Operation of Heavy Tow Trucks in South Australia · Types of tow trucks There are four types of tow...
Transcript of Operation of Heavy Tow Trucks in South Australia · Types of tow trucks There are four types of tow...
Operation of Heavy Tow Trucks
in South Australia
POLICY MR1567 06/2015
This policy document outlines the various means of
towing heavy vehicles in South Australia and details
the types of towing operations allowed, mass and
dimension limits, and operating requirements and
responsibilities.
Policy Objective
The objective is the safe, efficient and timely removal
of damaged or disabled heavy vehicles from roads to
minimise traffic disruption and congestion. It is also to
assist in the transfer of vehicles between premises.
The aim is to provide industry with greater efficiency
by streamlining the access decision and moving
heavy tow trucks from a permit based scheme to a
South Australian notice as an initial step towards
nationwide consistency. In order to minimise the
number of notices, all towing operations will be
covered under the one notice.
To facilitate this objective, increased mass and
dimensions are provided for towing different types of
heavy vehicles. The following are important
requirements in meeting the objective:
To ensure road safety and to protect road
infrastructure, vehicles that are to be towed
(where safe and practical) must be reduced in
size and weight to allow them to be readily
moved. Where possible, they must be unloaded
or trailers disconnected.
For safety reasons, at no time are a vehicle
manufacturer’s ratings to be exceeded. This
includes a vehicle’s axle, suspension and tyre
ratings, Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) and Gross
Combination Mass (GCM).
Premises to premises towing is only permitted for
transporting a single, unladen vehicle between
premises/depots.
Designers of heavy tow trucks should continually
seek to minimise the tare mass of tow trucks to
reduce the impact on road infrastructure. The
design must also ensure that laden tow trucks
have sufficient mass on the steer axle to maintain
safe steering.
Types of towing operations
There are three types of towing operations:
Towing between premises/depots– this includes
all other towing such as the transport of unladen
vehicles between a transport depot and a
workshop.
Accident towing – is the removal of a heavy
vehicle that has been damaged as a result of an
accident and cannot be safely driven on its own
from the crash site, or cannot be driven on a road
without compromising the safety of other road
users.
Disabled vehicle towing – is the removal from a
road or road related area of a broken down
vehicle due to a mechanical or system failure.
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Types of tow trucks
There are four types of tow trucks:
Hook tow truck – has a cable and hook mechanism to
lift and tow vehicles.
Underlift tow truck – has a rigid arm that extends
under disabled vehicles and lifts one axle or axle-
group off the road surface for towing.
The ‘Light Duty’ hook or underlift tow trucks may
operate with mass limits and conditions for operators
who do not require higher masses or increased
dimensions, with a GCM rating of 70t or less.
The ‘Heavy Duty’ hook or underlift tow trucks may
operate sufficient capacity to tow heavier
combinations such as B-Doubles.
Tilt deck truck – a rigid truck where the deck can
hydraulically tilt to enable a disabled vehicle to be
winched on to its deck.
A Tilt-tray tow truck may operate with an increased
laden height limit.
Low-loader or Drop-deck semi-trailer –a prime mover
and semi-trailer combination where the semi-trailer
has a low deck and loading ramps or a tilt deck for
winching a disabled vehicle on to its deck.
A Low-loader or drop-deck semi-trailer tow truck may
operate with increased laden mass, height and length
limits.
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1. ‘Light Duty’ hook and underlift tow truck
Unladen travel
‘Light Duty’ hook and underlift tow trucks operating under a Class 3 permit or notice can be up to the following
mass and dimension limits:
Unladen ‘Light Duty’ tow truck with a hook or underlift towing mechanism
Axle Mass (t) Dimensions (m)
Single steer axle 7.0 t Width 2.5m
Twin-steer load sharing axle group 11.0 t Height 4.3m
Tandem axle group (with 8 tyres) 16.5 t Overall Length 12.5m
*Mass limits in this table do not over-ride manufacturer’s ratings (e.g. axles, suspension, tyres or components).
Laden Travel
Towing between premises / depots
‘Light Duty’ hook and underlift tow trucks operating under a Class 3 permit or notice can undertake towing
between premises and depots on the South Australian road network up to the following mass and dimension
limits when laden:
Laden ‘Light Duty’ tow truck with a hook or underlift towing mechanism
Axle Mass (t) Dimensions (m)
Single steer axle 7.0t Width (to provide for distorted/ damaged vehicle)
3.0m
Twin-steer load sharing axle group 11.0t Height (B-Double routes only) 4.6m
Tandem axle group (with 8 tyres) 18.5t Overall length (including tow truck and towed vehicle)
26.0m
Overall length for towing buses (including tow truck and towed articulated or Controlled Access bus)
32.0m
*Mass limits in this table do not over-ride manufacturer’s ratings (e.g. axles, suspension, tyres or components).
