 – section 48D
c 0.3	rep	Legislation Act 2003 – section 48C
c 43.3.0.2.2	am	Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 43/01 – Vehicle Configuration and Marking) 2006 Amendment 1
c 43.6.1.1	am	Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule) Twin Steer Amendments 2024
c 43.7	am	Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule) Twin Steer Amendments 2024

[*] The category code may also be in the format L1, LA etc.

[**] Provided that they comply with the new `VIN' requirements set out in Section 43.3.

1 Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 43/01 – Vehicle Configuration and Marking) 2006

Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 43/01 – Vehicle Configuration and Marking) 2006

originally made under the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 and continued in force under the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018

Compilation No. 2

Compilation date: 31/10/2024

Includes amendments: Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule) Twin Steer Amendments 2024

Prepared by: Vehicle Safety Policy and Partnerships, Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts

About this compilation

This compilation

The notes at the end of this compilation (the endnotes) include information about amending laws and the amendment history of provisions of the compiled law.

Uncommenced amendments

Application, saving and transitional provisions for provisions and amendments

Modifications

Self‑repealing provisions

If a provision of the compiled law has been repealed in accordance with a provision of the law, details are included in the endnotes.

CONTENTS

legislative provisions.............................................4

Purpose and SCOPE.....................................................4

The ADR organises its technical regulation around a small set of core concepts that recur throughout the text. These concepts are primarily functional; each functions either as a measurement rule, a mandatory label/mark requirement, or a structural requirement for vehicle architecture. The main concepts are:

Vehicle categories and applicability. ADR 43/01 applies to defined vehicle categories listed in the Applicability Table (see table under Applicability). The Rule cross-references the definitions and categories in Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule Definitions and Vehicle Categories) 2005 (c 43.1.1). The compilation notes that vehicles certified to the listed “Acceptable Prior Rules” are deemed to comply for particular categories, provided they meet the new VIN requirements where relevant (Applicability, endnote to table).
VIN and identity management. “Vehicle Identification Number” is central to vehicle identity under this ADR. The Rule prescribes VIN content, structure and attachment standards by reference to ISO 3779, ISO 3780 and ISO 4030 (43.3.0.1). Two alternative standards are expressly deemed equivalent: FMVSS 115 (US) and Australian Standard MP 55-1988 (43.3.0.2). The manufacturer has an express reporting duty to send lists of VINs to the Administrator at “agreed periodical intervals” (43.3.0.3). The ADR makes narrow local departures from the ISO location/attachment rules (VIN may be on left-hand side and clause 4.2 of ISO 4030 is declared not applicable (43.3.0.1.3)).
Compliance plate and trailer plate. The “Compliance Plate” is an authorised plate that must be affixed conspicuously to motor vehicles and applicable trailers (43.3.1). Trailer plates must include specified data fields including Gross Trailer Mass and tyre/rim data as required by ADR 24/… (43.3.4).
Registration plates and label holders. The ADR prescribes the mounting positions, maximum heights and visibility requirements for registration plates and registration-label holders. The standard differentiates between L-Group vehicles and all other vehicles (43.3.5).
Physical geometry: length, width, height, overhang and turning circle. The core dimensional limits include a universal turning-circle maximum (25 m, 43.2), total length caps for rigid vehicles, semi-trailers, non-rigid combinations and articulated omnibuses (43.4.1), maximum rear overhang percentages and absolute maxima depending on vehicle class (43.4.2), height limits generally and for specific vehicle types (43.4.3), and an overall width cap of 2,500 mm for most vehicles with different maxima for L-group vehicles (43.4.5).
Ground clearance and loaded testing. Ground clearance is specified under maximum loaded test mass as determined under the relevant braking Rule, with a number of discrete measurement rules set out for points near axles, midpoints between axles and other points (43.4.4).
Equipment projection rules. ADR limits the permitted projection of equipment measured from front or rear ends, with special provisions for L-Group and LD vehicles (43.5).
Axle groups and load-sharing suspension. ADR 43/01 prescribes how a rigid motor vehicle must be supported by two axle groups (front group must have all wheels connected to the steering system), how semi-trailers and trailers must be supported, and requires that axles in an axle group be related through a load-sharing suspension except where a twin-steer axle group has a horizontal distance between centrelines of not more than 2.0 metres (43.6; 43.7). The 2024 Twin Steer Amendments specifically amended clause 43.6.1.1 and clause 43.7 (endnotes).
Cross-references and equivalence. The Rule repeatedly cross-references other ADRs and external standards. ADR 24/... is called in for tyre and rim placard content (43.3.4). Vehicles complying with ADR 43/02 and ADR 61/00 are stated to be exempt from ADR 43/01 (Applicability). The standard also explicitly recognises certain prior rules and alternative standards as acceptable compliance paths (Applicability; 43.3.0.2).

