NATIONAL DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT - … for Overload Law Enforcement.pdf · NATIONAL DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA ... The Road Traffic Act, 1996 (Act No. 93 of

NATIONAL DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT

REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA

GUIDELINES FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT IN RESPECT OF THE OVERLOADING OF GOODS VEHICLES

FEBRUARY 2004

AS PRESCRIBED BY THE NATIONAL OVERLOADING CONTROL TECHNICAL COMMITTEE (NOCTC)

NOCTC GUIDELINES FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT IN RESPECT OF THE OVERLOADING OF GOODS VEHICLES D9/3/22/5

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

1. INTRODUCTION -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 2. THE IMPORTANCE OF OVERLOADING CONTROL---------------------------------------------------------- 1 3. THE LEGISLATION----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1

3.1 THE MASS RESTRICTIONS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2 3.1.1 Regulation group 234 to 237--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2 3.1.2 Regulation group 238 to 241--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2

3.1.2.1 Regulation 238: The loading limit of tyres ---------------------------------------------------------- 3 3.1.2.2 Regulation 239: The carrying capacity of the vehicle -------------------------------------------- 6 3.1.2.3 Regulation 240: The carrying capacity of the road ----------------------------------------------- 7 3.1.2.4 Regulation 241: The carrying capacity of bridges (bridge formula)--------------------------- 8

3.1.3 Regulation 242: Distribution of the massload on the vehicle--------------------------------------- 12 3.1.4 Regulation 243: Vehicles fitted with tyres other than pneumatic tyres--------------------------- 12 3.1.5 Sections 69 to 73 and Regulation 248: Presumptions----------------------------------------------- 12 3.1.6 Section 45, 49 and 51 of the Road Traffic Act: Responsibilities of the operator -------------- 13

3.2 POWERS OF TRAFFIC OFFICERS--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13 4. THE PROCEDURAL GUIDELINES------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15

4.1 SCREENING--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16 4.1.1 The definition and aim of screening ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 16 4.1.2 Types of screening processes----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16 4.1.3 Hints to traffic officers to assist operators for their own screening procedures---------------- 17

4.2 REFERRING OF VEHICLES TO A WEIGHBRIDGE OR TRAFFIC CONTROL CENTRE (TCC) 17 4.3 THE WEIGHING OF THE VEHICLE--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18

4.3.1 Weighing procedures that are distinctive to the apparatus used---------------------------------- 18 4.3.2 The sum of axle masses, axle unit masses and vehicle masses --------------------------------- 18

4.4 THE DETERMINATION OF THE PERMISSIBLE MASS OF A VEHICLE AND THE

IDENTIFICATION OF OFFENCES-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19 4.4.1 Two, three, four or more axle units are dealt with as a whole ------------------------------------- 19 4.4.2 The bridge formula (regulation 241) is not the limiting regulation on total vehicle mass in respect of all vehicles---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 21 4.4.3 The bridge formula should be applied to the heaviest group -------------------------------------- 21 4.4.4 Axle distances are measured by pressing the measuring tape against the hub -------------- 22 4.4.5 Regulations 238 and 239 apply to all vehicles and axles ------------------------------------------- 22 4.4.6 The application of tolerance-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22

4.5 CHARGING, COURTESY NOTICE AND RELEASE ------------------------------------------------------ 23 4.5.1 Charging -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 23 4.5.2 Release --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 23

4.6 SEIZURE AND ARREST ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 23 4.7 PARKING AND ADJUSTMENT--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 24 4.8 DEALING WITH MOVING LOADS----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 25

4.8.1 Liquids----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 25 4.8.2 Animals---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 25

4.9 DEALING WITH ABNORMAL LOADS ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 26 4.9.1 Abnormal Dimensions: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 26 4.9.2 Abnormal Mass------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 26


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4.9.3 Types of permits ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 26 4.9.4 Weighing procedure for abnormal loads ---------------------------------------------------------------- 27

5. DOCUMENTATION--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 28

ANNEXURE A: LEGISLATION

ANNEXURE B: PRACTICAL ENFORCEMENT OF LEGISLATION: EXAMPLES


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1. INTRODUCTION This document contains proposed guidelines for law enforcement officials to be followed when enforcing legislation with regard to the loading of goods vehicles. The aim is to ensure that overloading control will occur in a uniform manner throughout South Africa. A standard approach provides clarity and certainty to everyone concerned with the loading and control of goods vehicles and is indispensable for good order in the freight transport industry. The content of this manual is as follows: In Section 2 the reason for the importance of overloading control is discussed. Section 3 deals with the legislation applicable to the loading of vehicles and the control thereof and in Section 4 the procedural guidelines to be followed during the enforcement of the legislation is discussed. In the Annexure the legislation concerned is quoted in full and the enforcement of the legislation is dealt with by using a number of examples.

2. THE IMPORTANCE OF OVERLOADING CONTROL The importance of overloading control is evident from the following: • Overloaded goods vehicles do considerable damage to the country’s road infrastructure.

The damage is estimated annually to be R600 million (1997 Rand value). Money is not freely available from central government to repair the damage. If this is not prevented, the road system of the country will gradually deteriorate to the detriment of everyone. The aim of overloading control is to attempt in the most cost-effective way to eliminate the damaging of roads owing to overloading.

• It is therefore essential that effective law enforcement be carried out throughout

South Africa in order to stop this economic sabotage and protect the country’s most valuable asset – its road network.

• Transport companies that overload their vehicles can transport more cargo at the same

cost and can consequently charge lower prices per ton of transported goods. In this way they benefit at the expense of the companies that do not contravene the law. The result is that law-abiding companies are forced either to also overload their vehicles or to close down their businesses. Overloading control is therefore intended to protect law-abiding transport companies against the unjustified advantages that are achieved by non-law-abiding operators and to prevent the transport industry from collapsing into total anarchy.

• An overloaded vehicle is unsafe and is more likely to be involved in serious accidents.

The aim of overloading control is therefore also to ensure that safety regulations are not contravened.

3. THE LEGISLATION The Road Traffic Act, 1996 (Act No. 93 of 1996), and the Road Traffic Regulations made in terms of this Act determine the maximum mass limits of vehicles used on public roads. The Act also determines the powers of traffic officers regarding the enforcement of the mass limits. These mass restrictions and powers are discussed in this section.


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3.1 THE MASS RESTRICTIONS

The permissible mass of vehicles is determined by the Road Traffic Regulations made in terms of the Road Traffic Act, 1996. The numbers of the relevant regulations are 234, 235, 236, 237, 238, 239, 240, 241, 242 and 243. In addition, section 69 to 73 and regulation 248 formulate a number of presumptions that are applicable to regulations 234 to 243. These regulations, which are quoted in Annexure A, are discussed below.

3.1.1 Regulation group 234 to 237

In these regulations it is explained which of the regulations 238 to 241 are applicable during determination of the permissible mass of an axle, an axle unit, a vehicle as a whole and combination of vehicles respectively. In order to determine the permissible mass of an axle, an axle unit, etc. all the appropriate regulations must be applied in respect of the vehicle concerned. The regulation, which prescribes the smallest permissible mass, is the one that determines the Iegal mass for an axle, axle unit, GVM or GCM for a particular vehicle. In practice, this group of regulations (234 to 237) is used chiefly to explain the connection between the different regulations (238 to 241) to the court. It is not always immediately apparent to the court why, for example, regulation 240 is used as the basis of a charge while the same vehicle according to, for example, regulation 239 would have a greater permissible mass. For that reason the traffic officer and the public prosecutor should, in the formulation of the charge in the process of court, always refer to the specific regulation in the group 234 to 237 on the grounds of which the person is being charged, read together with the appropriate regulation in the group 238 to 241. The regulations in this group concern the following: Axle and Axle unit mass: • Regulation 234: Permissible maximum axle massload; • Regulation 235: Permissible maximum axle unit mass load. According to Regulation 234(2) or 235(2) the smallest permissible mass in terms of Reg 238, 239 or 240 is used to determine the maximum permissible axle mass or axle unit mass. Vehicle and vehicle combination mass: • Regulation 236: Permissible maximum vehicle mass; • Regulation 237: Permissible maximum combination mass. According to Regulation 236(2) or 237(2) the smallest permissible mass of the sum of permissible axle or axle unit mass, Regulation 239, Regulation 241 or 56 000 kg is taken to determine the maximum permissible vehicle or combination mass.

3.1.2 Regulation group 238 to 241

This group of regulations contains specific prescriptions on the maximum permissible masses of vehicles. Each of these regulations approaches the mass of a vehicle from a different viewpoint. Regulation 238 prescribes maximum masses according to the carrying capacity of the tyres of the vehicle. Regulation 239 is concerned with the manufacturer's specification, that is, the maximum mass for which the vehicle itself was designed. Regulation 240 is chiefly concerned with the maximum mass that the road pavement (asphalt or concrete surface plus the


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underlying layers forming the structure of the road) can carry, while regulation 241 is concerned with the maximum mass that can be carried by bridges and structures on consecutive axles or groups of axles. It is important to note that all these regulations are simultaneously applicable and that the one which prescribes the lowest mass for a particular vehicle is the one according to which it must be determined whether an offence has been committed. This approach may be explained by the following example: A vehicle with a gross vehicle mass of 10 000 kg will, according to the manufacturer's specification (regulation 239), be permitted to carry a maximum load of approximately 5 000 kg on an axle, the tyre specification (regulation 238) permits a mass load of 8600 kg, while regulation 240 permits a maximum load of 9 000 kg. In this case the restriction of regulation 239 is the smallest and it is therefore applicable (compare with regulation 234). In the case of a larger vehicle, an axle may however, according to the manufacturer's specification (regulation 239), carry for example 12 000 kg, the tyre specification (regulation 238) permits 10 600kg, while regulation 240 still prescribes a maximum load of 9 000 kg. In this case the restriction of regulation 240 is the smallest and is therefore applicable (compare once again with regulation 234). COMMENT: The offence concerned is therefore determined by taking the smallest

permissible mass that is prescribed by regulation 236. If it is found that a person contravenes more than one of the regulations, he can be charged on each contravention formulating alternative charges.

The regulations concerned are discussed individually in the remainder of this section.

3.1.2.1 Regulation 238: The loading limit of tyres

Regulation 238 prescribes the mass restrictions that apply to the different vehicle tyre sizes and it also deals with tyre pressure. The aim of this regulation is to ensure safety. The regulation refers to the standard Specification of the South African Bureau of Standards, SABS 1550: Motor vehicle wheels and rims: Dimensions and loads, Part 1 – 1992 (Government Notice No. 2006 of 17/07/92). The permissible mass, given the type of tyre and/or the tyre pressure, may be read from a table. Note that this regulation was amended in April 1999 to include the provision that: “ for the purposes of determining the pressure in a tyre, the temperature of the tyre shall be disregarded”. It is recommended that the loading limit which is applicable to maximum tyre pressure should be accepted as the permissible loading limit at all times, which benefits the operator because it allows the maximum loading limit and the pressure of the tyre need consequently not be measured. The tables below provide a number of loading limits with regard to the type of tyre at maximum tyre pressure, as it is applicable to certain of the more popular tyre sizes. It should be mentioned that many vehicles still have the TREDCO sizes but these are being phased out gradually and replaced with the latest markings e.g. 148/152L


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TABLE 1: Examples of a passenger vehicle and truck tyre designation

(Information supplied by General Tyres).

Example of a passenger vehicle tyre designation Example of a truck tyre designation

195 Tyre width (mm) 11 Tyre width (inch)

70 Aspect ratio (%) 70 Aspect (radial)

R Design (radial) R Design (radial)

14 Rim diameter (inch) 22,5 Rim diameter (inch)

91 Loading limit 146 Loading limit index (single tyre)

H Speed category 143 Loading limit index (twin tyres)

K Speed category


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TABLE 2: Loading limit (Information supplied by General Tyres).

Example of a passenger vehicle tyre designation: Example of a truck tyre designation:

195 / 70 R 14 91 H 11 / 70 R 22,5 146 143 K

Tyre width

(mm)

Speed

category

Aspect

ratio (%)

Loading limit

index (twin

tyres)

Design

(radial)

Loading limit

index (single

tyre)

Rim

diameter

(inch)

Rim

diameter

(inch)

Loading

limit

Design

(radial)

Speed

category

Aspect

(radial)

Tyre width

(inch)

LI kg LI kg LI kg LI kg LI kg LI kg

19 77,5 50 190 81 462 112 1120 143 2725 174 6700

20 80 51 195 82 475 113 1150 144 2800 175 6900

21 82,5 52 200 83 487 114 1180 145 2900 176 7100

22 85 53 206 84 500 115 1215 146 3000 177 7300

23 87,5 53 212 85 515 116 1250 147 3075 178 7500

24 90 55 218 86 530 117 1285 148 3150 179 7750

25 92,5 56 224 87 545 118 1320 149 3250 180 8000

26 95 57 230 88 560 119 1360 150 3350 181 8250

27 97,5 58 236 89 580 120 1400 151 3450 182 8500

28 100 59 243 90 600 121 1450 152 3550 183 8750

29 103 60 250 91 615 122 1500 153 2400 184 9000

30 106 61 257 92 630 123 1550 154 3750 185 9250

31 109 62 265 93 650 124 1600 155 3875 186 9500

32 112 63 272 94 670 125 1650 156 4000 187 9750

33 115 64 280 95 690 126 1700 157 4125 188 10000

34 118 65 290 96 710 127 1750 158 4250 189 10300

35 121 66 300 97 730 128 1800 159 4375 190 10600

36 125 67 307 98 750 129 1850 160 4500 191 10900

37 128 68 315 99 775 130 1900 161 4625 192 11200

38 132 69 325 100 800 131 1950 162 4750 193 11500

39 136 70 335 101 825 132 2000 163 4875 194 11800

40 140 71 345 102 850 133 2060 164 5000 195 12150

41 145 72 355 103 875 134 2120 165 5150 196 12500


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LI kg LI kg LI kg LI kg LI kg LI kg

42 150 73 240 104 900 135 2180 166 5300 197 12850

43 155 74 375 105 925 136 2240 167 5450 198 13200

44 160 75 387 106 950 137 2300 168 5600 199 13600

45 165 76 400 107 975 138 2360 169 5800 200 14000

46 170 77 412 108 1000 139 2430 170 6000 201 14500

47 175 78 425 109 1030 140 2500 171 6150 202 15000

48 180 79 437 110 1060 141 2575 172 6300 203 15500

49 185 80 450 111 1090 142 2650 173 6500 204 16000

TABLE 3: Loading limits for certain popular tyre sizes (from SABS 1550)

TYRE SIZE SINGLE PLUS 5% TOLERANCE

DOUBLE PLUS 5% TOLERANCE

315/80R-22.5

12R22.5 14pr*

12R22.5 16pr 11.00 x 20 x 16pr

11.00 x 20 x 14pr

11.00 x 20 x 12pr 10.00 x 20 x 16pr

10.00 x 20 x 14pr

10.00 x 20 x 12pr 9.00 x 20 x 14pr

9.00 x 20 x 12pr

3 750 kg

3 190 kg

3 350 kg 3 310 kg

3 036 kg

2 714 kg 3 038 kg

2 788 kg

2 492 kg 2 598 kg

2 370 kg

3 937,5 kg

3 349,5 kg

3 517,5 kg 3 475,5 kg

3 187,8 kg

2 849,7 kg 3 189,9 kg

2 927,4 kg

2 616,6 kg 2 727,9 kg

2 488,5 kg

3 250 kg

2 850 kg

3 000 kg 2 904 kg

2 664 kg

2 382 kg 2 666 kg

2 446 kg

2 186 kg 2 280 kg

2 080 kg

3 412,5 kg

2 992,5 kg

3 150,0 kg 3 049,2 kg

2 797,2 kg

2 501,1 kg 2 799,3 kg

2 589,3 kg

2 295,3 kg 2 394,0 kg

2 184,0 kg *Ply rating

TABLE 4: Maximum speed (Information supplied by General Tyres).

Speed

category G J K L M N P Q R S T U H V Z

Speed

(km/h) 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180 190 200 210 240 >240

The provisions of regulation 238 entail that axles with single wheels are usually more easily overloaded than axles with double wheels. Special attention should therefore be given to all axles with single wheels. This includes the steering axle and the popular configuration where a three-axle unit with single wheels is used. Wheels that are not fitted with pneumatic tyres are dealt with in regulation 243.

3.1.2.2 Regulation 239: The carrying capacity of the vehicle

Regulation 239 restricts the massload in accordance with the carrying capacity of the vehicle. This regulation, just like regulation 238, attempts to ensure road safety. Regulation 239 refers to three different matters that are all concerned with the carrying capacity the vehicle itself (engine, chassis and body): • Regulation 239(1) prohibits the exceeding of the gross mass of an axle (GA), an axle unit

(GAU), a vehicle as a whole (GVM) and a combination of vehicles (GCM). ("Gross" means, for all practical purposes, "as specified by the manufacturer".)


