Land Transport Rule

Passenger Service Vehicles 1999

Rule 31001

Note: This Rule should be read in conjunction with Land Transport Rule: Passenger Service Vehicles Amendment 2005 and Land Transport Rule: Passenger Service Vehicles Amendment 2007.

Contents

Objective of the rule

Extent of consultation

Part 1     Rule requirements

Section 1     Application

Section 2     Entrance and exit

Section 3     Aisles

Section 4     Seating

Section 5     Emergency exits

Section 6     Safety design features and loading

Section 7     Stability and structural strength

Section 8     Safety requirements for special equipment

Section 9     Certificate of Loading

Section 10     Responsibilities

Part 2     Definitions

Part 3     Schedule

 

Objective of the rule

Land Transport Rule: Passenger Service Vehicles 1999 specifies the legal requirements for the design and construction of all passenger service vehicles in New Zealand. Passenger service vehicles must comply with the requirements in this rule so that the public will be assured that any vehicles offering a passenger service in New Zealand are safely designed and constructed. The passenger service industry affects a large percentage of the population, including commuters, long-distance travellers, school pupils, taxi passengers, tourists. In addition, the definition of ‘passenger service vehicle’ also includes privately owned and operated vehicles that have more than 12 seats or that are heavy motor vehicles with more than nine seats.

A key factor in the decision to produce this rule was the need to update existing legislation (the Passenger Service Vehicle Construction Regulations 1978) in order to cover new types of passenger service vehicles (minivans, minibuses); new technologies; and new safety standards and practices being introduced overseas. Several provisional actions had previously been taken to amalgamate these new vehicle types into the law, and to take account of the relevant approved vehicle standards. However, it was necessary to incorporate these changes into the overall legislation, and to re-examine the legislation with a focus on safety.

The rule covers all vehicles used in passenger service, with some additional requirements according to whether the vehicle is ‘light’ or ‘heavy’, depending on the gross vehicle mass. The rule sets some new requirements for vehicles which enter service as passenger service vehicles after specified application dates. It also requires minor modifications to some vehicles which were providing a passenger service in New Zealand before the rule came into force.

The rule is an essential element of the safety framework governing passenger service vehicles in New Zealand. It links with Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Standards Compliance 1998 which came into force on 1 March 1999. That rule sets certification procedures for ensuring vehicle compliance. The rule also refers to Land Transport Rule: Glazing 1996 as well as Land Transport Rule: Door Retention System 1997. Such references are to the most recent versions of the three rules.

Approved vehicle standards from recognised overseas organisations have been taken into account and some of these have been ‘incorporated by reference’ in accordance with section 165 of the Land Transport Act 1998.

 

Extent of consultation

The draft Passenger Service Vehicles Rule underwent an extensive process of consultation including meetings with representatives of the bus and taxi industries, vehicle manufacturers, compliance agencies and concerned users of passenger service vehicles. This consultation extended over more than five years, and began with discussion of the preliminary (red) draft of the rule which was released in August 1993. After discussion, the red draft was extensively restructured, both in format and content.

The yellow draft, for public discussion, was released in November 1994, with a closing date for submissions in March 1995. The draft was publicised in metropolitan newspapers, the New Zealand Gazette and in industry publications. The draft rule was made available for reference at public libraries throughout New Zealand and was also sent to libraries and transport authorities overseas. Copies were sent to those individuals and organisations who expressed an interest in the rule and to those who had commented on the red draft.

A high degree of interest was shown in this rule. Eighty-six submissions were received on the yellow draft, and many of these were complex and detailed discussions of the technical proposals in the draft rule. Those people and organisations who made submissions on the yellow draft were sent a copy of the summary of submissions in July 1995. There were also subsequent informal discussions with interested groups and individuals.

The draft rule was re-examined during 1997 to ensure that it fitted in with the strategy which had been developed for the vehicle standards rules, which set safety standards for systems and components of all vehicles entering the New Zealand fleet and throughout their on-road life. The industry was consulted on a revised draft of the rule before preparation of the final rule.

 

Part 1     Rule requirements

Section 1     Application

1.1     Title

This rule is to be cited as Land Transport Rule: Passenger Service Vehicles 1999.

 

1.2     Scope of the rule

1.2(1)     This rule applies to passenger service vehicles in New Zealand, except those vehicles specified in 1.6.

1.2(2)     A motor vehicle which entered service as a passenger service vehicle in New Zealand:

1.2(3)     A passenger service vehicle which has been modified on or after 1 September 1999 must comply with the requirements of this rule which:

 

1.3     Date when rule comes into force

This rule comes into force on 1 September 1999.

 

1.4     Certification

A passenger service vehicle must be certified for compliance with this rule in accordance with Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Standards Compliance 1998.

 

1.5     Application of rule provisions

1.5(1)     If there is a conflict between a provision of this rule and the corresponding provision of any document incorporated by reference in the rule, the provision of this rule applies.

1.5(2)     If there is a conflict between a provision of this rule and a provision of Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Standards Compliance 1998, the provision of Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Standards Compliance 1998 applies.

 

1.6     Exceptions

The following passenger service vehicles do not need to comply with this rule:

 

1.7     Reference to vehicle standards

The full titles of the vehicle standards referred to in abbreviated form in this rule are those specified in the Schedule.

 

Section 2     Entrance and exit

2.1     Doorways

2.1(1)     There must be at least one doorway for passenger entry or exit on the left-hand side of the passenger service vehicle, except as specified in 2.1(2).

2.1(2)     A doorway for passenger entry or exit on the left-hand side of the passenger service vehicle is not required in:

2.1(3)     A doorway provided for passenger entry or exit must be clear of obstruction.

