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
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
1.
2.
3.
INTRODUCTION -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1
THE IMPORTANCE OF OVERLOADING CONTROL---------------------------------------------------------- 1
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
DOCUMENTATION --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 28
ANNEXURE A: LEGISLATION
ANNEXURE B: PRACTICAL ENFORCEMENT OF LEGISLATION: EXAMPLES
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1.
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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:
3.
•
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-lawabiding 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.
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
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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:
195
/ 70
R
14
91
Example of a truck tyre designation:
H
11
/ 70
R
22,5
146
143
K
Tyre width
Speed
(mm)
category
Loading limit
Aspect
index
ratio (%)
(twin
tyres)
Loading limit
Design
index (single
(radial)
tyre)
Rim
Rim
diameter
diameter
(inch)
(inch)
Loading
Design
limit
(radial)
Speed
Aspect
category
(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%
DOUBLE
PLUS 5%
TOLERANCE
TOLERANCE
315/80R-22.5
3 750 kg
3 937,5 kg
3 250 kg
3 412,5 kg
*
3 190 kg
3 349,5 kg
2 850 kg
2 992,5 kg
12R22.5 16pr
3 350 kg
3 517,5 kg
3 000 kg
3 150,0 kg
11.00 x 20 x 16pr
3 310 kg
3 475,5 kg
2 904 kg
3 049,2 kg
11.00 x 20 x 14pr
3 036 kg
3 187,8 kg
2 664 kg
2 797,2 kg
11.00 x 20 x 12pr
2 714 kg
2 849,7 kg
2 382 kg
2 501,1 kg
10.00 x 20 x 16pr
3 038 kg
3 189,9 kg
2 666 kg
2 799,3 kg
10.00 x 20 x 14pr
2 788 kg
2 927,4 kg
2 446 kg
2 589,3 kg
10.00 x 20 x 12pr
2 492 kg
2 616,6 kg
2 186 kg
2 295,3 kg
9.00 x 20 x 14pr
2 598 kg
2 727,9 kg
2 280 kg
2 394,0 kg
9.00 x 20 x 12pr
2 370 kg
2 488,5 kg
2 080 kg
2 184,0 kg
12R22.5 14pr
*
Ply rating
TABLE 4: Maximum speed (Information supplied by General Tyres).
Speed
category
Speed
(km/h)
G
J
K
L
M
N
P
Q
R
S
T
U
H
V
Z
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 threeaxle 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):
•
February 2004
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:
For other vehicles:
Net power x 400
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)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
any wheel mass load exceeds 3 850 kg on a steering axle and 4 000 kg on non steering
axles;
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;
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);
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;
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;
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;
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
Mass limit on Steering
Mass limit on axles with
Mass limit on axles with
axles (kg)
two or three wheels (kg)
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
Item
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)
February 2004
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:
D9/3/22/5
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
Vehicle type as interpreted
Regulation
Description in regulation
from descriptions in
regulations
242(b)
Combination of motor
vehicles
Motor vehicle, not being a
242(c)
combination of motor vehicles
with a steering axle unit
242(d)
Any other vehicle
242(d)
Tractor
Load on steering axle or
steering axle unit as a
percentage of the sum
of all axle massloads
Truck-tractor plus at least one
11%
semi-trailer with steering axle
(of truck-tractor and first
or steering axle unit.
Rigid vehicle with a steering
axle unit
Rigid vehicle with a steering
axle
Tractor
semi-trailer)
30%
20%
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:
•
February 2004
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)
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.
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.
(a)
(b)
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)
February 2004
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;
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(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.
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.
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4.1
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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)
February 2004
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.
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4.1.3 Hints to traffic officers to assist operators for their own screening procedures
(a)
Screening by load delimitation:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
(b)
Weighing chain:
•
•
(c)
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.
Onboard computers and sensors:
•
4.2
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 cooperation 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.
A built-in onboard computer or sensor on the vehicle is a very effective method to
curb the overloading of the vehicle.
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:
•
•
•
February 2004
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.
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•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
4.3
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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.
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:
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•
•
•
4.4
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.
THE DETERMINATION OF THE PERMISSIBLE MASS OF
IDENTIFICATION OF OFFENCES
•
•
•
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A VEHICLE AND THE
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
•
•
•
February 2004
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.)
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FIGURE 2:
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FLOW DIAGRAM FOR OVERLOADING CONTROL
Start
A.
Determine the permissible
maximum
mass
for
axle/axle unit
B.
an
Determine
the
permissible
maximum vehicle or combination
mass
This is the lowest value of:
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)
•
The tyre specification (Reg 238)
The manufacturer’s rating
(Reg 239)
The road capacity limit (Reg 240)
C.
D.
Determine the actual mass of the
vehicle by weighing the vehicle
Determine
the
permissible
maximum mass for intermediate
axle groups
Bridge formula applied to axle groups other
than extreme axles or axle units (Reg 241)
E. Does any actual
mass exceed its
corresponding
permissible mass
by more than 5%?
Yes
No
F.
Prosecution.