Towing between premises and depots is limited to the towing of single vehicles only. With the exception of
articulated buses, the towing of articulated combinations between premises and depots in not permitted.
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Accident and disabled vehicle towing
‘Light Duty’ hook and underlift tow trucks operating under a Class 3 permit or notice can undertake accident and
disabled vehicle towing on the South Australian road network subject to travel requirements and conditions, up
to the following mass and dimension limits when laden:
Laden ‘Light Duty’ tow truck with a hook or underlift towing mechanism
Axle Mass (t) Dimensions (m)
Single steer axle 7.0t Width (to provide for distorted/ damaged vehicle)
3.0m
Twin-steer load sharing axle group 11.0t Height (B-Double routes only) 4.6m
Tandem axle group (with 8 tyres) General towing 18.5t Overall length (including tow truck and towed vehicle)
26.0m (general towing)
Tandem axle group (with 8 tyres) ^Emergency towing
21.0t
Overall length for towing buses (tow truck and towed articulated or Controlled Access bus)
32.0m (general towing)
35.0 metres overall length (tow truck and towed combination)
35.0m (Emergency
towing)
*Mass limits in this table do not over-ride manufacturer’s ratings (e.g. axles, suspension, tyres or components).
^Emergency towing is for travel only to clear an accident site or remove a disabled vehicle blocking a road or road related area.
When either the mass or dimension exceeds the general towing limit of:
a. 18.5 tonnes on the tandem axle group; or
b. 26.0 metres overall length (except when towing an articulated or Controlled Access bus):
travel is restricted to the minimum distance required to clear an accident site or remove a disabled vehicle
from a road or road related area that is blocking a carriageway only;
the disabled vehicle must be towed to the first suitable and safe location, or, when operating outside of the
Adelaide Metropolitan Area, to a suitable and safe location within a maximum of 100km from the recovery
site, for breaking-up/unloading in order to comply with general access limits of 18.5 tonnes for a tandem axle
group, 21.0 tonnes for a tri-axle and 26.0 metres overall combination length.
‘Light Duty’ hook and underlift tow truck specific conditions:
The following operating conditions apply when towing using a ‘Light Duty’ hook or underlift tow truck:
Towing to suitable and safe location
When the tow truck and towed vehicle combination exceeds 3.0 metres wide or 26.0 metres overall length
(except when towing an articulated or Controlled Access bus), travel is only permitted to the first suitable and
safe location off the carriageway for breaking down the combination.
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2. ‘Heavy Duty’ hook and underlift tow truck
Unladen travel
‘Heavy Duty’ hook and underlift tow trucks operating under a Class 3 permit or notice can be up to the following
mass and dimension limits:
Unladen ‘Heavy Duty’ tow truck with a hook or underlift towing mechanism
Axle Mass (t) Dimensions (m)
Single steer axle 7.0t Width 2.5m
Twin-steer load sharing axle group 11.0t Height 4.3m
Tandem axle group (with 8 tyres) 16.5t Length (tow truck and lift equipment) 12.5m
Tri-axle group (with 12 tyres) 20.0t
*Mass limits in this table do not over-ride manufacturer’s ratings (e.g. axles, suspension, tyres or components).
Laden travel
Towing between premises/depots
‘Heavy Duty’ hook and underlift tow trucks operating under a Class 3 permit or notice can undertake towing
between premises and depots on the South Australian road network up to the following mass and dimension
limits when laden:
Laden ‘Heavy Duty’ tow truck with a hook or underlift towing device
Axle Mass (t) Dimensions (m)
Single steer axle 7.0t Width (to provide for distorted/ damaged vehicle)
3.0m
Twin-steer load sharing axle group 11.0t Height (B-Double routes only) 4.6m
Tandem axle group (with 8 tyres) 18.5t Overall length (tow truck and towed vehicle)
26.0m
Tri-axle group (with 12 tyres)
Tri-axle group (with 12 tyres & operating under HML requirements)
21.0t
22.5t
Overall length for towing buses (tow truck and towed articulated or Controlled Access bus)
32.0m
*Mass limits in this table do not over-ride manufacturer’s ratings (e.g. axles, suspension, tyres or components).