Each of these concepts is used as a compliance lever: marking and identity rules channel administrative visibility and traceability; dimensional and axle/suspension rules regulate physical compatibility with infrastructure and stability; the cross-reference architecture allows partial harmonisation with international and prior national rules. The figures and tolerances supply the technical precision necessary for conformance testing and registration authorities.

ADR 43/01 imposes obligations and constraints that affect a set of actors in the vehicle supply, importation and registration chain. The principal categories of affected parties, as implied or expressly named in the text, are:

Manufacturers. The Rule directly addresses manufacturers. They must allocate VINs that comply with the specified ISO standards (or the recognised alternatives) and must furnish VIN lists to the Administrator at agreed periodic intervals (43.3.0.1-43.3.0.3). Manufacturers are responsible for attaching compliance plates and for stamping or otherwise permanently marking engine identification at time of engine manufacture (43.3.1; 43.3.2). Trailer manufacturers must affix a trailer plate bearing specified fields (43.3.4). Converter-dolly manufacturers must permanently mark their chassis with name/trademark, GTM rating and a unique serial number (43.3.6).
Importers and certifiers. Because ADR 43/01 is a national design rule used for certifying compliance under the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 (and continued under the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018), importers and authorised certifiers who present vehicles for type approval or import certification will need to ensure vehicle conformity with the specified dimensions, markings and axle/suspension requirements (Purpose and SCOPE). Where vehicles comply with acceptable prior rules, importers may rely on deemed compliance pathways (Applicability).
Vehicle designers and OEM engineering teams. The dimensional caps on length, width, height, rear overhang, turning circle and ground clearance impose design constraints that must be observed early in the design and engineering process (Pt 43.4). Specifications for axle-group layout and load-sharing suspension affect chassis and suspension design choices, including where twin-steer groups are considered (43.6; 43.7).
Fleet operators, coach and heavy-vehicle operators. Operators using rigid vehicles, semi-trailers, articulated omnibuses, trailers and vehicle combinations must run vehicles that conform to ADR limits to remain registrable and to be consistent with import-certification status. For certain vehicle classes, specific operational routing is referenced for the omnibus twin-steer flexibility (43.4.1.1.2.1).
State and territory registration agencies. The ADR sets placement and dimension requirements for registration plates and label holders which interact with State/Territory registration processes and plate design. Registration authorities will typically check the presence and correct positioning of Compliance Plates and registration-plate mounting when registering vehicles (43.3.5).
Regulators and the Commonwealth Administrator. The ADR places a reporting duty on “the Manufacturer” to furnish VIN lists to the Administrator or a designated nominee (43.3.0.3). The Administrator, named in the ADR, is the Commonwealth entity that receives VIN data and is therefore a node for compliance and traceability.
Aftermarket modifiers and bodybuilders. Modifications that alter dimensions, rear overhang, width, height, equipment projection or axle configuration will engage the ADR because the standard measures include equipment and regular production options in its dimensional caps and marking obstruction rules (43.4.1; 43.3.5.1.1.3).
State road agencies and infrastructure planners. The dimensional and axle requirements (for example overall width 2,500 mm, turning-circle diameter 25 m, rear overhang caps) set the parameters that homologated vehicles will present to road infrastructure. While those agencies are not addressees of the ADR, the rule shapes the vehicle fleet characteristics they must accommodate.

Who pays and who decides. The direct costs implied by the ADR fall on vehicle manufacturers and their engineering chains in order to design, produce and mark vehicles to the specified standards. Indirect costs fall on importers, certifiers and operators who must ensure documentation, physical conformity and any modifications meet the ADR before registration or use. The Administrator is the decision node for VIN-list receipt and any designated nominee will act as the Commonwealth contact for VIN reporting (43.3.0.3). State and territory registration agencies decide at the point of registration whether a vehicle satisfies ADR-based requirements for registration and road use, subject to any exemptions noted in the Rule.