2.1(4)     The width of the doorway opening, when the door is fully open, must be at least 550 mm, except as specified in 2.1(5), 2.1(6), 2.1(8) and 8.3.

2.1(5)     If there is a central stanchion, the width of the doorway on either side of the stanchion must be at least 550 mm.

2.1(6)     If a doorway is tapered at the top to accommodate the shape of the passenger service vehicle, the width at any height above the doorway sill must not be less than the minimum width for that height specified in Table 2.1.

 

Table 2.1     Doorway width

Height above doorway sill
(m)
Minimum width
(mm)
up to and including 1.6 550
over 1.6 to 1.8 450
over 1.8 to 1.83 400
over 1.83 to top of doorway 380

 

2.1(7)     The height of the doorway above the sill must be at least as high as the minimum aisle height for that passenger service vehicle specified in section 3, except:

2.1(8)     If a doorway gives access to less than three rows of seats for a maximum of eight occupants, there are no specific dimension requirements, but the doorway must allow easy entry and exit.

 

2.2     Doors and their operation

2.2(1)     Door retention systems in a passenger service vehicle must meet the requirements of Land Transport Rule: Door Retention Systems 1997, according to the class and date of manufacture of the vehicle, except that:

2.2(2)     A power-operated door, its control mechanisms and associated equipment must be designed, constructed and maintained so that the opening and closing force of the door, or its method of operation, is unlikely to injure or trap any person.

2.2(3)     A door, except a left-front door alongside the driver, on a motor vehicle that entered service as a passenger service vehicle in New Zealand on or after 1 July 2000, must have a device that warns the driver if the door is not closed properly.

2.2(4)     A door must not lock automatically when it is closed.

2.2(5)     Speed-sensitive or other automatically operating central-locking devices must be permanently deactivated or removed.

2.2(6)     Except as specified in 2.2(7), a door which is controlled from the driver’s seat must have emergency controls which:

2.2(7)     A motor vehicle which entered service as a passenger service vehicle in New Zealand before 1 July 2000, need not have emergency door controls inside the vehicle on or next to the door if there is a sign by the door, in letters at least 10 mm high, which states: ‘In an emergency use door control by the driver’s seat’.

 

2.3     Entry and exit steps and ramps

2.3(1)     Entry and exit steps and ramps must provide safe entry or exit for the occupants of a passenger service vehicle, and the step-tread surfaces must be of a non-slip material.

2.3(2)     Permanent external steps and ramps on the side of the passenger service vehicle must not extend more than 20 mm beyond the adjacent body line of the vehicle, and must be constructed so that they are not likely to injure any person.

2.3(3)     Manually operated extending steps on the side of the passenger service vehicle must comply with 2.3(2) both when they are folded away and when they are in the extended position.

2.3(4)     Retractable steps in a light passenger service vehicle must comply with the requirements of the version of UN/ECE Regulation No. 52 which was applicable either:

 

2.4     Additional provisions for heavy passenger service vehicles

2.4(1)     A heavy passenger service vehicle must comply with the requirements in 2.4.

 

    Doorways

2.4(2)     Doorways for passenger entry or exit must be on the left-hand side of a heavy passenger service vehicle, except as specified in 2.1(2).

2.4(3)     A heavy passenger service vehicle must be fitted with handrails or handholds which are suitable to assist people entering and leaving the vehicle.

 

    Entry and exit steps and ramps

2.4(4)     The step dimension criteria specified in 2.4(5)(a) and 2.4(6) do not apply to:

2.4(5)     If the floor of a heavy passenger service vehicle at the entrance or exit door is more than 410 mm above the surface of the level roadway, there must be a step or ramp which complies with the following requirements:

2.4(6)     Entry and exit steps must meet the following dimensional requirements:

2.4(7)     If more than one step is provided, any intermediate step which is cut away to allow space for the door to open must be at least 180 mm deep and at least 250 mm wide.

 

Section 3     Aisles

3.1     Aisle space

3.1(1)     Except as specified in 3.1(2), an aisle must provide unobstructed access throughout the passenger service vehicle from each doorway used for passenger entry and exit.

3.1(2)     An aisle is not required if:

3.1(3)     The aisle must be clear of any fixture, except that lights, push buttons, air vents, and similar devices may project up to 5 mm into the required minimum aisle-height space, provided it is designed to minimise the risk of injury to passengers.

 

3.2     Aisle steps and ramps

3.2(1)     Aisle steps, internal ramps, and landings must be provided with suitable handrails, handholds, or handgrips.

3.2(2)     Aisle steps must comply with the following requirements:

3.2(3)     If steps are fitted over the engine cover in order to provide access from a central door to seating positions:

3.2(4)     The gradient of an aisle must not be steeper than:

 

3.3     Passenger service vehicles whose Certificates of Loading allow standing passengers

3.3(1)     If the Certificate of Loading allows standing passengers to be carried on the passenger service vehicle, the aisles must comply with the requirements in 3.3.

3.3(2)     The aisle width must be at least 380 mm, except in the following situations where it only has to be at least 300 mm:

 

Table 3.1     Aisle height

Aisle length
(mm)
Minimum aisle height
(mm)
1900 or less 1350
1901 to 2000 1390
2001 to 2100 1430
2101 to 2200 1470
2201 to 2300 1510
2301 to 2400 1550
2401 to 2500 1590
2501 to 2600 1620
2601 to 2700 1660
2701 to 2800 1700
2801 to 2900 1740
2901 and greater 1780

 

3.3(3)     The aisle height must be at least 1.83 m, measured from the floor to the ceiling.

3.3(4)     Handrails, handholds, or handgrips must be fitted, whose number and location must be appropriate for the number of passengers permitted to occupy the aisle and for passengers of different heights.