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• Regulation 239(2) determines the ratio between the mass of a vehicle and the engine

power (net power).

The following may not be exceeded: For a tractor: Net power x 400 For other vehicles: Net power x 240 Note: The use of a tractor to draw one or more semi-trailers is becoming increasingly prevalent

Especially "Bell" tractors are often used as truck tractors. This is not permissible. This excludes the "BELL" vehicles used on construction sites for the transport of stone or gravel etc. (divisible load). Depending on the width these vehicles must be dealt with like any other vehicle since they have abnormalities.

Note must be taken of the definition of a tractor as contained in section 1 (lxxiv) of the

Road Traffic Act.

"Tractor means a motor vehicle designed or adapted mainly for drawing other vehicles and not to carry any load thereon, but does not include a truck-tractor".

Officers should not allow this practice. Prosecution must be instituted against persons who use tractors contrary to the provisions of the Road Traffic Act.

• Regulation 239(3) determines the ratio between the total mass of the vehicle and the

mass on the driving axle(s). The contents of the manufacturer's specification on the vehicle plates is regulated by Regulation 245. Operators that affixed information plates to vehicles in terms of Regulation 245 before 1 March 1996, had a grace period until 1 July 1997 to reflect the information specified by Regulation 245. Operators who still have not affixed new information plates to their vehicles should be penalised. The old masses should be used in calculating permissible axle and axle unit mass load. This is the only way to force operators who have not yet replaced old information plates to do so. The total mass of the vehicle may not exceed the total axle mass of the driving axle or axles by more than five times (i.e. the total mass must be less than 5 times the mass of the driving axle(s)). Regulation 239 is, in particular, concerning all the axles of smaller vehicles and the driving axle of larger vehicles, the restricting regulation.

3.1.2.3 Regulation 240: The carrying capacity of the road

Regulation 240 restricts the massload on axles and axle units in accordance with the restricted carrying capacity of the road (i.e. pavement damage). The aim of this regulation is to protect roads. The subsections of this regulation are discussed as follows:


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Regulation 240(1) determines that no person may use a vehicle or a combination of vehicles (with pneumatic tyres) on public roads if –

(a) any wheel mass load exceeds 3 850 kg on a steering axle and 4 000 kg on non steering

axles; (b) the massload of a single axle with two or three wheels exceeds 7 700 kg on a steering

axle and 8 000 on axles other than steering axles; (c) the axle massload of a single axle with four wheels exceeds 10 200kg on a refuse

removal vehicle, breakdown truck, bus train or a bus or 9 000 kg on other vehicles not mentioned in sub paragraph (i) to (iv) of regulation 240 (I) (c);

(d) the axle massload of a two-axle unit with two or three wheels fitted per axle exceeds 15 400 kg on a steering axle and 16 000 kg on non-steering axles;

(e) the axle mass load of a two-axle unit with four wheels fitted per axle exceeds 20 400 kg on a refuse removal vehicle or a breakdown vehicle or 18 000 kg on other vehicles;

(f) the axle massload of a three-axle unit with three or more wheels fitted per axle exceeds 23 100 kg on a steering axle and 24 000 kg on axles other than steering axles;

(g) the axle mass load of a three or more axle unit with four wheels per axle exceeds 24 000 kg.

To summarise, the massloads on axles and axle units (except for two-axle units on refuse removing vehicles, breakdown vehicles and buses) are the following: TABLE 5: MASS LIMITS IN TERMS OF REGULATION 240

Item Mass limit on Steering

axles (kg) Mass limit on axles with two or three wheels (kg)

Mass limit on axles with four wheels (kg)

Single wheel 3 850 4 000 4 000

Single axle 7 700 8 000 9 000

Two-axle unit 15 400 16 000 18 000

Three-axle unit 23 100 24 000 24 000

3.1.2.4 Regulation 241: The carrying capacity of bridges (bridge formula)

Regulation 241 determines the total massload of groups of axles excluding the axle units covered by regulation 240(b). The regulation must restrict the total massload of vehicles to a level that corresponds with the carrying capacity of road bridges. The enforcement of this regulation is of crucial importance because the current legal vehicle massloads already overload approximately 15% of South Africa's bridges. The subsections of this regulation are discussed as follows: (a) Regulation 241(1) determines that no person shall operate on a public road a vehicle or a

combination of vehicles (with pneumatic tyres), if the total axle mass load of any group of axles of the vehicle or combination of vehicles exceeds the mass calculated according to the bridge formula. The bridge formula is as follows:


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Permissible mass = (L x 2 100) + 18 000 kilogram

where L = the distance from the first axle of any axle or axle unit to the last axle of any consecutive axle or axle unit (in metres).

See Figure below:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

(b) Regulation 241(2) determines the axle groups to which regulation 240(1) may be applied

or may not be applied. The axle units covered by regulations 240(d),(e),(f) and (g) are specifically excluded from the bridge formula.

(c) Regulation 241(3) determines how the distance between the axle groups should be

measured.

(3)(a) The distance should be measured in metres and tenths of metre from the first axle of any group to the last axle of such a group.

(3)(b) If the distance that is measured is not a full tenth of a metre, the reading should

be rounded off to the next higher tenth of a metre. Thus if therefore, the distance is for example 8,53 m, it becomes 8,6 m; 9,11 m becomes 9,2 m etc.

(3)(c) Measurements should be taken with a vehicle or combination of vehicles in a

straight line and the vehicle or combination of vehicles should be measured on both sides. The longest side's dimension should always be used for the calculation.

The practical execution of this measurement is discussed in section 4.4.4


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FIGURE 1: WHEEL AND AXLE MASS-LOADS PERMITTED UNDER REGULATION 240 Warning: On axles and axle units with single tyres, the tyre rating is critical. Operators should ensure that the tyre rating is adequate to achieve these mass-loads.

Steering Wheel Non-steering Wheel 3 850 kg Wheel Mass-load

4 000 kg Wheel Mass-load

7 700 kg Mass-load: single axle (Steering axle)

8 000 kg Mass-load: single axle

15 400 kg Mass-load: dual axle unit (Steering axle unit)

16 000 kg Mass-load: dual axle unit

23 100 kg Mass-load: tridem axle unit (Steering or swivelling axle unit)

24 000 kg Mass-load: tridem axle unit


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FIGURE 1 (CONTINUED) 9 000 kg Mass-load: single axle with four wheels 18 000 kg Mass-load: dual axle unit with four wheels per axle 24 000 kg Mass-load: tridem axle unit with four wheels per axle


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3.1.3 Regulation 242: Distribution of the massload on the vehicle

This regulation determines the maximum permissible difference between the wheel massloads on the left and right-hand side of a vehicle and the ratio between the mass of the steering axle of a vehicle and the mass of the rest of the axles of such a vehicle or the so-called under-loading of the steering axle. It specifies a minimum mass on the steering axle as a percentage of the mass of all the axles of such a vehicle. TABLE 6: MINIMUM LOAD ON STEERING AXLE OR STEERING AXLE UNIT

Regulation Description in regulation Vehicle type as interpreted

from descriptions in regulations

Load on steering axle or steering axle unit as a percentage of the sum of all axle massloads

242(b) Combination of motor vehicles

Truck-tractor plus at least one semi-trailer with steering axle

or steering axle unit.

11% (of truck-tractor and first

semi-trailer)

242(c) Motor vehicle, not being a

combination of motor vehicles

with a steering axle unit

Rigid vehicle with a steering axle unit

30%

242(d) Any other vehicle Rigid vehicle with a steering axle

20%

242(d) Tractor Tractor 12%

3.1.4 Regulation 243: Vehicles fitted with tyres other than pneumatic tyres

This regulation determines the permissible maximum axle massloads of vehicles that are not fitted with pneumatic tyres.

3.1.5 Sections 69 to 73 and Regulation 248: Presumptions

Sections 69 to 73 of the Road Traffic Act, 1996, and Regulation 248 contain a number of presumptions that somewhat facilitates the evidential process in court. This overrules the necessity for complicated technical evidence on the reliability of the readings mentioned in the process of court, unnecessary unless the defence shows on a balance of probability that the readings can possibly be unreliable. The presumptions also make it possible to determine the total mass of an axle unit, vehicle or combination of vehicles by adding together the masses of individual axles or axle units. The following presumptions have practical implications for law enforcement on the road: • The presumption in regulation 248(3) determines that the distance measured with a view

to prosecution under regulation 241 shall be regarded as correct unless proof can be supplied that the actual distance is greater than the alleged distance. This means that distance readings that are definitely longer than the actual distance are acceptable. For this reason the distance between the axles of an axle group may be determined by pressing the measuring tape on the centre of the hub of the first and last axle of the group that must be measured. Since the hub is normally sunk, the measuring tape will stretch around the edges of the wheel rim, with the result that the reading that is obtained


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will always be slightly longer than the actual distance and this benefits the operator of the vehicle. The centre of the hub is usually marked. If this is not the case, the hub may be measured and the centre may be marked.

• The presumption In regulation 248(4) implies that a small scale may be used to

determine the total mass of an axle unit or vehicle since the masses of the axles or axle units may be added together to calculate the total mass.

3.1.6 Section 45, 49 and 51 of the Road Traffic Act: Responsibilities of the operator

The law makes provision that the operator of a vehicle can be charged. The driver of an overloaded vehicle is often charged as the accused. If this person is convicted, he will have to face a fine or jail sentence for an offence which has benefited the owner of the company and not the driver. Admissions of guilt and previous offences are often registered against the driver and not against the company that owns or operates the vehicle. To curb this situation, the law provides for the accusation of the operator of a vehicle. Firstly the law defines who the operator of a vehicle is (Section 45 of the Road Traffic Act):

Section 45: Registration of operator

(1) (a) Subject to paragraph (b), the owner of a motor vehicle of a prescribed class is

the operator thereof, and shall, upon licensing thereof, be registered as such in the prescribed manner and on the prescribed conditions.

(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a), a person who is not a manager, employee or agent of the owner of a motor vehicle referred to in that paragraph and who enters into a written agreement providing that such motor vehicle may be operated by such person for any period, shall for the purposes of section 49 (c), (d), (e), ( f ) and (g) be deemed to be the operator thereof for that period.

Secondly the law states the duties of the operator of a vehicle. These duties include proper control over the driver of such motor vehicle to ensure the compliance by such driver with all the provisions of the act, which includes the loading of vehicles (Sect 49(c)(ii) and Sect 49(g)). Furthermore, the law states in Section 51(1) that whenever a manager, agent or employee commits an act or fails to commit an act and it would have constituted an offence under the Road Traffic Act if the operator had committed the act or failed to commit it, then such operator shall be deemed himself to have committed or failed to commit such act and be liable to be sentenced and convicted in respect thereof unless he proves that he took all reasonable measures to prevent the offence.

3.2 POWERS OF TRAFFIC OFFICERS

Sec 11. Powers and duties of traffic officer In addition to the powers and duties conferred upon him elsewhere in this Act, a traffic officer may, subject to the provisions of this Act or any other law: (a) Exercise or perform any of the powers or duties conferred upon an inspector of licences

in terms of section 8;


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(b) When in uniform, require the driver of any vehicle to stop such vehicle;

(c) Inspect, test or cause to be inspected and tested by a person whom he considers

competent to do so, any part and the functioning of any vehicle, and the equipment thereof, with a view to ascertaining whether such vehicle or the functioning thereof and the equipment comply with the provisions of this Act: Provided that no such officer or person instructed by such officer to inspect or test such vehicle shall, in the exercise of the authority hereby conferred upon him, dismantle the mechanism or any motor vehicle unless he is also a qualified motor mechanic or has passed an examination for examiners of vehicles as prescribed, and if he has so dismantled such vehicle, he shall reassemble the dismantled mechanism or parts unless he is requested by the person in charge of the vehicle not to do so;

(d) Ascertain the dimensions of, the load on, or the mass, axle mass load or axle unit mass

load of, any vehicle, or the mass of any combination of vehicles, laden or unladen, and, if necessary for the purpose of ascertaining such mass, require any vehicle or combination of vehicles to proceed to a mass-meter or mass-measuring device, and if the mass of any vehicle or combination of vehicles exceeds the mass allowed in terms of this Act, prohibit the operation of such vehicle or combination of vehicles on a public road until such mass has been reduced or adjusted to comply with this Act: Provided that where the load on a vehicle includes any hazardous substance as contemplated in the Hazardous Substances Act, 1973 (Act No. 15 of 1973), the reduction and handling of the mass shall be undertaken in terms of that Act;

(e) Drive any vehicle where necessary in the performance of his duties if, in the case of a

motor vehicle, he is licensed to drive a motor vehicle of the class concerned;

(f) If any person, being the driver or apparently in charge of a vehicle, appears to such officer, by reason of his physical or mental condition, howsoever arising, to be incapable for the time being of driving or being in charge of that vehicle, temporarily forbid such person to continue to drive or be in charge of such vehicle and make the arrangements for the safe disposal or placing of the vehicle as in his opinion may be necessary or desirable in the circumstances;

(g) Regulate and control traffic upon any public road, and give such directions as may, in his

opinion, be necessary for the safe and efficient regulation of the traffic and efficient regulation of the traffic and, where he is of the opinion that the driver of a motor vehicle is hampering or impeding the normal flow of traffic on a public road, direct the driver to remove the vehicle from such road and to follow another route with the vehicle;

(h) Require any person to furnish his name and address and give any other particulars which

are required for his identification or for any process if such officer reasonably suspects such person of having committed an offence under this Act or if in the opinion of such officer he is able to give evidence in regard to the commission or suspected commission of any such offence;

(i) In respect of any motor vehicle, demand from the owner, operator or driver thereof to

produce any document prescribed in terms of this Act;


February 2004 15

(j) Impound any document referred to in paragraph (i) produced to him and which in his opinion may afford evidence of a contravention of or failure to comply with any provision of this Act, and where any document is so impounded, the traffic officer shall issue a receipt thereof to the person concerned;

(k) Require any professional driver or the operator or owner of any motor vehicle to produce

for inspection and to have a copy made of: i. any record or document which that person is required in terms of Part 3 of

Chapter III of this Act to carry or have in his possession or which is required to be affixed to any such motor vehicle; or

ii. any record which that person is required in terms of Part 3 of Chapter III of this Act to preserve;

(l) At any time enter any motor vehicle of an operator and inspect such vehicle and any

recording device installed therein for the purpose of Part 3 of Chapter III of this Act, and inspect and make a copy of any record regarding the vehicle which has been produced by such recording device;

(m) At any time enter upon any premises on which he has reason to believe that a motor

vehicle of an operator is kept or that any record or other document required to be kept in terms of Part 3 of Chapter III of this Act are to be found, and inspect such vehicle, and inspect and copy any such record or document, which he finds there;

(n) If he has reason to believe that an offence under Part 3 of Chapter III of this Act has been

committed in respect of any record or document inspected by him, impound that record or document, and where any document is so impounded, the traffic officer shall issue a receipt therefore to the person concerned;

(o) Inspect any motor vehicle or part thereof and impound any document issued in

connection with the registration and licensing of such motor vehicle which relates to such motor vehicle, where it is found that the engine or chassis number of such motor vehicle differs from the engine or chassis number as specified on the document, and direct that such motor vehicle be taken, there and then, to any police station specified by such traffic officer for police clearance, and may, after such clearance has been obtained, return the impounded document to any person who is entitled thereto, or notify the owner of the motor vehicle concerned that such vehicle must be re-registered, as the case may be; and

(p) Require from the owner, operator or driver of a motor vehicle registered or deemed to be

registered in any prescribed territory, police clearance in respect of such motor vehicle before allowing that motor vehicle to be taken across the borders of the Republic: Provided that the Minister may exempt any owner, operator or driver in the prescribed manner from having to provide such police clearance.

4. THE PROCEDURAL GUIDELINES

The aim of this section is to explain all the steps that have to be followed by a law enforcement official during the overloading control process.


February 2004 16

4.1 SCREENING

4.1.1 The definition and aim of screening

Screening is the process according to which vehicles that are probably overloaded are identified on the road so that they can be referred to a weighbridge. Screening should be performed for the following reasons: (a) To increase the productivity of weighing sites by wasting as little time as possible on

legally loaded vehicles.

(b) To prevent legally loaded vehicles from being unnecessarily delayed.

(c) It is an effective method to control corruption and bribery as incidents of overloading are recorded and have to be accounted for.

(d) Officers can be monitored for effectiveness and productivity.

4.1.2 Types of screening processes

The following are various types of screening processes that may be used to identify vehicles that

are overloaded.