Additional charges should be
formulated if more than one
transgression is found
Stop
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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
56T LIMIT
GVM/GCM
SUM OF AXLES
APPLICABLE
APPLICABLE
APPLICABLE
APPLICABLE
WHEN
WHEN
7 and more axles
Vehicle
is
than 18.1m
6 axle vehicle
Vehicle
(1221 interlink)
than 16.2m
6 axle vehicle
Vehicle
(123 rig)
than 15.1m
5 axle vehicle
Vehicle
(1121 or 122)
than 12.2m
5 axle vehicle
Vehicle
(113 rig)
than 10.8m
4 axle vehicle
3 axle vehicle
2 axle vehicle
Mini buses
Motor cars
shorter
Vehicle
is
is
is
is
is
shorter
shorter
shorter
shorter
shorter
than 7.9m
Never (vehicle length
less than 3.6m)
WHEN
WHEN
Vehicle is longer
If less than the other
than 18.1m
restrictions
Never
Never
Never
Never
Never
Never
Never
Never
Never
Never
Never
If less than the other
Vehicle
restrictions
than 16.5m
is
If less than the other
Vehicle
restrictions
than 15.1m
is
If less than the other
Vehicle
restrictions
than 12.2m
is
If less than the other
Vehicle
restrictions
than 10.8m
is
If less than the other
Vehicle
restrictions
than 7.9m
Vehicles less than
15 000kg
is
longer
longer
longer
longer
longer
Almost always
Vehicles less than
Vehicles more than
15 000kg
15 000 kg
When
lyre
Almost always
permit
less
rating
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
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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)].
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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.
•
•
•
•
•
February 2004
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.
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NOCTC GUIDELINES FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT IN RESPECT OF THE OVERLOADING
OF GOODS VEHICLES
•
•
4.7
D9/3/22/5
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).
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
o
o
o
February 2004
Animals: No concession should be made. If possible, animals should be off loaded
at the nearest abattoir.
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.
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.]
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
24
NOCTC GUIDELINES FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT IN RESPECT OF THE OVERLOADING
OF GOODS VEHICLES
o
•
•
•
•
4.8
4.8.1
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.
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.
DEALING WITH MOVING LOADS
Liquids
•
•
•
4.8.2
D9/3/22/5
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.
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:
February 2004
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.
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NOCTC GUIDELINES FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT IN RESPECT OF THE OVERLOADING
OF GOODS VEHICLES
4.9
D9/3/22/5
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:
•
•
•
February 2004
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
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NOCTC GUIDELINES FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT IN RESPECT OF THE OVERLOADING
OF GOODS VEHICLES
D9/3/22/5
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
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NOCTC GUIDELINES FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT IN RESPECT OF THE OVERLOADING
OF GOODS VEHICLES
5.
D9/3/22/5
DOCUMENTATION
The following documents are used in law enforcement with regard to overloading:
•
•
•
•
•
•
(a)
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.
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:
(b)
February 2004
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.
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.
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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.
February 2004
29
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
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
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NOCTC ANNEXURE A: LEGISLATION
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(b)
(3)
(4)
380 millimetres per person in the case of a mini-bus, measured at the widest part of
the seat with the doors closed.
For the purposes of sub regulations (1) and (2) a row of seats shall be regarded as one seat.
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
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NOCTC ANNEXURE A: LEGISLATION
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(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 andFebruary 2004
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NOCTC ANNEXURE A: LEGISLATION
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(i)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
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;
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;
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;
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
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
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NOCTC ANNEXURE A: LEGISLATION
(b)
(c)
(d)
D9/3/22/5
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;
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
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);
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NOCTC ANNEXURE A: LEGISLATION
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(iii)
(2)
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).
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:
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"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;
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NOCTC ANNEXURE A: LEGISLATION
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(f)
(g)
(h)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
the permissible maximum vehicle mass referred to in regulation 236;
the permissible maximum combination mass referred to in regulation 237; or
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.
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.
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.
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.
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;
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NOCTC ANNEXURE A: LEGISLATION
(b)
(c)
February 2004
D9/3/22/5
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;
no such vehicle shall be operated on a freeway.
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NOCTC ANNEXURE A: LEGISLATION
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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 massmeasuring 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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NOCTC ANNEXURE A: LEGISLATION
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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)
Note:
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.”
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.
February 2004
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ANNEXURE B
PRACTICAL ENFORCEMENT OF
LEGISLATION:
EXAMPLES
NOCTC ANNEXURE B: PRACTICAL ENFORCEMENT
D9/3/22/5
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.
February 2004
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NOCTC ANNEXURE B: PRACTICAL ENFORCEMENT
EXAMPLE 1.
Axle
No:
1
D9/3/22/5
A SEVEN AXLE VEHICLE CONFIGURATION
2 3
4
5
6
7
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
Steering
Tyre rating
Axle unit
GCM
axle
12R22.5-16 pr
3 350kg single
wheels
7 500 kg
20 000 kg
68 000 kg
3 000kg dual
wheels
DISTANCES BETWEEN AXLES
Axles
Axles
Axles
Axles
1-7
2-5
4-7
2-7
P/D
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
Vehicle 1
Vehicle 2
February 2004
Steering Axle
6 300 kg
8 000 kg
Axle unit 2-3
17 300 kg
19 100 kg
Axle unit 4-5
17 000 kg
17 900 kg
Axle unit 6-7
17 000 kg
17 900 kg
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NOCTC ANNEXURE B: PRACTICAL ENFORCEMENT
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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
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NOCTC ANNEXURE B: PRACTICAL ENFORCEMENT
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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:
The bridge formula mass load between axle 4 and 7:
The bridge formula mass load between axle 2 and 7:
8 x 2100 + 18 000 = 34 800kg
7 x 2100 + 18 000 = 32 700kg
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.
