Land Transport Rule
Heavy-vehicle Brakes 2006
Rule 32015
Contents
- 1.1 Title
- 1.2 Scope of the Rule
- 1.3 Date when Rule comes into force
- 1.4 Application of Rule provisions
Section 2 General safety requirements and approved vehicle standards
- 2.1 Application of requirements
- 2.2 General safety requirements
- 2.3 Requirements for different types of brake
- 2.4 Brake-testing requirements
- 2.5 Approved vehicle standards for brakes
- 2.6 Approved standards for brake hoses and tubing
- 3.1 Application of requirements
- 3.2 Use of compressed air
- 3.3 Compressor capacity
- 3.4 Pressure warning devices
- 3.5 Pressure gauges
- 3.6 Reservoir capacity
- 3.7 Priority and protection of air brakes
Section 5 Auxiliary brakes and controls
- 5.1 Retarders and engine brakes
- 5.2 Additional brake control devices
- 5.3 Devices to keep a vehicle stationary for a limited time
Section 7 Additional requirements for vehicles used in combination with other heavy motor vehicles
- 7.1 Additional requirements for towing vehicles
- 7.2 Additional requirements for trailers
- 7.3 Requirements for the connection of the air brake of vehicles in a combination vehicle
- 7.4 Requirements for anti-lock brake systems (ABS)
- 7.5 Specific performance requirements for vehicles manufactured or modified in New Zealand
Section 9 Repair and replacement parts
- 10.1 Responsibilities of operators
- 10.2 Responsibilities of repairers
- 10.3 Responsibilities of modifiers
- 10.4 Responsibilities of vehicle inspectors and inspecting organisations
- 10.5 Responsibilities of manufacturers and retailers
- 10.6 Functions and powers of the Director
- Schedule 1 Interim Performance Specification for Heavy Vehicle Braking
- Schedule 2 Heavy Vehicle Braking Specification of 6 December 1988
- Schedule 3 Heavy Vehicle Brake Code, First Edition 1991
- Schedule 4 Heavy Vehicle Brake Code, Second Edition
- Schedule 5 New Zealand Heavy-vehicle Brake Specification
Objective of the Rule
Land Transport Rule: Heavy-vehicle Brakes 2006 is one of a series of Rules that sets safety requirements and standards for systems and components in vehicles operating in New Zealand.
This Rule addresses heavy-vehicle braking, which is one of the most important vehicle safety issues for New Zealand road users. It applies to vehicles with a gross vehicle mass of more than 3500 kilograms. Within this broad category, most heavy vehicles belong within the classification system in Table A of the Rule (for example, heavy trucks are Class NB or Class NC). The Rule includes special provisions for vehicles not in Table A such as tractors, and for vehicles used in heavy-haulage operations. The Rule does not apply to armoured vehicles that are used exclusively as equipment of the New Zealand Defence Force.
It sets out requirements to ensure that heavy vehicles and heavy-vehicle combinations can brake safely, with balanced brake performance, at any road-legal load condition.
The Rule responds to safety risks identified in the Parliamentary Report of the Transport Committee on the Inquiry into Truck Crashes 1996, which found that heavy vehicles were over-represented in New Zealand road trauma statistics. Subsequent analysis of police-reported crashes involving heavy vehicles, for the six-year period from 1997 to 2002, showed that brakes were the single most important vehicle factor in these crashes. The Rule also responds to the results obtained in heavy-vehicle brake surveys in 1998 and 2005. In the context of an average annual social cost of all road crashes (at June 2002 prices) of $3.1 billion (excluding property damage only crashes) the social costs associated with heavy-vehicle brake problems are of the order of $70 million a year (about 2.3%).
The Rule contributes to the New Zealand Transport Strategy (NZTS) initiative to assist safety and personal security. It also links with other Rules such as Land Transport Rule: Heavy Vehicles 2004; Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2003 and Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Dimensions and Mass 2002.
Specific requirements are contained in the Rule for vehicles modified in a way that may affect their brakes or the performance of their brakes. These requirements are carried over from, and replace, Policy Statement 3 of the Ministry of Transport dated 26 February 1988. The requirements have been reviewed and there has been some relaxation to provide more flexibility to operators, without compromising safety.
Approved vehicle standards for braking are ‘incorporated by reference’ in the Rule in accordance with section 165 of the Land Transport Act 1998, so that they are, effectively, part of the Rule.
Five schedules that set out technical specifications that applied to vehicles that were brake-certified at various times since 1998 are contained in the Rule. The Interim Performance Specification for Heavy Vehicle Braking was intended to provide sufficient time for the development of detailed performance requirements for heavy-vehicle brakes, which were then detailed in the Heavy Vehicle Brake Code (the Brake Code). These specifications applied only to vehicle combinations between 39 and 44 tonnes. The Brake Code was based on the European standard UN/ECE 13, and was effective from 1 July 1991 and revised in 1997.
The Rule allows vehicles that were certified for compliance with the Interim Specification or Brake Code to continue to comply with these if they, or their brakes, are unmodified. However, modified vehicles and vehicles certified after a date specified in the Rule will need to be certified according to the requirements set out in Schedule 5, the New Zealand Heavy-vehicle Brake Specification. The application of these requirements is now extended to all heavy vehicles.
The Rule identifies those brake requirements that must be certified for compliance by a Heavy Vehicle Specialist Certifier working under Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Standards Compliance 2002.
The Rule states who is responsible for ensuring compliance with its requirements: operators, repairers, modifiers, vehicle inspectors and inspecting organisations, manufacturers and retailers. This links the Rule to provisions of the Land Transport (Offences and Penalties) Regulations 1999.
Consistency has been ensured with New Zealand’s international obligations relating to vehicle safety under the 1958 and 1998 United Nations Agreements, to which this country acceded in 2002. The Rule is also consistent with the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Agreement and incorporates Australian standards. Economic evaluation and regulatory impact analyses have been carried out.
Extent of consultation
Consultation on this Rule began in June 2004 when the former Land Transport Safety Authority released the yellow (public consultation) draft. Approximately 500 copies of the yellow draft were sent to industry and other groups and individuals who had registered their interest in the Rule. The availability of the draft Rule was publicised in metropolitan and regional daily newspapers, Te Maori News and the New Zealand Gazette. The draft Rule was also made available on the Land Transport Safety Authority’s internet website. Copies of the draft Rule were sent to libraries and transport organisations overseas.
The Land Transport Safety Authority received 49 submissions on the yellow draft. Issues raised in these submissions were followed up by meeting individually and in groups with the concerned industry representatives. The Land Transport Safety Authority’s successor, Land Transport New Zealand, took the submissions into account in redrafting the Rule before it was submitted to Cabinet and to the Minister for Transport Safety for signature.
Part 1 Rule requirements
Section 1 Application
1.1 Title
This Rule is Land Transport Rule: Heavy-vehicle Brakes 2006.
1.2 Scope of the Rule
1.2(1) This Rule applies to heavy motor vehicles.
1.2(2) This Rule does not apply to an armoured vehicle that is used exclusively as equipment of the New Zealand Defence Force.
1.2(3) This Rule specifies requirements:
- (a) with which a vehicle must comply so as to be operated on a road; and
- (b) that are, for the purposes of Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Standards Compliance 2002, the applicable requirements for braking equipment on heavy motor vehicles.
1.2(4) The applicable provisions in this Rule, for the purposes of specialist inspection and certification of heavy-vehicle brakes under Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Standards Compliance 2002, are in 6.1(2)(a), 7.1(3)(a) and (b), 7.2(3), 7.4(2)(b), 7.5 and section 8.
1.3 Date when Rule comes into force
This Rule comes into force on 1 March 2007.
1.4 Application of Rule provisions
1.4(1) If there is a conflict between a provision of this Rule and the corresponding provision of a document incorporated by reference in the Rule, the provision of this Rule applies.
1.4(2) If there is a conflict between a provision of this Rule and a provision of Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Standards Compliance 2002, the provision of Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Standards Compliance 2002 applies.
Section 2 General safety requirements and approved vehicle standards
2.1 Application of requirements
2.1(1) A brake fitted to a vehicle must comply:
- (a) with 2.2; and
- (b) as applicable, with other requirements in this Rule.
2.2 General safety requirements
2.2(1) A vehicle, other than one in 2.2(2), must have a service brake, a parking brake and an emergency brake, except a semi-trailer first registered before 1 November 1990 that must have a service brake only.