(a) Visual screening: Experienced traffic officers can ascertain through observation whether a vehicle is

overloaded or not. Note is taken of: • The appearance of the springs or tyres; • The sound of the engine up ridges, hills and inclines; and • The amount and type of load that is transported in relationship to the vehicle that

is transporting it.

This will be done at mobile units where no WIM’s (weigh in motion devices) are available.

(b) Screening devices: • Dynamic mass determination, i.e. while the vehicle is in motion, is most

commonly used for screening purposes. • Dynamic mass determination is also referred to as Weigh-in-motion (WIM). • WIM can be done at high speed or slow speed. • High speed WIM devices (HSWIM) are usually permanently installed in the road

surface and determine the mass of heavy vehicles travelling over the device at normal operating speed.

• HSWIM’s are usually installed before and after a traffic control centre. • Slow speed WIM is done using portable scales. • These scales are lightweight and can be easily moved from one location to

another. • Portable static scales that measure the wheel load of a vehicle while stationary

can also be used.


February 2004 17

4.1.3 Hints to traffic officers to assist operators for their own screening procedures

(a) Screening by load delimitation:

• Contractors who transport large volumes of goods (sand, stone, grain, etc) and

who mark the legal height of the load in the cargo space of vehicles in co-operation with the traffic authorities may use these marks to determine how much can be loaded to keep the load within the legal limits.

• This method is recommended particularly for cases where a transport operator transports the same type of load regularly on a specific route.

• If this method is followed, relatively small differences in moisture content, uncontrollable spaces in packaging or differences in relative density will lead to differences in weight. Examples of commodities of which the moisture content may vary are sand, fine gravel, grain and other agricultural products.

• Uncontrollable spaces in packaging occur particularly in the case of fruit and vegetables, while differences in relative density may occur in the case of commodities such as wood, bricks, etc.

• If the load, however, is exceedingly wet, it will be considerably heavier and the mark will no longer be applicable.

• The same applies to cases where the differences in packaging or similar weight are relatively high.

• This matter should be handled with great circumspection.

(b) Weighing chain:

• A chain is attached to the body of the vehicle in such a way that it barely touches the axle when the axle or axle unit has been loaded exactly to the legal limit.

• The accuracy of the chain should be checked regularly because the vehicle’s suspension changes in the course of time.

(c) Onboard computers and sensors:

• A built-in onboard computer or sensor on the vehicle is a very effective method to

curb the overloading of the vehicle.

4.2 REFERRING OF VEHICLES TO A WEIGHBRIDGE OR TRAFFIC CONTROL CENTRE (TCC)

In cases where the facility is not situated directly alongside the road concerned, vehicles that must be weighed should be referred to a weighbridge or TCC. Reference of vehicles to a weighbridge or TCC should be handled as follows: • Road traffic signs showing the route to a weighbridge/TCC should be erected, if it is

necessary and feasible. • If the distance to a weighbridge/TCC is short, the driver of the vehicle may be instructed

to go to such facility without accompaniment. • At the same time a radio message is sent to the weighbridge/TCC to notify the officers

manning the weighbridge/TCC of such a vehicle and to give them the vehicle’s licence number.


February 2004 18

• Traffic officers may also be placed at strategic points along the route to direct vehicles to the weighbridge site. This is only applicable to mobile units where vehicles are directed from adjacent routes.

• If a driver disregards an instruction to proceed to a weighbridge the case should be followed up as soon as possible. The driver should, in terms of section 12 of the Road Traffic Act, 1989, be prosecuted because he has failed to comply with a legal instruction of an officer.

• When a driver receives an instruction from a traffic officer, the instruction should be clear and be given in terms of section 11(d) of the Road Traffic Act, 1996.

• If the distance to a weighbridge/TCC is relatively long, the officer can gather a few vehicles and then accompany them together to the weighbridge.

• Clear instructions should still be given to each driver. When vehicles are placed in queues for this purpose, the traffic officer should have a very good reason for presuming that the vehicles are in fact overloaded.

• Accurate screening is of the utmost importance in this regard. • Formation of queues plays a role particularly in cases of screening on escape routes

where the distance to the weighbridge is relatively long. • It is sometimes found that vehicles that are referred to weighbridges/TCC’s inexplicably

break down. • In these cases traffic officers should render the necessary assistance to get the vehicle to

the weighbridges/TCC. • Some traffic authorities use towing trucks for these purposes. • Using a tow truck is always for the cost of the owner/operator.

4.3 THE WEIGHING OF THE VEHICLE

It is recommended that traffic officers, when weighing a vehicle, make use of a field sheet similar to the example used in Annexure C. This field sheet contains all the relevant information and can be used by the traffic officer when testifying in court.

4.3.1 Weighing procedures that are distinctive to the apparatus used

• Guidelines will be provided by the scale company and will need to be included in these

guidelines when available. • Factors like the use of brakes, switching off the vehicle’s engine and disengaging gears

are discussed since they differ for each type of scale. • The instructions that should be given to the driver must also be included. • Officers should make sure that the correct procedure for every scale is followed. • The manufacturer’s prescriptions should be strictly adhered to.

4.3.2 The sum of axle masses, axle unit masses and vehicle masses

When the scale that is used, is too small to weigh the vehicle as a whole, the different parts of the vehicle are weighed separately and the readings that are obtained in this way may then be added together to obtain the mass of axle units or axle groups or of the total vehicle. • This may be done on the grounds of the presumption in regulation 248. • This presumption entails the following:


February 2004 19

• If an axle mass scale is used, the masses of the axles may be added together to determine the mass of an axle unit or of a vehicle or of a combination of vehicles as a whole.

• If a scale is used that can weigh a whole axle unit, the masses of the various axle units may be added together to determine the mass of a vehicle or a combination of vehicles as a whole.

• If a scale is used that can weigh a whole motor vehicle (truck-tractor, semi-trailer or trailer), the masses of the various motor vehicles may be added together to determine the mass of a combination of vehicles as a whole.

4.4 THE DETERMINATION OF THE PERMISSIBLE MASS OF A VEHICLE AND THE

IDENTIFICATION OF OFFENCES

• After the actual mass of the vehicle has been determined, the permissible mass of the

vehicle is determined by the application of the relevant legislation. • Figure 2 shows a flow diagram of the steps that should be taken when the vehicle’s

permissible mass is determined and when offenders are identified. • When the steps in the flow diagram are applied, the following should be kept in mind:

4.4.1 Two, three, four or more axle units are dealt with as a whole

• Two and three axle units should be dealt with as a single unit. • When only one axle of an axle unit is overloaded, but the total axle unit mass is still legal,

prosecution should not be instituted. • Existing 4 axle-units must be treated as tridem axle units as the legislation has the same

limit for three and four axle units. (Amended in April 1999.)


February 2004 20

FIGURE 2: FLOW DIAGRAM FOR OVERLOADING CONTROL

Start

A. Determine the permissible maximum mass for an

axle/axle unit This is the lowest value of: • The tyre specification (Reg 238) • The manufacturer’s rating

(Reg 239) • The road capacity limit (Reg 240)

B. Determine the permissible maximum vehicle or combination mass This is the lowest value of: • The sum of permissibles (Reg 236+237) • The manufacturer’s GVM or GCM (Reg

239) • The 56 000 kg limit (Reg 236 + 237) • The bridge formula (Reg 241) • 5 x the load on the drive axle • 240 x net power rating in kW (400 in the

case of a tractor)

D. Determine the actual mass of the vehicle by weighing the vehicle

C. Determine the permissible maximum mass for intermediate axle groups Bridge formula applied to axle groups other than extreme axles or axle units (Reg 241)

Yes No

F. Prosecution. Additional charges should be

formulated if more than one transgression is found

E. Does any actual mass exceed its corresponding permissible mass by more than 5%?

Stop


February 2004 21

4.4.2 The bridge formula (regulation 241) is not the limiting regulation on total vehicle mass in respect of all vehicles

The principle when applying regulations 238 to 241 is that the restriction, which allows the lowest mass, is the valid one. It is known that the bridge formula (regulation 241) in the case of some vehicles permits a higher mass than the sum of axle or axle unit restrictions (regulation 240). In such cases it is not sensible to apply the bridge formula (regulation 241) because the axle or axle unit restrictions are the smallest and therefore the limiting factor. There are, however, other cases where the bridge formula does in fact permit a lower mass than the sum of the axle or axle unit restrictions. In such cases the bridge formula should be applied together with the other regulations as it can be the limiting factor. The following guidelines determine when the bridge formula should be applied when it can be the limiting factor and when it is not necessary (when the sum total of the axles/axle units or the 56 000 kg is the limiting factor):

TABLE 7: APPLICABLE RESTRICTIONS ON DIFFERENT VEHICLE CONFIGURATIONS

TYPE OF VEHICLE BRIDGE FORMULA

APPLICABLE WHEN

56T LIMIT APPLICABLE

WHEN

GVM/GCM APPLICABLE

WHEN

SUM OF AXLES APPLICABLE

WHEN

7 and more axles Vehicle is shorter

than 18.1m

Vehicle is longer

than 18.1m

If less than the other

restrictions Never

6 axle vehicle (1221 interlink)

Vehicle is shorter than 16.2m

Never If less than the other restrictions

Vehicle is longer than 16.5m

6 axle vehicle

(123 rig)

Vehicle is shorter

than 15.1m Never


restrictions

Vehicle is longer

than 15.1m

5 axle vehicle (1121 or 122)

Vehicle is shorter than 12.2m



5 axle vehicle

(113 rig)

Vehicle is shorter

than 10.8m Never


restrictions

Vehicle is longer

than 10.8m

4 axle vehicle Vehicle is shorter than 7.9m



3 axle vehicle Never (vehicle length

less than 3.6m) Never

Vehicles less than

15 000kg Almost always

2 axle vehicle Never Never Vehicles less than

15 000kg

Vehicles more than

15 000 kg

Mini buses Motor cars

Never Never Almost always When lyre rating permit less than

GVM

4.4.3 The bridge formula should be applied to the heaviest group

According to the Act, the bridge formula would be applicable to any axle group (except two, three and four or more axle units that are covered by regulation 240) In the case of Figure 3 on the next page, this would mean that six groups should be examined. These six groups are 1 to 7, 1 to 3, 1 to 5, 2 to 5, 2 to 7, and 4 to 7. The bridge formula should be applied to any 2 consecutive axle units, especially when the units are marginally overloaded. Normally only the group, containing the outermost axles, is checked. If there is a reason, however, to presume that a


February 2004 22

greater offence is being committed in respect of another group from the driving axle to the rear axle than in respect of the outermost group, that group must also be checked. If axles or axle units of another group are very close together, however, regulation 241 should also be applied to this group.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

FIGURE 3: Axles and Axle Units for Bridge Formula

4.4.4 Axle distances are measured by pressing the measuring tape against the hub

The presumption in regulation 248(3) makes it possible to use a simple procedure to measure the distance between axles when applying the bridge formula. The presumption, which is discussed in section 3.15 above, implies that a measured distance, which is longer than the actual distance between the outermost axles of the axle group concerned, will be acceptable in court. The procedure that is recommended entails the measuring tape being pressed on the centres of the hubs of the wheels on the axles concerned to obtain the reading. The procedure is discussed in detail in section 3.1.5

4.4.5 Regulations 238 and 239 apply to all vehicles and axles

The provisions of regulation 238 and 239 apply to all vehicles, axles and axle units of vehicles. It is usually the limiting factor on smaller vehicles (GVM smaller than approximately 15 000 kg), but can also be the limiting factor on other vehicles and vehicle configurations as well. It is important, however, to note that regulations 238 and 239 should be applied to the steering axle and all other axles and axle units of a vehicle that is weighed.

4.4.6 The application of tolerance

One of the principles of adjudication is that the law does not concern itself with trifles. For that reason a tolerance is granted which permits small bona fide errors that the operator may make during the loading of the vehicles This tolerance is taken into consideration before prosecution is instituted. The tolerance in all cases is the permissible limit plus 5%. Overloading and the tolerance should therefore be calculated using the legal limit as basis. For example, if the axle mass of a vehicle is 11 000 kg and the legal limit is 9 000 kg, the axle is overloaded by 2 000 kg or 22.2%. A courtesy notice must be issued to the driver of a vehicle overloaded by between 0% and 5% that informs him that his vehicle is overloaded, but that he will not be prosecuted [see section 5(e)].


February 2004 23

Part 29 of the National Prosecution guideline compels the allowance of the 5% grace.

4.5 CHARGING, COURTESY NOTICE AND RELEASE

4.5.1 Charging

If any of the above-mentioned regulations are contravened after the necessary tolerance has been applied, the driver (and possibly the operator) should be charged in terms of the regulation that has been contravened to the greatest extent. All documentation should be completed in full. See section 5 for a description of the documentation involved in overloading control. To charge operators, all relevant information to identify the operator should be obtained. In terms of Section 47 of the National Road Traffic Act, 1996, operators are compelled to display a valid operator card in the vehicle as prescribed. • A copy or print of the card will serve as prima facie evidence in court that the person

whose name appears as operator on such card was the operator of such vehicle at the time when the offence was committed.

• Traffic officers should take all relevant particulars that may help to identify the operator,

e.g. the vehicle licence number, the name of the operator on the vehicle, and if possible, the company registration number or CK number. This information can be used to identify the operator at the Department of Transport Operator Database or to get information from the Registrar of Companies.

• When the correct operator is identified, he can be charged.

4.5.2 Release

If no prosecution is instituted, the vehicle should be released after the driver has received a scale printout. All the documents concerned should be completed in full. See Section 5 for a description of the documentation involved in overloading control.

4.6 SEIZURE AND ARREST

When a vehicle is overloaded to such an extent that an admission of guilt fine cannot be imposed, the driver should be arrested and the vehicle seized if it is practically possible. • Authorization for seizure is granted to all peace officers in terms of sections 20 and 23 of

the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977 (Act No. 51 of 1977) (RSA). • When an officer arrests a driver, both the driver and the vehicle should be handed over to

the South African Police Service. • It is recommended that an arrangement be made in advance with the local police in

respect of the storage of the vehicle. • After the accused has been charged by the South African Police Service he may, before

his first appearance in court, be released either on warning or on bail. • If no other arrangement has been made, the vehicle is the responsibility of the South

African Police Service. This is included in the SAPS standard operating procedures.


February 2004 24

• If no storage facility is available the driver may be released on bail and the vehicle released to the driver after the load has been adjusted.

• An arrest must take place when: o A vehicle with a maximum permissible mass less then 3 500 kg (non-RTQS vehicle):

� Is more than 50% overloaded on the Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM). � Is more than 50% overloaded on an axle or axle unit and more than 5%

overloaded on Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM). o A vehicle or combination of vehicles with a maximum permissible mass that exceeds

3 500 kg: � Is more than 25% overloaded on regulations related to the Gross

Vehicle/Combination Mass and/or groups of axle units (241). � Is more than 35% overloaded on a single axle, tandem, tridem or four axle unit

and more than 5% overloaded on the Gross Combination/Vehicle Mass (GCM/GVM).

4.7 PARKING AND ADJUSTMENT

• All overloaded vehicles that exceed the permitted tolerance should be forbidden to travel

further until the load has been adjusted to the permissible legal limit concerned. • The mass of a loaded vehicle should be within the permissible legal limit plus the

permitted tolerance before a scale printout is issued and the vehicle is released. • Although there are no exceptions to the abovementioned rule, cognisance should be

taken of the Criminal Procedure Act, Act 51, Section 30.

o Animals: No concession should be made. If possible, animals should be off loaded at the nearest abattoir.

o Perishable goods: Must be dealt with in terms of section 30 of the Criminal Procedure Act (51 of 1977) which provides that perishable articles may be disposed of with due regard to the interests of the owner of such articles. Under no circumstances should overloaded vehicles carrying perishable goods be allowed to continue without adjustment of the load.

o Vehicles carrying dangerous goods: Such vehicles should not receive special treatment, since it is probably much more dangerous to let them travel on than to park them and to let the load be adjusted. Officers should, however, use their discretion to ensure that the parking of a vehicle would not create a danger and seek professional advice. � [The RFA suggested the following in this regard: Safety should be our first

consideration. If the vehicle is within the GCM – charge the operator and give the driver a fine but the vehicle should be allowed to carry on. If the vehicle is within 16% of the permissible load consider the following:

• Payment of fine. • Demand from the operator to apply for an extraordinary (abnormal) load

permit for the entire trip. • The operator should be required to pay for an escorting function. • The vehicle then proceeds to the nearest, safe designated decanting

point.] o Vehicles with an indivisible load: Vehicles of which the load cannot be separated

should obtain an abnormal load permit for the entire route before they are permitted


February 2004 25

to travel any further at the discretion of the roads authority. The permit should cover the whole route and not only the route from the weighing facility.

o Containers: A traffic officer can break the seal when he has reason to believe that it contains a divisible load.