Towing between premises and depots is limited to the towing of single vehicles only. With the exception of
articulated buses, the towing of articulated combinations between premises and depots in not permitted.
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Accident and disabled vehicle towing
‘Heavy Duty’ hook and underlift tow trucks operating under a Class 3 permit or notice can undertake towing of
accident and disabled vehicles on the South Australian road network subject to travel requirements and
operating conditions, up to the following mass and dimensions limits:
Laden ‘Heavy Duty’ tow truck with a hook or underlift towing device
Axle Mass (t) Dimensions (m)
Single steer axle 7.0t Width (to provide for distorted/ damaged vehicle)
3.0m
Twin-steer load sharing axle group 11.0t Height (B-Double routes only) 4.6m
Tandem axle group (with 8 tyres) General towing 18.5t Overall length (tow truck and towed vehicle combination)
26.0m
Tandem axle group (with 8 tyres) Emergency towing
21.0t Overall length for towing buses (tow truck and towed articulated or Controlled Access bus)
32.0m
Tri-axle group (with 12 tyres) General towing
Tri-axle group (with 12 tyres & operating under HML requirements)
21.0t
22.5t
Overall length (tow truck and towed vehicle combination) Emergency towing
39.0m
Tri-axle group (with 12 tyres) Emergency towing 24.5t
*Mass limits in this table do not over-ride manufacturer’s ratings (e.g. axles, suspension, tyres or components).
When either the mass or dimension exceeds the general towing limit of:
a. 18.5 tonnes on the tandem axle group; or
b. 21.0 tonnes on the tri-axle group; or
c. 22.5t on a tri-axle group operating under Higher Mass Limits (HML) requirements; or
d. 26.0 metres overall length (except when towing an articulated or Controlled Access bus):
travel is restricted to clear an accident site or remove an incapacitated vehicle from a road or road related
area that is blocking a carriageway only;
the disabled vehicle must be towed to the first suitable and safe location, or, when operating outside of the
Adelaide Metropolitan Area, to a suitable and safe location within a maximum of 100km from the recovery
site, for breaking-up/unloading in order to comply with general access limits of 18.5 tonnes for a tandem axle
group, 21.0 tonnes GML or 22.5 tonnes HML for a tri-axle and 26.0 metres overall combination length.
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‘Heavy Duty’ hook and underlift tow truck specific conditions:
The following operating conditions apply when towing
using a ‘Heavy Duty’ hook or underlift tow truck:
On-board weighing devices
To prevent damage and stresses to road pavements,
culverts and bridges occurring, ‘Heavy Duty’ hook
and underlift tow trucks operating under permit must
have a functioning on-board weighing device installed
by 1 January 2016. It must measure the mass on the
rear axle group of the tow truck and readily display
the measured mass for the tow truck driver, an
Authorised Officer or Police Officer to view.
Rotator Crane Boom
When towing a disabled vehicle with the underlift, the
rotator crane boom may be positioned pointing
forward (directly towards the cab of the tow truck),
providing it does not exceed the maximum height of
4.6 metres.
When travelling unladen, the rotator crane boom may
be positioned pointing rearwards (directly towards the
rear of the tow truck), providing it does not exceed
the maximum height of 4.3 metres.
General conditions for tow trucks operating
under a ‘Light Duty’ or ‘Heavy Duty’ hook
and underlift tow truck
Towing to suitable and safe location
Travel is only valid for the purpose of towing a
disabled vehicle/combination from the scene of
accident or disabled vehicle to a suitable and safe
location (refer to explanatory notes for further
information).
Travel time restrictions
With the exception of emergency towing to clear a
disabled vehicle from a roadway to the first suitable
and safe location, where the towed vehicle
combination exceeds 2.5 metres wide or 25.0 metres
long, travel in the Adelaide Metropolitan Area is
prohibited between the hours of 7:00am - 9:00am,
and 4:00pm - 6:00pm.
Towed vehicle
The maximum axle and axle group mass of the towed
vehicle should not exceed:
Single steer axle 6.5t
Twin-steer load sharing axle group 11.0t
Single drive axle 9.0t
Tandem axle group with 6 tyres 14.0t
Tandem axle group with 8 tyres 17.0t
Tri-axle group with 6 wide profile tyres or 12 tyres
20.0t
Tri-axle group with 12 tyres and Road Friendly Suspension
22.5t
*Mass limits in this table do not over-ride manufacturer’s ratings (e.g. axles, suspension, tyres or components).