2.2(2) The following vehicles do not have to comply with 2.2(1):
- (a) a vehicle propelled by steam power;
- (b) a vehicle (including a crane and an excavator) fitted with self-laying tracks;
- (c) a traction engine;
- (d) a mechanically propelled roller;
- (e) a tractor or machine used solely in farm or roading operations whether for traction or otherwise, and not capable of a speed exceeding 30 km/h, together with any trailer used on the road only while drawn by that tractor or machine;
- (f) a vehicle normally propelled by mechanical power while it is being temporarily towed without the use of its own power;
- (g) an agricultural trailer.
2.2(3) Vehicles in 2.2(2)(a) to (e) must have a means by which the driver of the vehicle can control its movement and can stop and hold the vehicle stationary under all conditions of use.
- (a) be easily adjustable to compensate for wear or have a means of automatic adjustment; and
- (b) maintained in good condition and efficient working order; and
- (c) enable the vehicle to comply with the requirements in 2.2(5), 2.2(8), 2.3(3), 2.3(5) to 2.3(7),
2.3(11) to 2.3(13) and 2.3(17), when the brake is applied by the driver:
- (i) on a hard dry surface that is free of loose material, and that is level except when the parking brake is applied on a slope; and
- (ii) without assistance from the compression of the vehicle’s engine or other auxiliary braking device in section 5 that is not part of the vehicle’s service brake.
2.2(5) A brake that simultaneously applies braking pressure on two wheels with a common axis must be adjusted or fitted so that the braking effect is approximately the same on both wheels when the brake is applied by the driver, except if the braking effect is modulated by a control device to prevent the wheels locking or to improve stability.
2.2(6) A brake must be maintained within safe tolerance of its state when manufactured, having regard to the vehicle manufacturer’s or brake manufacturer’s specification.
2.2(7) The friction materials of a brake must be:
- (a) secure; and
- (b) in good condition; and
- (c) free of defects that could noticeably and adversely affect the performance of the brake.
2.2(8) When a vehicle’s brake is applied on a hard, dry, level surface that is free of loose material, and without assistance from the compression of the vehicle’s engine or other auxiliary braking device in section 5 that is not part of the vehicle’s service brake:
- (a) the vehicle or its controls must not vibrate so as to noticeably and adversely affect the control of the vehicle; and
- (b) the braking effect on each braked wheel of the vehicle must provide stable and efficient braking without adverse effect on the directional control of the vehicle; and
- (c) if the vehicle is equipped with an anti-lock braking system, the vehicle’s rotationally-sensed wheels must not lock, when the speed of the vehicle is above the ABS-activation parameters set by the vehicle manufacturer.
2.2(9) Except as provided in 2.2(10), a warning system that is fitted to a vehicle and is part of, or associated with the use of, a brake component or system must function correctly.
2.2(10) Subclause 2.2(9) does not apply to a brake pad wear-warning system, if the brake pads fitted to the vehicle cannot practically ensure correct functioning of the wear-warning system.
2.3 Requirements for different types of brake
Service brake
2.3(1) The service brake of a vehicle:
- (a) must be able to be applied by the driver from the driver’s normal driving position in a controlled and progressive manner; and
- (b) except for a heavy haulage trailer or a military trailer, must not have any device fitted by which the driver would be able to adjust the brake force distribution between the axles or between the vehicles that are used in a combination vehicle.
2.3(2) The service brake of a vehicle, whether or not it is being operated as a combination vehicle, must have one control only:
- (a) except as specified in 5.2(1); or
- (b) unless the vehicle has been converted to dual steering, in which case the service brake control assembly must be replicated on the other side of the vehicle.
2.3(3) The service brake of a vehicle must, unless 2.3(5), 2.3(6) or 2.3(7) applies, be capable of stopping the vehicle at any load condition up to the gross vehicle mass or gross combination mass, as applicable, either:
- (a) within a distance (s) in metres calculated by the following equation:
where the speed of the vehicle (v) in km/h before the start of braking is at least the lesser of 50 km/h or 80% of the maximum speed of the vehicle; or - (b) within a distance of 7 m from a speed of 30 km/h.
2.3(4) A service brake of Class MD3, MD4, ME, NB, NC, TC and TD vehicles first registered in New Zealand on or after 1 November 1990 must act on each wheel.
2.3(5) A vehicle that was first registered in New Zealand before 1 February 1977 and was manufactured with a service brake acting on two wheels only must be capable of stopping within a distance of 9 m from a speed of 30 km/h.
2.3(6) A vehicle that was manufactured before 31 December 1918 and that is not capable of exceeding a speed of 30 km/h under any condition of use must have a service brake that:
- (a) is capable of stopping the vehicle within a distance of 20 m from a speed of 30 km/h; or
- (b) has a braking efficiency equivalent to that required in 2.3(6)(a).
2.3(7) A forklift must have a service brake that is capable of stopping the vehicle within a distance of:
- (a) 10 m when fully laden, or 9 m when unladen, from a speed of 30 km/h; or
- (b) 6 m when fully laden, or 4 m when unladen, from a speed of 20 km/h, if the forklift has a maximum speed of between 20 km/h and 30 km/h; or
- (c) 6 m when fully laden, or 4 m when unladen, from the vehicle’s maximum speed, if the forklift has a maximum speed of less than 20 km/h.
2.3(8) The stopping distances in 2.3(3), 2.3(5), 2.3(6)(a) and 2.3(7) are to be measured from the point at which movement of the brake control begins to the point at which the vehicle is brought to a complete stop.
Parking brake
2.3(9) The parking brake of a vehicle, whether or not it is being operated as a combination vehicle, must be able to be applied by the driver from the normal driving position using one control only.
2.3(10) The parking brake of a vehicle first registered in New Zealand on or after 1 November 1990 must act on at least 40% of the wheels.
2.3(11) The parking brake of a vehicle, other than a semi-trailer, must, at any load condition up to the gross vehicle mass or gross combination mass, as applicable, be capable of:
- (a) stopping the vehicle within a distance of 18 m from a speed of 30 km/h; or
- (b) holding the vehicle stationary on a slope of 1 in 5 whether facing uphill or downhill.
2.3(12) For a semi-trailer first registered in New Zealand on or after 1 November 1990, the total brake forces generated by the parking brake must be at least 20% of the maximum weight that can be carried on the axle or axle set.
2.3(13) A forklift must have a parking brake that is capable of holding the forklift stationary when:
- (a) fully laden on a slope of 1 in 10; or
- (b) unladen on a slope of 1 in 6.
Emergency brake
2.3(14) The emergency brake of a vehicle may be combined with either:
- (a) the parking brake; or
- (b) the service brake of a powered vehicle, if the vehicle is fitted with a full dual-circuit service brake, and either:
- (c) the service brake of a powered vehicle first registered in New Zealand during the period beginning on 1 November 1990 and ending
on 31 December 1994, if the brake has not been modified since the vehicle was manufactured, the vehicle is fitted with a mechanically-operated
parking brake acting on the transmission and the vehicle has either:
- (i) a dual-line service brake that is fitted with a tandem/dual master cylinder; or
- (ii) a single-line hydraulic service brake that is divided into two independent circuits through an excess flow-prevention valve, and the brake fluid reservoir is fitted with a low-level warning device.
2.3(15) The emergency brake of a trailer must operate immediately and automatically to stop and hold the trailer stationary if it becomes disconnected from the towing vehicle.
2.3(16) The emergency brake of a semi-trailer must, as far as is practicable, act on the wheels that remain in contact with the ground if the semi-trailer becomes disconnected from the towing vehicle during operation.
2.3(17) The emergency brake of a vehicle first registered in New Zealand on or after 1 November 1990 must:
- (a) act on at least 1/3 of the wheels, except as specified in 2.3(14)(b)(i);
- (b) act as directly as practicable on those wheels without the interposition of any differential gearing;
- (c) be capable of:
- (i) stopping the vehicle at any load condition up to the gross vehicle mass or gross combination mass, as applicable, within a distance of 18 m from a speed of 30 km/h; or
- (ii) for a semi-trailer, generating brake forces the sum of which is at least 20% of the maximum weight that can be carried on the axle or axle set.
2.4 Brake-testing requirements
2.4(1) When a brake test is carried out to verify that the vehicle complies with the requirements in 2.3, the test results must verify, either directly or indirectly, that those requirements are complied with.