• Every weighing facility should be able to notify the operator of a vehicle that his vehicle is

overloaded and that he will not be permitted to travel any further unless the load is adjusted.

• No loads may be off-loaded at the weigh site on the ground. • Operators must contact another vehicle to take the excess load. • Both vehicles must be weighed before the vehicles are allowed to continue.

4.8 DEALING WITH MOVING LOADS

4.8.1 Liquids

• Vehicles with liquid loads may be provisionally weighed (statically or dynamically) while

the load is moving to determine whether they are probably overloaded. • Although the reading does not stabilize immediately as a result of the movement of the

liquid, it may be determined with reasonable certainty whether the vehicle is overloaded. • If it is found that the vehicle is probably overloaded, the vehicle should be held back until

the load stabilizes.

4.8.2 Animals

• In the case of vehicles which are transporting animals and which are weighed on an axle

mass scale or an axle unit scale, prosecution should be instituted in respect of the axle or axle unit that is the most heavily overloaded.

• Since the animals move around on the bed of the vehicle, it is difficult to determine the correct total mass of such a vehicle.

• For prosecution purposes only one axle or an axle unit should therefore be concentrated upon.

• Where the whole vehicle can be weighed at once, this approach is naturally not necessary.

COMMENT: If the possibility exists that animals may be injured during the weighing process

or if the animals are moving around too much, the vehicle should not be weighed.


February 2004 26

4.9 DEALING WITH ABNORMAL LOADS

Section 81 of the Road Traffic Act no 93 of 1996 allows road authorities to grant exemption permits for vehicles and loads that cannot reasonably comply with the requirements of the Act. A load can be classified as abnormal due to the dimensions or the mass thereof. Law enforcement officials are also referred to the guidelines for granting of exemption permits for the conveyance of abnormal loads and for other events on public roads contained in the TRH 11 document.

4.9.1 Abnormal Dimensions:

A load of this nature is abnormal in dimensions [the legal limitations are: length (22 m), width (2.6m) or height (4.3m)] but does not exceed the legal limitations on mass, and can be a divisible or an indivisible load, for example large steel frames. In the case of an abnormal load of this nature, a non-exemption permit will be issued to the operator. This permit will not indicate the AV (abnormal vehicle) masses per axle/axle unit, neither will the permit indicate the combination mass. However, the length, width, height, wheelbase and overhang will be clearly indicated.

4.9.2 Abnormal Mass

A load of this nature is a load which cannot without disproportionate effort, expense or risk of damage, be divided into two or more loads for the purpose of transport on a public road and therefore exceeds the legal limitations on mass, for example a grader or mining machinery etc. Traffic officers should ensure that the load is indeed indivisible as stated by the operator/consignor. In the event of a vehicle transporting an abnormal load that is abnormal in mass, an exemption permit will be issued. This permit will clearly indicate the AV (abnormal vehicle) mass per axle/axle unit, the actual mass of the load on the axle/axle unit and the maximum vehicle/combination mass. This permit will also contain a detailed sketch of the vehicle configuration and the various dimensions and masses.

4.9.3 Types of permits

There are three types of permits that can be issued to an applicant applying to convey an abnormal load: • Trip permits, which are issued for a single trip or a number of similar trips and for which

fees are calculated according to distance travelled. • Route-period permits, which are issued for periods of one week to twelve months and

which are valid for a prescribed route. The fee depends on the period, the length of the route and the type of vehicle. Route-period permits are usually not issued In respect of loads that require traffic officer escorting.

• Area-period permits, which are issued for periods of one week to twelve months and which are valid within a prescribed area. The fee depends on the period, the area for


February 2004 27

which the permit is valid and the type of vehicle. Area-period permits are usually not issued in respect of loads that require escorting.

It is compulsory that the driver, of a vehicle carrying an abnormal load, should have the permit available in the vehicle. The permit will state the exact abnormality that is permitted with regard to dimensions and allowable axle masses. It becomes completely invalid if any permit condition is not complied with. Particular attention should be given to: • the licence numbers of the vehicle and trailer (if any) • the period of validity • the description of the load (if any) • the route • the dimensions of the vehicle and the load (if any) • the condition of the vehicle (check for the condition of the tyres, the safety of the load,

presence of oil leaks, whether the hydraulic control pipes are connected etc. • compliance with other conditions (such as maximum allowable speed, presence of

escorting vehicles, warning lights and flags, permission to travel after dark or during weekends, etc)

4.9.4 Weighing procedure for abnormal loads

Vehicles transporting abnormal loads should, as far as possible, be weighed just like normal vehicles. Traffic officers must however note that these vehicles are weighed to determine whether the actual mass exceeds the mass that is indicated on the abnormal load permit. The vehicle should be taken to the nearest Traffic Control Centre capable of weighing such a vehicle. If the scale is not wide enough to weigh the whole vehicle, law enforcement officials should weigh the one half of the vehicle and then the other half. The 5% tolerance is also allowed in the case of abnormal loads. Should the load exceed the mass indicated on the permit, a section 56 notice must be issued and the operator must park off and apply for an amended permit to accommodate the excess mass. This permit can be obtained from the province where the vehicle was apprehended. However, prior to granting such a permit, the recommendation of the officer in charge has to be obtained. Such a permit does not stop the official from proceeding with the normal prosecution for the offence that was committed before the permit was granted. The cost of the permit will be calculated on the full distance of the journey from origin to destination. Note: Caution must however be taken that the maximum vehicle/combination mass does not

exceed the total actual mass which was indicated upon the AV registration. Many of the so-called "Bell" trucks which are also manufactured by other companies like CAT, Hitachi, Volvo, Terro etc and which are used at construction and road building sites are not necessarily abnormal loads EXCEPT where the width exceeds 2,6m in which case the operator would then apply for a period permit. "Bell vehicles" where the width does not exceed 2,6 m must be weighed as normal heavy vehicles with the understanding however, that these vehicles do not have a steering axle, but two drive axles. Note: If the actual mass exceeds the mass stipulated on the permit, the normal limits apply and the permit must be ignored, as the permit is null and void if the conditions are not adhered to.


February 2004 28

5. DOCUMENTATION The following documents are used in law enforcement with regard to overloading:

• A written notice issued in terms of section 56 of the Criminal Procedure Act, No 51 of 1977;

• Mass measuring form; • Weighing report form; • Release slip; • Courtesy notice; and • Consignment note or any other evidential material.

(a) Written notice:

The written notice should contain all the relevant information. Since the space is limited on the prescribed forms, telegram style may be used when the form is completed. Statutory references should be correct. If for example, the charge is one of overloading on a single axle with double wheels, where the carrying capacity of the road was the limiting factor, the statutory reference will be: “Contravention of regulation 234 (the regulation which explains how axle mass load must be calculated) read with regulation 240(1)(c)(v) (the regulation which gives the prescribed mass in terms of the pavement specification for a single axle).” Furthermore mention must be made in all statutory references to the presumptions contained in section 70, 71 and regulation 248 of the National Road Traffic Act, 1996 as well as section 89 and regulation 333, which contains the penalty clause. Reference must also be made to section 69 – Presumption of public road. COMMENT: The officer who completes the notice should familiarize himself firsthand

with the information. The vehicle’s licence number and the readings on the scale and measuring tape may not be called out by one officer to another unless both officers are available to give evidence in the court case. Information, which is called out by one officer to another, is considered as hearsay evidence in court.

(b) Scale printout:

The form for giving evidence is adapted for each type of mass metre and should be completed together with the written notice. All additional information that the officer obtains concerning the vehicle should be recorded on the form. A duplicate of the form may be issued to the driver but the driver should then sign the form that is retained. Since officers stop many vehicles and there is a long period of time from the date of prosecution to the trial date, this form should be completed in detail so that the facts, which are submitted to court, are correct. The officer should complete the form directly after the incident and it should contain only information that he has gathered personally.


February 2004 29

Where two or more officers are involved in the mass determination procedure, each one should complete a mass measuring form in respect of the matters that he dealt with. Each officer who gathered information on the vehicle will have to give evidence in the court case on the part that he gathered. Officers may not give evidence in court using another officer’s documentation. Since as little time as possible has to be spent in court, it is preferable for one officer to acquaint himself firsthand with the information and to complete it himself, on the process documents. Only that officer then needs to give evidence in court.

(c) Weighing report form:

This form should be completed if the scale printout facility is not working. Data of all vehicles of which the mass is determined should be completed on the form. The completion of the form is necessary so that a national database may be created in respect of overloading. Alternatively the information that is needed for the completion of the form may be keyed in on the computer and dispatched electronically.

(d) Release slips:

When the mass of a legally loaded vehicle has been determined, the driver of the vehicle should receive a slip that specifies that the vehicle is not overloaded. Other weighing stations should acknowledge the slip as proof that the vehicle is legally loaded. In this way further delays of the vehicle on its way to its destination are prevented. The slip is valid only for the day on which it was issued and the date should therefore be written on it. If an officer suspects that the vehicle’s load has changed since the slip was issued, he should weigh the vehicle again. If the vehicle is weighed again, a new slip should be issued and the old slip should be handed to the officer. A similar slip is issued in respect of a vehicle which was overloaded, but of which the load has been adjusted. This procedure is not applicable to vehicles that undertake short trips. COMMENT: The abovementioned guideline, namely that the release slip is valid for

only one day, is sometimes impractical (e.g. if the vehicle is tested shortly before the end of the day) and officers should use their own discretion.

(e) Courtesy notice:

Courtesy notices are issued to drivers of vehicles which are overloaded, but which do not exceed the tolerance of 5%.

(f) Consignment note:

There are various documents which at all times must be carried in the vehicle and which are issued by the consignor or operator of the vehicle in respect of the load and its content which can be used by the traffic officer to determine the load and size of the vehicle.

ANNEXURE A

EXTRACTS FROM:

THE NATIONAL ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATIONS, 2000

THE NATIONAL ROAD TRAFFIC ACT, ACT 93 OF 1996

THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT, ACT 51 OF 1977

FEBRUARY 2004

NOCTC ANNEXURE A: LEGISLATION D9/3/22/5

February 2004 A-1

Extracts from: THE NATIONAL ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATIONS, 2000 Part IV Loads on vehicles Manner in which children to be counted for purposes of regulations 231. For the purposes of establishing the number of persons that may in terms of these regulations, other

than regulation 263, be carried on any vehicle, other than a motor cycle, motor tricycle, motor quadrucycle or pedal cycle: (a) any child under the age of three years shall not be counted; (b) two children of three years or over but under the age of six years shall be counted as one

person; and (c) three children of six years or over but under the age of 13 years shall be counted as two

persons: Provided that in applying the provisions of this regulation, fractions shall be disregarded.

Mass of person and luggage for determining mass of load 232. For the purpose of establishing the maximum mass of a person and his or her hand luggage which

may be conveyed on a motor vehicle for the purpose of determining the seating capacity of such vehicle to homologate a vehicle: (a) the mass of a person together with his or her hand luggage shall, be taken as 68 kilograms; (b) in the case of a motor vehicle which is fitted with:

(i) a luggage compartment, the mass of luggage shall be calculated at the rate of 100 kilograms per cubic metre; or

(ii) a roof rack, the mass of luggage shall be calculated at the rate of 75 kilograms per square metre of area of the roof rack.

Amended: Government Notice No. R1341 of 25 September 2003 Number of persons that may be carried on motor vehicle in relation to seating capacity 233. (1) Subject to the provisions of regulation 231, no person shall operate on a public road a motor

vehicle, other than a mini-bus or bus which is used for hire or reward, motor cycle, motor tricycle, motor quadrucycle or pedal cycle if- (a) the number of persons on any seat of such vehicle exceeds the number of persons

for whom seating accommodation is provided for on such seat, at the rate of 380 millimetres per person measured at the widest part of the seat with the doors closed; and

(b) the total number of persons carried on such vehicle, excluding persons carried in the goods compartment of the vehicle, exceeds the number of persons for whom seating accommodation, determined in the manner referred to in paragraph (a), is available in such vehicle: Provided that, one child over the age of three years but under the age of six years may be carried on each transverse seat, in excess of the number of persons for whom seating accommodation is available on such seat, determined in the manner referred to in paragraph (a).

(2) Subject to the provisions of regulation 231, no person shall operate on a public road, a bus or a mini-bus, if the number of persons on any seat exceeds the number of persons for whom seating accommodation is provided for on such seat, at the rate of- (a) 400 millimetres per person in the case of a bus; or


February 2004 A-2

(b) 380 millimetres per person in the case of a mini-bus, measured at the widest part of the seat with the doors closed.

(3) For the purposes of sub regulations (1) and (2) a row of seats shall be regarded as one seat. (4) Where in this regulation a reference is made to a maximum or minimum dimension, a

tolerance of 100 millimetres shall apply to such dimension.

Amended: Government Notice No. R1341 of 25 September 2003 Permissible maximum axle massload of vehicle 234. (1) No person shall operate on a public road a mini-bus, bus, tractor or goods vehicle if the

permissible maximum axle massload of such vehicle is exceeded. (2) The permissible maximum axle massload of a vehicle shall be the least of the mass limits

determined by- (a) regulation 238(1) in respect of a vehicle fitted with pneumatic tyres or regulation

238(2) and 243 in respect of a vehicle fitted with tyres other than pneumatic tyres; (b) regulation 239(1)(a)(ii); and (c) regulation 240(a), (b) and (c). Permissible maximum axle unit massload of vehicle 235. (1) No person shall operate on a public road a mini-bus, bus, tractor or goods vehicle if the

permissible maximum axle unit massload of such vehicle is exceeded. (2) The permissible maximum axle unit massload of a vehicle shall be the least of the mass

limits determined by- (a) regulation 238(1) in respect of a vehicle fitted with pneumatic tyres or regulation

238(2) and 243 in respect of a vehicle fitted with tyres other than pneumatic tyres; (b) regulation 239(1)(a)(iii); and (c) regulation 240(d), (e), (f) and (g). Permissible maximum vehicle mass 236. (1) No person shall operate on a public road a mini-bus, bus, tractor or goods vehicle if the

permissible maximum vehicle mass of such vehicle is exceeded. (2) The permissible maximum vehicle mass of a vehicle shall be the least of the mass limits

determined by- (a) the sum of all the permissible maximum axle massloads and axle unit massloads of

the vehicle as contemplated in regulations 234 and 235; (b) regulation 239(1)(a)(i); (c) regulation 239(2); (d) regulation 239(3); and (e) regulation 241: Provided that the permissible maximum vehicle mass of such vehicle shall not exceed 56 000

kilograms. Permissible maximum combination mass 237. (1) No person shall operate on a public road a combination of vehicles where the drawing

vehicle is a mini-bus, bus, tractor or goods vehicle, if the permissible maximum combination mass of such combination is exceeded.

(2) The permissible maximum combination mass of a combination of vehicles shall be the least of the mass limits determined by-

(a) the sum of all the permissible maximum axle massloads and axle unit massloads of the combination of vehicles as contemplated in regulations 234 and 235;

(b) regulation 239(1)(b); (c) regulation 239(2);


February 2004 A-3

(d) regulation 239(3); and (e) regulation 241: Provided that the permissible maximum combination mass of such combination shall not exceed

56 000 kilograms. Load on tyres 238. (1) No person shall operate on a public road a motor vehicle- (a) which is fitted with pneumatic tyres, where any wheel massload is in excess of the

wheel massload referred to in the appropriate part of the standard specification SABS 1550 Motor Vehicle Tyres and Rims: Dimensions and Loads, Part 1: General, Part 2: Passenger car tyres, and Part 3: Commercial vehicle tyres; or

(b) where any pneumatic tyre is not mentioned in the standard specification referred to in paragraph (a), where the wheel massload is in excess of the wheel massload approved by the manufacturer of the tyre concerned:

Provided that for the purposes of determining the pressure in a tyre the temperature of the tyre shall be disregarded.

(2) No person shall operate on a public road any vehicle fitted with tyres, other than pneumatic tyres, if the wheel massload exceeds eight kilograms per one millimetre width of any such tyre.