Unladen underlift tow trucks
Unladen hook and underlift tow trucks can have
increased mass on the steer axle of up to 7.0 tonnes.
This assists in maintaining steer tyre friction when
towing a vehicle. From 1 January 2016, to be eligible
for 7.0 tonnes on the steer axle, heavy tow truck
registered for the first time in South Australia must
comply with conditions of operation applicable to the
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nationally agreed 6.5 tonnes steer axle mass
exception.
Flat towing / partial lifting
To minimise axle loadings and the resulting stress on
bridges, flat towing or only partial lifting of the towing
vehicle’s steering axle should occur whenever
possible and when it is safe to do so.
Towing damaged or disabled vehicles
Where a tow truck tows a damaged or disabled
vehicle that is operating under a valid notice or
permit, then the damaged or disabled vehicle may
only be towed along relevant routes authorised for
use in the notice or permit.
Lights/Light-board on towed vehicles
A towed heavy vehicle combination behind a rigid tow
truck with a hook or underlift mechanism must have a
light-board that:
can be securely placed on the rear of the towed
vehicle and connected electrically or wirelessly to
the tow truck; and
includes lights and reflector lamps that would, if
attached to the rear of the tow truck, meet the
standards that apply to a tow truck;
includes tail lights, brake lights, direction indicator
lights and rear reflectors.
Where a towed vehicle has side marker lights and is
being towed at night or in low visibility, they must be
lit or, alternatively, portable side marker lights must
be fitted.
3. Tilt tray tow truck
Tilt tray tow trucks can undertake accident or
disabled vehicle and premises to premises towing
throughout the South Australian road network.
Provided the vehicle has a tandem rear axle group
and a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) rating of at least
23.0 tonnes, it can operate up to the following mass
and dimension limits:
Axle Mass Dimensions
Single steer axle 6.0t^ Width (to provide for
distorted/ damaged
vehicle)
3.0m
Twin-steer load
sharing axle
group
11.0t Height
(B-Double routes
only)
4.6m
Tandem drive
axle group (with
8 tyres)
16.5t Length
(General Access)
12.5m
Tandem drive
axle group (with
8 tyres) with
Road Friendly
Suspension
17.0t Height
(if operating in
accordance with
Code of Practice for
Transport of
Indivisible Items in
South Australia)
4.9m
*Mass limits in this table do not over-ride manufacturer’s ratings (e.g. axles, suspension, tyres or components).
^The steer axle mass exception may apply to some vehicles.
Where the loaded height exceeds 4.6 metres on a B-
Double route or 4.3 metres on a General Freight
route but does not exceed 4.9 metres – refer to the
DPTI Code of Practice for the Transport of Indivisible
Items in South Australia.
Operators should be aware that some parts of the
road network, such as bridges, overhead services
and wires, roadside furniture (such as traffic lights,
signs, etc) and vegetation, may not provide adequate
clearance for a vehicle and load travelling at a height
above normal limits.
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4. Low-Loader or Drop-Deck tow truck
Low-Loader or Drop-Deck semi-trailers can
undertake accident, disabled vehicle and premise to
premise towing throughout the South Australian road
network up to the following mass and dimension
limits:
Axle Mass Dimensions
Single steer
axle
6.0t Width (to provide for
distorted/ damaged
vehicle)
3.0m
Twin-steer
load sharing
axle group
11.0t Height (B-Double
routes only)
4.6m
Tandem
axle group
(with 8
tyres)
18.5t Length 19.0m
Tri-axle
group (with
12 tyres)
25.0t Height (if operating
in accordance with
Code of Practice for
Transport of
Indivisible Items in
South Australia)
4.9m
*Mass limits in this table do not over-ride manufacturer’s ratings for suspension, tyres or components.
Where the loaded height exceeds 4.6 metres on a B-
Double route or 4.3 metres on a General Freight
route but does not exceed 4.9 metres – refer to the
DPTI Code of Practice for the Transport of Indivisible
Items in South Australia.
Where the length exceeds 19.0 metres – refer to the
appropriate Low-Loader Gazette and Code of
Practice.
If operating in accordance with a Low-Loader Gazette
Notice and Code of Practice, all conditions and
requirements of that notice must be complied with
and a permit is not required.
Operating conditions that apply to all tow truck operations
Stated areas or routes
When the South Australian notice is made, it will
initially include access to the state managed 26m B-
double network and will be expanded as consent is
obtained from Councils for B-double routes under
their care and control.