 

3.4     Passenger service vehicles whose Certificates of Loading do not allow standing passengers

3.4(1)     If the Certificate of Loading does not allow standing passengers to be carried on the passenger service vehicle, the aisles must comply with the requirements in 3.4.

3.4(2)     The aisle width must be at least 300 mm.

3.4(3)     In a single-decked vehicle, except as specified in 8.3(1), the aisle height, measured from the floor to the ceiling, must be:

3.4(4)     The aisle length referred to in Table 3.1 is the longest aisle in a compartment measured as follows:

3.4(5)     In a double-decked vehicle, the aisle height must be at least:

 

Section 4     Seating

4.1     Passenger seats

4.1(1)     Seat dimensions and spacings in section 4 must be measured with uncompressed seat padding.

 

    Height above seats

4.1(2)     In a passenger service vehicle which has more than nine seats, the vertical clearance above the seat cushion, when measured 350 mm in front of the backrest, must be at least:

 

    Shoulder-room width

4.1(3)     In a passenger service vehicle which has more than nine seats, the passenger seating positions must comply with the following requirements, except as specified in 4.5:

 

    Seat spacing

4.1(4)     Passenger seating positions must comply with 4.1(5) to 4.1(7) except as specified in 4.5.

4.1(5) Forward- or rearward-facing seats which face in the same direction must comply with the following:

4.1(6)     It must not be possible to adjust a seat, by sliding it backwards, so as to encroach into the area of seat spacing required by 4.1(5).

4.1(7)     Seats that face each other must comply with the following:

 

    Foot room

4.1(8)     Passenger seating positions must comply with the following requirements, except as specified in 4.5:

 

    Armrests

4.1(9)     A motor vehicle, except any outdoor-access vehicle, which entered service as a passenger service vehicle in New Zealand:

 

4.2     Folding seats

4.2(1)     If folding crew seats are fitted to a passenger service vehicle:

4.2(2)     Folding passenger seats may be fitted to the stairwell of a heavy passenger service vehicle behind the front axle provided that:

 

4.3     Driver’s seat and access to controls

    Position of driver’s seat and controls

4.3(1)     There must not be a seat on the right-hand side of the driver’s seat.

4.3(2)     The driver must have safe and reasonably easy access to the driver’s seat.

4.3(3)     The driver’s seat must be adjustable to ensure the driver has access to the driving controls.

4.3(4)     The driving controls, including the handbrake, must be protected, or located in such a way as to minimise the risk that they will be operated accidentally.

4.3(5)     If there are passenger seating positions to the left of the driver’s seat, the seats and driving controls must be designed and located so that the shoulder width of the passenger seat does not encroach into the space required by the driver when driving. On a motor vehicle that entered service as a passenger service vehicle in New Zealand on or after 1 September 1999, the space designed to be clear of encroachment must:

 

4.4     Vision from the driving position

4.4(1)     From the driving position there must be an unobstructed field of view to the front and to the left and right of the passenger service vehicle.

4.4(2)     Seats must not be positioned where their occupants will obstruct the driver’s field of view.

4.4(3)     The field of view from the driving position must ensure, either directly or indirectly, that the driver is provided with a view of both:

4.4(4)     A passenger service vehicle may have closed-circuit cameras fitted provided that:

4.5     Alternative provisions for dedicated primary- and intermediate-school buses

On dedicated primary- and intermediate-school buses, the dimensions and spacing of seats, as measured according to 4.1, must comply with the following:

 

Section 5     Emergency exits

5.1     Emergency exits

For the purposes of section 5:

 

5.2     Location and number of emergency exits

5.2(1)     If the compartment of a passenger service vehicle accommodates:

5.2(2)     Emergency exits must be:

5.2(3)     Dedicated emergency exits:

 

5.3     Signs

5.3(1)     Opening, operating, or breaking instructions must be displayed on or next to every emergency exit, both inside and outside the passenger service vehicle. These must include the following words in letters which are at least 10 mm high:

5.3(2)     A dedicated emergency exit must have:

 

5.4     Design and construction of dedicated emergency exits

5.4(1)     A dedicated emergency exit, its control mechanisms and associated equipment must comply with the following requirements:

5.4(2)     A dedicated emergency exit which is operated by breaking a glass panel must comply with the following requirements:

5.4(3)     A push-out or free-falling dedicated emergency exit must not require a force of more than 400 newtons to open it. If it is suspected that the opening force exceeds 400 newtons, the exit must be checked during an inspection as specified in Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Standards Compliance 1998.

5.4(4)     A sliding or similar type of dedicated emergency exit, which is likely to jam or malfunction if there is even a slight distortion of the vehicle body or frame, must not:

5.4(5)     A dedicated emergency exit must have an audible alarm system to warn the driver if the opening mechanism is activated, with the exception of:

 

5.5     Size of dedicated emergency exits

5.5(1)     A dedicated emergency exit which is a doorway must be at least:

5.5(2)     A dedicated emergency exit which is a window or hatch must have no dimension less than 500 mm, and the free area of the opening must be at least 0.35 m2.

 

5.6     Internal access to dedicated emergency exits

5.6(1)     Access to a dedicated emergency exit must not be obstructed.

5.6(2)     Seats which are designed to tilt out of the way to provide access to a dedicated emergency exit must comply with the following requirements:

5.6(3)     A dedicated emergency exit in a motor vehicle which entered service as a passenger service vehicle in New Zealand on or after 1 September 1999 must comply with the following requirements:

 

Section 6     Safety design features and loading

6.1     Body requirements

6.1(1)     A passenger service vehicle must have a body which:

6.1(2)     On a motor vehicle which entered service as a passenger service vehicle in New Zealand on or after 1 July 2000, energy-absorbent material must be fitted to:

6.1(3)     If there is no seat or partition immediately in front of a passenger, a guard-rail or equivalent fitting must be installed in front of every forward-facing seat to prevent a passenger sitting on the seat from being thrown forward.