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NOCTC ANNEXURE B: PRACTICAL ENFORCEMENT
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COMPARING ACTUAL AND PERMISSIBLE MASS LOADS: AXLES AND AXLE UNITS
AXLE/UNIT
1
POSSIBLE MASS LIMITS (kg)
BLOCK A IN THE FLOW
DIAGRAM
Reg 238
Reg 239
Reg 240
PERMISSIBLE
1
MASS (kg)
1
6 700
7 500
7 700
6 700
(Reg 238)
2-3
24 000
20 000
18 000
18 000
(Reg 240)
4-5
24 000
20 000
18 000
18 000
(Reg 240)
6-7
24 000
20 000
18 000
18 000
(Reg 240)
ACTUAL MASS LOADS (kg)
VEHICLE 1
6 300
(below the
limit)
17 300
(below the
limit)
17 000
(below the
limit)
17 000
(below the
limit)
VEHICLE 2
8 000
(19.4% over prosecutable)
19 100
(6% over prosecutable)
17 900
(below the
limit)
17 900
(below the
limit)
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
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
1
PERMISSIBLE
MASS (kg)1
56 000
ACTUAL MASS LOADS (kg)
57 600 (2.85%
over – not
prosecuted)
62 900 (12%
over prosecutable
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
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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)
GROUP OF
AXLES
BRIDGE
FORMULA MASS
(kg)
2-5
34 800*
4-7
32 700*
2-7
49 500*
ACTUAL MASS LOADS (kg)
VEHICLE 1
VEHICLE 2
17 300 + 17 000 = 34 300
(below the bridge formula)
17 000 + 17 000 = 34 000
(4% over – not prosecuted)
17 300 + 17 000 + 17 000 =
51 300 (3% over – not
prosecuted)
19 100 + 17 900 = 37 000
(6% over – prosecutable)
17 900 + 17 900 = 35 800
(9% over – prosecutable)
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 semitrailer 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 semitrailer 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-7
NOCTC ANNEXURE B: PRACTICAL ENFORCEMENT
D9/3/22/5
COMPARING STEERING AXLE PERCENTAGES (Regulation 242)
TOTAL
MASS
OF
VEHICLE
TOTAL MASS
OF TRUCKTRACTOR
AND FIRST
SEMITRAILER
11%
(COMBINATION
OF VEHICLES)
57 600
40 600
15.52% (legal)
62 900
45 000
17.78% (legal)
Vehicle
1
Vehicle
2
COMMENT:
20% (RIGID
WITH
STEERING
AXLE)
30% (RIGID
WITH
STEERING
AXLE UNIT)
Not
applicable
Not
applicable
Not
applicable
Not
applicable
ACTUAL
MASS OF
STEERING
AXLE
6 300
8 000
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:
•
•
•
•
•
•
1.3
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.
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-8
NOCTC ANNEXURE B: PRACTICAL ENFORCEMENT
D9/3/22/5
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
DISTANCES BETWEEN
AXLES
MANUFACTURER’S SPECIFICATIONS
Tyre rating
148/152
3 550 single wheel
3 150 double
wheel
Steering
axle
Axle unit
GCM
P/D
Axles 1-6
Axles 2-6
7 500 kg
20 000
(tandem)
30 000
(tridem)
52 000 kg
331 kW
16m
12m
Note: The specifications and dimensions in this table are only illustrative. The particulars will differ from vehicle to
vehicle.
2.1.2
Illustrative actual mass loads
Vehicle 1
Vehicle 2
February 2004
Steering Axle
7 600 kg
8 000 kg
Axle unit 2-3
18 700 kg
18 500 kg
Axle unit 4-6
25 200 kg
27 000 kg
B-9
NOCTC ANNEXURE B: PRACTICAL ENFORCEMENT
D9/3/22/5
2.2 APPLICATION OF THE FLOW DIAGRAM
2.2.1
AXLE/
UNIT
1
Block A of the flow diagram: Restrictions on axles and axle units (Regulations 234 and
235)
POSSIBLE MASS LIMITS (kg)
BLOCK A IN THE FLOW
DIAGRAM
Reg 238
Reg 239 Reg 240
PERMISSIBLE
1
MASS (kg)
ACTUAL MASS LOADS (kg)
VEHICLE 1
7 600 (7% over prosecutable)
1
7 100
7 500
7 700
7 100 (Reg 238)
2-3
25 200
20 000
18 000
18 000 (Reg
240)
18 700 (4% over –
not prosecutable)
4-6
37 800
30 000
24 000*
24 000 (Reg
240)
25 200 (5% over –
prosecutable)
VEHICLE 2
8 000 (13% over
-prosecutable)
18 500 (3% over
– not
prosecutable)
27 000 (13%
over prosecutable)
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
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
1
PERMISSIBLE MASS
(kg)1
49 100
ACTUAL MASS LOADS (kg)
51 500
(4.89% over –
not
prosecutable)
53 500
(9% over –
prosecutable)
This value is the smallest of the “possible mass limits” column
February 2004
B-10
NOCTC ANNEXURE B: PRACTICAL ENFORCEMENT
2.2.3
Block C of the flow diagram: Application of the bridge formula on intermediate axles and
axle units (Regulation 241)
GROUP OF
AXLES
1-3
2-6
*
D9/3/22/5
PERMISSIBLE
MASS (kg)
4.5 x 2 100 + 18000
= 27 450 *
12 x 2 100 + 18000 =
43 200*
ACTUAL MASS LOADS (kg)
VEHICLE 1
VEHICLE 2
7 600 + 18 700 = 26 300
8 000 + 18 500 = 26 500
(below the bridge formula)
(below the bridge formula)
18 700 + 25 200 = 43 900
18 500 + 27 000 = 45 500
(2% over – not prosecuted)
(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
Vehicle 1
51 500
Vehicle 2
53 500
2.3
11%
(COMBINATION
OF VEHICLES)
14.75%
(legal)
14.95%
(legal)
20% (RIGID
WITH
STEERING
AXLE)
30% (RIGID
WITH
STEERING
AXLE UNIT)
ACTUAL
MASS OF
STEERING
AXLE
Not applicable
Not applicable
7 600
Not applicable
Not applicable
8 000
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-11
NOCTC ANNEXURE B: PRACTICAL ENFORCEMENT
D9/3/22/5
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
DISTANCES BETWEEN
AXLES
MANUFACTURER’S SPECIFICATIONS
Tyre rating
12 R22.5-14 pl
3190kg single
wheel
2850kg dual
wheel
Note:
Steering axle
Other axle
units
GCM
P/D
Axles 1-7
Axles 2-7
7 200 kg
16 400 kg
(drive axle)
40 000 kg
(axle unit)
58 000 kg
309kw
16m
11.5m
The specifications and dimensions in this table are only illustrative. The particulars will differ from vehicle to
vehicle.