The ADR prescribes a set of affirmative duties (what must be done) and a small set of explicit rights or deemed compliance pathways. Below is a structured list of the principal duties and recognised rights, with clause cross-references.

Principal duties

Assign and affix VINs in compliance with international standards or recognised alternatives. Every vehicle must have a unique Vehicle Identification Number that complies with ISO 3779, ISO 3780 and ISO 4030 except for the stated Australian departures (VIN may be on left-hand side; clause 4.2 of ISO 4030 not applicable) (43.3.0.1-43.3.0.1.3).
Furnish VIN lists to the Administrator. The Manufacturer shall furnish lists of VINs to the Administrator or designated nominee at “agreed periodical intervals” (43.3.0.3). This is an explicit reporting duty.
Fit an Approved Compliance Plate. Every motor vehicle and every applicable trailer must bear an Approved “Compliance Plate” in a conspicuous position (43.3.1).
Permanently identify engines. Each engine main component must carry a legible, permanent identification number stamped, laser engraved, cast or combined at time of manufacture in a readily visible location when installed in the vehicle for which it is intended (43.3.2).
Fit trailer plates with mandatory particulars. Trailers must have an externally affixed plate showing Manufacturer's name, Date of Manufacture, Gross Trailer Mass in kg and tyre and rim data as required by ADR 24/... (43.3.4).
Meet registration plate and label-holder mounting and visibility requirements. Provision for mounting and non-obscuration of plates is mandatory, with specified heights and locations (43.3.5).
Observe dimensional constraints. Vehicles must not exceed the various maxima for turning circle, total length for different vehicle types, rear overhang, height, ground clearance, overall width and equipment projection (Pt 43.2; Pt 43.4; Pt 43.5).
Conform to axle configuration and suspension relationships. Rigid motor vehicles must be supported by specified axle-group arrangements; semi-trailers and trailers must meet axle-group support rules; axles in an axle group must be related by a load-sharing suspension except for the listed twin-steer exception (43.6; 43.7).
Mark converter dollies. Converter dollies must have the manufacturer name/trademark, GTM rating and unique serial number permanently marked on chassis (43.3.6).

Recognised rights and compliance paths

Deemed compliance via Acceptable Prior Rules. Vehicles certified to requirements of any of the “Acceptable Prior Rules” shown in the Applicability Table for a particular category are deemed to comply with this Rule (Applicability). The footnote makes VIN compliance with 43.3.0 a precondition for some acceptances.
Alternative VIN standards deemed equivalent. The technical requirements of FMVSS 115 and Australian Standard MP 55-1988 are deemed equivalent to the ISO requirements for VIN content, structure and equivalent VIN location allowances (43.3.0.2.1-43.3.0.2.2).
Exemption where other ADRs apply. Vehicles which comply with ADR 43/02 and ADR 61/00 need not comply with ADR 43/01 (Applicability).

Operational constraints that function like duties

The Rule treats equipment, regular production options and standard equipment as included in dimensional measurements and forbids their placement so as to obscure registration plates (43.3.5.1.1.3; Pt 43.4.1).
The ground clearance measurement is linked to “Maximum Loaded Test Mass” specified in the relevant braking Rule, implicitly requiring manufacturers to use that test mass when designing for ground clearance compliance (43.4.4).

Duties that are specified but open-ended

Reporting intervals for VIN lists are not numerically specified; they are to be “agreed periodical intervals” with the Administrator (43.3.0.3). This leaves timing and format to administrative arrangement rather than a fixed legal timetable.
Some dimensions use formulae with cross-references, for example rear overhang as a percentage of the distance from front axle centreline to the rear-overhang measuring line, which requires the manufacturer to perform the specified measurement method.

Missing direct enforcement provisions

The ADR contains mandatory obligations but does not include in its text offence or penalty provisions. The Rule operates as a national standard under the enabling legislation and registration schemes referenced in the Purpose and SCOPE; any sanctions for non-compliance will derive from that enabling statutory framework rather than from the ADR itself (Purpose and SCOPE).