 

6.2     Fire fighting and protection against fire

6.2(1)     The provisions of 6.2 also apply to auxiliary motors or burners.

 

    Materials and design

6.2(2)     The design and construction of a passenger service vehicle must minimise the risk of fire.

6.2(3)     Materials used in the construction and fittings of a passenger service vehicle:

6.2(4)     The exhaust system, including any turbo-chargers and any other heat sources, must be installed, located, shielded and ventilated so that:

6.2(5)     The design of the engine and engine compartment must ensure that no fuel, oil or other combustible materials could accumulate or drip on to any high temperature surface.

6.2(6)     The engine compartment must be lined with, or made of, fire-resistant materials.

 

    Fuel tanks and protection against fumes and gases

6.2(7)     Fuels for a passenger service vehicle and the vehicle’s equipment must be carried in permanent fuel tanks.

6.2(8)     The design and location of fuel tanks must:

6.2(9)     Fuel tanks and fuel lines must be:

6.2(10)     Access to the fuel-tank filling inlet must be from outside the body of the passenger service vehicle. Each filling inlet must be provided with a leak-proof cap.

6.2(11)     The design, construction and maintenance of the exhaust system must ensure that:

 

    Fire extinguishers

6.2(12)     A passenger service vehicle that has more than twelve seating positions must be equipped with fire extinguishers appropriate to:

6.2(13)     Every passenger compartment, as defined in 5.1(a), must have at least one fire extinguisher if that passenger compartment has more than twelve seating positions.

6.2(14)     A fire extinguisher must be:

6.2(15)     Clear and simple operating instructions, in English or with pictorial symbols, must be attached to each fire extinguisher.

6.2(16)     One of the fire extinguishers must be located near the driver, clearly visible to the passengers.

 

6.3     Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning

6.3(1)     An interior heating or air-conditioning system installed in a passenger service vehicle must comply with the following requirements:

6.3(2)     A passenger service vehicle must have ventilation which complies with the following requirements:

 

6.4     Electrical voltages up to and including 32 volts AC or 115 volts DC

6.4(1)     The provisions in 6.4 apply to electrical equipment fitted in a passenger service vehicle which operates at voltages up to and including 32 volts AC or 115 volts DC.

6.4(2)     The electrical current ratings appropriate to that make and model of cable as installed in the passenger service vehicle must not be exceeded.

6.4(3)     Electrical cables must be:

6.4(4)     If any cable enters or passes through the passenger compartment, then secure covers must be installed to provide protection from damage.

6.4(5)     Fuses, circuit-breakers or other current-limiting devices must be included in electrical circuits other than those supplying the starter, ignition, glow plug, engine stopping or battery. Circuits feeding low-consumption equipment may be protected by a common device provided that the maximum current does not exceed 20 amperes.

6.4(6)     Where electrical cables or equipment are installed in a passenger service vehicle, there must be a sign warning of the operating voltage adjacent to any detachable service cover giving access to the electrical cables or equipment.

 

6.5     Electrical voltages more than 32 volts AC or 115 volts DC

6.5(1)     The provisions in 6.5 apply to electrical equipment fitted in a passenger service vehicle which operates at voltages of more than 32 volts AC or 115 volts DC.

6.5(2)     Inspections must be carried out by a person registered under either section 75 or section 77 of the Electricity Act 1992.

6.5(3)     Electrical cables, having regard to the expected normal circumstances of the vehicle’s operation, must:

6.5(4)     Electrical cables under the chassis and in other positions exposed to water and dirt must be enclosed along their length by rubber hose or other equivalent non-conducting material. The enclosing material must extend into the enclosed region of the electrical equipment fed by the cable.

6.5(5)     Electrical cables which are not enclosed must be bushed or insulated to prevent them from chafing against metalwork connected to the chassis or within metal enclosures of electrical equipment. Any corners in the metalwork must be rounded. Any clamps to metalwork must be made of insulating materials and must be securely attached.

6.5(6)     Electrical conductors under the chassis and in other exposed positions must be protected from water and dirt. Non-insulated conductors must be enclosed to prevent contact with any person when in use.

6.5(7)     The enclosures of electrical equipment which could be touched by any occupant must be constructed of insulating material or bonded to the chassis.

6.5(8)     A testing outlet must be provided to enable measurement of any leakage of current from the electrical wiring and equipment. Metal enclosures of electrical equipment not bonded to the chassis must be electrically connected to the testing outlet.

6.5(9)     The insulation of electrical cables and equipment must be maintained in such a condition that any leakage of current does not exceed 0.6 milliamperes per 100 volts. The leakage of current must be checked as regularly as is appropriate for that particular make and model of equipment or cable, or at least daily if the appropriate regularity is unknown. The operator must keep the recorded test results for three years.

6.5(10)     Cut-outs for the protection of any auxiliary circuit must be connected near the main supply cables. An emergency power cut-off switch must be provided in such a position that it can be operated by the driver.

6.5(11)     Trolley-booms and heads must be designed and constructed to minimise the risk of injuring any person if the boom swings or falls when the head is detached from the overhead wire.

 

6.6     Loading

6.6(1)     A passenger service vehicle must be designed and constructed to ensure that:

6.6(2)     For the purposes of 6.6(1), the permitted loading imposed by the trailer must also be taken into account if the passenger service vehicle is fitted with a tow-bar.

 

6.7     Suspension and drive line

6.7(1)     The suspension must be strong enough for reasonably foreseeable conditions of loading and operation.