2.4(2) A brake test in 2.4(1) must be carried out, and the test results evaluated, in accordance with methods and conditions approved by the Director by notice in the Gazette.
2.4(3) In determining whether the requirements in 2.3(3) to 2.3(17) are complied with, a vehicle inspector or inspecting organisation in 10.4 must take into account:
- (a) evidence that the brake is within the vehicle manufacturer’s or brake manufacturer’s operating limits; and
- (b) the result, if available, of a brake test that is undertaken with a device approved under 10.6(1), subject to any condition placed on the use of the device.
2.4(4) The result of a brake test carried out in accordance with 2.4(3)(b) must be accepted as evidence of the brake’s performance.
2.5 Approved vehicle standards for brakes
2.5(1) Subject to 2.5(5), a vehicle or its brake must comply, if required in section 6 or section 7, with the version of an approved vehicle standard that is:
- (a) applicable in the relevant standard-setting jurisdiction to the date of manufacture of the vehicle or its brake equipment, or as specified in the standard; or
- (b) a more recent version of that standard, if the safety performance of the vehicle is not adversely affected.
2.5(2) The approved vehicle standards for brakes are:
- (a) Council Directive of 26 July 1971 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the braking devices of certain categories of motor vehicles and of their trailers (71/320/EEC);
- (b) UN/ECE Regulation No. 13: Uniform provisions concerning the approval of vehicles of categories M, N and O with regard to braking (E/ECE324-E/ECE/TRANS/505/Rev.1/Add.12);
- (c) Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 105: Hydraulic and electric brake systems;
- (d) Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 121: Air brake systems;
- (e) Australian Design Rule 35, Commercial Vehicle Brake Systems;
- (f) Technical Standard for Brake Systems of Trucks and Buses (Japan);
- (g) Technical Standard for Anti-Lock Brake System (Japan);
- (h) Technical Standard for Brake Systems for Trailers (Japan).
2.5(3) An approved vehicle standard in 2.5(2) includes all amendments to that standard.
2.5(4) A vehicle, or its brake, is deemed to comply with an applicable approved vehicle standard, if it:
- (a) complied with that standard when the vehicle was manufactured; and
- (b) is currently within safe tolerance of its state when manufactured.
2.5(5) Despite 2.5(1)(a), a vehicle is not required to comply with an approved vehicle standard in this Rule if:
- (a) the vehicle is manufactured before the phase-in date for the model, or model variant, of the vehicle in the relevant standard-setting jurisdiction or as specified in the standard;
- (b) the model, or model variant, of the vehicle is not required by the vehicle standard itself to fully comply with that standard.
2.5(6) A vehicle that, under 2.5(5), does not have to comply with an approved vehicle standard must comply with the other applicable requirements of this Rule.
2.6 Approved standards for brake hoses and tubing
2.6(1) A hose or other flexible tubing forming part of the compressed air or vacuum lines of a vehicle brake must:
- (a) comply with one or more of the approved vehicle standards in 2.6(2); or
- (b) comply with a more recent version of that standard, if the safety performance of the vehicle is not adversely affected; or
- (c) be of a make or kind approved by the Director for the purpose to which it is applied.
2.6(2) The approved vehicle standards for brake hoses and flexible tubing are:
- (a) SAE J844: Nonmetallic Air Brake System Tubing;
- (b) SAE J1394: Metric Nonmetallic Air Brake System Tubing;
- (c) SAE J1402: Automotive Air Brake Hose and Hose Assemblies;
- (d) SAE J1403: Vacuum Brake Hose (supersedes SAE 40 R3);
- (e) British Standard AU 110: 1965, Specification for rubber hoses and hose assemblies for automotive air pressure brakes systems (withdrawn, revised);
- (f) British Standard AU 109: 1965, Specification for vacuum brake hose (heavy duty) of oil-resistant rubber (withdrawn);
- (g) Japan Industrial Standard D2606-80: Rubber hose for automotive air brake system;
- (h) DIN 74324-1: 1996, Air braking systems – Thermoplastic tubing – Requirements and tests;
- (i) DIN 73378: 1996, Polyamide tubing for motor vehicles;
- (j) Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 106: Brake hoses.
2.6(3) An approved standard in 2.6(2) includes all amendments to that standard.
Section 3 Air brake
3.1 Application of requirements
A vehicle that is fitted with an air brake or a brake that is operated with the assistance of compressed air must comply with the requirements in this section.
3.2 Use of compressed air
A vehicle in 3.1 must be equipped with one or more:
- (a) air compressors or other means of generating compressed air; and
- (b) air reservoirs or other means of storing compressed air; and
- (c) pressure gauges and pressure warning devices.
3.3 Compressor capacity
3.3(1) The compressor of a passenger service vehicle first registered in New Zealand on or after 10 February 1978 must be capable of raising, in not more than 90 seconds, the pressure in the air storage system from the pressure in 3.3(2) to the maximum operational pressure specified by the vehicle manufacturer or brake manufacturer at either:
- (a) the maximum governed speed of the vehicle’s engine; or
- (b) an engine speed determined by a vehicle inspector or inspecting organisation, if the motor is not governed.
3.3(2) For the purposes of 3.3(1), the compressor capacity of the air brake must be measured by starting from the pressure to which the air brake falls from the maximum specified operating pressure as a result of five full service-brake applications made in accordance with 3.6(3).
3.3(3) The compressor of a vehicle, other than a passenger service vehicle, must be capable of raising the pressure in the air storage system to the maximum operating pressure specified by the vehicle manufacturer or brake manufacturer, at a speed specified in 3.3(1)(a) or (b), in not more than:
- (a) 3 minutes, starting from the pressure at which the low-pressure warning device starts to operate, or when the emergency brake operates; and
- (b) 90 seconds, starting from the pressure to which the air brake falls from the maximum operating pressure, specified by the vehicle manufacturer or brake manufacturer, as a result of fully applying and releasing the service brakes five times in accordance with 3.6(3).
3.4 Pressure warning devices
3.4(1) A powered vehicle, other than a passenger service vehicle first registered in New Zealand before 10 February 1978, must be fitted with a device that provides a continuous signal that is clearly visible or audible from the driver’s normal driving position if:
- (a) the pressure in at least one of the brake reservoirs to which pressure gauges must be fitted under 3.5 is below the minimum safe operating pressure specified by the vehicle manufacturer or brake manufacturer; or
- (b) the pressure in at least one of the brake reservoirs to which pressure gauges must be fitted under 3.5 is below 50% of the correctly adjusted cut-out pressure for the compressor-governor, taken as the minimum safe operating pressure if no such pressure is specified by the vehicle manufacturer or brake manufacturer.
3.4(2) The audible signal of the device in 3.4(1) may be rendered inoperative if the parking brake is fully applied or the vehicle is fitted with an automatic transmission and it is in the park position.
3.5 Pressure gauges
3.5(1) A passenger service vehicle first registered in New Zealand on or after 10 February 1978 must be fitted with at least one gauge, readily visible to the driver at all times from the driver’s normal driving position, to indicate to the driver the pressure:
- (a) in the service brake reservoirs if the pressure is above the minimum safe operating pressure in 3.4; and
- (b) in at least one service brake reservoir if the pressure is below the minimum safe operating pressure in 3.4.
3.5(2) The compressed-air reservoir of the service brake of a passenger service vehicle that was first registered in New Zealand before 10 February 1978 must be fitted with:
3.5(3) A powered vehicle, other than a passenger service vehicle, must be fitted with at least one pressure gauge, that is readily visible to the driver at all times from the driver’s normal driving position, to indicate to the driver the pressure:
- (a) in the service brake reservoirs if the pressure is above the minimum safe operating pressure in 3.4; and
- (b) in at least one service brake reservoir if the pressure is below the minimum safe operating pressure in 3.4.
3.5(4) A pressure gauge in 3.5(1) to 3.5(3) must indicate the pressure in pressure units, or on a coloured scale, or in an equivalent way.
3.6 Reservoir capacity
3.6(1) The compressed-air reservoir capacity of a passenger service vehicle first registered in New Zealand on or after 10 February 1978, and of a powered vehicle other than a passenger service vehicle, must, when the air pressure in the brake is at its maximum operational pressure specified by the vehicle manufacturer or brake manufacturer and the compressor is stopped, enable the reserve of compressed air of the brake to provide:
- (a) at least five full service-brake applications with full release of the brakes after each application before the low pressure warning device operates; and
- (b) two full service-brake applications with full release of the brakes after each application following activation of the low pressure warning device.