The text of ADR 43/01 contains technical demands and mandatory marking and reporting duties, but it does not itself specify criminal offences, monetary penalties or an enforcement regime in statutory prose. Key points from the instrument regarding enforcement and practical compliance are:

No penalty provisions within this ADR. The Rule sets mandatory technical requirements (VIN, Compliance Plate, dimensions, axle configuration, etc.), yet it does not include express penalty clauses or enforcement procedures in the instrument itself. The document declares that it is a national standard for purposes of the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 and notes it was continued under the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018 (Purpose and SCOPE). Enforcement, inspection, sanctions and penalties therefore sit with the enabling and administering legislation and with the operational practices of the Administrator and registration authorities.
Administrator has reporting duties but enforcement action is not specified in this Rule. The ADR imposes a duty on the Manufacturer to furnish VIN lists to the Administrator or a designated nominee at agreed intervals (43.3.0.3). The ADR does not prescribe the consequences of failing to furnish those lists; the Administrator’s statutory powers and the enabling Acts will determine the practical enforcement instruments.
State and territory registration processes will implement many compliance checks. The ADR prescribes the physical particulars of compliance plates, VINs, registration-plate mounting and dimension limits that registration authorities typically check at first registration or at in-service inspections. The ADR’s effectiveness depends on coordination between Commonwealth import or design-rule conformance processes and State/Territory registration and roadworthiness regimes.
Technical compliance testing and measurement regimes are built into the Rule. The ADR prescribes explicit measurement points and test conditions (for example, ground clearance under “Maximum Loaded Test Mass” from the braking Rule, and turning circle measured to the extreme outer edge of tyre track at ground level, 43.2; 43.4.4). These measurement prescriptions provide the basis for inspectors and compliance engineers to assess conformity in consistent ways.
Equivalence and exemptions reduce the universe of vehicles subject to direct application. The ADR provides that vehicles complying with ADR 43/02 and ADR 61/00 need not comply with ADR 43/01 and that vehicles certified to Acceptable Prior Rules may be deemed compliant (Applicability). Those equivalence mechanisms constrain enforcement to situations where the equivalence does not apply or where the Administrator has reason to investigate.
Implementation risk and administrative discretion. Several provisions leave administrable details unspecified, for example the “agreed periodical intervals” for VIN lists (43.3.0.3) and specified route operations for certain longer omnibuses (43.4.1.1.2.1). This creates dependence on administrative processes and discretion for determining compliance timetables, documentation standards and route approvals.

Because penalties and enforcement powers are located in the enabling statutes and in operational procedures of the Administrator and registration authorities, entities seeking to understand enforcement consequences must look to the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 and the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018 and to the administrative instruments and guidelines that the Administrator publishes for implementation of the ADR regime. The ADR itself provides the technical framework auditors and enforcement officers will use to determine whether a vehicle is technically conformant.

ADR 43/01 is designed to be read and applied in the context of a broader ADR corpus and within the framework of Commonwealth and State/Territory motor vehicle laws. The instrument contains multiple express cross-references and deemed-equivalence statements that define its legal interactions:

Enabling Acts and continuity. The compilation expressly states the Rule was originally made under the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 and continued in force under the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018 (compilation header, Purpose and SCOPE). As a national standard the ADR operates for the purposes of the enabling legislation, and any enforcement or sanctioning powers are found in those Acts rather than in the ADR text.
Cross-references to other ADRs. ADR 43/01 cross-references ADR 24/... for tyre and rim placard content (43.3.4). It also states that vehicles that comply with ADR 43/02 and ADR 61/00 need not comply with ADR 43/01 (Applicability). The ground clearance metric is tied to the “Maximum Loaded Test Mass” in the relevant braking Rule (43.4.4). These cross-references create an interdependent regulatory regime where compliance with one ADR can alter obligations under another.
Acceptable prior rules and equivalence. ADR 43/01 lists “Acceptable Prior Rules” in the Applicability Table and allows vehicles certified to those rules to be deemed compliant. The Rule also accepts FMVSS 115 and Australian Standard MP 55-1988 as technical equivalents for the VIN-related requirements under specified conditions (43.3.0.2.1-43.3.0.2.2). These equivalence pathways facilitate regulatory harmonisation with international standards and prior national rules, and reduce duplicate testing where prior certification exists.
Administrative interaction with the Administrator. The Manufacturer’s duty to provide VIN lists to the Administrator (43.3.0.3) creates an administrative dataflow to the Commonwealth regulator. The ADR leaves the operational mechanics of that relationship to be agreed between the Administrator and manufacturers or nominees, creating an interface between private-sector records and Commonwealth oversight.
Interaction with State and Territory registration regimes. The ADR sets out physical requirements for registration plates, label-holders and compliance plates that interact directly with State/Territory vehicle registration processes (43.3.5). States will use the ADR requirements as technical benchmarks when determining whether a vehicle can be registered for use on public roads.
Standards hierarchy and exclusions. ADR 43/01 explicitly exempts vehicles complying with ADR 43/02 and ADR 61/00 (Applicability). That means manufacturers and importers who can demonstrate compliance with those ADRs avoid the obligations of ADR 43/01.
Interaction via figures and test methods. The ADR supplies specific figure-based envelopes and tolerances (Figures 1-3) that feed into measurement and testing protocols used by registration authorities and certification engineers. The tolerance statements (for example, external dimensions ±1 mm) create technical precision that interacts with laboratory and field inspection methods.
International standards and national law. The ADR implements ISO documents and accepts a US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard as equivalent for VIN requirements. The ADR thereby aligns local legal requirements with international technical practice while retaining discrete Australian departures (left-side VIN location, non-application of clause 4.2 of ISO 4030).