6.7(2)     A passenger service vehicle must be designed, constructed and maintained so that no excessive body sway will occur which is likely to adversely affect the steering stability.

6.7(3)     Axle-stops, shackles, or similar devices must be maintained within safe tolerance of their original condition.

6.7(4)     Devices to protect against drive-shaft failure must be maintained within safe tolerance of their original condition.

 

6.8     Baggage, freight and pushchairs

6.8(1)     A passenger service vehicle and its fittings must be designed, constructed and maintained so that baggage and freight can be safely secured or contained to protect occupants, pedestrians and other road users from its possible movement.

6.8(2)     If a passenger service vehicle is designed to carry large or heavy items of freight or baggage, it must have facilities for safe containment, such as a separate cargo compartment or a cargo barrier, which are strong enough to withstand the forces imposed by the cargo during vigorous manoeuvring of the vehicle. For a light vehicle this may be demonstrated by compliance with the version of Australian Standard/ New Zealand Standard 4034 : 1992 which was applicable at the time the cargo barrier was installed.

6.8(3)     In a passenger service vehicle which is intended to carry one or more pushchairs carrying infants, there must be a dedicated area for this purpose which must have:

 

6.9     Handrails, handholds, and handgrips

6.9(1)     Handrails, handholds, and handgrips required by this rule must be of adequate strength for their foreseeable use and be securely attached.

6.9(2)     In a motor vehicle which entered service as a passenger service vehicle in New Zealand on or after 1 July 2000, the cross-section of:

 

6.10     Windscreen equipment

6.10(1)     The front windscreen and side windows used by the driver must be equipped with effective demisting equipment, adjustable from the driver’s seat.

6.10(2)     The windscreen must be fitted with a sun-visor or sun-visors adjustable from the driver’s seat.

 

6.11     Signs and instructions

Signs and instructions:

 

6.12     Passenger signals

If direct communication with the driver is restricted by a partition, obstruction or for some other reason, signalling equipment must be installed to provide the passengers with some other form of communication with the driver in case of emergency.

 

6.13     Towing and tow-bars

6.13(1)     A passenger service vehicle must not tow heavy trailers.

6.13(2)     The tow-bar of a motor vehicle which entered service as a passenger service vehicle in New Zealand on or after 1 September 1999, and a tow-bar fitted to a vehicle after this date, must comply with the version of New Zealand Standard 5467 : 1993 that was applicable at the time the tow-bar was fitted, and must be certified accordingly.

6.13(3)     The chassis of a passenger service vehicle fitted with a tow-bar must have sufficient strength to withstand the forces imposed on it by the trailer.

 

6.14     Open-bodied vehicles

6.14(1)     An open-bodied vehicle which entered service in New Zealand as a passenger service vehicle on or after 1 January 2001 must comply with the provisions in 6.14.

6.14(2)     On the open-bodied part of a passenger service vehicle, the side walls must extend at least 450 mm above the highest point of the uncompressed seat cushion.

6.14(3)     An open-bodied vehicle must have a permanent framework to provide reasonable protection for the occupants in the case of the vehicle rolling over.

6.14(4)     Any upper deck must have adequate drains to prevent water from collecting on it or draining into the body of the passenger service vehicle.

 

6.15     Additional provisions for heavy passenger service vehicles

6.15(1)     A heavy passenger service vehicle must comply with the requirements in 6.15.

 

Ventilation

6.15(2)     The design and construction of an opening window must ensure that a sphere of 125 mm diameter cannot be passed through that part of the opening which:

 

    Interior lighting

6.15(3)     Interior lights must be positioned so that they adequately illuminate doorways, aisles and steps, but without interfering with the driver’s vision when the doors are closed.

 

    Reversing warning

6.15(4)     A heavy motor vehicle that can carry more than 12 persons, which entered service on or after 1 July 2000, must be fitted with a device that operates when the reverse gear is engaged and the engine is running, and which gives an audible and visible external warning when the vehicle is reversing.

 

    Open-bodied vehicles

6.15(5)     On a heavy open-bodied vehicle which entered passenger service in New Zealand on or after 1 July 2001, there must be:

 

Section 7     Stability and structural strength

7.1     Stability requirements

7.1(1)     A motor vehicle which entered service as a passenger service vehicle in New Zealand on or after 1 July 2000 must be stable under the following conditions of static tilt:

7.1(2)     Practical testing referred to in 7.1(1)(a)(iv) and 7.1(1)(b)(iv) must be carried out under the following conditions:

 

7.2     Structural strength

7.2(1)     The structural strength of a passenger service vehicle must be sufficient to provide reasonable protection for the occupants in the event of roof or wall deformation resulting from the vehicle rolling over.

7.2(2)     The body of a passenger service vehicle must be fit for its purpose and securely fixed to the chassis. The superstructure must be of robust design, and must be made of materials fit for the purpose.

7.2(3)     The structural strength must be maintained throughout the service life of the passenger service vehicle.

 

7.3     Roof-racks

7.3(1)     Fitting a roof-rack to a passenger service vehicle is a modification.

7.3(2)     A passenger service vehicle on which a roof-rack was fitted:

7.3(3)     The roof-rack must:

7.3(4)     The roof-rack must have a sign or plate on the left-hand side stating:

 

7.4     Additional provisions for light passenger service vehicles

If the roof, or any roof support, of a light passenger service vehicle is modified, a person authorised by the Director to do so, or the vehicle’s manufacturer, must certify that this has not reduced the original structural strength of the vehicle.

 

7.5     Additional provisions for heavy passenger service vehicles

7.5(1)     A heavy motor vehicle which entered service as a passenger service vehicle in New Zealand on or after 1 September 1999, excluding a double-decked vehicle, must comply with the requirements in 7.5.

