Land Transport Rule

Heavy-vehicle Brakes 2006

Rule 32015

Contents

Objective of the rule

Extent of consultation

Part 1     Rule requirements

Section 1     Application

Section 2     General safety requirements and approved vehicle standards

Section 3     Air brake

Section 4     Hydraulic brake

Section 5     Auxiliary brakes and controls

Section 6     Additional requirements for vehicles not used in combination with other heavy motor vehicles

Section 7     Additional requirements for vehicles used in combination with other heavy motor vehicles

Section 8     Modification

Section 9     Repair and replacement parts

Section 10     Responsibilities

Part 2     Definitions

Part 3     Schedules

 

Objective of the Rule

Land Transport Rule: Heavy-vehicle Brakes 2006 is one of a series of Rules that sets safety requirements and standards for systems and components in vehicles operating in New Zealand.

This Rule addresses heavy-vehicle braking, which is one of the most important vehicle safety issues for New Zealand road users. It applies to vehicles with a gross vehicle mass of more than 3500 kilograms. Within this broad category, most heavy vehicles belong within the classification system in Table A of the Rule (for example, heavy trucks are Class NB or Class NC). The Rule includes special provisions for vehicles not in Table A such as tractors, and for vehicles used in heavy-haulage operations. The Rule does not apply to armoured vehicles that are used exclusively as equipment of the New Zealand Defence Force.

It sets out requirements to ensure that heavy vehicles and heavy-vehicle combinations can brake safely, with balanced brake performance, at any road-legal load condition.

The Rule responds to safety risks identified in the Parliamentary Report of the Transport Committee on the Inquiry into Truck Crashes 1996, which found that heavy vehicles were over-represented in New Zealand road trauma statistics. Subsequent analysis of police-reported crashes involving heavy vehicles, for the six-year period from 1997 to 2002, showed that brakes were the single most important vehicle factor in these crashes. The Rule also responds to the results obtained in heavy-vehicle brake surveys in 1998 and 2005. In the context of an average annual social cost of all road crashes (at June 2002 prices) of $3.1 billion (excluding property damage only crashes) the social costs associated with heavy-vehicle brake problems are of the order of $70 million a year (about 2.3%).

The Rule contributes to the New Zealand Transport Strategy (NZTS) initiative to assist safety and personal security. It also links with other Rules such as Land Transport Rule: Heavy Vehicles 2004; Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2003 and Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Dimensions and Mass 2002.

Specific requirements are contained in the Rule for vehicles modified in a way that may affect their brakes or the performance of their brakes. These requirements are carried over from, and replace, Policy Statement 3 of the Ministry of Transport dated 26 February 1988. The requirements have been reviewed and there has been some relaxation to provide more flexibility to operators, without compromising safety.

Approved vehicle standards for braking are ‘incorporated by reference’ in the Rule in accordance with section 165 of the Land Transport Act 1998, so that they are, effectively, part of the Rule.

Five schedules that set out technical specifications that applied to vehicles that were brake-certified at various times since 1998 are contained in the Rule. The Interim Performance Specification for Heavy Vehicle Braking was intended to provide sufficient time for the development of detailed performance requirements for heavy-vehicle brakes, which were then detailed in the Heavy Vehicle Brake Code (the Brake Code). These specifications applied only to vehicle combinations between 39 and 44 tonnes. The Brake Code was based on the European standard UN/ECE 13, and was effective from 1 July 1991 and revised in 1997.

The Rule allows vehicles that were certified for compliance with the Interim Specification or Brake Code to continue to comply with these if they, or their brakes, are unmodified. However, modified vehicles and vehicles certified after a date specified in the Rule will need to be certified according to the requirements set out in Schedule 5, the New Zealand Heavy-vehicle Brake Specification. The application of these requirements is now extended to all heavy vehicles.

The Rule identifies those brake requirements that must be certified for compliance by a Heavy Vehicle Specialist Certifier working under Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Standards Compliance 2002.