3.6(2) The requirement for at least five full service-brake applications in 3.6(1)(a) may be reduced to at least three before the emergency valve operates for a combination vehicle that is equipped with:
- (a) both:
- (i) an emergency or a breakaway valve on the trailer; and
- (ii) a tractor protection valve on the towing vehicle; or
- (b) other devices that are fitted to protect the air system of the towing vehicle and to activate the brake of the trailer when the trailer becomes disconnected from the towing vehicle.
3.6(3) For the purposes of 3.3(2), 3.3(3)(b), 3.6(1) and 3.6(2), a full service-brake application is made when all brake actuators on the vehicle are operated to apply their associated brakes in an effective manner.
3.7 Priority and protection of air brakes
3.7(1) The compressor must supply only the brake reservoirs with compressed air until the pressure in those reservoirs reaches the pressure specified by the vehicle manufacturer or the brake manufacturer, or, if such information is not available, two-thirds of the maximum operational pressure specified by the vehicle manufacturer or brake manufacturer.
3.7(2) An air brake must have priority of the supply of compressed air from the brake reservoir.
3.7(3) An air-operated device may be connected to the air brake of a vehicle, only if:
- (a) the brake is protected so that the operation or failure of the device cannot lower the pressure in any brake reservoir below the pressure specified by the vehicle manufacturer or brake manufacturer, or, if such information is not available, two-thirds of its maximum operational pressure specified by the vehicle manufacturer or brake manufacturer; and
- (b) the supply to the device is drawn from a reservoir separate from the reservoir supplying the brake, except as specified in 3.7(4).
3.7(4) Despite 3.7(3)(b), an air-operated device may be supplied with compressed air from the brake reservoir, if:
- (a) the operation of the device requires only a small amount of compressed air and it is supplied with compressed air by a hose or pipe with an external diameter not exceeding 8 mm; or
- (b) the device is operated only when the vehicle is stationary; or
- (c) the vehicle manufacturer allows it.
3.7(5) For a vehicle to which 3.4 applies that has more than one compressed-air-brake reservoir, the failure of the brake, which lowers the pressure in one of the reservoirs below the pressure at which the warning device in 3.4 starts to operate, must not lower the pressure in any other brake reservoir below that pressure.
Section 4 Hydraulic brake
4.1(1) A vehicle fitted with an hydraulic brake, whether or not the operation of the brake is assisted by compressed air, vacuum or other means of energy, must comply with the requirements in this section.
4.1(2) The volume of the hydraulic fluid supplied by the master cylinder or booster cylinder of an hydraulic brake during a single stroke must be sufficient for the effective operation of the wheel brakes, even if all wheel brakes are worn to the permitted wear limit or are in the permitted maximum out-of-adjustment position.
4.1(3) A passenger service vehicle first registered in New Zealand on or after 10 February 1978, or a vehicle of Class NB or Class NC first registered in New Zealand on or after 1 November 1990, that has a parking brake acting solely through the transmission and is fitted with an hydraulic service brake, must have a dual or tandem master cylinder that allows:
- (a) one of those cylinders to actuate the brakes on the front wheels of the vehicle and the other cylinder to actuate the brakes on the rear wheels of the vehicle; or
- (b) each circuit to activate the brake on at least 1/3 of the wheels.
4.1(4) A passenger service vehicle first registered in New Zealand on or after 1 September 1954, fitted with a brake that is operated by pump-generated hydraulic pressure, must be fitted with the following devices that provide to the driver a signal that is clearly audible and readily visible from the driver’s normal driving position to ensure that, at all times, the driver is aware immediately that the hydraulic pressure is less than the pressure necessary for the safe operation of the vehicle:
- (a) an audible warning device; and
- (b) either:
- (i) a warning lamp; or
- (ii) a suitable pressure gauge that is able to indicate both the maximum and minimum pressures being used.
4.1(5) A passenger service vehicle with more than nine seating positions first registered in New Zealand on or after 10 February 1978, which utilises vacuum to boost the force supplied by the driver to apply the brakes and is fitted with a vacuum reservoir, must be equipped with:
- (a) a warning device to give a continuous signal audible to the driver if the vacuum in the reservoir is less than 25 kPa or its equivalent; and
- (b) a vacuum gauge to indicate to the driver, in kilopascals or other units, the vacuum available in the reservoir.
Section 5 Auxiliary brakes and controls
5.1 Retarders and engine brakes
5.1(1) A vehicle may be fitted with a retarder or engine brake to control the speed of the vehicle.
5.1(2) A retarder or an engine brake fitted on or after 1 March 2007 must:
- (a) have a control that can be operated from the driver’s normal driving position; and
- (b) be designed so that:
- (i) its operation does not cause wheelslip that could result in loss of directional control of the vehicle; or
- (ii) the retardation can be regulated by the driver using the control to prevent wheelslip that could result in loss of directional control of the vehicle.
5.1(3) A retarder or an engine brake of a powered vehicle, which activates the brake of a trailer that is being towed, must not cause wheelslip on the vehicle that could result in loss of directional control.
5.2 Additional brake control devices
5.2(1) A powered vehicle that is being operated as a combination vehicle may be fitted with a trailer-brake hand control.
5.2(2) A trailer-brake hand control:
- (a) must be capable of applying the service brake of the trailer or trailers in a progressive manner; and
- (b) must automatically return to its original position when released; and
- (c) must not prevent the safe operation of the service brake of any of the vehicles in the combination vehicle.
5.2(3) A trailer may be fitted with a device that:
- (a) allows the release of its parking brake even when the brake of the trailer is not connected to the brake of the towing vehicle; and
- (b) ensures that the parking brake of the trailer is automatically applied when the trailer’s brake is reconnected to the brake of the towing vehicle and the parking brake is reapplied.
5.3 Devices to keep a vehicle stationary for a limited time
5.3(1) A vehicle may be fitted with a device that can be operated by the driver from the driver’s normal driving position to keep the vehicle stationary temporarily, provided that the device does not prevent the safe operation of the service brake or the parking brake of the vehicle.
5.3(2) A device in 5.3(1) may utilise the service brake by:
- (a) applying the service brake, either partially or fully, on some or all of the vehicle’s wheels; or
- (b) preventing the release of the service brake, when applied by the driver, on some or all of the vehicle’s wheels.
5.3(3) A device in 5.3(1) which can only be de-activated by the driver must have a label permanently attached displaying the words: ‘NOT FOR PARKING’.
5.3(4) A device in 5.3(1) which can be de-activated by the control system of the vehicle must either have:
- (a) a label permanently attached displaying the words: ‘NOT FOR PARKING’; or
- (b) an audible warning device that operates when the driver’s door is open while the device is activated and the parking brake is not fully applied.
Section 6 Additional requirements for vehicles not used in combination with other heavy motor vehicles
6.1(1) A vehicle of Class MD3, MD4, ME, NB or NC manufactured or modified in New Zealand on or after 1 July 2008 in a way that affects the safety performance of a brake, and that does not have a towing connection to tow a vehicle of Class TC or Class TD must comply with 6.1(2).
6.1(2) For a vehicle in this section, compliance of the service brake with the requirements in 2.2(8)(b) and 2.3(3)(a) must be demonstrated by either:
- (a) certification for compliance with the requirements in Schedule 5; or
- (b) stopping tests:
- (i) under the conditions in 2.2(8); and
- (ii) with the vehicle in an unladen and in a heavily laden condition; and
- (iii) from a speed of at least 50 km/h; and
- (iv) generating a peak deceleration of at least 0.45g without any wheel locking when the service brake is applied.
6.1(3) An imported vehicle of Class MD3, MD4, ME, NB or NC first registered in New Zealand on or after 1 July 2008 and that does not have a towing connection to tow a vehicle of Class TC or Class TD must comply with one or more of the approved vehicle standards in 2.5(2).
Section 7 Additional requirements for vehicles used in combination with other heavy motor vehicles
7.1 Additional requirements for towing vehicles
7.1(1) The brake of a vehicle of a class in Table A that has been fitted with a towing connection to tow a vehicle of Class TC or Class TD must comply with 7.1.