In practice, a compliance assessment will therefore require coordinated review of ADR 43/01, ADR 24/…, ADR 43/02 and ADR 61/00 (where applicable), the Vehicle Standard Definitions 2005 for category definitions, the relevant braking Rule for “Maximum Loaded Test Mass”, and the enabling Acts for enforcement mechanics. The manufacturer or importer must ensure that documentation provided to the Administrator and to State registration authorities aligns with the cross-referenced ADRs and with any acceptance of prior rules or alternative standards.

The compilation includes a clear amendment record in its endnotes. The principal legislative and instrument-level history relevant to ADR 43/01 is:

Original instrument. Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 43/01 , Vehicle Configuration and Marking) 2006 was registered 17 August 2006 and commenced 18 August 2006 (Endnote 3: Legislation history).
Amendment 1, 2007. Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 43/01 , Vehicle Configuration and Marking) 2006 Amendment 1 was registered on 29 March 2007 and commenced on 30 March 2007 (Endnote 3). The endnote 4 Amendment history records that clause 43.3.0.2.2 was amended by this 2007 instrument (endnote 4 table: c 43.3.0.2.2 am).
Twin Steer Amendments 2024. The Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule) Twin Steer Amendments 2024 were registered 30 October 2024 and commenced 31 October 2024 (Endnote 3). The endnote 4 Amendment history records that clause 43.6.1.1 and clause 43.7 were amended by the Twin Steer Amendments 2024 (endnote 4 table: c 43.6.1.1 am; c 43.7 am). The compilation date is 31 October 2024 and the Twin Steer Amendments are included in the compilation.
Other editorial amendments. The endnotes record that clauses 0.2 and 0.3 were repealed under the Legislation Act 2003 (endnote 4 table: c 0.2 rep; c 0.3 rep), reflecting standard editorial changes to compilations.
Package /01 differences noted in the main text. The ADR states that the /01 issue differs from the /00 issue principally by the new VIN requirements in Section 43.3.0, and that “Package 9” of /01 extended the Rule to LB and LE vehicles and changed registration-plate dimensions in Figure 1 (Applicability).

What the amendments changed in substance

VIN-related update (2006 to /01). The /01 issue introduced the VIN specification and related reporting requirements (43.3.0). Amendment 1 in 2007 adjusted clause 43.3.0.2.2, which deals with the deemed-equivalent Australian Standard MP 55-1988, to permit VIN location on either right-hand or left-hand side to satisfy clause 43.3.0.1 (endnote 4).
Twin-steer technical changes (2024). The Twin Steer Amendments 2024 specifically amended the axle-configuration clause 43.6.1.1 and the load-sharing suspension clause 43.7 (endnote 4). Those changes relate to arrangements where twin steer axle groups exist and to the exception from load-sharing suspension requirements where a twin steer axle group has a horizontal distance between centrelines of not more than 2.0 metres (see current text at 43.6 and 43.7).

Implications for compliance and auditing

Entities relying on earlier versions need to check VIN and axle-group provisions. The 2007 and 2024 amendments introduced or changed core compliance routes for identity and axle-group layout. Parties must consult the current compiled text (the compilation date here is 31/10/2024) and ensure that vehicle conformity is assessed against the updated clauses.
Administrative arrangements are alive. Endnote descriptions show the ADR is actively amended, and the rule’s cross-references mean later ADRs or national standards could further modify compliance pathways. Manufacturers and regulators must follow the Register and Administrator directions for current requirements.