3.1.3
Illustrative actual mass loads for two vehicles of the same specification
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-12
NOCTC ANNEXURE B: PRACTICAL ENFORCEMENT
3.2
APPLICATION OF THE FLOW DIAGRAM
3.2.1
Block A of the flow diagram: Restrictions on axles and axle units (Regulations 234 and
235)
AXLE/UNIT
1
D9/3/22/5
POSSIBLE MASS LIMITS (t)
BLOCK A IN THE FLOW
DIAGRAM
Reg 238
Reg 239 Reg 240
ACTUAL MASS LOADS (kg)
PERMISSIBLE
1
MASS (kg)
1
6 380
7 200
7 700
6 380 (Reg 238)
2-3
22 800
16 400
18 000
16 400 (Reg 239)
4-7
45 600
40 000
24 000
24 000 (Reg 240)
VEHICLE 1
7 600
(19.1% over prosecutable)
18 700
(14% over –
prosecutable)
31 400
(30% over –
prosecutable)
VEHICLE 2
8 000
(25.3% over prosecutable)
19 100
(16% over prosecutable)
26 100
(8.7% over –
prosecutable)
This value is the smallest of the “possible mass limits” column
3.2.2
Block B of the flow diagram: Restrictions on the total combination mass (Regulation 237)
POSSIBLE MASS LIMITS (kg)
BLOCK B OF THE FLOW DIAGRAM
PERMISSIBLE
MASS (kg)1
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
46 780
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
1
This value is the smallest of the “possible mass limits” column
February 2004
ACTUAL MASS LOADS (kg)
VEHICLE 1
VEHICLE 2
57 700
(23.3% over –
prosecutable)
53 200
(13.7% over –
prosecutable)
B-13
NOCTC ANNEXURE B: PRACTICAL ENFORCEMENT
3.2.3
*
D9/3/22/5
Block C of the flow diagram: Application of the bridge formula on intermediate axles and
axle units (Regulation 241)
GROUP OF
AXLES
BRIDGE FORMULA
MASS (kg)
1-7
16 x 2100 + 18000 =
51 600*
2-7
11.5 x 2 100 + 18000 =
42 150*
ACTUAL MASS LOADS (kg)
VEHICLE 1
VEHICLE 2
7 600 + 18 700 + 31 400 =
8 000 + 19 100 = 26 100 =
57 700 (above the bridge
53 200 (above the bridge
formula - prosecutable)
formula – prosecutable)
18 700 + 31 400 = 50 100
(above the bridge formula –
prosecutable)
19 100 + 26 100 = 45 200
(above the bridge formula –
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
11%
(COMBINATION
OF VEHICLES)
Vehicle 1
57 700
13.1% (legal)
Vehicle 2
53 200
15.0 % (legal)
20% (RIGID
WITH
STEERING
AXLE)
Not
applicable
Not
applicable
30% (RIGID
WITH
STEERING
AXLE UNIT)
Not
applicable
Not
applicable
ACTUAL
MASS OF
STEERING
AXLE
7 600
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-14
NOCTC ANNEXURE B: PRACTICAL ENFORCEMENT
4. EXAMPLE 4.
Axle no:
1
D9/3/22/5
A FIVE AXLE ARTICULATED VEHICLE (113 configuration)
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
DISTANCES
BETWEEN AXLES
MANUFACTURER’S SPECIFICATIONS
Tyre rating
11.00 x 20 x 16pr
3 310kg single
wheel
2 904kg dual
wheel
Steering
axle
Other axle
units
GCM
P/D
Axles 1-5
Axles 2-5
7 500 kg
10 000 kg
(drive axle)
30 000 kg
(axle unit)
46 000 kg
309kw
12m
8,5m
The specifications and dimensions in this table are only illustrative. The particulars will differ from vehicle to
Note:
vehicle.