7.1(2) A vehicle in 7.1(1) certified for compliance with one of the codes or specifications in Schedules 1 to 4 before 1 March 2007 must continue to comply with that code or specification, if that vehicle:
- (a) has not been modified on or after 1 March 2007; and
- (b) is being operated in a combination vehicle that has a gross mass exceeding 39,000 kg but not exceeding 44,000 kg.
7.1(3) A vehicle in 7.1(1) first registered in New Zealand after 1 March 2007 and before 1 July 2008 that is being operated in a combination vehicle that has a gross mass exceeding 39,000 kg but not exceeding 44,000 kg, must comply with:
- (a) the New Zealand Heavy Vehicle Brake Code, Second Edition (1997) in Schedule 4; or
- (b) the Interim Specification for Heavy Vehicle Braking in Schedule 1; or
- (c) the requirements with which a vehicle of the same class must comply if first registered in New Zealand or modified in New Zealand on or after 1 July 2008.
7.1(4) An imported vehicle of Class NB or Class NC to which 7.1(1) applies that is first registered in New Zealand on or after 1 July 2008 must comply with:
- (a) at least one of the approved vehicle standards in 2.5(2)(a) or (b); and
- (b) subclause 7.1(6); or
- (c) all of the following:
7.1(5) A vehicle of Class NB or Class NC in 7.1(1) that is manufactured in New Zealand and is first registered on or after 1 July 2008, or a vehicle of Class NB or Class NC modified in New Zealand on or after that date, must comply with 7.5.
7.1(6) A vehicle in 7.1(3), 7.1(4) or 7.1(5) that is fitted with an air brake must, when the trailer becomes disconnected from the towing vehicle, have a means by which:
- (a) the air brake of the towing vehicle is protected from the loss of air pressure; and
- (b) the air brake of the trailer is activated.
7.1(7) A vehicle of Class TC or Class TD in 7.1(1) first registered or modified in New Zealand on or after 1 July 2008 must comply with the requirements in 7.5.
7.1(8) An air-braked vehicle in 7.1, except a vehicle that complies with the Interim Specification for Heavy Vehicle Braking in Schedule 1, or a vehicle that has an electronic control device which is capable of regulating and optimising vehicle deceleration according to an electrical signal provided by the driver’s brake control, must have a threshold pressure not exceeding 80 kPa.
7.2 Additional requirements for trailers
7.2(1) The brake of a vehicle of Class TC or Class TD must comply with 7.2.
7.2(2) A vehicle in 7.2(1) certified for compliance with one of the codes or specifications in Schedules 1 to 4 before 1 March 2007 must continue to comply with that code or specification, if that vehicle:
- (a) has not been modified on or after 1 March 2007; and
- (b) is being operated in a combination vehicle that has a gross mass exceeding 39,000 kg, but not exceeding 44,000 kg.
7.2(3) A vehicle in 7.2(1) first registered in New Zealand on or after 1 March 2007 and before 1 July 2008 that is being operated in a combination vehicle with a gross mass exceeding 39,000 kg but not exceeding 44,000 kg, must comply with either:
- (a) the New Zealand Heavy Vehicle Brake Code, Second Edition (1997) in Schedule 4; or
- (b) the Interim Specification for Heavy Vehicle Braking in Schedule 1; or
- (c) the requirements in 7.5.
7.2(4) A vehicle of Class TC or Class TD in 7.2(1) first registered in New Zealand on or after 1 July 2008, or modified on or after that date, must comply with the requirements in 7.5.
7.2(5) An air-braked vehicle in 7.2, except a vehicle that complies with the Interim Specification for Heavy Vehicle Braking in Schedule 1, or a vehicle that has an electronic control device which is capable of regulating and optimising vehicle deceleration according to an electric signal provided by the driver’s brake control, must have a threshold pressure not exceeding 80 kPa.
7.3 Requirements for the connection of the air brake of vehicles in a combination vehicle
7.3(1) The air brake of a vehicle first registered in New Zealand on or after 1 March 2007 or modified on or after that date that can be operated in a combination vehicle must be capable of being connected to the air brake of the other vehicle by means of a two-line system.
7.3(2) A two-line system must consist of:
- (a) a supply line that supplies compressed air from the towing to the towed vehicle; and
- (b) a control line that supplies a control signal, in the form of modulated air pressure, to regulate the intensity of the brake application on the towed vehicle or vehicles.
7.3(3) For vehicles towing semi-trailers, the hoses connecting the towing and towed vehicles are to be considered as part of the towing vehicle or be detachable at both ends.
7.3(4) For vehicles other than those towing semi-trailers, the hoses are to be treated as part of the trailer and must be securely attached to the drawbar.
7.3(5) A towing vehicle and a towed vehicle in 7.3(1) must be fitted with a coupling device, approved under 10.6(3), to connect the brake to, and disconnect it from, that of the other vehicle, and that device must:
- (a) be robust, durable, and suitable for automotive application; and
- (b) prevent, either through the design of the coupling device or through its installation, the incorrect connection of the control and supply lines; and
- (c) not adversely affect the performance of the brake of either the towing or towed vehicle(s); and
- (d) have an effective break-away function.
7.3(6) Subject to 7.3(8), if a vehicle is fitted with a Duomatic- or Triomatic-type coupling device, the control line in 7.3(2) must be connected to the port of the coupling device that is closest to the opening handle.
7.3(7) Subject to 7.3(8), if a vehicle is fitted with a Duomatic- or Triomatic-type coupling device, the supply line in 7.3(2)(a) must be connected to:
- (a) the middle port of the Triomatic coupling device; or
- (b) the port of the Duomatic coupling device that is farthest away from the opening handle.
7.3(8) A vehicle, other than one that complies with the Interim Performance Specification for Heavy Vehicle Braking in Schedule 1, that has been fitted with a Duomatic- or Triomatic-type coupling device before 1 July 2008 and that was not required to comply with the requirements in 7.3(6) and 7.3(7), must comply with these requirements by the date on which the first certificate of fitness inspection is due on or after 1 July 2008.
7.3(9) The socket of a Duomatic- or Triomatic-type coupling device must be fitted:
- (a) to the rear of a towing vehicle; and
- (b) to the front of a semi-trailer.
7.3(10) The socket of a coupling device in 7.3(5) must be fitted as close as practicable to:
- (a) the centre-line of the vehicle; and
- (b) the towing connection by which the towed and towing vehicles are connected.
7.3(11) The socket of a coupling device in 7.3(5) that is fitted to the front of a semi-trailer must not be fitted with a non-return valve.
7.3(12) The fitting of a coupling device in 7.3(5) must be carried out having regard to the instructions of the vehicle manufacturer.
7.4 Requirements for anti-lock brake systems (ABS)
7.4(1) An anti-lock braking system of a vehicle of Class NB, NC, TB or TC first registered in New Zealand on or after 1 July 2008, or that was fitted to a vehicle of those classes in New Zealand on or after that date, must be capable of continuously controlling and adjusting the braking effort on the wheels during braking to prevent:
- (a) the wheels from locking; and
- (b) the loss of directional control of the vehicle that could be caused by the application of the brake.
7.4(2) A control device in 7.4(1) must meet the technical requirements in:
- (a) one or more of the approved vehicle standards in 2.5(2), if those standards specify requirements for that device; or
- (b) 7.4(3) to 7.4(7).
7.4(3) A control device to which 7.4(2)(b) applies must act on each axle and must be capable of modulating the brake force separately for:
- (a) each axle set; and
- (b) each side of all axle sets except steering axles.
7.4(4) A control device to which 7.4(2)(b) applies must have sensors to monitor the rotational speed of the wheels.
7.4(5) The sensors in 7.4(4) must be fitted to at least one wheel on each side of all axle sets.
7.4(6) If an axle set consists of more than one axle, the sensor in 7.4(4) must be fitted as follows:
- (a) if the axle set consists of two axles and they are designed to carry the same or a similar load, the sensors must be fitted to the axle on which the wheels are more likely to lock during braking;
- (b) if the axle set consists of two axles and they are designed to carry significantly different loads, the sensors must be fitted to the axle that carries the greater load;
- (c) if the axle set consists of more than two axles and they are designed to carry the same or a similar load, the sensors must be fitted to the axle on which the wheels are neither the most likely nor the least likely to lock during braking;
- (d) if the axle set consists of more than two axles and one of them is designed to carry a significantly greater load than other axles in the set, the sensors must be fitted to the axle that carries the greatest load;
- (e) if the axle set consists of more than two axles and two or more of them carry a greater load than the remaining axle or axles in
the set, the sensors must be fitted to an axle:
- (i) that is one of the axles carrying a greater load; and
- (ii) the wheels of which are most likely to lock;
- (f) if the axle set consists of more than two axles and two or more of them carry a greater load than the remaining axle or axles in the set and the likelihood that their wheels will lock is similar, the sensors may be fitted to any of the axles that carries the greater load;
- (g) if the axle set consists of two or more axles that carry a similar load, and the likelihood that their wheels will lock is similar, the sensors may be fitted to any of the axles.
