The Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Amendment Regulation 2024 has been released, allowing greater axle mass limits for single- and twin-steer axle trucks that comply with various conditions.
According to the amendment regulation, an additional 0.5 tonnes is permitted over the steer axle, meaning the limit increases to seven tonnes for single-steer and 11.5 tonnes for twin-steer trucks.
The amendment regulation can be found here, which outlines the following criteria for both single- and twin-steer trucks – as covered below.
Single-steer truck criteria:
- Have a GVM of 15 tonne or greater
- Comply with the requirements of ADR 80/04 (Australia’s Euro VI emissions equivalent)
- Be fitted with steer tyres with section widths of at least 315mm
- Have a front underrun protection device that complies with UN ECE Regulation No. 93 or ADR 84/04
- Have a cabin that complies with UN ECE Regulation No. 29
- Have appropriately rated tyres, axle and suspension for a seven-tonne load on the steer axle
Twin-steer truck criteria:
- Comply with the requirements of ADR 80/04 (Australia’s Euro VI emissions equivalent)
- Be fitted with tyres with section widths of at least 275mm
- Have a load-sharing suspension system for the axle group
- Have appropriately rated tyres, axles and suspension for a 11.5-tonne load on the axle group
The amendments are set to commence from 1 November 2024, in alignment with the ‘new models’ date of ADR 80/04.