4.1.2
Illustrative actual mass loads for two vehicles of the same specification
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-15
NOCTC ANNEXURE B: PRACTICAL ENFORCEMENT
4.2
APPLICATION OF THE FLOW DIAGRAM
4.2.1
235)
Block A of the flow diagram: Restrictions on axles and axle units (Regulations 234 and
AXLE/UNIT
1
POSSIBLE MASS LIMITS (t)
BLOCK A IN THE FLOW
DIAGRAM
Reg 238
Reg 239 Reg 240
PERMISSIBLE
1
MASS (kg)
1
6 620
7 500
7 700
6620 (Reg 238)
2
11 616
10 000
9 000
9 000 (Reg 240)
3-4-5
34 848
30 000
24 000
24000 (Reg
240)
ACTUAL MASS LOADS (kg)
VEHICLE 1
7 600
(14.8% over prosecutable)
8 700
(below the
limit)
23 700
(below the
limit)
VEHICLE 2
8 000
(20.8% over prosecutable)
9 300
(3% over – not
prosecutable)
25 900
(8% over –
prosecutable)
This value is the smallest of the “possible mass limits” column
4.2.2
Block B of the flow diagram: Restrictions on the total combination mass (Regulation 237)
POSSIBLE MASS LIMITS (kg)
BLOCK B OF THE FLOW DIAGRAM
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
1
D9/3/22/5
PERMISSIBLE
MASS (kg)1
39 620
ACTUAL MASS LOADS (kg)
VEHICLE 1
VEHICLE 2
40 000
(0.96% over –
not prosecutable)
43 200
(9% over –
prosecutable)
This value is the smallest of the “possible mass limits” column
February 2004
B-16
NOCTC ANNEXURE B: PRACTICAL ENFORCEMENT
4.2.3
D9/3/22/5
Block C of the flow diagram: Application of the bridge formula on intermediate axles and
axle units
GROUP OF
AXLES
1-2
2-5
BRIDGE FORMULA
MASS (kg)
3,5 x 2100 + 18000 =
25 350*
8.5 x 2 100 + 18000 =
35 850*
ACTUAL MASS LOADS (kg)
VEHICLE 1
VEHICLE 2
7 600 + 8 700 = 16 300
8 000 + 9 300 = 17 300
(below the bridge formula)
(below the bridge formula)
8 700 + 23 700 = 32 400
9 300 + 25 900 = 35 200
(below the bridge formula)
(below the bridge formula)
* 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.
4.2.4
Comparing Steering Axle Percentages (Regulation 242)
TOTAL
MASS OF
VEHICLE
11%
(COMBINATION
OF VEHICLES)
20% (RIGID
WITH
STEERING
AXLE)
30% (RIGID
WITH
STEERING
AXLE UNIT)
ACTUAL
MASS OF
STEERING
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-17
NOCTC ANNEXURE B: PRACTICAL ENFORCEMENT
D9/3/22/5
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
DISTANCES
BETWEEN AXLES
MANUFACTURER’S SPECIFICATIONS
Tyre rating
Steering
axle
154/152m
3 750 kg single wheel
3 550 kg dual wheel
7 500 kg
Other axle
units
8 000 kg
(axle)
18 000 kg
(axle unit)
GCM
P/D
Axles 1-4
Axles 2-4
38 000 kg
229kw
9m
5m
Note: The specifications and dimensions in this table are only illustrative. The particulars will differ from vehicle to
vehicle.
5.1.3
Illustrative actual mass loads for two vehicles of the same specification
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-18
NOCTC ANNEXURE B: PRACTICAL ENFORCEMENT
5.2
APPLICATION OF THE FLOW DIAGRAM
5.2.1
Block A of the flow diagram: Restrictions on axles and axle units (Regulations 234 and
235)
AXLE/UNIT
1
POSSIBLE MASS LIMITS (kg)
BLOCK A IN THE FLOW
DIAGRAM
Reg 238 Reg 239 Reg 240
PERMISSIBLE
1
MASS (kg)
1
7 500
7 500
7 700
7500
(Reg 238)
2
14 200
8 000
9 000
8 000
(Reg 239)
3-4
28 400
18 000
18 000
18 000
(Reg 240)
ACTUAL MASS LOADS (kg)
VEHICLE 1
VEHICLE 2
7 600
8 000
(1% over – not
(6,7% over prosecutable)
prosecutable)
8 700
9 300
(8,8% over – (16,3% over – not
prosecutable)
prosecutable)
18 200
19200
(1% over – not
(6,7% over –
prosecutable)
prosecutable)
This value is the smallest of the “possible mass limits” column
5.2.2
1
D9/3/22/5
Block B of the flow diagram: Restrictions on the total combination mass (Regulation 237)
POSSIBLE MASS LIMITS (kg)
BLOCK B OF THE FLOW DIAGRAM
PERMISSIBLE
MASS (kg)1
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
ACTUAL MASS LOADS (kg)
VEHICLE 1
VEHICLE 2
34 500
(3% over – not
prosecutable)
36 500
(8,96% over –
prosecutable)
This value is the smallest of the “possible mass limits” column
February 2004
B-19
NOCTC ANNEXURE B: PRACTICAL ENFORCEMENT
D9/3/22/5
5.2.3 Block C of the flow diagram: Application of the bridge formula on intermediate axles and
axle units (Regulation 241)
GROUP OF
AXLES
1-2
2-4
BRIDGE FORMULA
MASS (kg)
4 x 2 100 + 18000 =
26 400*
5 x 2 100 + 18000 =
28 500*
ACTUAL MASS LOADS (kg)
VEHICLE 1
VEHICLE 2
7 600 + 8 700 = 16 300
8 000 + 9 300 = 17 300
(below the bridge formula)
(below the bridge formula)
8 700 + 18 200 = 26 900
9 300 + 19 200 = 28 500
(below the bridge formula)
(below the bridge formula)
* 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.