7.4(7) A control device in 7.4(1) that is fitted to a trailer of Class TC or Class TD must:
- (a) comply with the requirements in 7.4, without being connected to the control device of the towing vehicle; and
- (b) be capable of being supplied with power for its operation by means of an electric cable from the towing vehicle.
7.4(8) The power connection between vehicles that can be operated in a combination vehicle must comply with Parts 1 and 2 of ISO 7638: 1997, Road vehicles – Electrical connectors for braking systems.
7.5 Specific performance requirements for vehicles manufactured or modified in New Zealand
7.5(1) A vehicle to which 7.1(5), 7.1(7), 7.2(3)(c) or 7.2(4) applies must, in addition to complying with the other applicable requirements in this Rule, comply with 7.5.
7.5(2) The brake force applied to a wheel of a vehicle in 7.5(1) during braking on a hard, dry, clean and level surface must:
- (a) for a vehicle without ABS other than one in 7.5(2)(c), be approximately proportional to the load on the wheel, taking into account the dynamic load transfer that occurs during braking between the axles of a vehicle and that also may occur between the vehicles of a combination vehicle, at all conditions of loading up to the vehicle’s gross vehicle mass;
- (b) for a vehicle with ABS, be approximately proportional to the load on the wheel without relying on the operation of ABS, taking into account the dynamic load transfer that occurs during braking between the axles of a vehicle and that also may occur between the vehicles of a combination vehicle, when the vehicle is loaded to its gross vehicle mass;
- (c) for a Class TC vehicle, a logging vehicle, a heavy haulage trailer or a military trailer, be the brake force specified in 7.5(2)(a) only when the vehicle is loaded to its gross vehicle mass, even if ABS is not fitted.
7.5(3) A vehicle complies with the requirements in 7.5, if it has been certified for compliance with the requirements in Schedule 5 and is within safe tolerance of its state when certified.
Section 8 Modification
8.1 General requirements for modification
8.1(1) Section 8 applies to all modifications carried out on or after 1 March 2007.
8.1(2) A modification to a vehicle’s brake must not prevent the brake from complying with this Rule.
8.1(3) The modification of a brake, such as adding or removing a brake component or system, or altering the setting of a brake component or system, must not adversely affect the performance of the brake.
8.1(4) When a vehicle is modified in a way that may affect compliance with this Rule, such as altering a vehicle’s wheelbase, the performance of the brake must be checked and modified if necessary to ensure continued compliance with this Rule.
8.1(5) A vehicle that is modified by fitting an additional axle, removing an axle, replacing an axle with one that is not of the same make and model, or replacing the brake of an axle with one that is not of the same make and model, must either:
- (a) be modified so as to continue to meet the technical and performance requirements of the approved standard in 2.5(2) with which the vehicle originally complied; or
- (b) comply with all other applicable requirements in this Rule.
8.1(6) A powered vehicle with an hydraulic service brake may be fitted with an additional rear axle that has an air operated disc brake as a service brake.
Section 9 Repair and replacement parts
9.1 Repair
9.1(1) A repair to a brake, or to a vehicle that affects its braking performance, must comply with this Rule and with Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Repair 1998.
9.1(2) When a brake lining or a brake pad on an axle is replaced:
- (a) all the brake linings or brake pads on that axle must be replaced; and
- (b) all replacement brake linings and brake pads on that axle must be of the same make, type and grade.
9.2 Replacement components for vehicle repair
9.2(1) Subclauses 9.2(2) and 9.2(3) apply to any component that affects the braking performance of a vehicle and that is:
- (a) manufactured, stocked or offered for sale in New Zealand; and
- (b) supplied for fitting to a vehicle to be operated on a New Zealand road.
9.2(2) A component used in a repair must have equivalent performance characteristics to that of the original component and must not prevent a vehicle from complying with this Rule.
9.2(3) A brake lining assembly used as a replacement component, whether or not the brake to which it is fitted is required to comply with an approved vehicle standard, complies with this Rule if it complies with UN/ECE Regulation No. 90, Uniform Provisions concerning the approval of replacement brake lining assemblies and drum brake linings for power-driven vehicles and their trailers (E/ECE/324-E/ECE/TRANS/505/Rev.1/Add.89).
Section 10 Responsibilities
10.1 Responsibilities of operators
A person who operates a vehicle must ensure that the vehicle complies with this Rule.
10.2 Responsibilities of repairers
A person who repairs or adjusts a brake must ensure that the repair or adjustment:
- (a) does not prevent the vehicle from complying with this Rule; and
- (b) complies with Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Repair 1998.
10.3 Responsibilities of modifiers
A person who modifies a vehicle so as to affect the braking performance of the vehicle must:
- (a) ensure that the modification does not prevent the vehicle from complying with this Rule; and
- (b) notify the operator that the vehicle must be inspected and, if necessary, certified by a person or organisation appointed to carry out specialist inspection and certification of heavy vehicle brakes.
10.4 Responsibilities of vehicle inspectors and inspecting organisations
10.4(1) A vehicle inspector or inspecting organisation must not certify a motor vehicle under Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Standards Compliance 2002 if they have reason to believe that the vehicle does not comply with this Rule.
10.4(2) During the certification of a vehicle, compliance of a vehicle’s brakes with the performance requirements in this Rule must be verified by means of appropriate tests, using approved testing devices and following correct test procedures.
10.4(3) For a vehicle to which 2.3(3) applies, if a vehicle inspector or inspecting organisation has reason to believe that there is an excessive delay between the time the driver starts to actuate the brake control and when effective braking starts, compliance with the stopping-distance requirements must be verified by measuring the stopping distance as specified in 2.3(8).
10.5 Responsibilities of manufacturers and retailers
A person may manufacture, stock, or offer for sale a brake or its components, intended for fitting to a vehicle to be used on a New Zealand road, only if that brake or component:
- (a) complies with this Rule; and
- (b) does not prevent a repair to a vehicle, its structure, systems, components and equipment from complying with this Rule.
10.6 Functions and powers of the Director
10.6(1) The Director may approve, by notice in the Gazette, devices for the purpose of measuring brake performance and may place conditions on the use of those devices.
10.6(2) The Director may approve, by notice in the Gazette, testing equipment, methods and conditions, and test result evaluation methods, for the purpose of verifying that a vehicle complies with performance requirements in 2.3.
10.6(3) The Director may approve coupling devices for the purpose of connecting the air brake of a towing vehicle and towed vehicle if those devices meet the criteria in 7.3(5)(a) to (d).
10.6(4) The Director may, by notice in the Gazette, specify a method for determining that replacement brake friction material complies with this Rule.
10.6(5) The Director may direct a person in 10.5 to recall a replacement component, if the Director has reason to believe that the component does not comply with this Rule, and may direct that person to bear the costs associated with the recall.
10.6(6) The Director may revoke, by giving written notice, a record of determination issued after specialist inspection and certification that a vehicle complies with this Rule, if the Director believes on reasonable grounds that the applicable requirements have not been complied with.
10.6(7) The Director may approve, by notice in the Gazette, a hose or other flexible tubing for the purpose of fitting it to the compressed-air or vacuum line of a brake.
10.6(8) The Director may approve, by notice in the Gazette, computer software for the purpose of demonstrating compliance with the requirements in Schedule 5.
[Note: A breach of a responsibility in this section is an offence, as provided in the Land Transport (Offences and Penalties) Regulations 1999, and is subject to a penalty as specified in those regulations.]
Part 2 Definitions
- Agricultural trailer
- means a trailer constructed to be operated in connection directly with the operation or management of a farm; but does not include a logging trailer.
- Air brake
- means a brake, the operation of which requires the use of compressed air.
- Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
- means a device that senses that one or more of the wheels is starting to lock-up during braking and regulates the braking forces automatically and effectively to prevent it.