The compilation provided does not record any litigation history. The instrument itself contains no references to court decisions, case law or adjudicated disputes, and the endnotes do not list judicial proceedings under the heading “Litigation history”. Two further concrete points follow from the ADR text:

No cases named in the instrument. The text does not name any judicial decisions and the endnotes do not identify proceedings that have interpreted or been brought under ADR 43/01.
Disputes and enforcement would be processed under enabling legislation. Where disputes arise in practice about whether a vehicle complies with ADR 43/01 or about whether the Administrator or a State registration authority has correctly applied the ADR, those disputes would be litigated or administratively reviewed under the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 and the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018, and under relevant State/Territory laws governing registration and roadworthiness. The ADR itself contains the technical standards that a court or tribunal would apply when called upon to decide factual issues about conformity.

Practical consequences for researchers or lawyers seeking litigation precedent

Look to the enabling statutes and administrative records. Because the ADR is silent on litigation, any relevant decisions will appear in administrative review or court records involving the enabling Acts or registration decisions, not in the ADR text. To locate precedent or adjudication one must search decisions under the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989, the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018 and State registration law cases that reference ADR compliance.
Check for administrative determinations and guidance. In regulatory practice technical standards are frequently interpreted through guidance notes, technical bulletins and administrative determinations issued by the Administrator or by standards bodies. Those instruments, and any administrative review decisions about them, are the likeliest sources of interpretive authority in the absence of judicial decisions recorded in the ADR compilation.

As at the compilation date (31 October 2024) there is no litigation history recorded in this compilation. Parties confronting contested compliance questions should plan to rely on statutory sources, administrative instruments, and domain-specific expert evidence to resolve technical issues.

This ADR contains several technical traps and sources of uncertainty that can generate compliance headaches if overlooked. The most salient “gotchas” found in the text are the following:

VIN requirements with Australian modifications and deemed-equivalence pathways. The Rule requires VINs to meet ISO standards but explicitly permits the VIN to be located on the left-hand side and excludes clause 4.2 of ISO 4030 from application in Australia (43.3.0.1.3). At the same time, FMVSS 115 and Australian Standard MP 55-1988 are deemed equivalent (43.3.0.2). A manufacturer that relies on an older certification or on a foreign standard must ensure the chosen VIN approach conforms to the ADR’s precise departures and the 2007 amendment that amended clause 43.3.0.2.2. Failure to align left/right placement or to provide VIN lists to the Administrator may create administrative non-conformity.
“Agreed periodical intervals” for VIN reporting is unspecified. The Manufacturer must furnish lists of VINs to the Administrator at “agreed periodical intervals” (43.3.0.3). The ADR does not set the reporting frequency, format or the consequences of late or inaccurate lists. This creates operational uncertainty and requires manufacturers to negotiate procedural detail with the Administrator or its nominee.
Inclusion of equipment, standard options and regular production options in dimensional measurements. The Rule expressly treats equipment and standard production options as included in the dimensional measures and forbids placement that obscures registration plates (43.3.5.1.1.3; Pt 43.4). That means aftermarket fitment or factory options that increase width, projection or obscure plates may render a vehicle non-compliant even when the base chassis would comply.
Multiple overlapping measurement rules. Rear overhang limits vary depending on vehicle class and use formulae based on wheelbase or distance from front axle to measurement line, with differing absolute maxima (43.4.2). Designers must apply the correct clause for the vehicle class. Misapplying the wrong subclause can lead to a false compliance assertion.
Ground clearance tied to a braking Rule. Ground clearance must be measured under “Maximum Loaded Test Mass” loading specified in the relevant braking Rule (43.4.4). To calculate compliance a designer must locate that braking Rule and its test-mass specification. Failure to use the correct test mass will produce an incorrect ground clearance assessment.
Height exceptions with technical conditions. The 4.6 m maximum for double-deck cattle trailers is conditional: the drawing vehicle must have tandem driven rear axles, any interaxle differential must be positive-locking, and trailer axle-group layout must be tandem front and triaxle rear or triaxle for semi-trailers (43.4.3.3). Achieving these hardware requirements can have cost and design implications and requires coordination between prime mover and trailer suppliers.
Twin-steer and load-sharing suspension exception threshold. The load-sharing suspension obligation for all axles in an axle group is excepted where there is a twin-steer axle group with not more than 2.0 m horizontal distance between axle centrelines (43.7). The 2024 Twin Steer Amendments amended related clauses (endnote 4). Where twin-steer configurations are contemplated, precise measurement of the centreline separation is material to whether the load-sharing suspension requirement applies.
L-Group special cases. L-Group vehicles have special width and registration-plate mounting rules (43.3.5.2; 43.4.5.2). A vehicle that changes classification,say through bodywork or conversions that alter seating or mass,may move between different rule regimes and require re-assessment for compliance.
Figure tolerances are tight. The figures include small absolute tolerances: external dimensions ±1 mm and other dimensions ±0.5 mm. For compliance testing, particularly for plate mounting dimensions and fixing hole diameters, small measurement errors can be decisive.
Exemptions via other ADRs. Vehicles that comply with ADR 43/02 and ADR 61/00 need not comply with ADR 43/01 (Applicability). Parties must verify that those alternative ADRs indeed apply to their vehicle; relying on the wrong exemption can lead to registration refusals.
Unclear administrative interplay for “specified route” omnibus exceptions. The total-length allowance for an omnibus equipped with a twin steer axle group and a tandem axle group is permitted “operating on a specified route” up to 12.8 m (43.4.1.1.2.1). The ADR does not state how routes are specified, creating reliance on Administrator or State route approvals and an associated operational constraint for operators who plan to use such vehicles only on particular routes.