The Rule states who is responsible for ensuring compliance with its requirements: operators, repairers, modifiers, vehicle inspectors and inspecting organisations, manufacturers and retailers. This links the Rule to provisions of the Land Transport (Offences and Penalties) Regulations 1999.

Consistency has been ensured with New Zealand’s international obligations relating to vehicle safety under the 1958 and 1998 United Nations Agreements, to which this country acceded in 2002. The Rule is also consistent with the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Agreement and incorporates Australian standards. Economic evaluation and regulatory impact analyses have been carried out.

 

Extent of consultation

Consultation on this Rule began in June 2004 when the former Land Transport Safety Authority released the yellow (public consultation) draft. Approximately 500 copies of the yellow draft were sent to industry and other groups and individuals who had registered their interest in the Rule. The availability of the draft Rule was publicised in metropolitan and regional daily newspapers, Te Maori News and the New Zealand Gazette. The draft Rule was also made available on the Land Transport Safety Authority’s internet website. Copies of the draft Rule were sent to libraries and transport organisations overseas.

The Land Transport Safety Authority received 49 submissions on the yellow draft. Issues raised in these submissions were followed up by meeting individually and in groups with the concerned industry representatives. The Land Transport Safety Authority’s successor, Land Transport New Zealand, took the submissions into account in redrafting the Rule before it was submitted to Cabinet and to the Minister for Transport Safety for signature.

Part 1     Rule requirements

Section 1     Application

1.1     Title

This Rule is Land Transport Rule: Heavy-vehicle Brakes 2006.

 

1.2     Scope of the Rule

1.2(1)     This Rule applies to heavy motor vehicles.

1.2(2)     This Rule does not apply to an armoured vehicle that is used exclusively as equipment of the New Zealand Defence Force.

1.2(3)     This Rule specifies requirements:

1.2(4)     The applicable provisions in this Rule, for the purposes of specialist inspection and certification of heavy-vehicle brakes under Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Standards Compliance 2002, are in 6.1(2)(a), 7.1(3)(a) and (b), 7.2(3), 7.4(2)(b), 7.5 and section 8.

 

1.3     Date when Rule comes into force

This Rule comes into force on 1 March 2007.

 

1.4     Application of Rule provisions

1.4(1)     If there is a conflict between a provision of this Rule and the corresponding provision of a document incorporated by reference in the Rule, the provision of this Rule applies.

1.4(2)     If there is a conflict between a provision of this Rule and a provision of Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Standards Compliance 2002, the provision of Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Standards Compliance 2002 applies.

 

Section 2     General safety requirements and approved vehicle standards

2.1     Application of requirements

2.1(1)     A brake fitted to a vehicle must comply:

 

2.2     General safety requirements

2.2(1)     A vehicle, other than one in 2.2(2), must have a service brake, a parking brake and an emergency brake, except a semi-trailer first registered before 1 November 1990 that must have a service brake only.

2.2(2)     The following vehicles do not have to comply with 2.2(1):

2.2(3)     Vehicles in 2.2(2)(a) to (e) must have a means by which the driver of the vehicle can control its movement and can stop and hold the vehicle stationary under all conditions of use.

2.2(4)     A brake must:

2.2(5)     A brake that simultaneously applies braking pressure on two wheels with a common axis must be adjusted or fitted so that the braking effect is approximately the same on both wheels when the brake is applied by the driver, except if the braking effect is modulated by a control device to prevent the wheels locking or to improve stability.

2.2(6)     A brake must be maintained within safe tolerance of its state when manufactured, having regard to the vehicle manufacturer’s or brake manufacturer’s specification.

2.2(7)     The friction materials of a brake must be:

2.2(8)     When a vehicle’s brake is applied on a hard, dry, level surface that is free of loose material, and without assistance from the compression of the vehicle’s engine or other auxiliary braking device in section 5 that is not part of the vehicle’s service brake:

2.2(9)     Except as provided in 2.2(10), a warning system that is fitted to a vehicle and is part of, or associated with the use of, a brake component or system must function correctly.