- Approved vehicle standard
- means a vehicle standard in 2.5(2), 2.6(2) and 9.2(3).
- Auxiliary brake
- means a device, other than a service brake or parking brake, fitted to a vehicle to enable the driver to control its speed, whether or not it is suitable to stop the vehicle.
- Average deceleration
- for the purpose of this Rule, means the average deceleration during braking, which is either the mean value of deceleration during braking or the deceleration calculated from the distance travelled during the period when the deceleration occurred and the difference between the speed immediately before and after that.
- Axle
- means one or more shafts, spindles, or bearings in the same vertical transverse plane by means of which, in conjunction with wheels
mounted on those shafts, spindles, or bearings, a portion of the weight of the vehicle is transmitted to the roadway, and:
(a) if two or more wheels of a motor vehicle are substantially in the same line transversely and some or all of them have separate axles, the axles of all those wheels are to be treated as one axle;
(b) if the longitudinal centre-line of an axle of a motor vehicle is less than 1 m distant from the longitudinal centre-line of another axle, the two axles are to be treated as one axle (‘a dual axle’). - Axle set
- means a single axle set, a tandem axle set, a twin-steer axle set, a tri-axle set or a quad-axle set.
- Brake
- means the combination of parts whose function is to reduce the speed of the vehicle, to stop the vehicle or to keep the vehicle stationary.
- Brake coupling
- means the device for connecting the control and supply lines of the towing vehicle to the control and supply lines of the trailer.
- Brake lining
- means a brake lining in the case of a drum brake, and a brake pad in the case of a disc brake.
- Brake lining assembly
- means a component of a friction brake, including a brake lining and its backing plate or a brake lining and its brake shoe, that is pressed against the brake disc or drum to produce friction force.
- Braking force
- means the retarding force generated by a brake assembly.
- Certificate of loading
- means a certificate of loading issued under any regulation or Rule made under the Land Transport Act 1998.
- Certify
- has the same meaning as in Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Standards Compliance 2002.
- Chassis
- means the structural lower part of a vehicle to which the running gear and as applicable, engine, transmission, steering system and body may be attached.
- Circuit
- means the combination of components that functionally links the brake control and the foundation brake. The circuit may be mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical or a mix of these.
- Class
- in relation to vehicles, means a category of vehicle of one of the Groups A, L, M, N and T, as specified in Table A: Vehicle classes.
- Combination vehicle
- means a towing vehicle in combination with one or more trailers.
- Construction
- means the manufacture, assembly, reassembly, or modification of a vehicle; and includes all acts and activities related or incidental to the construction of a vehicle.
- Control
- means the part of the brake actuated directly by the driver to regulate the operation of the brake.
- Control (service) line
- means the part of the circuit that transmits the service brake signal within a vehicle and also between vehicles being operated as a combination vehicle.
- Coupling
- means that part of a vehicle that is specifically designed to enable it to be connected to another vehicle; and does not include a structural member of the towing or towed vehicle.
- Deceleration
- means the rate of speed reduction over time.
- Director
- means the Director of Land Transport appointed under section 186 of the Land Transport Act 1998.
- Drawbar
- means an assembly of components that includes the trailer coupling that connects the trailer to the coupling of the towed vehicle, hinges (where applicable) and the structural and other related components between the trailer coupling and trailer bogie or chassis.
- EEC, EC
- are abbreviations for directives of the European Economic Community and, later, the European Communities.
- Emergency brake
- in relation to any vehicle, or combination of vehicles, means the system that makes it possible to undertake a controlled stop of the vehicle or combination in the event of the failure of the service brake.
- Engine brake
- means a device or feature of an engine to increase, when applied, the retardation force provided by the engine that can be utilised to control the speed of the vehicle.
- Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
- is a vehicle standard of the United States of America.
- Forklift
- means a motor vehicle (not fitted with self-laying tracks) designed principally for lifting, carrying and stacking goods by means of one or more tines, platens, or clamps.
- Foundation brake
- means the basic brake assembly fitted to each axle or road wheel which produces the braking force necessary to bring a vehicle to a stop; and includes the complete drum or disc brake.
- Friction material
- means a brake component having a friction surface that is designed to be preferentially sacrificed.
- Friction surface
- means any surface of a brake component that is designed to convert kinetic energy to heat.
- Goods
- means all kinds of movable personal property; and includes articles sent by post, and animals.
- Gross combination mass
- means, for a vehicle that is permitted to tow another vehicle, the maximum permitted combined mass of the towing vehicle and any combination of attached trailers or vehicles, determined by the vehicle manufacturer and approved by the Director, or determined by the Director.
- Gross mass
- in relation to any vehicle or combination vehicle, means the mass of that vehicle and its load, equipment, and accessories, which may be determined by adding the mass on the vehicle’s axles or axle sets.
- Gross vehicle mass
- means either:
(a) the maximum permitted mass of a vehicle, which includes the mass of the accessories, the crew, the passengers and load, and is, unless (b) applies, the gross vehicle mass specified (subsequent to the latest modification, if any) by the manufacturer of the vehicle; or
(b) if a person approved for the purpose by the Director determines that the gross vehicle mass should differ from that specified by the manufacturer, taking into account evidence on the capability of the systems and components of the vehicle, or the effects of any modification, that mass determined by that person. - Heavy haulage trailer
- means a trailer that is fitted with an hydraulic suspension system that allows the adjustment of the ride height, and for which the pressure in the hydraulic system varies significantly at any given load condition of the trailer depending solely on the ride height.
- Heavy motor vehicle
- means a motor vehicle that:
(a) is of Class MD3, MD4, ME, NB, NC, TC or TD; or
(b) has a gross vehicle mass that exceeds 3500 kg and is not of a class specified in Table A: Vehicle classes. - Hydraulic brake
- means a brake that utilises hydraulic pressure to activate the foundation brake, whether its operation is assisted by compressed air, vacuum or any other means.
- Load
- includes part of a load; and:
(a) includes covers, ropes, ties, blocks, tackles, barrows, or other equipment or objects used in the securing or containing of a load on a vehicle or the loading or unloading of a vehicle, whether or not any other load is on the vehicle; and
(b) does not include animal wastes discharged from animals being carried on a vehicle at the time. - Load-sharing axle set
- means an axle set suspension system that has effective damping characteristics on all axles of the set and is built to divide the
load between the tyres on the set so that no tyre carries a mass more than 10% greater than the mass it would carry, if:
(a) the load were divided in the axle set so that each tyre carries an equal load; or
(b) the axle set is a tandem axle set comprising a twin-tyred axle and a large single-tyred axle and is built to divide the load between the tyres on the set so that:
(i) 60% of the load is borne by the twin-tyred axle and 40% of the load is borne by the large single-tyred axle; or
(ii) 55% of the load is borne by the twin-tyred axle and 45% of the load is borne by the large single-tyred axle. - Logging vehicle
- means a vehicle that is constructed exclusively for transporting timber logs using permanently fitted log bolsters.
- Manufacturer’s operating limits
- means:
- (a) in relation to a motor vehicle, the allowance provided by the vehicle manufacturer in terms of performance capability and dimensions, relative to deterioration, malfunction or damage beyond which the safe performance of the vehicle, as defined by the vehicle manufacturer, is compromised; and
- (b) in relation to a system, component or item of equipment, incorporated in or attached to a vehicle, the allowance provided by the system, component or equipment manufacturer in terms of performance capability and dimensions, relative to the deterioration, malfunction or damage, beyond which the safe performance of the system, component or item of equipment (and consequently the vehicle) is compromised.
- Mass
- in relation to a vehicle, means the quantity of material contained in or on the vehicle that, when subjected to acceleration due to gravity, will exert downwards on a level surface a force that can be measured as the weight of the vehicle.
- Military trailer
- means a trailer that is used exclusively as equipment of the New Zealand Defence Force.
- Modify
- in relation to a vehicle, means to change the vehicle from its original state by altering, substituting, adding or removing any structure, system, component or equipment; but does not include repair.
- Motor vehicle
- has the same meaning as in section 2(1) of the Land Transport Act 1998.
- Operate
- in relation to a vehicle, means to drive or use the vehicle on a road, or to cause or permit the vehicle to be on a road or to be driven on a road, whether or not the person is present with the vehicle.
- Parking brake
- means a brake that is designed for keeping the vehicle stationary, and that is readily applicable and capable of remaining applied for an indefinite period without further attention.