5.2.4
Comparing Steering Axle Percentages (Regulation 242)
TOTAL
MASS OF
VEHICLE
11%
(COMBINATION
OF VEHICLES)
Vehicle 1
34 500
22% (legal)
Vehicle 2
36 500
21.91% (legal)
20% (RIGID
WITH
STEERING
AXLE)
Not
applicable
Not
applicable
30% (RIGID
WITH
STEERING
AXLE UNIT)
Not
applicable
Not
applicable
ACTUAL
MASS OF
STEERING
AXLE
7 600
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-20
NOCTC ANNEXURE B: PRACTICAL ENFORCEMENT
EXAMPLE 6.
Axle no:
D9/3/22/5
A FOUR AXLE CARRIER OR TIPPER (8 X 4 configuration)
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
DISTANCES
BETWEEN AXLES
MANUFACTURER’S SPECIFICATIONS
Tyre rating
Steering
axle
(12R22.5 16 pl)
3 350kg single wheel
3 000kg dual wheel
16 000 kg
Other axle
units
8 000 kg
(axle)
18 000 kg
(axle unit)
GVM
P/D
Axles 1-4
35 000 kg
219kw
7.5m
Note: The specifications and dimensions in this table are only illustrative. The particulars will differ from vehicle to
vehicle.
6.1.3
Illustrative actual mass loads for two vehicles of the same specification
Steering Axle unit
Axle unit 2
Vehicle 1
15 300 kg
18 400kg
Vehicle 2
16 400 kg
19 300 kg
February 2004
B-21
NOCTC ANNEXURE B: PRACTICAL ENFORCEMENT
D9/3/22/5
6.2
APPLICATION OF THE FLOW DIAGRAM
6.2.1
Block A of the flow diagram: Restrictions on axles and axle units (Regulations 234 and
235)
AXLE/UNIT
1
POSSIBLE MASS LIMITS (kg)
BLOCK A IN THE FLOW
DIAGRAM
Reg 238 Reg 239 Reg 240
PERMISSIBLE
1
MASS (kg)
1-2
13 400
16 000
15 400
13 400
(Reg 238)
3-4
24 000
18 000
18 000
18 000
(Reg 239, 240)
ACTUAL MASS LOADS (kg)
VEHICLE 1
15 300
(14% over –
prosecutable)
18 400
(2% over – not
prosecutable)
VEHICLE 2
16 400
(22,4% over prosecutable)
19 300
(7% over –
prosecutable)
This value is the smallest of the “possible mass limits” column
6.2.2
Block B of the flow diagram: Restrictions on the total vehicle mass (Regulation 236)
POSSIBLE MASS LIMITS (kg) BLOCK B
OF THE FLOW DIAGRAM
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
PERMISSIBLE
1
MASS (kg)
31 400
ACTUAL MASS LOADS (kg)
VEHICLE 1
VEHICLE 2
33 700
(7,3% over –
prosecutable)
35 700
(13,7% over –
prosecutable)
1
This value is the smallest of the “possible mass limits” column
6.2.3
Block C of the flow diagram: Application of the bridge formula on intermediate axles and
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-22
NOCTC ANNEXURE B: PRACTICAL ENFORCEMENT
6.2.4
Comparing Steering Axle Percentages (Regulation 242)
TOTAL
MASS OF
VEHICLE
Vehicle 1
33 700
Vehicle 2
35 700
6.3
D9/3/22/5
11%
(COMBINATION
OF VEHICLES)
Not
applicable
Not
applicable
20% (RIGID
WITH
STEERING
AXLE)
Not
applicable
Not
applicable
30% (RIGID
WITH
STEERING
AXLE UNIT)
ACTUAL
MASS OF
STEERING
AXLE
45,4% (legal)
15 300
45,9% (legal)
16 400
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-23
NOCTC ANNEXURE B: PRACTICAL ENFORCEMENT
EXAMPLE 7.
Axle no
D9/3/22/5
A THREE AXLE ARTICULATED VEHICLE (111 configuration)
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
MANUFACTURER’S SPECIFICATIONS
Tyre rating
315/8OR 22.5
3 750kg single
wheel
3 250kg dual
wheel
Steering axle
Other axle units
GCM
P/D
7 500 kg
9 500 kg
28 000 kg
209kW
DISTANCES
BETWEEN AXLES
Axles 1-3 Axles 2-3
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-24
NOCTC ANNEXURE B: PRACTICAL ENFORCEMENT
7.2
APPLICATION OF THE FLOW DIAGRAM
7.2.1
Block A of the flow diagram: Restrictions on axles and axle units (Regulations 234 and
235)
AXLE/UNIT
1
POSSIBLE MASS LIMITS (kg)
BLOCK A IN THE FLOW
DIAGRAM
Reg 238 Reg 239 Reg 240
PERMISSIBLE
1
MASS (kg)
1
7 500
7 500
7 700
7 500
(Reg 238, 239)
2
13 000
9 500
9 000
9 000
(Reg 240)
3
13 000
9 500
9 000
9 000
(Reg 240)
ACTUAL MASS LOADS (kg)
VEHICLE 1
7 600
(1% over – not
prosecutable)
9 100
(1% over – not
prosecutable)
9 200
(2% over – not
prosecutable)
VEHICLE 2
8 000
(7% over prosecutable)
9 500
(6% over –
prosecutable)
9 600
(7% over –
prosecutable)
This value is the smallest of the “possible mass limits” column
7.2.2
Block B of the flow diagram: Restrictions on the total combination mass (Regulation 237)
POSSIBLE MASS LIMITS (kg)
BLOCK B OF THE FLOW DIAGRAM
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
1
D9/3/22/5
PERMISSIBLE
MASS (kg)1
25 500
ACTUAL MASS LOADS (kg)
Vehicle 1
Vehicle 2
25 900
(2% over – not
prosecutable)
27 100
(6% over –
prosecutable)
This value is the smallest of the “possible mass limits” column
February 2004
B-25
NOCTC ANNEXURE B: PRACTICAL ENFORCEMENT
7.2.3
D9/3/22/5
Block C of the flow diagram: Application of the bridge formula on intermediate axles and
axle units (Regulation 241)
GROUP OF
AXLES
1-2
2-3
BRIDGE FORMULA
MASS (kg)
3,5 x 2100 + 18 000 =
25 350*
5,5 x 2 100 + 18 000 =
29 550*
ACTUAL MASS LOADS (kg)
VEHICLE 1
VEHICLE 2
7 600 + 9 100 = 16 700
8 000 + 9 500 = 17 500
(below the bridge formula)
(below the bridge formula)
9 100 + 9 200 = 18 300
9 500 + 9 600 = 19 100
(below the bridge formula)
(below the bridge formula)
* 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.