Gross vehicle mass, gross axle massload, gross axle unit massload, gross combination mass, power to mass ratio and axle massload of driving axle to total mass ratio not to be exceeded 239. (1) No person shall operate on a public road a mini-bus, bus, tractor or goods vehicle- (a) if- (i) the gross vehicle mass; (ii) any gross axle massload; or (iii) any gross axle unit massload, is exceeded; (b) drawing any other motor vehicle if the gross combination mass is exceeded. (2) No person shall operate on a public road a vehicle which is a minibus, bus, tractor or goods

vehicle if the mass in kilograms of such vehicle or of a combination of vehicles of which such first-mentioned vehicle forms a part, whether laden or unladen, exceeds a figure arrived at by multiplying the net power in kilowatts of the engine of such vehicle as determined in accordance with or calculated with due regard to code of practice SABS 013 - The determination of performance (at net power) of internal combustion engines-

(a) in the case of the drawing vehicle being a tractor by 400; or (b) in the case of any other vehicle by 240. (3) No person shall operate on a public road a vehicle which is a mini-bus, bus, tractor or goods

vehicle if the mass in kilograms of such vehicle or of a combination of vehicles of which such first-mentioned vehicle forms a part, whether laden or unladen, exceeds five times the total axle massload of the driving axle or axles of such vehicle.

Massload carrying capacity of road 240. No person shall operate on a public road a motor vehicle or a combination of motor vehicles, the

wheels of which are fitted with pneumatic tyres, if- (a) the wheel massload of wheels- (i) which are fitted to a steering axle, exceeds 3 850 kilograms; or (ii) which are fitted to axles other than a steering axle, exceeds 4 000 kilograms; (b) the axle massload of an axle fitted with two or three wheels and- (i) which is a steering axle, exceeds 7 700 kilograms; or (ii) which is an axle other than a steering axle, exceeds 8 000 kilograms; (c) the axle massload of an axle fitted with four wheels and-


February 2004 A-4

(i) which is fitted to a vehicle designed to compact refuse and which is carrying such refuse, exceeds 10 200 kilograms;

(ii) which is fitted to a breakdown vehicle, exceeds 10 200 kilograms; (iii) which is placed in the rear or middle of a bus-train, exceeds 10 200 kilograms; (iv) which is fitted to a bus, other than a bus-train, exceeds 10 200 kilograms; or (v) which is not mentioned in items (i) to (iv), exceeds 9 000 kilograms; (d) the axle massload of an axle unit which consists of two axles, each of which are fitted with

two or three wheels, and- (i) which is a steering axle unit, exceeds 15 400 kilograms; or (ii) which is an axle unit other than a steering axle unit, exceeds 16 000 kilograms; (e) the axle massload of an axle unit which consists of two axles, each of which are fitted with

four wheels, and- (i) which is fitted to a vehicle, except a trailer, designed to compact refuse and which is

carrying such refuse, exceeds 20 400 kilograms; (ii) which is fitted to a breakdown vehicle, exceeds 20 400 kilograms; or (iii) which is not mentioned in items (i) and (ii), exceeds 18 000 kilograms; (f) the axle massload of an axle unit which consists of three or more axles, each of which are

fitted with two or three wheels, and- (i) which is a steering axle unit, exceeds 23 100 kilograms; or (ii) which is an axle unit other than a steering axle unit, exceeds 24 000 kilograms; or (g) the axle massload of an axle unit which consists of three or more axles, each of which are

fitted with four wheels, exceeds 24 000 kilograms.

Amended: Government Notice No. 2116 of 5 October 2001 Massload carrying capacity of bridges 241. (1) No person shall operate on a public road a vehicle or combination of vehicles, the wheels of

which are fitted with pneumatic tyres, if the total axle massload of any group of axles of such vehicle or combination of vehicles exceeds the mass in kilograms determined by multiplying the dimension of such group measured as referred to in sub regulation (3) by 2 100 and adding 18 000.

(2) A group of axles referred to in sub regulation (1) may comprise any series of axles, but shall not consist of one axle unit referred to in regulation 240(d), (e), (f) or (g) alone.

(3) (a) The dimension referred to in sub regulation (1) shall be measured in metres and tenths of a metre from the centre of the first axle of any group of axles to the centre of the last axle of such group.

(b) If the dimension so measured is not a definite figure in metres and tenths of a metre, the next highest number in tenths of a metre with which the dimension so measured is exceeded shall be used for the calculation referred to in sub regulation (1).

(c) Where a group of axles of a combination of vehicles is measured, the vehicles of such combination shall be positioned in line and both sides of such combination of vehicles shall be measured, and if the dimensions of the two sides differ, the longer dimension shall be used for the calculation referred to in sub regulation (1).

Distribution of axle massload and wheel massload on vehicle fitted with pneumatic tyres 242. Notwithstanding the provisions of regulation 240, no person shall operate on a public road a motor

vehicle which is fitted with pneumatic tyres if - (a) on any axle with - (i) two tyres, the wheel massload on one tyre exceeds the wheel massload on the

other tyre by more than 10 per cent; or (ii) four tyres, the wheel massload on two tyres nearest to each other exceeds the

wheel massload on the other two tyres by more than 10 per cent;


February 2004 A-5

(b) in the case of a combination of motorvehicles consisting of a truck-tractor and at least one semi-trailer, the axle mass load of any steering axle or the sum of the axle mass loads of any steering axle unit is less than 11 percent of the sum of all axle mass loads of the truck tractor and the first semi-trailer that is coupled to the truck-tractor, of the said combination of motor vehicles;

(c) in the case of a motor vehicle, not being a combination of motor vehicles as referred to in paragraph (b), with a steering axle unit, the sum of the axle mass loads of such steering axle unit is less than 30 percent of the sum of all axle mass loads of such vehicle; or

(d) in the case of any other vehicle the axle massload of a steering axle is less than 20 per cent of the sum of all axle massloads of such vehicle, except in the case of a tractor when the axle massload of the steering axle shall not be less than 12 per cent of the sum of all the axle massloads of such tractor.

Amended: Government Notice No. 2116 of 5 October 2001 Axle massload of vehicles fitted with tyres other than pneumatic tyres 243. No person shall operate on a public road a vehicle fitted- (a) with metal tyres, if any axle massload of such vehicle exceeds 2 700 kilograms; or (b) with tyres, other than pneumatic or metal tyres, if any axle massload or the sum of all axle

massloads of such vehicle exceeds 50 per cent of that permitted for vehicles fitted with pneumatic tyres in terms of regulation 240 or, if the axle massload of any steering axle of such vehicle does not comply with the requirements of paragraphs (b), (c) or (d) of regulation 242.

Information to be displayed on certain motor vehicles 244. No person shall operate on a public road a mini-bus, bus or goods vehicle which, according to the

registration certificate thereof was registered for the first time prior to 1 January 1989 and of which the gross vehicle mass does not exceed 3 500 kilograms, unless there is displayed in a conspicuous position on the left side thereof in letters and figures of not less than 40 millimetres in height and which shall be clearly legible at all times -

(a) the tare of such vehicle in kilograms (denoted as T); (b) the permissible maximum vehicle mass referred to in regulation 236 in kilograms (denoted

as V); and (c) if the vehicle is used to draw any other vehicle, the permissible maximum drawing vehicle

mass which shall be the least of the masses determined in terms of regulation 239(1)(b), (2) or (3) in kilograms (denoted as D/T):

Provided that if such vehicle is fitted with a plate as referred to in regulation 245, the provisions of this regulation shall not be applicable to such motor vehicle.

Information plates on certain vehicles 245. (1) No person shall operate on a public road a mini-bus, bus or goods vehicle which, according

to the registration certificate thereof - (a) was registered for the first time prior to 1 January 1989 and of which the gross

vehicle mass exceeds 3 500 kilograms; or (b) was registered for the first time on or after 1 January 1989, unless the following

particulars in respect of such mini-bus, bus or a goods vehicle are clearly imprinted or stamped on a metal plate or plates affixed in an accessible place on a door post, under the bonnet or on the dash board of the vehicle concerned or, in the case of a trailer, on the left side thereof in any conspicuous place:

(i) The tare in kilograms (denoted as T); (ii) the gross vehicle mass in kilograms (denoted as GVM/BVM);


February 2004 A-6

(iii) the gross axle massload or gross axle unit massload of each axle or axle unit in kilograms (denoted as GA/BA and GAU/BAE, respectively);

(iv) in the case of a semi-trailer the gross kingpin massload as specified by the manufacturer (denoted as GKM/BSM);

(v) the gross combination mass in kilograms (denoted as GCM/BKM); (aa) in the case of a vehicle that is used to draw any other vehicle; and (bb) in the case of a breakdown vehicle registered for the first time from

the date of commencement of this item; (vi) where applicable, the net power in kilowatts as determined in accordance

with or calculated with due regard to code of practice SABS 013: “The determination of performance (at net power) of internal combustion engines”;

(vii) the permissible maximum vehicle mass referred to in regulation 236 in kilograms (denoted as V): Provided that this item is not applicable in respect of a semi-trailer;

(viii) the permissible maximum axle massload referred to in regulation 234 or axle unit massload referred to in regulation 235 of each axle or axle unit in kilograms (denoted as A and AU/AE, respectively); and

(ix) the permissible maximum drawing vehicle mass referred to in regulation 244(c) (denoted as D/T).

(2) No person shall operate on a public road a tractor unless it is fitted with a metal plate on which is imprinted -

(a) the net power of the engine in kilowatts as determined in terms of code of practice SABS 013 “The determination of performance (at net power) of internal combustion engines”, Part 1: “Road vehicle internal combustion engines at sea level”, Part 2: “Compression ignition engines and altitude”, Part 3: “Agricultural vehicle internal combustion engines at sea level” (denoted as P/D);

(aa) within six months from the date of commencement of this paragraph, the tare in kilograms (denoted as T);

(b) the gross combination mass in kilograms (denoted as GCM/BKM); and (c) the permissible maximum drawing vehicle mass referred to in regulation 244(c)

(denoted as D/T): Provided that the provisions of this sub regulation shall apply - (i) from 1 January 1993 in respect of a tractor which according to the registration

certificate thereof was registered for the first time on or after 1 January 1993; and (ii) from 1 January 1995 in respect of a tractor which according to the registration

certificate thereof was registered for the first time before 1 January 1993.

Amended: Government Notice No. 2116 of 5 October 2001 Certain vehicles to display notice of load 245A (1) No person shall operate on a public road- (a) a bus; (b) a mini-bus- (i) the gross vehicle mass of which exceeds 3 500 kilograms; or (ii) which is designed or adapted for the conveyance of 12 or more persons, including

the driver; or (c) a motor vehicle used for the conveyance of persons for reward, unless there is

conspicuously displayed inside such vehicle in figures of at least 75 millimeters high, a notice stating the load that may be carried on such vehicle in the terms set out in sub regulation (2).

(2) The notice must- (a) in the case of a bus or minibus referred to in sub regulation (1) that is permitted to

convey persons and goods, be worded as follows:


February 2004 A-7

"CERTIFIED TO CARRY _ PASSENGERS SEATED AND _ PASSENGERS STANDING AND _ KG GOODS"; or

(b) in the case of a bus or minibus referred to in subregulation (1) that is permitted to

convey persons only, be worded as follows:

"CERTIFIED TO CARRY _ PASSENGERS SEATED AND _ PASSENGERS STANDING".

(3) The number of passengers and the mass in kilograms of the goods indicated on the notice

shall not exceed the maximum number of passengers and the maximum mass of the goods that may lawfully be carried on the vehicle in terms of Part IV and regulation 263.

Amended: Government Notice No. 2116 of 5 October 2001 Manner in which goods to be carried 246. No person shall operate on a public road a motor vehicle carrying any goods- (a) in such a manner as to come into contact with the surface of the public road on which the

vehicle is being operated but a chain, known as a “static chain”, may be carried in contact with the surface of such road;

(b) in such a manner as to obscure the driver’s view of traffic to the front or on either side, or his or her view in the rear view mirror or mirrors of traffic to the rear;

(c) which are not- (i) safely contained within the body of such vehicle; or (ii) securely fastened to such vehicle, and which are not properly protected from being dislodged or spilled from such

vehicle; (d) on the roof thereof, in the case where such vehicle is a motorcar, if the height of such goods

measured from the highest point of such roof exceeds one-half of the height of the motor car, measured from ground level: Provided that the provisions of this paragraph shall not be applicable in respect of pedal cycles being transported on the roof of a motor vehicle; or

(e) in any container, which has provision for fastening by means of “twist locks”, unless such container is securely fastened by at least four “twist locks” and the provision of this paragraph are also applicable to empty containers carried on a motor vehicle, but two ”twist locks” may be used to fasten a container which, measured parallel to the length of the vehicle, is at least one comma five metre in length and less than three metres in length.

Circumstances under which persons may be carried on goods vehicle 247. No person shall operate on a public road a goods vehicle conveying persons unless that portion of

the vehicle in which such persons are being conveyed is enclosed to a height of: (a) at least 350 millimetres above the surface upon which such person is seated; or (b) at least 900 millimetres above the surface on which such person is standing, in a manner

and with a material of sufficient strength to prevent such person from falling from such vehicle when it is in motion.

Amended: Government Notice No. 761 of 31 July 2000 Presumptions 248. (1) If, in a prosecution for an offence under regulations 234 to 243 inclusive, an allegation is

made in the charge sheet or summons in relation to- (a) the gross vehicle mass; (b) the gross axle mass; (c) the gross axle unit massload; (d) the gross combination mass; (e) the net power in kilowatts of any bus or goods vehicle;


February 2004 A-8

(f) the permissible maximum vehicle mass referred to in regulation 236; (g) the permissible maximum combination mass referred to in regulation 237; or (h) the permissible maximum axle massload or maximum axle unit massload, referred

to in regulation 234 or 235 respectively, such allegation shall, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, be presumed to be correct.

(2) The fact that differing results may be obtained on successive attempts at determining the axle massload of an axle which is part of an axle unit shall not, by itself, prove the massload alleged in a prosecution, to be incorrect.

(3) In a prosecution for an alleged offence in terms of regulation 241, any distance in metres alleged on the charge sheet or summons, used to calculate the maximum permissible massload of any group of axles, shall in the absence of evidence to the contrary, be deemed to be correct.

(4) The massloads of all the individual axles of- (a) an axle unit, may be added to obtain the total massload of such axle unit; (b) a group of axles, may be added to obtain the total massload of such group of axles; (c) a vehicle, may be added to obtain the total massload of such vehicle; or (d) a combination of vehicles, may be added to obtain the total massload of such

combination of vehicles. (5) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in these regulations, where an owner of

a motor vehicle has been issued with a motor vehicle licence for that vehicle, such owner shall not be competent, in respect of the year to which such licence is applicable, to prove that the tare of such vehicle is either greater or less than the tare upon which the fees payable for such licence were calculated: Provided that the provisions of this sub regulation shall not apply in respect of an owner of a motor vehicle who is prosecuted for and found guilty of a contravention of section 67 of the Act where such contravention relates to the tare referred to in this sub regulation.

Certain vehicles exempt from provisions of this Part 249. (1) Except for a breakdown vehicle, any vehicle, which is a drilling machine, a mobile crane, a

fork lift, a straddle truck, a road making machine, an earthmoving machine, an excavation machine, a construction machine or a loading machine, is, except for the provisions of regulations 234 to 245, exempt from the provisions of this Part: Provided that-

(a) no such vehicle shall be operated on the roadway of a public road during the period between sunset and sunrise and at any other time when, due to insufficient light or unfavourable weather conditions, persons and vehicles upon the public road would not be clearly discernible at a distance of 150 metres;

(b) the driver of any such vehicle on the roadway of a public road shall stop such vehicle, and where possible, drive it off the roadway if it be necessary in order to allow other vehicular traffic to pass; and

(c) no such vehicle, other than a mobile crane which is operated for the purpose of removing any hazard or obstruction on a freeway, shall be operated on a freeway.

(2) Any vehicle, including a tractor, which is not a goods vehicle and which is used solely for bona fide agricultural, horticultural, viticulture or pastoral pursuits and when operated on a public road, is exempt from the provisions of this Part, except for the provisions of regulations 234 to 245 in so far as it relates to the tare, gross vehicle mass and maximum permissible drawing vehicle mass: Provided that-

(a) no such vehicle shall be operated on the roadway of a public road during the period between sunset and sunrise and at any other time when, due to insufficient light or unfavourable weather conditions, persons and vehicles upon the public road would not be clearly discernible at a distance of 150 metres;


February 2004 A-9

(b) the driver of any such vehicle on the roadway of a public road shall stop such vehicle and, where possible, drive it off the roadway if it be necessary in order to allow other vehicular traffic to pass;

(c) no such vehicle shall be operated on a freeway.


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Extracts from: THE NATIONAL ROAD TRAFFIC ACT, 1996 (ACT No. 93 OF 1996) CHAPTER XII Presumptions and legal procedure Presumptions regarding public road, freeway and public road in urban area 69. (1) Where in any prosecution in terms of this Act it is alleged that an offence was committed on

a public road, the road concerned shall, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, be presumed to be a public road.

(2) Where in any prosecution in terms of this Act it is alleged that an offence was committed on a freeway, the road concerned shall, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, be deemed to be a freeway.

(3) Where in any prosecution in terms of this Act it is alleged that an offence was committed on a public road in an urban area, the road concerned shall, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, be presumed to be a public road in an urban area.