7.5(2)     A heavy motor vehicle which entered service as a passenger service vehicle in New Zealand on or after 1 September 1999, or whose structure was modified after that date, must comply with the version of at least one of the following vehicle standards which was applicable at the time the vehicle entered service as a passenger service vehicle in New Zealand or at the time of the modification:

 

    Structural strength specifications for heavy motor vehicles

7.5(3)     The heavy passenger service vehicle must be able to withstand, without permanent deformation, the simultaneous application of forces as follows:

7.5(4)     Compliance with 7.5(3) must be established by either:

7.5(5)     If compliance with 7.5(3) is established by a full-scale test on the completed frame on its chassis:

7.5(6)     If the body structure is wholly or partly constructed of non-metallic materials, the full-scale test in 7.5(5) must not result in:

7.5(7)     If compliance with 7.5(3) is established by calculation, for a heavy passenger service vehicle with a structure composed wholly or partly of non-metallic materials or metallic materials of unknown yield stress, the calculation must be based on the aggregated strength of the vehicle’s ring-frames or body sections.

7.5(8)     If the strength of each ring-frame or body section as required for calculations under 7.5(7) is not known, this must be established by:

7.5(9)     If compliance with 7.5(3) is established by calculation for a heavy passenger service vehicle with a structure composed wholly of metallic material of known yield stress, the calculation must be carried out by:

7.5(10)     If compliance with 7.5(3) is established by finite element stress analysis for a heavy passenger service vehicle with a structure composed wholly of metallic material of known yield stress:

7.5(11)     If compliance with 7.5(3) is established by the simplified calculation method for a heavy passenger service vehicle with a structure composed wholly of metallic material of known yield stress, the following assumptions must be made:

7.5(12)     If the simplified calculation method specified in 7.5(11) is used, the calculation must include an appropriate allowance for deterioration during the expected life of the vehicle, having regard to the material of the structure, the specific manufacturing technology, and the conditions under which the vehicle is likely to be operated.

7.5(13)     Compliance with the requirements in 7.5(3) must be certified by a person specifically authorised by the Director to do so.

7.5(14)     A heavy passenger service vehicle must be clearly identified by model, manufacturer’s description, chassis number, Vehicle Identification Number, or any other means of relating the specific vehicle to the documentation, drawings, quality control procedures and quality assurance programmes presented by the manufacturer or manufacturer’s agent or importer to demonstrate compliance of the vehicle with the requirements of this rule. This documentary evidence of compliance must be available for inspection, within a reasonable period of time, on request by a certifier, a police officer, or a person authorised by the Director.

7.5(15)     Any test equipment must be certified by an organisation accredited by Joint Accreditation System-Australia, New Zealand.

 

Section 8     Safety requirements for special equipment

8.1     Application

Section 8 applies to vehicles fitted with equipment for people with special mobility requirements which enter passenger service in New Zealand on or after 1 July 2000, and to passenger service vehicles fitted with such equipment on or after 1 July 2000.

 

8.2     Wheelchair hoists and ramps

8.2(1)     A wheelchair hoist and its attachment to a passenger service vehicle must either:

8.2(2)     A wheelchair ramp and its fitting to a passenger service vehicle must comply with one of the options in 8.2(1) or with all the following requirements:

 

8.3     Doorways and interior height

8.3(1)     On a passenger service vehicle that is intended to carry wheelchairs, the height:

8.3(2)     The doorway width must be at least 800 mm.

 

8.4     Wheelchair and wheelchair-occupant restraints

8.4(1)     A restraint system for a wheelchair, or for a wheelchair and occupant, must:

8.4(2)     Compliance with 8.4(1)(b) and 8.4(1)(c)(vii) may be proved by calculation.

 

Section 9     Certificate of Loading

9.1     Certificate of Loading

9.1(1)     A passenger service vehicle must have a Certificate of Loading that on or after 1 July 2001 contains the following, as applicable to the vehicle, in addition to the information required by Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Standards Compliance 1998:

9.1(2)     The maximum number of seated passengers must be calculated as follows:

9.1(3)     In addition to, or in substitution for, 9.1(1)(c), the maximum number of passengers in a light passenger service vehicle carrying only seated passengers may, at the written request of the operator or manufacturer to the vehicle compliance certifier, be displayed on the Certificate of Loading as a combination of:

9.1(4)     The maximum number of the standing passengers must be calculated by dividing the area available for the standing passengers by the area required for each standing passenger.

9.1(5)     The following areas are not available for standing passengers:

9.1(6)     The area for standing passengers must have no dimension less than:

9.1(7)     The minimum area required for each standing passenger is:

 

9.2     Deemed mass of occupants

9.2(1)     The deemed mass of each occupant is:

9.2(2)     The gross vehicle mass of a passenger service vehicle must not be exceeded when the vehicle is loaded with the maximum deemed passenger loading, which is calculated from the maximum number of passengers allowed in the Certificate of Loading and their deemed mass.

9.2(3)     The axle rating allowed in the Certificate of Loading of a passenger service vehicle that has more than nine seats must not be exceeded when the vehicle is loaded with the maximum deemed passenger loading calculated according to 9.2(2).

 

Section 10     Responsibilities

10.1     Responsibilities of operators

A person who operates a passenger service vehicle must ensure that the vehicle complies with this rule.

 

10.2     Responsibilities of repairers

A person who repairs a passenger service vehicle must ensure that the repair:

 

10.3     Responsibilities of modifiers

A person who modifies a passenger service vehicle must:

 

10.4     Responsibilities of certifiers

A person authorised by the Director to certify a passenger service vehicle for compliance with this rule under Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Standards Compliance 1998 must not do so if the person has reason to believe that the vehicle does not comply with this rule.