7.2.4
Comparing Steering Axle Percentages (Regulation 242)
TOTAL
MASS OF
VEHICLE
11%
(COMBINATION
OF VEHICLES)
Vehicle 1
25 900
29.34% (legal)
Vehicle 2
27 100
29.52% (legal)
7.3
20% (RIGID
WITH
STEERING
AXLE)
Not
applicable
Not
applicable
30% (RIGID
WITH
STEERING
AXLE UNIT)
Not
applicable
Not
applicable
ACTUAL
MASS OF
STEERING
AXLE
7 600
8 000
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-26
NOCTC ANNEXURE B: PRACTICAL ENFORCEMENT
EXAMPLE 8.
D9/3/22/5
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
Steering axle
Other axle units
GVM
P/D
DISTANCES
BETWEEN AXLES
Axles 1-3
7 500 kg
20 000 kg
26 000 kg
189 kw
6,5m
MANUFACTURER’S SPECIFICATIONS
Tyre rating
152/150K
3550kg single
wheel
3350 kg dual
wheel
Note: The specifications and dimensions in this table are only illustrative. The particulars will differ from vehicle to
vehicle.
8.1.2
Illustrative actual mass loads for two vehicles of the same specification
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-27
NOCTC ANNEXURE B: PRACTICAL ENFORCEMENT
8.2
APPLICATION OF THE FLOW DIAGRAM
8.2.1
Block A of the flow diagram: Restrictions on axles and axle units (Regulations 234 and
235)
AXLE/UNIT
1
D9/3/22/5
POSSIBLE MASS LIMITS (kg)
BLOCK A IN THE FLOW
DIAGRAM
Reg 238
Reg 239 Reg 240
PERMISSIBLE
1
MASS (kg)
1
7 100
7 500
7 700
7 100
2
26 800
20 000
18 000
18 000
ACTUAL MASS LOADS (kg)
VEHICLE 1
7 600
(7% over –
prosecutable)
18 700 (4%
over – not
prosecutable)
VEHICLE 2
8 000
(13% over prosecutable)
19 600
(9% over –
prosecutable)
This value is the smallest of the “possible mass limits” column
8.2.2
Block B of the flow diagram: Restrictions on the total vehicle mass (Regulation 236)
POSSIBLE MASS LIMITS (kg)
BLOCK B OF THE FLOW DIAGRAM
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
PERMISSIBLE
1
MASS (kg)
25 100
ACTUAL MASS LOADS (kg)
Vehicle 1
Vehicle 2
26 300
(4,8% - not
prosecuted)
27 600
(10% over –
prosecutable)
1
This 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-28
NOCTC ANNEXURE B: PRACTICAL ENFORCEMENT
8.2.4
Comparing Steering Axle Percentages (Regulation 242)
TOTAL MASS
OF VEHICLE
Vehicle 1
26 300
Vehicle 2
27 600
8.3
D9/3/22/5
11%
(COMBINATION
OF VEHICLES)
Not
applicable
Not
applicable
20% (RIGID
WITH
STEERING
AXLE)
28,9% (legal)
28,99% (legal)
30% (RIGID
WITH
STEERING
AXLE UNIT)
Not
applicable
Not
applicable
ACTUAL
MASS OF
STEERING
AXLE
7 600
8 000
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-29
NOCTC ANNEXURE B: PRACTICAL ENFORCEMENT
EXAMPLE 9.
D9/3/22/5
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.