- Phase-in date
- means the date specified in an approved vehicle standard from which a model, or model variant, of a vehicle must comply with that standard or part of that standard.
- Quad-axle set
- means a set of four axles, where:
(a) the centres of the first and fourth axles are spaced not less than 3.75 m, and not more than 4 m apart; and
(b) all axles contain an equal number of tyres; and
(c) none of the axles is a single standard-tyred axle. - Repair
- means to restore a damaged or worn vehicle, its structure, systems, components or equipment; and includes the replacement of damaged or worn structures, systems, components or equipment with equivalent undamaged or new structures, systems, components or equipment.
- Reservoir
- for the purpose of this Rule, means a device designed and constructed to store fluid, compressed air, compressed gas, or vacuum; and does not include pipes, valves, hoses, or booster cylinders operated by vacuum or compressed air.
- Retarder
- means a device permanently fitted to a vehicle to provide, when applied, a continuous braking effort not generated by a brake.
- SAE
- is an abbreviation for a standard of the American Society of Automotive Engineers.
- Safe tolerance
- means the tolerance within which the safe performance of the vehicle, its structure, systems, components or equipment is not compromised, having regard to any manufacturer’s operating limits.
- Semi-trailer
- means a trailer, with only one axle set, that is partially superimposed on the towing vehicle so that a substantial part of the trailer and its load is borne by the towing vehicle.
- Service brake
- means a brake for intermittent use that is designed for the purpose of slowing down and stopping the vehicle.
- Single axle set
- means either one axle or two axles having their centres spaced less than 1 m apart.
- Supply line
- means the part of a circuit that supplies energy in the form of compressed air or in any other suitable form from the towing vehicle to the towed vehicle.
- Suspension system
- means a system that allows controlled and limited movement of an axle relative to the chassis or body of a vehicle; and includes a spring system and a damping system.
- Tandem axle set
- means a load-sharing axle set comprising two axles having their centres spaced not less than 1 m and not more than 2 m apart.
- Technical standard
- means a Japanese domestic vehicle standard issued by the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and translated into, and published in, English by the Japan Automobile Standards Internationalization Center (JASIC) in the Automobile Type Approval Handbook for Japanese Certification.
- Threshold pressure
- for an axle of an air-braked vehicle, means the pressure measured at the control line of the brake coupling when a braking effect on the axle begins.
- Towing connection
- means the combination of components that enables one vehicle to tow or be towed by another vehicle; and includes a towbar, drawbar, drawbeam and coupling.
- Tractor
- means a motor vehicle (other than a traction engine) constructed principally for towing an agricultural trailer or powering agricultural implements,
- Trailer
- means a vehicle without motive power that is capable of being drawn or propelled by a motor vehicle from which it is readily detachable; but does not include:
- (a) a side car attached to a motor cycle; or
(b) a vehicle normally propelled by mechanical power while it is being temporarily towed without the use of its own power. - Trailer brake hand control
- means a hand-operated control capable of applying the service brake of the trailer or trailers.
- Transmission
- in relation to a motor vehicle, means the gearing system and related components, including a driveshaft, by which power is transmitted from the flywheel or the engine output shaft to the input shafts of the powered axles.
- Tri-axle set
- means a set of three axles, where:
- (a) the centres of the first and third axles are spaced not less than 2 m and not more than 3 m apart; and
(b) all axles contain an equal number of tyres; and
(c) none of the axles is a single standard-tyred axle. - Twin-steer axle set
- means a tandem axle set with single tyres, where both axles are connected to the same mechanism in order to steer similarly.
- UN/ECE
- is an abbreviation for a regulation of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe.
- Unladen mass
- in relation to a vehicle, means the mass of the vehicle together with the fuel in its fuel system (if any) and the equipment and accessories on it that are necessary for its operation for the purpose for which it was designed.
- Vehicle
- has the same meaning as in section 2(1) of the Land Transport Act 1998.
- Vehicle inspector or inspecting organisation
- has the same meaning as in Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Standards Compliance 2002.
- Wheel
- means a rotating load-carrying member between the tyre and the hub, which usually consists of two major parts, the rim and the wheel disc, which may be manufactured as one part, or permanently attached to each other, or detachable from each other; and includes the tyre fitted to the rim.
Table A Vehicle classes
Class | Description |
---|---|
AA (Pedal cycle) | A vehicle designed to be propelled through a mechanism solely by human power. |
AB (Power-assisted pedal cycle) | A pedal cycle to which is attached one or more auxiliary propulsion motors having a combined maximum power output not exceeding 200 watts. |
LA (Moped with two wheels) | A motor vehicle (other than a power-assisted pedal cycle) that:
|
LB (Moped with three wheels) | A motor vehicle (other than a power-assisted pedal cycle) that:
|
LB 1 | A Class LB motor vehicle that has one wheel at the front and two wheels at the rear. |
LB 2 | A Class LB motor vehicle that has two wheels at the front and one wheel at the rear. |
LC (Motorcycle) | A motor vehicle that:
|
LD (Motorcycle and side-car) | A motor vehicle that:
|
Side-car | A car, box, or other receptacle attached to the side of a motorcycle and supported by a wheel. |
LE (Motor tri-cycle) | A motor vehicle that:
|
LE 1 | A Class LE motor vehicle that has one wheel at the front and two wheels at the rear. |
LE 2 | A Class LE motor vehicle that has two wheels at the front and one wheel at the rear. |
Passenger vehicle | A motor vehicle that:
|
MA (Passenger car) | A passenger vehicle (other than a Class MB or Class MC vehicle) that has not more than nine seating positions (including the driver's seating position). |
MB (Forward control passenger vehicle) | A passenger vehicle (other than a Class MC vehicle):
|
MC (Off-road passenger vehicle) | A passenger vehicle, designed with special features for off-road operation, that has not more than nine seating positions (including
the driver's seating position), and that:
|
Omnibus | A passenger vehicle that has more than nine seating positions (including the driver's seating position). An omnibus comprising two or more non-separable but articulated units shall be considered as a single vehicle. |
MD (Light omnibus) | An omnibus that has a gross vehicle mass not exceeding 5 tonnes. |
MD 1 | An omnibus that has a gross vehicle mass not exceeding 3.5 tonnes and not more than 12 seats. |
MD 2 | An omnibus that has a gross vehicle mass not exceeding 3.5 tonnes and more than 12 seats. |
MD 3 | An omnibus that has a gross vehicle mass exceeding 3.5 tonnes but not exceeding 4.5 tonnes. |
MD 4 | An omnibus that has a gross vehicle mass exceeding 4.5 tonnes but not exceeding 5 tonnes. |
ME (Heavy omnibus) | An omnibus that has a gross vehicle mass exceeding 5 tonnes. |
Goods vehicle | A motor vehicle that:
|
NA (Light goods vehicle) | A goods vehicle that has a gross vehicle mass not exceeding 3.5 tonnes. |
NB (Medium goods vehicle) | A goods vehicle that has a gross vehicle mass exceeding 3.5 tonnes but not exceeding 12 tonnes. |
NC (Heavy goods vehicle) | A goods vehicle that has a gross vehicle mass exceeding 12 tonnes. |
Trailer | A vehicle without motive power that is constructed for the purpose of being drawn behind a motor vehicle. |
TA (Very light trailer) | A single-axled trailer that has a gross vehicle mass not exceeding 0.75 tonnes. |
TB (Light trailer) | A trailer (other than a Class TA trailer) that has a gross vehicle mass not exceeding 3.5 tonnes. |
TC (Medium trailer) | A trailer that has a gross vehicle mass exceeding 3.5 tonnes but not exceeding 10 tonnes. |
TD (Heavy trailer) | A trailer that has a gross vehicle mass exceeding 10 tonnes. |
Part 3 Schedules
- Schedule 1 Interim Performance Specification for Heavy Vehicle Braking
- Schedule 2 Heavy Vehicle Braking Specification of 6 December 1988
- Schedule 3 Heavy Vehicle Brake Code (First edition 1991)
- Schedule 4 Heavy Vehicle Brake Code (Second edition 1997)
- Schedule 5 New Zealand Heavy-vehicle Brake Specification
Land Transport Rule - Heavy-vehicle Brakes - Rule 32015
Land Transport Safety Authority of New Zealand, Te Mana Marutau Waka Whenua o Aotearoa