 

10.5     Responsibilities of manufacturers and importers

10.5(1)     A person who manufactures or imports a chassis for use in a passenger service vehicle must supply the following with the chassis:

10.5(2)     A person who manufactures or imports a motor vehicle for operation as a passenger service vehicle or a body to be fitted to a chassis for operation as a passenger service vehicle or installs the fittings within such a body must:

 

Part 2     Definitions

Articulated bus
means a bus consisting of two or more rigid sections which:
  • (a) articulate relative to each other;
  • (b) have interconnecting passenger compartments that allow passengers to move freely between them;
  • (c) are not easily detachable from each other without specialist equipment.
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, provided that:
  • (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; and
  • (b) if the longitudinal centre line of any 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’); and
  • (c) for the purposes of measuring the distance of a dual axle from any other axle, the measurement must be taken from the longitudinal centre line of that one of the two axles comprising the dual axle which is nearer to the axle from which the distance is to be measured.
Body
includes all of the portion of the vehicle that is designed for the use and accommodation of the occupants and their luggage, and to hold any goods that may be carried.
Certificate of Loading
means a certificate of loading issued under any regulation or rule made under the Transport Act 1962 or the Land Transport Act 1998.
Certifier
means a person appointed by the Director in accordance with Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Standards Compliance 1998.
Chassis
means the structural lower part of a vehicle to which the running gear and body are attached.
Chassis rating
means a set of data, containing the permitted maximum axle and/or axle-set loads, gross vehicle mass, and gross combination mass (if applicable), approved or determined by the Director.
Construction
means the manufacture, assembly, re-assembly, or modification of a vehicle; and includes all acts and activities related or incidental to the construction of a vehicle.
Crew
means the person or group of persons in control or having responsibility for the operation of the vehicle or the well-being of the passengers.
Dedicated emergency exit
means any doorway, window, hatch or other opening that is designed and constructed solely to provide a means of leaving the vehicle in the event of an emergency.
Dedicated intermediate-school bus
means a passenger service vehicle, the body of which is designed solely or principally for the carriage to and from school of intermediate-school pupils.
Dedicated primary-school bus
means a passenger service vehicle, the body of which is designed solely or principally for the carriage to and from school of primary-school pupils.
Director
means the Director of Land Transport Safety appointed under section 186 of the Land Transport Act 1998.
Emergency exit
means:
  • (a) a door used for the entry and exit of the occupants and, for this purpose, a door of double width is a single emergency exit;
  • (b) the access between the front and rear sections of an articulated bus;
  • (c) the stairway from the upper deck to the lower deck;
  • (d) a dedicated emergency exit.
Entered service as a passenger service vehicle
means the most recent occasion of the vehicle entering service as a passenger service vehicle.
Foot room
means an area on the floor in front of the seat or partially under the seat to accommodate the feet of the person sitting on the seat.
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, the gross vehicle mass is that mass determined by that person.
Heavy motor vehicle
means a vehicle with a gross vehicle mass which exceeds 3500 kg.
Hours of darkness
means:
  • (a) any period of time between half an hour after sunset on one day and half an hour before sunrise on the next day; or
  • (b) any other time when there is not sufficient daylight to render clearly visible a person or vehicle at a distance of 100 m.
Light motor vehicle
means a vehicle with a gross vehicle mass of 3500 kg or less.
Low volume vehicle
means a motor vehicle of a class specified in Table A of Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Standards Compliance 1998, other than MD3, MD4, ME, NB, NC, TC or TD that is:
  • (a) manufactured, assembled or scratch-built in quantities of 200 or less at any one location in any one year, by a manufacturer whose total production of motor vehicles does not exceed 200 units over the same period, and where the construction of the vehicle directly or indirectly affects compliance of the vehicle with any of the vehicle standards prescribed by New Zealand law; or
  • (b) modified uniquely, or in quantities of 200 or less at any one location in any one year, in such a way as to affect the compliance of the vehicle, its structure, systems, components or equipment, with a legal requirement relating to safety performance applicable at the time of the modification.
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 or component manufacturer in terms of performance capability and dimensions, relative to the deterioration, malfunction or damage, beyond which the safe performance of the system or 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.
Modify
in relation to a vehicle, means to change the vehicle structure from its original state by altering, substituting, adding or removing any structure, system, component or equipment, but does not include repair; and ‘modified’ and ‘modification’ have corresponding meanings.
Motor vehicle
means a vehicle drawn or propelled by mechanical power; and includes a trailer, but does not include:
  • (a) a vehicle running on rails; or
  • (b) an invalid carriage; or
  • (c) a trailer (other than a trailer designed solely for the carriage of goods) that is designed and used exclusively as part of the armament of the New Zealand Defence Force; or
  • (d) a trailer running on one wheel and designed exclusively as a speed measuring device or for testing the wear of vehicle tyres; or
  • (e) a vehicle designed for amusement purposes and used exclusively within a place of recreation, amusement, or entertainment to which the public does not have access with motor vehicles; or
  • (f) a pedestrian-controlled machine.
Occupant
in relation to a motor vehicle, means a passenger or a member of the crew, whether seated or standing.
Open-bodied vehicle
means a vehicle which is not fully enclosed by a permanent body structure.
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; and ‘operator’ has a corresponding meaning.
Outdoor-access vehicle
means a motor vehicle that is used to provide access to remote areas solely in connection with outdoor activities.
Passenger
means a person travelling in a vehicle but does not include the crew.
Passenger service
means the following, but does not include any service specified as exempt from requiring a Transport Service Licence under the Transport Services Licensing Act 1989:
  • (a) the carriage of passengers on any road for hire or reward by means of a motor vehicle; and includes the letting on hire of a vehicle by a person who drives the vehicle or provides a driver for the vehicle if, during the hiring, the vehicle is used for the carriage of passengers; and
  • (b) the carriage of passengers on any road, whether or not for hire or reward, by means of a passenger service vehicle that is a heavy motor vehicle.
Passenger service vehicle
means:
  • (a) a motor vehicle used or available for use in a passenger service for the carriage of passengers; or
  • (b) a motor vehicle with more than 12 seating positions; or
  • (c) a heavy motor vehicle with more than nine seating positions.
Rating
in respect of a system or component of a vehicle, means the permitted maximum load, approved or determined by the Director as being the safe operational limit for that component or system; and ‘rated’ has a corresponding meaning.
Repair
in relation to a vehicle, means to restore a damaged or worn vehicle, its structure, systems, components or equipment; and includes the replacement of damaged or worn systems, components or equipment with equivalent undamaged or new systems, components or equipment.
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.
Scratch-built vehicle
means a motor vehicle which is either:
  • (a) assembled from previously unrelated components and construction materials which have not been predominantly sourced from donors of a single make or model and which, in its completed form, never previously existed as a mass-produced vehicle, although the external appearance may resemble or replicate an existing vehicle; or
  • (b) a modified production vehicle that contains less than the following components from a mass-produced vehicle of a single make and model:
    • (i) 40% of the chassis rails and 50% of the crossmembers, or alternatively 40% of a spaceframe, or 40% of the floorpan of a unitary constructed body, whichever is appropriate; or
    • (ii) for light vehicles, 40% of the bodywork (based on surface area of body panels but not including the floorpan, internal bracing, sub panels, bulkheads or firewall).
Seat
means an assembly, or part of an assembly, intended to seat at least one person, that may or may not be integral to the vehicle structure.
Seating position
means a seat or part of a seat that is of a suitable size and shape for one person.
Service
includes:
  • (a) an operation carried out on one occasion only;
  • (b) an operation carried out solely for the benefit of the persons carrying it out.
Stretch limousine
means a saloon-type motor vehicle that has been modified to increase the standard wheelbase by the insertion of a structure of a significant length whose cross-section conforms to that of the passenger compartment.
UN/ECE
is an abbreviation for a regulation of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe.
Unladen weight
means the weight of a 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
means a contrivance equipped with wheels, tracks, or revolving runners on which it moves or is moved; and includes a hovercraft, a skateboard, in-line skates and roller skates, but does not include:
  • (a) a perambulator or pushchair;
  • (b) a shopping or sporting trundler not propelled by mechanical power;
  • (c) a wheelbarrow or hand-trolley;
  • (d) a child’s toy, including a tricycle and a bicycle, provided, in either case, no road wheel (including any tyre) has a diameter exceeding 355 mm;
  • (e) a pedestrian-controlled lawnmower;
  • (f) a pedestrian-controlled agricultural machine not propelled by mechanical power;
  • (g) an article of furniture;
  • (h) an invalid wheelchair not propelled by mechanical power;
  • (i) any other contrivance specified by any other rule not to be a vehicle for the purposes of this definition.
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
means a group of letters and numbers consisting of 17 characters that:
  • (a) is affixed to a motor vehicle in accordance with the relevant standard prescribed under regulation 90V of the Traffic Regulations 1976; and
  • (b) is capable of being decoded to provide identifying information about that vehicle.
Vehicle standard
means a technical specification with which a motor vehicle, its structure, systems, components or equipment must comply, and which is adopted by:
  • (a) the New Zealand Standards Council; or
  • (b) any international, national or regional organisation with functions similar to the New Zealand Standards Council.
Weight
means:
  • (a) in relation to a wheel, an axle, a group of axles, or a vehicle, the weight, or, as the case may be, the sum of the weights, recorded or displayed on a weighing device of a type approved for the purpose by the Minister of Police, by notice in the Gazette, and used in a manner prescribed by the Minister of Police, by notice in the Gazette;
  • (b) in relation to the load on a vehicle, the gross weight of the vehicle less its unladen weight.