Presumption regarding mass ascertained by means of mass-measuring bridge or other mass-measuring instrument 70. Where in any prosecution for an alleged contravention of any provision of this Act, evidence to prove

such contravention is tendered of any mass as ascertained by means of a mass-measuring bridge or other mass-measuring instrument, such mass shall be deemed to be correct in the absence of evidence to the contrary.

Presumption regarding gross vehicle mass of motor vehicle 71. Where in any prosecution in terms of this Act it is alleged that an offence was committed in relation

to the gross vehicle mass of a motor vehicle, the mass so alleged shall, in the absence of evidence as contemplated in section 70, be presumed, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, to be the gross vehicle mass of such vehicle.

Proof of gross vehicle mass of motor vehicle 72. Any document purporting to have been issued by a manufacturer and stating the gross vehicle mass

of any particular model of motor vehicle manufactured by such manufacturer, shall be prima facie proof as to the gross vehicle mass of such model.


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Extracts from: THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT, ACT 51 OF 1977 Sections 20 and 30 of the Criminal Procedure Act, 51/1977 are important for the purposes of overloading control and should, at the discretion of the traffic officer, be used as part of a law enforcement exercise. Section 20 reads as follows: "The State may in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter, seize anything - (a) which is concerned in or is on reasonable grounds believed to be concerned in the

commission or suspected commission of an offence, whether within the Republic or elsewhere;

(b) which may afford evidence of the commission or suspected commission of an offence within

the Republic of South Africa or else; or (c) which is intended to be used or is on reasonable grounds believed to be intended to be used

in the commission of an offence." Section 30 reads as follows: "A police official who seizes any article referred to in section 20 or to whom any such article is under

the provisions of this Chapter delivered: (a) may, if the article is perishable with due regard to the interests of the two persons

concerned. dispose of the article in such a manner as the circumstances may require.” Note: Section 20 should be used to seize overloaded vehicles. Obviously, not all overloaded vehicles

should be seized. Officers must use their discretion in this regard. Section 30 is applicable to overloaded vehicles containing perishables. Officers may therefore dispose of perishable articles without fear of civil action against them.

ANNEXURE B

PRACTICAL ENFORCEMENT OF LEGISLATION:

EXAMPLES

NOCTC ANNEXURE B: PRACTICAL ENFORCEMENT D9/3/22/5

February 2004 B-2

EXPLANATORY NOTE GROSS COMBINATION MASS VS PERMISSIBLE GROSS COMBINATION MASS The concepts Gross Combination Mass (GCM) and Permissible Gross Combination Mass are often confused. In the case of S V Valashiya 1998(1) SA 713 the defence attempted to convince the court that only one of the two concepts viz GCM exists and is applicable in all cases. Gross Combination Mass is defined in Section 1 of the Road Traffic Act as follows: "In relation to a motor vehicle which is used to draw any other motor vehicle, means the maximum mass of any combination of motor vehicles, including the drawing vehicle and load as specified by the manufacturer thereof, or in the absence of such specification as determined by the registering authority.” Defence Council argued that since GCM is defined as being the manufacturer's specification this definition being in the Act (which is superior to the regulations), the proviso contained in regulation 237 i.e. that the total permissible combination mass may not exceed 56 000 kg is invalid. It is a well-known rule of Interpretation of Statutes that if there is a contradiction between the provisions of the Act (superior legislation) and the provisions of the Regulations (inferior to the Act), the provisions of the Act will prevail. On the strength of this rule, defence council argued that GCM is always the manufacturer's specification and the 56 000 kg proviso is invalid. In other words, they argued that if a manufacturer for example specifies that the GCM is 70 000 kg, that would be the legal permissible combination mass. The court distinguished very clearly between the concepts GCM and permissible GCM in saying that GCM (which is the manufacturer's specification) specifies the physical carrying capacity of each combination of vehicles. While the permissible GCM specified In regulation 237 is combination mass allowed by the law. Put simply GCM denotes the mass which a combination of vehicles can achieve while permissible GCM is the maximum mass which a combination of vehicles may be. It is therefore clear that the provisions of the Act do not contradict the provisions of the regulations since GCM and permissible GCM are two separate concepts, not to be confused with one another.


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EXAMPLE 1. A SEVEN AXLE VEHICLE CONFIGURATION

Axle 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 No: The achievable total mass of this vehicle type is limited by the general 56 000 kg restriction, unless the distance between the first and last axles is less than 18.1m, in which case the bridge formula will limit the vehicle’s total mass. 1.1 VEHICLE PARTICULARS 1.1.1 Illustrative specifications and dimensions

MANUFACTURER’S SPECIFICATIONS DISTANCES BETWEEN AXLES

Tyre rating Steering

axle Axle unit GCM P/D

Axles 1-7

Axles 2-5

Axles 4-7

Axles 2-7

12R22.5-16 pr 3 350kg single

wheels 3 000kg dual

wheels

7 500 kg 20 000 kg 68 000 kg 313 kw 20m 8m 7m 15m

Note: The specifications and dimensions in this table are only illustrative. The particulars will differ from vehicle to

vehicle. 1.1.2 Illustrative actual mass loads for two vehicles of the same specification

Steering Axle Axle unit 2-3 Axle unit 4-5 Axle unit 6-7 Vehicle 1 6 300 kg 17 300 kg 17 000 kg 17 000 kg Vehicle 2 8 000 kg 19 100 kg 17 900 kg 17 900 kg


February 2004 B-4

1.2 APPLICATION OF THE FLOW DIAGRAM 1.2.1 Applying Block A of the flow diagram: Determine the permissible axle and axle unit mass

loads (Regulations 234 and 235) This is done by determining which of the tyre specification (Reg 238), the manufacturer’s rating (Reg 239) or the road protection regulation (Reg 240) is the minimum in respect of each axle or axle unit: Tyre specification: 3 350 kg per wheel, i.e. 6 700 kg for the steering axle (which has two tyres) and

24 000 kg for a two axle unit (which has eight tyres); Manufacturer's rating: 7 500kg for the steering axle, and 20 000 kg per axle for the other axles; Road protection: Steering axle: 7 700 kg; two-axle unit: 18 000 kg. It is clear that, in the case of the steering axle, the tyre specification is the lowest, namely 6700 kg. This is therefore applicable in the case of the vehicle in the example. In the case of the axle units, the road protection regulation is the lowest, namely 18 000 kg per unit, and this is then the applicable mass loads for the example vehicle. The relevant “minimum permissible mass loads” are then entered into the “permissible mass” column of the table below (see section 2.5). 1.2.2 Applying Block B of the flow diagram: Determine the Permissible Maximum Combination

Mass (Regulation 237) This is done by determining which of the GVM/GCM, bridge formula, the general 56 t limit, the sum of the permissible axle mass loads, 240 x the power rating or 5 x the axle mass of the drive axle are the least in respect of the vehicle as a whole: GVM/GCM : 68 000 kg (plated mass) - read' from the plates on the vehicle Bridge formula : 60 000 kg in the case of a vehicle with a distance of 20m

between the ultimate axles; (20 x 2100 + 18 000) The general 56t limit : 56 000 kg The sum of the permissible axle massloads : 61 000 kg (7 000 kg +18 000 kg + 18 000 kg + 18 000 kg) 5 x drive axle : Vehicle 1: 5 x 17 300 = 86 500 kg Vehicle 2: 5 x 19 100 = 95 500 kg P/D x 240 : 75 120 kg (313 x 240) It is clear that the general limit of 56 000 kg prescribes the smallest mass. The masses permitted by the bridge formula, the sum of axles (or axle units) and the plated mass are all exceed the 56 000 kg limit. It should however be noted that the vehicle length plays a role in the determination of the permissible mass. If the distance between the front and rear axles was not 20m, but only 17m, the bridge formula


February 2004 B-5

would be the limiting factor, permitting 53 700 kg (17 x 2 100 + 18000), which is smaller than the 56 000 kg general limit. 1.2.3 Applying Block C of the flow diagram: Determine the permissible bridge formula mass

loads (Regulation 241) The bridge formula is not applied only to the extreme axles of vehicles. In the previous section, the bridge formula was used as one of the possible regulations to determine the permissible mass of the total vehicle. It may, however, also be used to determine the permissible mass of parts of vehicles. It can therefore be applied on any group of axles, except on axles within an axle unit (a tandem or tridem unit). This is done by determining the distance between the extreme axles of the group concerned and reading this distance into the bridge formula of Reg 241. In most cases, traffic officers apply the bridge formula between the first and last axle or the second and last axles of the vehicle. In this example, three groups of axles are evaluated. The axle numbers refer to the numbers in the picture of the vehicle. Suppose the distance between axles 2 and 5 is 8m; the distance between axles 4 and 7 is 7m and the distance between axles 2 and 7 is 15m. The permissible mass loads are calculated as follows and entered in the table below in the "permissible mass" column. These distances are examples and on vehicles with different actual distances, the permissible masses may be significantly different. The bridge formula mass load between axle 2 and 5: 8 x 2100 + 18 000 = 34 800kg The bridge formula mass load between axle 4 and 7: 7 x 2100 + 18 000 = 32 700kg The bridge formula mass load between axle 2 and 7: 15 x 2100 + 18 000 = 49 500kg Warning: Although these mass levels are permitted by the bridge formula, it does not mean that the section of the vehicle over these axle groups may necessarily be loaded to the mass levels indicated. It will always be necessary to compare the results of the bridge formula to the sum of the permissible axle and axle unit mass loads for the relevant axle group. Whichever value obtained is the lowest, will be the applicable value. 1.2.4 Applying Block D of the flow diagram: Determine the actual mass loads The actual mass loads are then determined by weighing the vehicle. The information obtained from the scale is entered into the tables below in the "actual mass load" column. 1.2.5 Applying Block E of the flow diagram: Comparing the permissible and actual mass loads To determine whether an offence has been committed, the permissible and actual mass loads are compared. An offence is committed when the actual mass is more than the permissible mass. If the actual mass is more than 5 percent above the permissible mass, then prosecution can be instituted.


February 2004 B-6

COMPARING ACTUAL AND PERMISSIBLE MASS LOADS: AXLES AND AXLE UNITS

POSSIBLE MASS LIMITS (kg) BLOCK A IN THE FLOW

DIAGRAM ACTUAL MASS LOADS (kg)

AXLE/UNIT

Reg 238 Reg 239 Reg 240

PERMISSIBLE MASS (kg)1

VEHICLE 1 VEHICLE 2

1 6 700 7 500 7 700 6 700

(Reg 238)

6 300 (below the

limit)

8 000 (19.4% over -prosecutable)

2-3 24 000 20 000 18 000 18 000

(Reg 240)

17 300 (below the

limit)

19 100 (6% over -

prosecutable)

4-5 24 000 20 000 18 000 18 000

(Reg 240)

17 000 (below the

limit)

17 900 (below the

limit)

6-7 24 000 20 000 18 000 18 000

(Reg 240)

17 000 (below the

limit)

17 900 (below the

limit) 1 This value is the smallest of the “possible mass limits” column

In the table above, the mass limits identified by Block A in the flow diagram are compared with actual mass loads. No offence is committed in the case of vehicle 1. In the case of vehicle 2, two offences are recorded, one in terms of Reg 238 and one in terms of Reg 240. COMPARING ACTUAL AND PERMISSIBLE MASS LEVELS: THE TOTAL VEHICLE MASS

POSSIBLE MASS LIMITS (kg) BLOCK B OF THE FLOW DIAGRAM


ACTUAL MASS LOADS (kg)

Regulations 234 and 235: Sum of permissible axle/axle unit mass loads – 6 700 + 18 000 + 18 000 = 60 700 Regulation 241: Bridge formula: 20m distance from first to last axle – 20 x 2 100 + 18 000 = 60 000 Regulation 239: GCM as read from the vehicle plates: 68 000 Regulation 237: limit on total mass 56 000 Regulation 239: 5 x driving axle Vehicle 1: 5 x 17 300 = 86 500 Vehicle 2: 5 x 19 100 = 95 500 Regulation 239: Net power of the engine in kilowatts read from manufacturers plate: 313 x 240 = 75 120

56 000 57 600 (2.85%

over – not prosecuted)

62 900 (12% over -

prosecutable

1 This value is the smallest of the “possible mass limits” column In the table above, the permissible mass load from Block B in the flow diagram is compared to the actual mass loads of the vehicle. Vehicle 1 would be 2,85 percent overloaded on the 56 000 kg limit, but it


February 2004 B-7

would however, be within the tolerance of 5 percent. Vehicle 2 would be prosecutable, being 12 percent overloaded on the 56 000 kg limit. COMPARING ACTUAL MASS LEVELS TO THE BRIDGE FORMULA ON INTERMEDIATE AXLES AND AXLE UNITS (Regulation 241)

ACTUAL MASS LOADS (kg) GROUP OF

AXLES

BRIDGE FORMULA MASS

(kg) VEHICLE 1 VEHICLE 2

2-5 34 800* 17 300 + 17 000 = 34 300 (below the bridge formula)

19 100 + 17 900 = 37 000 (6% over – prosecutable)

4-7 32 700* 17 000 + 17 000 = 34 000

(4% over – not prosecuted) 17 900 + 17 900 = 35 800 (9% over – prosecutable)

2-7 49 500* 17 300 + 17 000 + 17 000 =

51 300 (3% over – not prosecuted)

19 100 + 17 900 + 17 900 = 54 900 (11% over –

prosecutable) * WARNING: Although these mass levels are permitted by the bridge formula, it does not mean that the section of the vehicle over these axle groups may necessarily be loaded to the mass levels indicated. It will always be

necessary to compare the results of the bridge formula to the sum of the permissible axle and axle unit mass loads

for the relevant axle group. Whichever value obtained is the lowest, will be the applicable value. In the table on the bridge formula, vehicle 1 is overloaded on axles 4-7 and 2-7, but is still within the tolerance. Vehicle 2 is overloaded and prosecutable in terms of the bridge formula on axles 2-5, 4-7 and 2-7. 1.2.6 Distribution of axle mass load on vehicle fitted with pneumatic tyres

• In the case of a combination of motor vehicles consisting of a truck-tractor and at least one semi-

trailer the axle mass load of any steering axle or the sum of the axle mass loads of any steering unit is less than 11% of the sum of all axle mass loads of the truck-tractor and the first semi-trailer that is coupled to the truck-tractor; or

• In the case of a motor vehicle, not being a combination motor vehicles, with a steering axle unit, the sum of the axle mass loads of such steering axle unit is less than 30% of the sum of all axle mass loads of such vehicle; or

• In the case of any other vehicle the axle mass loads of a steering axle is less than 20% of the sum of all axle mass loads of such vehicle.

• In the case of a tractor the axle massload of the steering axle shall not be less than 12% of the sum of all axle massloads of such a tractor.


February 2004 B-8

COMPARING STEERING AXLE PERCENTAGES (Regulation 242)

TOTAL MASS

OF VEHICLE

TOTAL MASS OF TRUCK-TRACTOR AND FIRST

SEMI-TRAILER

11% (COMBINATION OF VEHICLES)

20% (RIGID WITH

STEERING AXLE)

30% (RIGID WITH

STEERING AXLE UNIT)

ACTUAL MASS OF

STEERING AXLE

Vehicle 1

57 600 40 600 15.52% (legal) Not

applicable Not

applicable 6 300

Vehicle 2

62 900 45 000 17.78% (legal) Not

applicable Not

applicable 8 000

COMMENT: It is important to note that the 11% axle mass load on the steering axle of the truck-tractor is

related to the total mass of the truck-tractor plus the first semi-trailer and is the actual mass not the permissible GCM or the D/T.

1.2.7 Applying Block F of the flow diagram: Prosecution Prosecution should be initiated when one or more instances are found where a permissible mass is exceeded by more than 5 percent. In the above example, no prosecution of Vehicle 1 will take place. In the case of Vehicle 2, alternative charges should be formulated, starting with the most serious offence. The following alternative charges can be formulated: • Regulation 236 (12% on the 56 000 kg); • Regulation 238 (19.4% on the tyre specification) on the steering axle; • Regulation 241 (11% on the bridge formula) on axles 2-7; • Regulation 241 (9% on the bridge formula) on axles 4-7; • Regulation 240 (6% on the road pavement protection specification) on the driving axle unit; • Regulation 241 (6% on the bridge formula) on axles 2-5. 1.3 ACHIEVABLE PAYLOAD The permissible gross combination mass on the vehicle is 56 000 kg, provided that the distance between the front and rear axle units is at least 18m (otherwise the bridge formula will not permit a mass higher than 56 000 kg). If the un-laden combination mass of the vehicle is 20 000 kg, then the achievable payload on the vehicle will be 36 000 kg.


