Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 43/02 – Vehicle Configuration and Dimensions) 2006
1Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 43/02 – Vehicle Configuration and Dimensions) 2006
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Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 43/02 – Vehicle Configuration and Dimensions) 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originally made under the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 and continued in force under the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018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
This is a compilation of the Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 43/02 – Vehicle Configuration and Dimensions) 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If a provision of the compiled law has been repealed in accordance with a provision of the law, details are included in the endnotes.
This Standard is the Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 43/02 – Vehicle Configuration and Dimensions) 2006.
This Standard may also be cited as Australian Design Rule 43/02 — Vehicle Configuration and Dimensions.
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 and dimensions.
APPLICABILITY
This ADR applies to the design and construction of vehicles as set out in the table hereunder.
The /02 Rule differs from the /01 Rule in that:
(1) the marking requirements have been transferred to a new ADR, 61/00 "Vehicle Marking";
(2) requirements for a ‘Semi-trailer’ with a sliding ‘Axle Group’ have been added.; and
(3) a Clause 43.4.0 has been added which permits ‘Approved’ variations to dimensions.
The Package 13 issue of /02 relaxes the ‘Load Sharing Suspension’ requirements (Section 43.7) and alters the maximum dimensions of ‘Semi-trailers’ (Section 43.4.1.2)
Vehicles certified to any of the "Acceptable Prior Rules" as shown below in the Applicability Table for a particular vehicle category shall be deemed to comply with this Rule ** provided that “T-group" vehicles meet Clause 43.6.2.1.
Prior to the relevant date of effect, vehicles certified to ADR 43/02 must also be certified to ADR 61/00 "Vehicle Marking".
Refer to Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule Definitions and Vehicle Categories) 2005.
TURNING CIRCLE
Every vehicle except a ‘B-Double’ ‘Prime Mover’ 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.
Not Used
DIMENSIONS OF VEHICLES
The dimensions set out in this Section apply, unless otherwise ‘Approved’.
‘Total Length’ (including any ‘Equipment’)
Rigid vehicles
The ‘Total Length’ of the rigid portion of any vehicle, other than an omnibus, or a ‘Semi-trailer’ shall not exceed 11 metres and the distance from the ‘Front End’ to the line from which the ‘Rear Overhang’ is measured shall not exceed 8.3 m.
The ‘Total Length’ of a rigid omnibus shall not exceed 12.2 metres 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 metres plus the amount if any, by which the ‘Total Length’ exceeds 11 metres.
‘Semi-trailers’
The ‘Total Length’ of a ‘Semi-trailer’ over which the maximum width of the vehicle may be attainable shall not exceed 12.5 metres. Not used
The distance from the ‘Point of Articulation’ to the line from which the ‘Rear Overhang’ is measured shall not exceed 9.0 9.5 metres.
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 metres.
Every ‘Semi-trailer’ shall, when viewed in plan, be contained wholly within the envelope shown in Figure 1. Not used.
The distance from the ‘Point of Articulation’ to the ‘Rear End’ shall not exceed 12.3 metres.
Non-rigid Vehicles (other than ‘Road Trains’, ‘B-Doubles’ and ‘Articulated Omnibuses’).
The ‘Total Length’ shall not exceed 17.5 metres.
The ‘Drawbar Length’ forming part of the vehicle shall not exceed:
5 metres; or
8.5 m in the case of trailers having a single ‘Axle Group’.
‘Articulated Omnibuses’
The ‘Total Length’ of an ‘Articulated Omnibus’ shall not exceed 18 metres.
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 metres and an outer radius of 12 metres.
‘Rear Overhang’ (including any ‘Equipment’)
Except as provided in Clause 43.4.2.4, 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.
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.
For a ‘Semi-trailer’ 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.
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 metres; or for any other rigid omnibus 3.7 metres.
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.
In the case of a vehicle fitted with ‘Twin Steer Axle Group’, the front ‘Axle’ of that group shall be the ‘Axle’ used to determine the permitted ‘Rear Overhang’.
Height (including any ‘Equipment’)
The height of any vehicle shall not exceed 4.3 metres.
‘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
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 2.
‘Overall Width’ (including any ‘Equipment’)
The ‘Overall Width’ of any motor vehicle (other than an L-Group vehicle) or trailer shall not exceed 2,500 mm.
The ‘Overall Width’ of an L-Group vehicle shall be as follows:
In the case of a two wheel vehicle (LA or LC), the maximum width shall not exceed 1,000 mm.
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.
Not Used.
‘AXLE’ CONFIGURATION
Vehicles shall satisfy the following requirements:
A rigid motor vehicle shall be supported by 2 ‘Axle Groups’ disposed as follows:
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
one towards the rear of the vehicle.
A ‘Semi-Trailer’ shall be supported towards the rear by an ‘Axle Group’.
Every ‘Semi-trailer’ which is extendible or fitted with a sliding ‘Axle Group’ shall be so constructed that:
positive locking devices are utilised;
all locking device controls shall be in a lockable enclosure when mounted on the chassis;
failure of the engagement of the locking device shall activate a visible and/or audible warning device;
where the locking device is air-operated the supply shall be fitted with a protection valve to prevent loss of air to the air brake supply in the event of line fracture or failure; and
the movable assembly shall be fitted with substantial stops to prevent disconnection from the vehicle in the event of failure of the locking device.
A trailer other than a ‘Semi-trailer’ shall be supported by either:
one ‘Axle Group’; or
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’ except:
this requirement shall not apply to a ‘Close Coupled Axle Group’ on any motor vehicle or trailer (including a ‘Semi-trailer’) with a ‘GVM’ or ‘ATM’ less than 4.5 tonne provided that the load carrying capacity of each of the ‘Axles’ and the wheel and tyres fitted to each ‘Axle’ is at least 120% of the nominal load imposed on that ‘Axle’ with the vehicle or trailer at its ‘GVM’ or ‘ATM’; and
this requirement shall not apply to a ‘Close Coupled Axle Group’ fitted with a ‘Retractable Axle’ on any motor vehicle or trailer (including a ‘Semi-trailer’) with a ‘GVM’ or ‘ATM’ less than 4.5 tonne provided that the load carrying capacity of each other ‘Axle’ and the wheels and tyres fitted to it is at least equal to the load imposed on that ‘Axle’ with the motor vehicle or trailer at its ‘GVM’ or ‘ATM’ and with the ‘Retractable Axle’ retracted.
Figure 1
Figure 1 illustrates the requirements of clause 43.4.1.2.4
Figure 1 (Not Used)
Figure 2
Figure 2 illustrates the requirements of clause 43.4.4.3
Figure 2
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
Application, saving and transitional provisions
Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 43/02 - Vehicle Configuration and Dimensions) 2006(F2006L02693)
17/08/06
18/08/06
Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 43/02 - Vehicle Configuration and Dimensions) 2006 Amendment 1(F2007L00830)
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 43.4.1.2.1
am
Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 43/02 – Vehicle Configuration and Dimensions) 2006 Amendment 3
c 43.4.1.2.4
am
Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 43/02 – Vehicle Configuration and Dimensions) 2006 Amendment 3
c 43.4.4.3
Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule) Twin Steer Amendments 2024
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.