These gotchas create both substantive design risks and administrative uncertainty. Ensuring compliance therefore requires careful cross-referencing of ADR clauses, consultation with the Administrator on VIN reporting and route approvals, and integration of vehicle option documentation to avoid inadvertent non-conformity.

Compliance with ADR 43/01 requires coordinated design, production and administrative activities. The following practical checklist translates the technical prescriptions of the ADR into an operational compliance pathway. Wherever relevant the controlling clause is cited.

Confirm vehicle category and applicability
- Identify the vehicle’s ADR category using Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule Definitions and Vehicle Categories) 2005 and the Applicability Table in ADR 43/01 (c 43.1 and Applicability table).
- If the vehicle was certified to an Acceptable Prior Rule, verify whether that prior certification is recognised for the applicable category and whether the VIN requirements of 43.3.0 are satisfied (Applicability).
- If the vehicle complies with ADR 43/02 or ADR 61/00, document that compliance to rely on the stated exemption (Applicability).
VIN assignment, placement and reporting
- Allocate and record a unique VIN meeting ISO 3779, ISO 3780 and ISO 4030 content and structure rules, while observing the ADR’s Australian departures: VIN may be on the left-hand side and clause 4.2 of ISO 4030 is not applicable (43.3.0.1).
- If using FMVSS 115 or Australian Standard MP 55-1988, document the equivalence and ensure VIN location conforms with ADR allowance (43.3.0.2).
- Establish an administrative process to furnish VIN lists to the Administrator or a designated nominee at agreed periodic intervals; contact the Administrator early to agree the reporting interval, format and transmission channel (43.3.0.3).
Compliance Plate and engine identification
- Fit an Approved Compliance Plate on every motor vehicle and every applicable trailer in a conspicuous position and ensure the plate contains required data consistent with other ADRs (43.3.1).
- Ensure each engine main component is permanently identified (stamped, laser-engraved or cast) in a place readily visible when the engine is installed in the intended vehicle (43.3.2).
Trailer plate and tyre/rim data
- For trailers, affix a permanent external trailer plate with Manufacturer’s name, Date of Manufacture, Gross Trailer Mass (kg) and tyre/rim data as required by ADR 24/... (43.3.4).
- Verify whether the same information is already present on a compliance plate or tyre placard; where those items contain the required information, duplication on the trailer plate is not required (43.3.4.1).
Registration plates and label holders
- For non-L-group vehicles, provide mounting locations for rear and front registration plates so that no part of the plate is more than 1,300 mm from the ground, and ensure the front plate is forward of and parallel to the front axle (43.3.5.1.1.1-43.3.5.1.1.2).
- Ensure no part of the vehicle, including standard equipment and production options, will obscure any part of the registration plate(s) (43.3.5.1.1.3).
- For vehicles without windscreens (other than L-Group), provide a registration label holder on the left-hand side visible at 6 m; for L-Group vehicles provide a conspicuous label-holder position (43.3.5.2).
Converter dolly marking
- Ensure converter-dollies have permanent chassis markings showing Manufacturer/trademark, Gross Trailer Mass rating and a unique serial number, or use the dolly’s compliance plate to satisfy these requirements (43.3.6).
Visibility for tray vehicles
- Where a tray-type vehicle including equipment is 2.2 m or wider and lacks a Rear Marking Plate, display a white or silver horizontal band across the full width of the rearmost portion of the tray at least 75 mm deep (43.3.7).
Geometry and dimension compliance
- Compute and document turning-circle diameter as the extreme outer edge of the tyre track at ground level and verify it does not exceed 25 m (43.2).
- Measure total length, rear overhang, drawbar length and semi-trailer articulation per the precise clause definitions for each vehicle type (Pt 43.4). For omnibuses, check the special rules for twin-steer with tandem axle arrangements and the specified-route allowance where applicable (43.4.1.1.2.1).