February 2004 B-9

EXAMPLE 2. A SIX AXLE ARTICULATED VEHICLE

Axle no: 1 2 3 4 5 6

The total mass of this vehicle is restricted by the sum of the permissible axle and axle unit mass loads, provided that the distance from the front axle to the rear axle is at least 15m. A shorter vehicle will be restricted by the bridge formula. To achieve the maximum permissible mass, the distance between axle 2 and 6 should be at least 11.4m long.

2.1 VEHICLE PARTICULARS 2.1.1 Illustrative specifications and dimensions

MANUFACTURER’S SPECIFICATIONS DISTANCES BETWEEN

AXLES


axle Axle unit GCM P/D Axles 1-6 Axles 2-6

148/152 3 550 single wheel 3 150 double wheel

7 500 kg

20 000 (tandem) 30 000 (tridem)

52 000 kg 331 kW 16m 12m


vehicle. 2.1.2 Illustrative actual mass loads

Steering Axle Axle unit 2-3 Axle unit 4-6 Vehicle 1 7 600 kg 18 700 kg 25 200 kg Vehicle 2 8 000 kg 18 500 kg 27 000 kg


February 2004 B-10

2.2 APPLICATION OF THE FLOW DIAGRAM 2.2.1 Block A of the flow diagram: Restrictions on axles and axle units (Regulations 234 and

235)


DIAGRAM ACTUAL MASS LOADS (kg) AXLE/

UNIT Reg 238 Reg 239 Reg 240


VEHICLE 1 VEHICLE 2

1 7 100 7 500 7 700 7 100 (Reg 238) 7 600 (7% over -

prosecutable) 8 000 (13% over -prosecutable)

2-3 25 200 20 000 18 000 18 000 (Reg

240) 18 700 (4% over – not prosecutable)

18 500 (3% over – not

prosecutable)

4-6 37 800 30 000 24 000* 24 000 (Reg

240) 25 200 (5% over –

prosecutable)

27 000 (13% over -

prosecutable) 1 This value is the smallest of the “possible mass limits” column *Note: If the distance between the three axles is more than 2.5 m, then they should be treated as three individual

axles and the permissible mass will then be 27 000 kg. In such a case, the bridge formula can be applied on the

three axles. The limiting factor will, however, not be the bridge formula, but the permissible axle limits of Reg 240. 2.2.2 Block B of the flow diagram: Restrictions on total combination mass (Regulation 237)

POSSIBLE MASS LIMITS (kg) BLOCK B OF THE FLOW DIAGRAM


ACTUAL MASS LOADS (kg)

Regulations 234 and 235: Sum of permissible axle/axle unit mass loads: 7 100 + 18 000 + 24 000 = 49 100 Regulation 241: Bridge formula: Distance from first to last axle = 16m. 2 100 x 16 + 18 000 = 51 600 Regulation 239: GCM as read from the vehicle plates: 52 000 Regulation 237: limit on total mass 56 000 Regulation 239: 5 x driving axle Vehicle 1: 5 x 18 700 = 93 500 Vehicle 2: 5 x 18 500 = 92 500 Regulation 239: Net power of the engine in kilowatts read from manufacturers plate: 331kW 331 x 240 = 79 440

49 100

51 500 (4.89% over –

not prosecutable)

53 500 (9% over –

prosecutable)

1 This value is the smallest of the “possible mass limits” column


February 2004 B-11

2.2.3 Block C of the flow diagram: Application of the bridge formula on intermediate axles and

axle units (Regulation 241)

ACTUAL MASS LOADS (kg) GROUP OF AXLES

PERMISSIBLE MASS (kg) VEHICLE 1 VEHICLE 2

1-3 4.5 x 2 100 + 18000

= 27 450 * 7 600 + 18 700 = 26 300

(below the bridge formula) 8 000 + 18 500 = 26 500

(below the bridge formula)

2-6 12 x 2 100 + 18000 =

43 200* 18 700 + 25 200 = 43 900

(2% over – not prosecuted) 18 500 + 27 000 = 45 500

(5,3% over – prosecutable)

* WARNING: Although these mass levels are permitted by the bridge formula, it does not mean that the section of the

vehicle over these axle groups may necessarily be loaded to the mass levels indicated. It will always be necessary to

compare the results of the bridge formula to the sum of the permissible axle and axle unit mass loads for the relevant axle group. Whichever value obtained is the lowest, will be the applicable value.

2.2.4 Comparing steering axle percentages (Regulation 242)

TOTAL

MASS OF VEHICLE


20% (RIGID WITH

STEERING AXLE)

30% (RIGID WITH

STEERING AXLE UNIT)

ACTUAL MASS OF STEERING

AXLE

Vehicle 1 51 500 14.75% (legal)

Not applicable Not applicable 7 600

Vehicle 2 53 500 14.95% (legal)

Not applicable Not applicable 8 000

2.3 ACHIEVABLE PAYLOAD The sum of axles and axle units permits this type of vehicle a maximum combination mass of 48 300 kg. To achieve this mass, the bridge formula requires a distance between the front and rear axes of at least 14,4m. The bridge formula will restrict shorter vehicles to a lower mass. If an un-laden combination mass of 16 500 kg is supposed, then the maximum achievable payload is 31 800 kg. The semi-trailer should be long enough to prevent it from being restricted by the bridge formula. The maximum permissible mass load by the sum of axle units on the semi-trailer is 42000 kg (18 000 + 24 000). To achieve this mass, the bridge formula will require a minimum distance between axle 2 and axle 6 of 11.4m. Note: This is for the information of the operator.


February 2004 B-12

EXAMPLE 3. A SEVEN AXLE ARTICULATED VEHICLE (124 configuration)

Axle no: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 The achievable total mass of this vehicle type is limited by the sum of permissible axle mass loads, provided that the distance between the front and rear axles is more than 12.14m. If the wheelbase is shorter, the bridge formula will restrict the vehicle’s total mass. The distance between Axle 2 and 5 should be at least 8.6m to achieve the maximum permissible vehicle mass. 3.1 VEHICLE PARTICULARS 3.1.2 Illustrative specifications and dimensions


AXLES

Tyre rating Steering axle Other axle

units GCM P/D Axles 1-7 Axles 2-7

12 R22.5-14 pl 3190kg single

wheel 2850kg dual

wheel

7 200 kg

16 400 kg (drive axle) 40 000 kg (axle unit)

58 000 kg 309kw 16m 11.5m



Steering Axle Axle unit 2-3 Axle unit 4-7

Vehicle 1

7 600 kg 18 700kg 31 400 kg

Vehicle 2

8 000 kg 19 100 kg 26 100 kg


February 2004 B-13


235)

POSSIBLE MASS LIMITS (t) BLOCK A IN THE FLOW


AXLE/UNIT

Reg 238 Reg 239 Reg 240


VEHICLE 1 VEHICLE 2

1 6 380 7 200 7 700 6 380 (Reg 238) 7 600

(19.1% over - prosecutable)


2-3 22 800 16 400 18 000 16 400 (Reg 239) 18 700

(14% over – prosecutable)

19 100 (16% over -

prosecutable)

4-7 45 600 40 000 24 000 24 000 (Reg 240) 31 400


26 100 (8.7% over – prosecutable)


3.2.2 Block B of the flow diagram: Restrictions on the total combination mass (Regulation 237)

ACTUAL MASS LOADS (kg) POSSIBLE MASS LIMITS (kg) BLOCK B OF THE FLOW DIAGRAM

PERMISSIBLE MASS (kg)1 VEHICLE 1 VEHICLE 2

Regulation 234 and 235: Sum of permissible axle/axle unit mass loads – 6 380 + 16 400 +24 000 = 46 780 Regulation 241: Bridge formula: (vehicle length of 16m) 16 x 2 100 + 18 000 = 51 600 Regulation 239: GCM as on the vehicle plates 58 000 Regulation 237: general mass limit: 56 000 Regulation 239: 5 x driving axle Vehicle 1: 5 x 18 700 = 93 500 Vehicle 2: 5 x 19 100 = 95 500 Regulation 239: Net power of the engine in kilowatts read from manufacturers plate: 309 x 240 = 74 160

46 780 57 700

(23.3% over – prosecutable)

53 200 (13.7% over – prosecutable)



February 2004 B-14




BRIDGE FORMULA MASS (kg) VEHICLE 1 VEHICLE 2

1-7 16 x 2100 + 18000 =

51 600*

7 600 + 18 700 + 31 400 = 57 700 (above the bridge

formula - prosecutable)

8 000 + 19 100 = 26 100 = 53 200 (above the bridge formula – prosecutable)

2-7 11.5 x 2 100 + 18000 =

42 150*

18 700 + 31 400 = 50 100 (above the bridge formula –

prosecutable)


prosecutable)

* WARNING: Although these mass levels are permitted by the bridge formula, it does not mean that the section of

the vehicle over these axle groups may necessarily be loaded to the mass levels indicated. It will always be

necessary to compare the results of the bridge formula to the sum of the permissible axle and axle unit mass loads for the relevant axle group. Whichever value obtained is the lowest, will be the applicable value. 3.2.4 Comparing Steering Axle Percentages (Regulation 242)

TOTAL MASS OF VEHICLE


20% (RIGID WITH

STEERING AXLE)

30% (RIGID WITH

STEERING AXLE UNIT)


AXLE

Vehicle 1 57 700 13.1% (legal) Not

applicable Not

applicable 7 600

Vehicle 2 53 200 15.0 % (legal) Not

applicable Not

applicable 8 000

3.3 ACHIEVABLE PAYLOAD The maximum permissible mass for the vehicle is 46 780kg, which is made up from the sum of the permissible axle and axle unit massloads. To achieve this mass, the bridge formula would require a distance between the first and last axles of at least 13,7m. A shorter vehicle will be restricted by the bridge formula to a lower mass. If an unladen vehicle mass of 15 000 kg is estimated, then the achievable payload is 31 780kg. The bridge formula can restrict the permissible mass if the semi-trailer is too short. The sum of axle units permits 36 000kg on the semi-trailer. To achieve this mass, the bridge formula requires a minimum length of 8.57m between axles 2 and 5. Note: This is for the information of the operator.


February 2004 B-15

4. EXAMPLE 4. A FIVE AXLE ARTICULATED VEHICLE (113 configuration)

Axle no: 1 2 3 4 5 The achievable total mass of this vehicle type is limited by the sum of permissible axle mass loads, provided that the distance between the front and rear axles is more than 10.7m. If the wheelbase is shorter, the bridge formula will restrict the vehicle’s total mass. The distance between Axle 2 and 5 should be at least 7.1m to achieve the maximum permissible vehicle mass. 4.1 VEHICLE PARTICULARS 4.1.1 Illustrative specifications and dimensions



axle Other axle


11.00 x 20 x 16pr 3 310kg single

wheel 2 904kg dual

wheel

7 500 kg


46 000 kg 309kw 12m 8,5m



Steering Axle Axle unit 2 Axle unit 3-5

Vehicle 1

7 600 kg 8 700kg 23 700 kg

Vehicle 2

8 000 kg 9 300 kg 25 900 kg


February 2004 B-16

4.2 APPLICATION OF THE FLOW DIAGRAM 4.2.1 Block A of the flow diagram: Restrictions on axles and axle units (Regulations 234 and 235)

POSSIBLE MASS LIMITS (t) BLOCK A IN THE FLOW

DIAGRAM ACTUAL MASS LOADS (kg) AXLE/UNIT

Reg 238 Reg 239 Reg 240


VEHICLE 1 VEHICLE 2

1 6 620 7 500 7 700 6620 (Reg 238) 7 600

(14.8% over - prosecutable)


2 11 616 10 000 9 000 9 000 (Reg 240) 8 700

(below the limit)

9 300 (3% over – not prosecutable)

3-4-5 34 848 30 000 24 000 24000 (Reg

240)

23 700 (below the

limit)

25 900 (8% over –

prosecutable)





Regulations 234 and 235: Sum of permissible axle/axle unit mass loads – 6 620 + 9 000 + 24 000 = 39 620 Regulation 241: Bridge formula: (vehicle length of 12m) 12 x 2 100 + 18 000 = 43 200 Regulation 239: GCM as on the vehicle plates 46 000 Regulation 237: general mass limit 56 000 Regulation 239: 5 x driving axle: Vehicle 1: 5 x 8 700 = 43 500 Vehicle 2: 5 x 9 300 = 46 500 Regulation 239: Net power of the engine in kilowatts read from manufacturers plate: 309 x 240 = 74 160

39 620 40 000

(0.96% over – not prosecutable)

43 200 (9% over –

prosecutable)



February 2004 B-17


axle units



1-2 3,5 x 2100 + 18000 =

25 350* 7 600 + 8 700 = 16 300



2-5 8.5 x 2 100 + 18000 =

35 850* 8 700 + 23 700 = 32 400


(below the bridge formula) * WARNING: Although these mass levels are permitted by the bridge formula, it does not mean that the section of



TOTAL

MASS OF VEHICLE


20% (RIGID WITH

STEERING AXLE)

30% (RIGID WITH

STEERING AXLE UNIT)


AXLE

Vehicle 1 40 000 19% (legal) Not applicable Not applicable 7 600

Vehicle 2 43 200 18.5% (legal) Not applicable Not applicable 8 000

4.3 ACHIEVABLE PAYLOAD The maximum permissible mass for the vehicle is 39 620 kg, which is made up from the sum of the permissible axle and axle unit mass loads. To achieve this mass, the bridge formula would require a distance between the first and last axles of at least 10,3 m. A shorter vehicle will be restricted by the bridge formula to a lower mass. If an unladen vehicle mass of 14 000 kg is estimated, then the achievable payload is 25 620 kg. The bridge formula can restrict the permissible mass if the semi-trailer is too short. The sum of axle units permit 33 000 kg on the semi-trailer. Note: This is for the information of the operator.


February 2004 B-18

EXAMPLE 5. A FOUR AXLE ARTICULATED VEHICLE (112 configuration)

Axle no: 1 2 3 4 The achievable total mass of this vehicle type is limited by the sum of permissible axle mass loads, provided that the distance between the front and rear axles is more than 7.8m. If the wheelbase is shorter, the bridge formula will restrict the vehicle’s total mass. The distance between Axle 2 and 5 should be at least 4.2m to achieve the maximum permissible vehicle mass. 5.1 VEHICLE PARTICULARS 5.1.2 Illustrative specifications and dimensions



axle Other axle


154/152m 3 750 kg single wheel 3 550 kg dual wheel

7 500 kg

8 000 kg (axle)

18 000 kg (axle unit)

38 000 kg 229kw 9m 5m



Steering Axle Axle 2 Axle unit 3-4

Vehicle 1 7 600 kg 8 700kg 18 200 kg

Vehicle 2 8 000 kg 9 300 kg 19 200 kg


February 2004 B-19


235)



AXLE/UNIT

Reg 238 Reg 239 Reg 240


VEHICLE 1 VEHICLE 2

1 7 500 7 500 7 700 7500

(Reg 238)


8 000 (6,7% over -prosecutable)

2 14 200 8 000 9 000 8 000

(Reg 239)

8 700 (8,8% over – prosecutable)

9 300 (16,3% over – not

prosecutable)

3-4 28 400 18 000 18 000 18 000

(Reg 240)


19200 (6,7% over – prosecutable)





Regulations 234 and 235: Sum of permissible axle/axle unit mass loads – 7 500 + 8 000 + 18 000 = 33 500 Regulation 241: Bridge formula: (vehicle length of 9m) 9 x 2 100 + 18 000 = 36 900 Regulation 239: GCM as on the vehicle plates: 38000 Regulation 237: general mass limit: 56 000 Regulation 239: 5 x driving axle: Vehicle 1: 5 x 8 700 = 43 500 Vehicle 2: 5 x 9 300 = 46 500 Regulation 239: Net power of the engine in kilowatts read from manufacturers plate: 229 x 240 = 54 960

33 500 34 500

(3% over – not prosecutable)




February 2004 B-20





1-2 4 x 2 100 + 18000 =

26 400* 7 600 + 8 700 = 16 300



2-4 5 x 2 100 + 18000 =

28 500* 8 700 + 18 200 = 26 900





TOTAL

MASS OF VEHICLE


20% (RIGID WITH

STEERING AXLE)

30% (RIGID WITH

STEERING AXLE UNIT)


AXLE

Vehicle 1 34 500 22% (legal) Not

applicable Not

applicable 7 600


applicable Not

applicable 8 000

5.2 ACHIEVABLE PAYLOAD The maximum permissible mass for the vehicle is 33 500 kg, which is made up from the sum of the permissible axle and axle unit mass loads. To achieve this mass, the bridge formula would require a distance between the first and last axles of at least 7,4 m. A shorter vehicle will be restricted by the bridge formula to a lower mass. If an unladen vehicle mass of 12 500 kg is estimated, then the achievable payload is 21 000 kg. The bridge formula can restrict the permissible mass if the semi-trailer is too short. The sum of axle units permit 27 000 kg on the semi-trailer. To achieve this mass, the bridge formula requires a minimum length of 4.3m between axles 2 and 4. Note: This is for the information of the operator.