In the interim, operators can apply to DPTI for a
permit to operate Heavy Tow Trucks under the new
policy which will provide access to the state managed
26m B-Double network and Council B-double roads
where consent has been granted.
Bridge restrictions will be specified in the individual
permit for each Heavy Tow Truck. Travel is not
permitted on a prohibited bridge or structure identified
in the bridge restrictions included in a tow truck
permit.
Specific Operating Conditions
Minimum steer axle mass
To maintain adequate steering when towing, the tow
truck must be designed to the applicable Australian
Design Rules and Vehicle Standards Bulletin 6 -
Heavy vehicle modifications - Section T - Tow Trucks
(refer to explanatory notes for further information).
Warning devices
Requirements for warning devices such as
delineators, flags and signs and when they are
required to be used are as specified in the permit or
notice .
Thin load projections
Where any load or projection protrudes more than
150mm from the side of a vehicle and is less than
500mm thick, a yellow rigid retro- reflective delineator
complying with Class 1 or 2 of AS1906, at least
300mm x 300mm must be attached to the front and
rear of the projection.
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Laden night travel
When travelling laden at night (between sunset and
sunrise):
Side marker lights must be fitted and operating at
least 2.0 metre intervals along any part of a load
projecting from a vehicle.
A yellow rotating warning light is to be displayed
on the tow truck and at the rear of a vehicle
combination that is wider than 2.5 metres or
longer than 22.0 metres.
A pilot vehicle must accompany the combination
if the towed truck and towed vehicle combination
exceeds 2.5 metres wide or 25.0 metres long.
Warning lights when switched on, must:
emit a rotating, flashing, yellow coloured light.
flash between 120 and 200 times a minute and
have a power of at least
o if LED technology is used – 25 watts; or
o if another technology is used – 55 watts;
and
not be strobe light.
A warning light must be clearly visible at a distance of
500 metres in all directions. If one warning light is not
clearly visible from all directions, additional warning
lights must be used (usually at the rearmost part of
the vehicle combination) to ensure that at least one of
the lights is always clearly visible from a distance of
500 metres.
No travelling if low visibility
Other than emergency towing to clear an accident
site or move a disabled vehicle blocking a
carriageway to the first suitable and safe location, no
further laden travel is permitted during periods of low
visibility (refer to explanatory notes for further
information).
Pilot vehicles
When the towed vehicle combination exceeds 2.5
metres wide or 25.0 metres long and travelling at
night, the combination must be accompanied by a
pilot vehicle operating in accordance with the DPTI
Escorting Guidelines for Oversize and Overmass
Vehicles and Loads.
Accident Towing Roster
When removing an accident damaged vehicle in the
greater metropolitan area of Adelaide (the “declared
area”) as per the Motor Vehicles Act 1959 in which
the Accident Towing Roster Scheme is in operation,
removal can only be undertaken if the owner of the
tow truck holds a position on the heavy vehicle
accident towing roster and the tow truck driver holds
a current tow truck certificate.
Rail crossing restrictions
Unless specific approval has been granted by the rail
owner, the maximum length of the tow truck and
towed heavy vehicle combination must not exceed
the maximum vehicle length approved for the route
network on which the rail crossing occurs.
General towing
Road-Train, B-Double, PBS L2 or L3 routes:
Max length 26.0m
General Access or PBS L1 routes:
Max length 20.0m
Emergency towing:
Double Road-Train, PBS L3A routes:
Max length 36.5m
B-Double, PBS L2A routes:
Max length 26.0m
General Access or PBS L1 routes:
Max length 20.0m
To request specific approval to exceed these limits,
contact the relevant rail owner.
Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC)
– 08 8217 4313 (Fax 08 8217 4277)
Genesee & Wyoming Australia / Australia
Southern Railroad
– 08 8343 7654 (Fax 08 8343 7780)
Steam Ranger Preservation Society
– 0417 818 218 (Fax 08 8297 0992)
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Pitchi Richie Railway Preservation Society
– 0428 581 110
Public Transport Services (Trams & Metro Trains)
– 08 8218 4001 (Fax 08 8297 0992)
Carrying documents
The driver of a heavy tow truck must keep a copy of
the permit or notice in accordance with the Heavy
Vehicle National Law s133(1) and produce it in
accordance with the Heavy Vehicle National Law
s568(2).
Explanatory Notes
Initial inspection and weigh
Inspection and weight requirements remain
unchanged.