- Apply the correct rear-overhang subclause for the specific vehicle class; where percentages are used calculate percentages against the prescribed distances (43.4.2).
- Verify height conformity: general limit 4.3 m, double-deck omnibus 4.4 m, and double-deck cattle trailer up to 4.6 m only if the specified technical conditions are met (43.4.3).
- Calculate ground clearance under Maximum Loaded Test Mass per the braking Rule and measure the points specified (near axles, midpoints between axles and other points per Figure 3) (43.4.4).
- Confirm overall width limits of 2,500 mm for most vehicles, and the L-group widths (LA/LC 1,000 mm; LB/LE/LD 1,850 mm) where applicable (43.4.5).
Equipment projection and axle-group requirements
- Ensure any equipment does not project beyond the allowed distances from front/rear ends. For non-L-group vehicles the limit is 1,200 mm from front or rear end; L-group and LD vehicles have distinct projection maxima (43.5).
- Design axle groups consistent with 43.6: rigid motor vehicles require two axle groups, front group steering-connected, semi-trailers and trailers must meet the stated axle-group support rules (43.6.0.1-43.6.0.3).
- For axle groups, implement load-sharing suspension linking the axles unless the twin-steer exception applies (twin steer groups with ≤2.0 m centreline separation) (43.7).
Documentation and audit trail
- Maintain a compliance dossier that includes VIN assignment records, compliance-plate images, engine-number evidence, trailer-plate data, measurement sheets for dimensions and turning circle, ground clearance test reports tied to the relevant braking Rule, suspension schematics and any administrative agreements with the Administrator concerning VIN-list reporting.
- Where alternative standards are used (FMVSS 115 or MP 55-1988) keep equivalence documentation and crosswalks to ISO requirements. Retain evidence of conformity with any Acceptable Prior Rules relied upon.
Engage with the Administrator and registration authorities early
- Because some administrative elements are left undetermined in the ADR (for example the VIN-list reporting schedule and “specified route” approvals for longer omnibuses), obtain early agreement from the Administrator and coordinate with State/Territory registration authorities regarding plate mounting, route approvals and any necessary documentation flow.
Monitor amendment history
- Review the amendment history (endnotes) to ensure that recent changes, such as the Twin Steer Amendments 2024 altering axle-group and load-sharing provisions (c 43.6.1.1 and c 43.7), are incorporated into design and documentation.

Operational recommendations

Integrate VIN assignment and VIN-list reporting into production IT systems to automate compliance reporting.
In engineering change control, treat any body or equipment option that affects width, overhang or registration-plate visibility as a compliance-critical change requiring redraws and re-test.
For conversions or aftermarket fit-outs, require a compliance re-evaluation against ADR 43/01 before placing the vehicle into service.
Where twin-steer configurations are contemplated, document the measured centreline spacing to demonstrate whether the load-sharing suspension exception applies.
When uncertain about which ADR applies, rely on the Administrator’s published guidance and secure written administrative concurrence where possible.

Adhering to these steps will align a vehicle design and production process to the technical prescriptions of ADR 43/01 and create the administrative record that registration authorities and the Administrator will require to establish conformity for type approval, importation or registration.

Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 43/01 – Vehicle Configuration and Marking) 2006

Plain English Summary

Deep Dive

What it does

Current sections

Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 43/01 – Vehicle Configuration and Marking) 2006

Source text: opening excerpt

1 Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 43/01 – Vehicle Configuration and Marking) 2006

Main concepts

Who it affects

Key duties and rights

Penalties and enforcement

How it interacts with other laws

Amendment history

Litigation history

Gotchas

How to comply