February 2004 B-21

EXAMPLE 6. A FOUR AXLE CARRIER OR TIPPER (8 X 4 configuration)

Axle no: 1 2 3 4 The achievable total mass of this vehicle type is limited by the sum of permissible axle mass loads, provided that the distance between the front and rear axles is more than 7.24m. If the wheelbase is shorter, the bridge formula will restrict the vehicle’s total mass. If the tyres used, as in this example, permit a mass of less than 4 000 kg per tyre, the tyre rating will restrict the front axle, having only two wheels per axle. The axle unit having 4 wheels on each axle. 6.1 VEHICLE PARTICULARS 6.1.2 Illustrative specifications and dimensions

MANUFACTURER’S SPECIFICATIONS DISTANCES

BETWEEN AXLES


axle Other axle

units GVM P/D Axles 1-4

(12R22.5 16 pl) 3 350kg single wheel 3 000kg dual wheel

16 000 kg

8 000 kg (axle)

18 000 kg (axle unit)

35 000 kg 219kw 7.5m



Steering Axle unit Axle unit 2

Vehicle 1 15 300 kg 18 400kg

Vehicle 2 16 400 kg 19 300 kg


February 2004 B-22


235)



AXLE/UNIT

Reg 238 Reg 239 Reg 240


VEHICLE 1 VEHICLE 2

1-2 13 400 16 000 15 400 13 400

(Reg 238)

15 300 (14% over –

prosecutable)


3-4 24 000 18 000 18 000 18 000

(Reg 239, 240)


19 300 (7% over –

prosecutable)


6.2.2 Block B of the flow diagram: Restrictions on the total vehicle mass (Regulation 236)



Regulations 234 and 235: Sum of permissible axle/axle unit mass loads – 13 400 + 18 000 = 31400 Regulation 241: Bridge formula: (vehicle length 7.5m) 7 500 x 2 100 + 18 000 = 33 750 Regulation 239: GVM as on the vehicle plates 35 000 Regulation 236: general mass limit 56 000 Regulation 239: 5 x driving axle: Vehicle 1: 5 x 18 400 = 92 000 Vehicle 2: 5 x 19 300 = 96 500 Regulation 239: Net power of the engine in kilowatts read from manufacturers plate: 219 x 240 = 52 650

31 400 33 700



1This value is the smallest of the “possible mass limits” column


axle units (Regulation 241) There are no intermediate axles between the front and rear axle groups, which have already been considered in the previous section.


February 2004 B-23

6.2.4 Comparing Steering Axle Percentages (Regulation 242)

TOTAL

MASS OF VEHICLE


20% (RIGID WITH

STEERING AXLE)

30% (RIGID WITH

STEERING AXLE UNIT)


AXLE

Vehicle 1 33 700 Not

applicable Not

applicable 45,4% (legal) 15 300


applicable Not

applicable 45,9% (legal) 16 400

6.3 ACHIEVABLE PAYLOAD The maximum permissible mass for the vehicle is 31 400 kg, which is made up from the sum of the permissible axle and axle unit mass loads. To achieve this mass, the bridge formula would require a distance between the first and last axles of at least 6.4 m. A shorter vehicle will be restricted by the bridge formula to a lower mass. If an unladen vehicle mass of 11 400 kg is estimated, then the achievable payload is 20 000 kg. If tyres with a rating above 4t per tyre are used, an additional 650 kg may be added to the maximum permissible mass and the payload. In such a case the front axle will be permitted 15 400 kg by Reg 240, instead of the example that was restricted to 13 400 kg by Reg 238. Note: This is for the information of the operator.


February 2004 B-24

EXAMPLE 7. A THREE AXLE ARTICULATED VEHICLE (111 configuration)

Axle no 1 2 3 The achievable total mass of this vehicle type is limited by the sum of permissible axle mass loads, provided that the distance between the front and rear axles is more than 3,7m. The bridge formula therefore has practically no influence on the vehicle’s total permissible mass. 7.1 VEHICLE PARTICULARS 7.1.2 Illustrative specifications and dimensions


BETWEEN AXLES Tyre rating Steering axle Other axle units GCM P/D Axles 1-3 Axles 2-3

315/8OR 22.5 3 750kg single

wheel 3 250kg dual

wheel

7 500 kg 9 500 kg 28 000 kg 209kW 9m 5,5m

Note: The specifications and dimensions in this table are only illustrative. The particulars will differ from vehicle to vehicle. 7.1.3 Illustrative actual mass loads for two vehicles of the same specification

Steering Axle Axle 2 Axle 3

Vehicle 1 7 600 kg 9 100 kg 9 200 kg

Vehicle 2 8 000 kg 9 500 kg 9 600 kg


February 2004 B-25


235)



AXLE/UNIT

Reg 238 Reg 239 Reg 240


VEHICLE 1 VEHICLE 2

1 7 500 7 500 7 700 7 500

(Reg 238, 239)


8 000 (7% over -

prosecutable)

2 13 000 9 500 9 000 9 000

(Reg 240)


9 500 (6% over –

prosecutable)

3 13 000 9 500 9 000 9 000

(Reg 240)


9 600 (7% over –

prosecutable)




PERMISSIBLE MASS (kg)1 Vehicle 1 Vehicle 2

Regulations 234 and 235: Sum of permissible axle/axle unit mass loads – 7 500 + 9 000 + 9000 = 25 500 Regulation 241: Bridge formula: (vehicle length 9m) 9 x 2 100 + 18000 = 36 900 Regulation 239: GCM as on the vehicle plates 28 000 Regulation 237: general mass limit 56 000 Regulation 239: 5 x driving axle: Vehicle 1: 5 x 9 100 = 45 500 Vehicle 2: 5 x 9 500 = 47 500 Regulation 239: Net power of the engine in kilowatts read from manufacturers plate: 209 x 240 = 50 160

25 500 25 900

(2% over – not prosecutable)

27 100 (6% over –

prosecutable)



February 2004 B-26





1-2 3,5 x 2100 + 18 000 =

25 350* 7 600 + 9 100 = 16 700



2-3 5,5 x 2 100 + 18 000 =

29 550* 9 100 + 9 200 = 18 300





TOTAL

MASS OF VEHICLE


20% (RIGID WITH

STEERING AXLE)

30% (RIGID WITH

STEERING AXLE UNIT)


AXLE


applicable Not

applicable 7 600


applicable Not

applicable 8 000

7.3 ACHIEVABLE PAYLOAD The maximum permissible mass for the vehicle is 25 500 kg, which is made up from the sum of the permissible axle and axle unit mass loads. To achieve this mass, the bridge formula would require a distance between the first and last axles of at least 3.6m. A shorter vehicle will be restricted by the bridge formula to a lower mass. If an unladen vehicle mass of 10 000 kg is estimated, then the achievable payload is 15 500 kg. Note: This is for the information of the operator.


February 2004 B-27

EXAMPLE 8. A THREE AXLE FREIGHT CARRIER OR TIP TRUCK

Axle no: 1 2 3 The total permissible mass of this vehicle is limited by the sum of axles and axle units, provided that the distance between the front and rear axle is more than 3,7m. 8.1 VEHICLE PARTICULARS 8.1.1 Illustrative specifications and dimensions


BETWEEN AXLES Tyre rating Steering axle Other axle units GVM P/D Axles 1-3 152/150K

3550kg single wheel

3350 kg dual wheel

7 500 kg 20 000 kg 26 000 kg 189 kw 6,5m



Steering Axle Axle unit 2-3

Vehicle 1 7 600 kg 18 700 kg

Vehicle 2 8 000 kg 19 600 kg


February 2004 B-28


235)



AXLE/UNIT

Reg 238 Reg 239 Reg 240


VEHICLE 1 VEHICLE 2

1 7 100 7 500 7 700 7 100 7 600


8 000 (13% over -

prosecutable)

2 26 800 20 000 18 000 18 000 18 700 (4% over – not

prosecutable)

19 600 (9% over –

prosecutable)


8.2.2 Block B of the flow diagram: Restrictions on the total vehicle mass (Regulation 236)



Regulations 234 and 235: Sum of permissible axle/axle unit mass loads – 7 100 + 18 000 = 25 100 Regulation 241: Bridge formula: (vehicle length 6.5m) 6,5 x 2 100 + 18000 = 31 650 Regulation 239: GVM 26 000 Regulation 236: General mass limit 56 000 Regulation 239: 5 x driving axle: Vehicle1: 5 x 18 700 = 93 500 Vehicle2: 5 x 19 600 = 98 000 Regulation 239: Net power of the engine in kilowatts read from manufacturers plate: 189 x 240 = 45 360

25 100 26 300

(4,8% - not prosecuted)

27 600 (10% over –

prosecutable)

1This value is the smallest of the “possible mass limits” column

8.2.3 Block C in the flow diagram is not applied on this vehicle (Regulation 241) The bridge formula on intermediate axles is not applicable on this vehicle configuration, since no intermediate axles exist between the front and rear axles which are considered in the previous section.


February 2004 B-29




20% (RIGID WITH

STEERING AXLE)

30% (RIGID WITH

STEERING AXLE UNIT)


AXLE


applicable 28,9% (legal)

Not applicable

7 600



Not applicable

8 000

8.3 ACHIEVABLE PAYLOAD The maximum achievable payload is restricted to the sum of axles minus the unladen vehicle mass. In this example, the sum of axles will be 25 100 kg. The unladen vehicle mass can be estimated at 10 000 kg, which will render 15 100 kg achievable payload. A tipper, however, may have a higher unladen vehicle mass, resulting in a lower payload. Note: This is for the information of the operator.


February 2004 B-30

EXAMPLE 9. A TWO AXLE VEHICLE

Axle no: 1 2 This vehicle’s total mass is limited by the sum of axles and axle units if it is a vehicle with a GVM of over 18 000 kg. Vehicles with a smaller GVM will be restricted to the mass specified by the manufacturer.



AXLES


axle Other axle

units GVM P/D Axles 1-2

12R22.5 (16) 3 350 kg single wheel 3 000 kg dual wheel

7 500 kg 8 000 kg 18 000 kg 180kw 5m

Note: The specifications and dimensions in this table are only illustrative. The particulars will differ from vehicle to vehicle. 9.1.2 Illustrative actual mass loads for two vehicles of the same specification

Steering Axle Axle 2

Vehicle 1 7 600 kg 9 300 kg

Vehicle 2 8 000 kg 10 100 kg


February 2004 B-31


235)



AXLE/UNIT

Reg 238 Reg 239 Reg 240


VEHICLE 1 VEHICLE 2

1 6 700 7 500 7 700 6 700

(Reg 238)



2 12 000 8 000 9 000 8 000

(Reg 239)




9.2.2 Block B of the flow diagram: Mass restrictions on the total vehicle mass



Regulations 234 and 235: Sum of permissible axle/axle unit mass loads – 6 700 + 8 000 = 14 700 Regulation 241: Bridge Formula will never be applicable. The 18 000 added to the length is more than the sum of axles. GVM (Reg 239) 18 000 56 000 kg limit on total mass (Reg 236) Regulation 239: 5 x driving axle: Vehicle 1: 5 x 9 300 = 46 500 Vehicle 2: 5 x 10 100 = 50 500 Regulation 239: Net power of the engine in kilowatts read from manufacturers plate: 180 x 240 = 43 200

14 700 16 900

(15% over - prosecutable)

18 100 (23,1% over –prosecutable)


9.2.3 Block C in the flow diagram is not applied on this vehicle (Regulation 241) The bridge formula is not applicable on two axle vehicles, since there are no intermediate axles between the front and rear axles and the 18 000 kg in the bridge formula makes its permissible mass higher than that of the sum of axles.


February 2004 B-32




20% (RIGID WITH

STEERING AXLE)

30% (RIGID WITH

STEERING AXLE UNIT)


AXLE



Not applicable

7 600



Not applicable

8 000

9.3 ACHIEVABLE PAYLOAD The maximum achievable payload is restricted to the sum of axles minus the unladen vehicle mass. In this example, the sum of axles will be 14 700 kg. The unladen vehicle mass can be estimated at 6 500 kg, which will render 8 200 kg achievable payload. A tipper, however, may have a higher unladen vehicle mass, and the mass loads on small delivery vans will be restricted to the manufacturer’s specification. Note: This is for the information of the operator.


February 2004 B-33

EXAMPLE 10. A SEVEN AXLE ARTICULATED VEHICLE (124 configuration)

Axle no 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 The achievable total mass by this vehicle is limited by the sum of permissible axle mass loads, provided that the distance between the front and rear axles is more than 15,1m. If the wheelbase is shorter, the bridge formula will restrict the vehicle’s total mass. The distance between Axle 2 and 7 should be at least 11,4m to achieve the maximum permissible vehicle mass.



BETWEEN AXLES


axle Other axle


12R22.5 14 Pr 3 190kg single wheel 2 850kg dual wheel

7 200 kg


58 000 kg 309kw 16m 11,5m



Steering Axle Axle 2-3 Axle 4-7

Vehicle 1 7 600 kg 18 700 kg 31 400 kg

Vehicle 2 8 000 kg 19 100 kg 26 100 kg


February 2004 B-34


235)



AXLE/UNIT

Reg 238 Reg 239 Reg 240


VEHICLE 1 VEHICLE 2

1 6 380 7 200 7 700 6 380 (Reg 238) 7 600



2-3 22 800 16 400 18 000 16 400 (Reg 239) 18 700



4-7 45 600 40 000 24 000 24 000 (Reg 240) 31 400


26 100 (1% (8,8% over – prosecutable)


10.2.2 Block B of the flow diagram: Mass restrictions on the total combination mass (Regulation 237)

ACTUAL MASS LOADS (kg) POSSIBLE MASS LIMITS (kg) BLOCK B

OF THE FLOW DIAGRAM PERMISSIBLE

MASS (kg)1 Vehicle 1 Vehicle 2 Regulations 234 and 235: Sum of permissible axle/axle unit mass loads – 6 380 + 16 400 + 24 000 = 46 780 Regulation 241: Bridge Formula (vehicle length of 16m) 16 x 2 100 + 18 000 = 51 600 Regulation 239: GCM as on the vehicle plates: 58 000 Regulation 237: General mass limit: 56 000 Regulation 239: 5 x driving axle: Vehicle 1: 5 x 18 700 = 93 500 Vehicle 2: 5 x 19 100 = 95 500 Regulation 239: Net power of the engine in kilowatts read from manufacturers plate: 309 x 240 = 74 160

46 780 57 700

(23,3% over - prosecutable)




February 2004 B-35





1-3 4,5 x 2100 + 18000 =

27 450* 7 600 + 18 700 = 26 300 (below the bridge formula)

8 000 + 19 100 = 27 100 (below the bridge formula)

2-7 11,5 x 2 100 + 18000 =

42 150*


prosecutable)


prosecutable) *WARNING: Although these mass levels are permitted by the bridge formula, it does not mean that the section of

the vehicle over these axle groups may necessarily be loaded to the mass levels indicated. It will always be necessary to compare the results of the bridge formula to the sum of the permissible axle and axle unit mass loads

for the relevant axle group. Whichever value obtained is the lowest, will be the applicable value. 10.2.4 Comparing Steering Axle Percentages (Regulation 242)



20% (RIGID WITH

STEERING AXLE)

30% (RIGID WITH

STEERING AXLE UNIT)


AXLE

Vehicle 1 57 700 13,2% (legal) Not

applicable Not

applicable 7 600

Vehicle 2 53 200 15% (legal) Not

applicable Not

applicable 8 000

10.3 ACHIEVABLE PAYLOAD The maximum permissible mass for the vehicle is 46 780 kg, which is made up from the sum of the permissible axle and axle unit mass loads. To achieve this mass, the bridge formula would require a distance between the first and last axles of at least 13,7m. A shorter vehicle will be restricted by the bridge formula to a lower mass. If an unladen vehicle mass of 15 000 kg is estimated, then the achievable payload is 31 780 kg. The bridge formula can restrict the permissible mass if the semi-trailer is too short. The sum of axle units permit 42 000 kg on the semi-trailer. To achieve this mass, the bridge formula requires a minimum length of 11,4m between axels 2 and 7. Note: This is for the information of the operator.

ANNEXURE C

EXAMPLE OF A FIELD SHEET

C-1

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C-2

Documents

NATIONAL DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT - … for Overload Law Enforcement.pdf · NATIONAL DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA ... The Road Traffic Act, 1996 (Act No. 93 of