 

Part 3     Schedule

Schedule     Vehicle standards referred to in this rule

Australian Design Rule 5/03, Anchorages for Seat belts

Australian Design Rule 59/00, Omnibus rollover strength

Australian Standard 2942-1987, Wheelchair occupant restraint assemblies for motor vehicles

Australian Standard 3856.1-1991, Hoists and ramps for people with disabilities – Vehicle mounted, Part 1: Product requirements

Australian Standard 3856.2-1991, Hoists and ramps for people with disabilities – Vehicle mounted, Part 2: Installation requirements

Australian Standard/New Zealand Standard 4034:1992, Motor Vehicles – Cargo barriers for occupant protection

New Zealand Standard 5467:1993, Code of practice for light trailers

UN/ECE Regulation No. 36, Uniform provisions concerning the approval of large passenger service vehicles with regard to their general construction (E/ECE/324-E/ECE/TRANS/505/Rev.1/Add.35/Rev.1/ Corr.1)

UN/ECE Regulation No. 52, Uniform provisions concerning the construction of small capacity public service vehicles (E/ECE/324-E/ECE/TRANS/505/Rev.1/Add.51/Rev.1)

UN/ECE Regulation No. 66, Uniform provisions concerning the approval of large passenger service vehicles with regard to the strength of their structure (E/ECE/324-E/ECE/TRANS/505/Rev.1/Add.65)

Land Transport Rule - Passenger Service Vehicles 1999 - Rule 31001
Land Transport Safety Authority of New Zealand, Te Mana Marutau Waka Whenua o Aotearoa