2.2(10)     Subclause 2.2(9) does not apply to a brake pad wear-warning system, if the brake pads fitted to the vehicle cannot practically ensure correct functioning of the wear-warning system.

 

2.3     Requirements for different types of brake

    Service brake

2.3(1)     The service brake of a vehicle:

2.3(2)     The service brake of a vehicle, whether or not it is being operated as a combination vehicle, must have one control only:

2.3(3)     The service brake of a vehicle must, unless 2.3(5), 2.3(6) or 2.3(7) applies, be capable of stopping the vehicle at any load condition up to the gross vehicle mass or gross combination mass, as applicable, either:

2.3(4)     A service brake of Class MD3, MD4, ME, NB, NC, TC and TD vehicles first registered in New Zealand on or after 1 November 1990 must act on each wheel.

2.3(5)     A vehicle that was first registered in New Zealand before 1 February 1977 and was manufactured with a service brake acting on two wheels only must be capable of stopping within a distance of 9 m from a speed of 30 km/h.

2.3(6)     A vehicle that was manufactured before 31 December 1918 and that is not capable of exceeding a speed of 30 km/h under any condition of use must have a service brake that:

2.3(7)     A forklift must have a service brake that is capable of stopping the vehicle within a distance of:

2.3(8)     The stopping distances in 2.3(3), 2.3(5), 2.3(6)(a) and 2.3(7) are to be measured from the point at which movement of the brake control begins to the point at which the vehicle is brought to a complete stop.

    Parking brake

2.3(9)     The parking brake of a vehicle, whether or not it is being operated as a combination vehicle, must be able to be applied by the driver from the normal driving position using one control only.

2.3(10)     The parking brake of a vehicle first registered in New Zealand on or after 1 November 1990 must act on at least 40% of the wheels.

2.3(11)     The parking brake of a vehicle, other than a semi-trailer, must, at any load condition up to the gross vehicle mass or gross combination mass, as applicable, be capable of:

2.3(12)     For a semi-trailer first registered in New Zealand on or after 1 November 1990, the total brake forces generated by the parking brake must be at least 20% of the maximum weight that can be carried on the axle or axle set.

2.3(13)     A forklift must have a parking brake that is capable of holding the forklift stationary when:

    Emergency brake

2.3(14)     The emergency brake of a vehicle may be combined with either:

2.3(15)     The emergency brake of a trailer must operate immediately and automatically to stop and hold the trailer stationary if it becomes disconnected from the towing vehicle.

2.3(16)     The emergency brake of a semi-trailer must, as far as is practicable, act on the wheels that remain in contact with the ground if the semi-trailer becomes disconnected from the towing vehicle during operation.

2.3(17) The emergency brake of a vehicle first registered in New Zealand on or after 1 November 1990 must:

 

2.4     Brake-testing requirements

2.4(1)     When a brake test is carried out to verify that the vehicle complies with the requirements in 2.3, the test results must verify, either directly or indirectly, that those requirements are complied with. 

2.4(2)     A brake test in 2.4(1) must be carried out, and the test results evaluated, in accordance with methods and conditions approved by the Director by notice in the Gazette.

2.4(3)    In determining whether the requirements in 2.3(3) to 2.3(17) are complied with, a vehicle inspector or inspecting organisation in 10.4 must take into account:

2.4(4)    The result of a brake test carried out in accordance with 2.4(3)(b) must be accepted as evidence of the brake’s performance.

 

2.5     Approved vehicle standards for brakes

2.5(1)     Subject to 2.5(5), a vehicle or its brake must comply, if required in section 6 or section 7, with the version of an approved vehicle standard that is:

2.5(2)     The approved vehicle standards for brakes are:

2.5(3)     An approved vehicle standard in 2.5(2) includes all amendments to that standard.