9.1
9.1.1
VEHICLE PARTICULARS
Illustrative specifications and dimensions
DISTANCES
BETWEEN
AXLES
MANUFACTURER’S SPECIFICATIONS
Tyre rating
Steering
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-30
NOCTC ANNEXURE B: PRACTICAL ENFORCEMENT
9.2
APPLICATION OF THE FLOW DIAGRAM
9.2.1
Block A of the flow diagram: Restrictions on axles and axle units (Regulations 234 and
235)
AXLE/UNIT
1
POSSIBLE MASS LIMITS (kg)
BLOCK A IN THE FLOW
DIAGRAM
Reg 238 Reg 239 Reg 240
PERMISSIBLE
1
MASS (kg)
1
6 700
7 500
7 700
6 700
(Reg 238)
2
12 000
8 000
9 000
8 000
(Reg 239)
ACTUAL MASS LOADS (kg)
VEHICLE 1
7 600
(13,4% over –
prosecutable)
9 300
(16,3% over –
prosecutable)
VEHICLE 2
8 000
(19,4% over prosecutable)
10 100
(26,3% over –
prosecutable)
This value is the smallest of the “possible mass limits” column
9.2.2
Block B of the flow diagram: Mass restrictions on the total vehicle mass
POSSIBLE MASS LIMITS (kg)
BLOCK B OF THE FLOW DIAGRAM
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
1
D9/3/22/5
PERMISSIBLE
1
MASS (kg)
14 700
ACTUAL MASS LOADS (kg)
Vehicle 1
Vehicle 2
16 900
(15% over prosecutable)
18 100
(23,1% over –
prosecutable)
This value is the smallest of the “possible mass limits” column
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-31
NOCTC ANNEXURE B: PRACTICAL ENFORCEMENT
9.2.3
Comparing Steering Axle Percentages (Regulation 242)
TOTAL MASS
OF VEHICLE
Vehicle 1
16 900
Vehicle 2
18 100
9.3
D9/3/22/5
11%
(COMBINATION
OF VEHICLES)
Not
applicable
Not
applicable
20% (RIGID
WITH
STEERING
AXLE)
44,97% (legal)
44,19% (legal)
30% (RIGID
WITH
STEERING
AXLE UNIT)
Not
applicable
Not
applicable
ACTUAL
MASS OF
STEERING
AXLE
7 600
8 000
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-32
NOCTC ANNEXURE B: PRACTICAL ENFORCEMENT
D9/3/22/5
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.
10.1
VEHICLE PARTICULARS
10.1.1
Illustrative specifications and dimensions
DISTANCES
BETWEEN AXLES
MANUFACTURER’S SPECIFICATIONS
Tyre rating
Steering
axle
12R22.5 14 Pr
3 190kg single wheel
2 850kg dual wheel
7 200 kg
Other axle
units
16 400 kg
(drive axle)
40 000 kg
(axle unit)
GCM
P/D
Axles 1-7
Axles 2-7
58 000 kg
309kw
16m
11,5m
Note: The specifications and dimensions in this table are only illustrative. The particulars will differ from vehicle to
vehicle.
10.1.2 Illustrative actual mass loads for two vehicles of the same specification
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-33
NOCTC ANNEXURE B: PRACTICAL ENFORCEMENT
10.2
D9/3/22/5
APPLICATION OF THE FLOW DIAGRAM
10.2.1 Block A of the flow diagram: Restrictions on axles and axle units (Regulations 234 and
235)
AXLE/UNIT
1
POSSIBLE MASS LIMITS (kg)
BLOCK A IN THE FLOW
DIAGRAM
Reg 238 Reg 239 Reg 240
PERMISSIBLE
1
MASS (kg)
1
6 380
7 200
7 700
6 380 (Reg 238)
2-3
22 800
16 400
18 000
16 400 (Reg 239)
4-7
45 600
40 000
24 000
24 000 (Reg 240)
ACTUAL MASS LOADS (kg)
VEHICLE 1
7 600
(19% over –
prosecutable)
18 700
(14% over –
prosecutable)
31 400
(30,8% over –
prosecutable)
VEHICLE 2
8 000
(25,4% over prosecutable)
19 100
(16,5% over –
prosecutable)
26 100 (1%
(8,8% over –
prosecutable)
This value is the smallest of the “possible mass limits” column
10.2.2 Block B of the flow diagram: Mass restrictions on the total combination mass (Regulation
237)
POSSIBLE MASS LIMITS (kg) BLOCK B
OF THE FLOW DIAGRAM
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
1
PERMISSIBLE
MASS (kg)1
46 780
ACTUAL MASS LOADS (kg)
Vehicle 1
Vehicle 2
57 700
(23,3% over prosecutable)
53 200
(13,7% over –
prosecutable)
This value is the smallest of the “possible mass limits” column
February 2004
B-34
NOCTC ANNEXURE B: PRACTICAL ENFORCEMENT
D9/3/22/5
10.2.3 Block C of the flow diagram: Application of the bridge formula on intermediate axles and
axle units (Regulation 241)
GROUP OF
AXLES
1-3
2-7
BRIDGE FORMULA
MASS (kg)
4,5 x 2100 + 18000 =
27 450*
11,5 x 2 100 + 18000 =
42 150*
ACTUAL MASS LOADS (kg)
VEHICLE 1
VEHICLE 2
7 600 + 18 700 = 26 300
8 000 + 19 100 = 27 100
(below the bridge formula)
(below the bridge formula)
18 700 + 31 400 = 50 100
19 100 + 26 100 = 45 200
(above the bridge formula – (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.
10.2.4 Comparing Steering Axle Percentages (Regulation 242)
TOTAL MASS
OF VEHICLE
11%
(COMBINATION
OF VEHICLES)
Vehicle 1
57 700
13,2% (legal)
Vehicle 2
53 200
15% (legal)
10.3
20% (RIGID
WITH
STEERING
AXLE)
Not
applicable
Not
applicable
30% (RIGID
WITH
STEERING
AXLE UNIT)
Not
applicable
Not
applicable
ACTUAL
MASS OF
STEERING
AXLE
7 600
8 000
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.
February 2004
B-35
ANNEXURE C
EXAMPLE OF A FIELD SHEET
OVERLOADING FIELD SHEET
!
#
"
#
$
#
)
(
A
.
% $
B
(
'/
34
* 2
34
38
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