General bridge restrictions
A tow truck can travel on the South Australian road
network provided it does not cross any mass
restricted bridge where the vehicle or combination
exceeds the posted mass limit.
When towing vehicles, as far as possible travel
should be restricted to the Higher Mass Limits road
network, where the bridges are generally of a higher
capacity. Conditions may apply to travel over any
bridge not on the Higher Mass Limits road network
due to infrastructure and safety considerations. .
When following any other heavy or oversize vehicle,
maintain a distance of 200 metres from that vehicle,
where it is practical to do so.
Towing to suitable and safe location
When the mass of the rear axle group of the tow truck
exceeds 18.5 tonnes for a tandem axle group, 21.0
tonnes for a tri-axle group (non road-friendly-
suspension (RFS)) or 22.5 tonnes HML (with RFS),
travel must only be to clear an accident site or
remove a disabled vehicle blocking a carriageway.
The vehicle may only be towed to the first suitable
and safe location or, when operating outside of the
Adelaide Metropolitan Area, travel is permitted to a
suitable and safe location within a maximum of
100km from the recovery site.
Similarly, when the overall length of the tow truck and
towed vehicle (other than an articulated or Controlled
Access bus) exceeds 26.0 metres, travel must only
be to clear an accident site or remove a disabled
vehicle blocking a carriageway. The vehicle may only
be towed to the first suitable and safe location or,
when operating outside of the Adelaide Metropolitan
Area, travel is permitted to a suitable and safe
location within a maximum of 100km from the
recovery site.
After towing to the suitable and safe location,
adjusting the vehicle combination may include
disconnecting trailers from the vehicle or removing
the load. This includes disconnecting trailers that do
not have quick-release systems. It also includes
using appropriate equipment, which may include
portable landing legs or a mobile crane to support
trailers without fixed landing legs.
The first suitable and safe location for breaking up the
combination where the sections of towed vehicles
can be readily disconnected and each section towed
separately means a location where the operator
reasonably believes the disabled heavy vehicle will
pose a reduced risk or no appreciable risk of harm to
public safety, the environment, road infrastructure or
public amenity.
Examples of a suitable and safe location can include,
but is not limited to:
a road or road related area with little traffic; or
an off-road rest area; or
a depot; or
a weighbridge; or
a town.
When breaking up or unloading at the side of the
road or road related area the operator and driver of
the towed vehicle combination are responsible for
ensuring all relevant Dangerous Goods and WH&S
legislative requirements, and also the placement of
triangles required by Rule 227 of the National Road
Rules, are met.
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Where the towed vehicle is transporting Dangerous
Goods, any ‘Recovery Plan’ requirements relating to
the Dangerous Goods vehicle must be complied with
but do not over-ride or take precedence to the
requirements or limitations of this document.
The fact that costs will be incurred to disconnect a
trailer, unload a vehicle, or provide security for the
vehicle and any load are not reasons to deem a place
unsuitable for the breaking down of the combination
into its component vehicles.
Minimum steer axle mass
To maintain adequate steering when towing, the tow
truck must be:
designed to the applicable Australian Design
Rules and Vehicle Standards Bulletin 6 - Heavy
vehicle modifications - Section T - Tow Trucks;
and
capable of being safely controlled when towing,
with the minimum steer axle mass of the tow
truck sufficient to maintain safe and adequate
steering in all prevailing road, traffic and weather
conditions.
Single steer axle mass above 6.0 tonnes
South Australia has adopted the nationally agreed
requirements for trucks with a single steer axle mass
above 6.0 tonnes as per the Heavy Vehicle (Mass,
Dimension and Loading) National Regulation,
Schedule 3 “Steer axle mass exception limits”
outlines the following requirements:
an engine complying with the emission control
requirements contained in ADR 80/01 (Euro IV
engine) or a later version of ADR 80;
a front underrun protection device that complies
with UN ECE Regulation No 93 or ADR 84–Front
Underrun Impact Protection;
a cabin that complies with UN ECE Regulation
No 29;.
appropriately rated tyres, axle and suspension to
permit 6.5t on the steer axle;
a GVM of 15t or more.
No travelling if low visibility
A period of low visibility exists if, due to
circumstances such as fog, heavy rain, smoke, dust
or insect plague, visibility is less than 250 metres in
the daytime or the headlights of a vehicle
approaching within 250 metres cannot be seen at
night.
If a laden tow truck is already travelling when visibility
is reduced to the level described above, the driver
must drive it to the first suitable and safe place and
wait until visibility improves beyond the above levels
before continuing to travel.