Australian Vehicle Standards Rules Australian Design Rules (ADR) govern the design and construction of new vehicles. Australian Vehicle Standards Rules (AVSR) ensure those ADR rules continue to be applied “in service” and also cover combinations, modifications and wear and tear/maintenance. The national ‘model’ AVSRs are available for implementation by each State and Territory transport agency. National Heavy Vehicle Dimensions In general, national vehicle dimensions for heavy trucks and buses vary according to the type of vehicle and whether it has general access to the road system, or is limited to set routes defined in either a published notice or an individual permit issued by a road authority. Dimensions for Vehicles With General Access Heavy vehicles that have general access to the road system are limited to the following dimensions: a width of 2.5 metres a height of 4.3 metres a length of 12.5 metres for a single vehicle and 19 metres for a combination (eg prime mover and semi-trailer or truck/trailer combination). a deck length of 13.7 metres for semi-trailers Dimensions for Vehicles with Restricted Access These include the following vehicles: B-doubles and Roadtrains These vehicles have the same height and width limits as general access vehicles and generally have the following maximum lengths:

B-doubles - 25 metres

• Double roadtrain - 36.5 metres
• Triple roadtrain - 53.5 metres
• Controlled Access buses up to 14.5 metres long
• Car-carriers up to 4.6 metres high when loaded and up to 23 metres long
• Livestock vehicles which can be up to 4.6 metres high but their deck length is limited to 12.5 metres in the case of semi-trailers and 18.8 metres for two semi-trailers in a B-double
• Special purpose vehicles such as mobile cranes, concrete pumps and fire trucks
• Vehicles and combinations such as low-loader and load platforms designed to carry large indivisible items
• agricultural machines and implements

Information Bulletin

 

This bulletin provides a broad overview of the range and structure of various heavy vehicle access schemes in operation throughout Australia, and steps for operator participation.

 

Heavy Vehicle Access Schemes and Arragements - January 2009  (273.83 KB)