2.5(4)     A vehicle, or its brake, is deemed to comply with an applicable approved vehicle standard, if it:

2.5(5)     Despite 2.5(1)(a), a vehicle is not required to comply with an approved vehicle standard in this Rule if:

2.5(6)     A vehicle that, under 2.5(5), does not have to comply with an approved vehicle standard must comply with the other applicable requirements of this Rule.

 

2.6     Approved standards for brake hoses and tubing

2.6(1)     A hose or other flexible tubing forming part of the compressed air or vacuum lines of a vehicle brake must:

2.6(2)     The approved vehicle standards for brake hoses and flexible tubing are:

2.6(3)     An approved standard in 2.6(2) includes all amendments to that standard.

 

Section 3     Air brake

3.1     Application of requirements

A vehicle that is fitted with an air brake or a brake that is operated with the assistance of compressed air must comply with the requirements in this section.

 

3.2     Use of compressed air

A vehicle in 3.1 must be equipped with one or more:

 

3.3     Compressor capacity

3.3(1)     The compressor of a passenger service vehicle first registered in New Zealand on or after 10 February 1978 must be capable of raising, in not more than 90 seconds, the pressure in the air storage system from the pressure in 3.3(2) to the maximum operational pressure specified by the vehicle manufacturer or brake manufacturer at either:

3.3(2)     For the purposes of 3.3(1), the compressor capacity of the air brake must be measured by starting from the pressure to which the air brake falls from the maximum specified operating pressure as a result of five full service-brake applications made in accordance with 3.6(3).

3.3(3)     The compressor of a vehicle, other than a passenger service vehicle, must be capable of raising the pressure in the air storage system to the maximum operating pressure specified by the vehicle manufacturer or brake manufacturer, at a speed specified in 3.3(1)(a) or (b), in not more than:

 

3.4     Pressure warning devices

3.4(1)     A powered vehicle, other than a passenger service vehicle first registered in New Zealand before 10 February 1978, must be fitted with a device that provides a continuous signal that is clearly visible or audible from the driver’s normal driving position if:

3.4(2)     The audible signal of the device in 3.4(1) may be rendered inoperative if the parking brake is fully applied or the vehicle is fitted with an automatic transmission and it is in the park position.

 

3.5     Pressure gauges

3.5(1)     A passenger service vehicle first registered in New Zealand on or after 10 February 1978 must be fitted with at least one gauge, readily visible to the driver at all times from the driver’s normal driving position, to indicate to the driver the pressure:

3.5(2)    The compressed-air reservoir of the service brake of a passenger service vehicle that was first registered in New Zealand before 10 February 1978 must be fitted with:

3.5(3)     A powered vehicle, other than a passenger service vehicle, must be fitted with at least one pressure gauge, that is readily visible to the driver at all times from the driver’s normal driving position, to indicate to the driver the pressure:

3.5(4)     A pressure gauge in 3.5(1) to 3.5(3) must indicate the pressure in pressure units, or on a coloured scale, or in an equivalent way.

 

3.6     Reservoir capacity

3.6(1)     The compressed-air reservoir capacity of a passenger service vehicle first registered in New Zealand on or after 10 February 1978, and of a powered vehicle other than a passenger service vehicle, must, when the air pressure in the brake is at its maximum operational pressure specified by the vehicle manufacturer or brake manufacturer and the compressor is stopped, enable the reserve of compressed air of the brake to provide:

3.6(2)     The requirement for at least five full service-brake applications in 3.6(1)(a) may be reduced to at least three before the emergency valve operates for a combination vehicle that is equipped with:

3.6(3)     For the purposes of 3.3(2), 3.3(3)(b), 3.6(1) and 3.6(2), a full service-brake application is made when all brake actuators on the vehicle are operated to apply their associated brakes in an effective manner.

 

3.7     Priority and protection of air brakes

3.7(1)     The compressor must supply only the brake reservoirs with compressed air until the pressure in those reservoirs reaches the pressure specified by the vehicle manufacturer or the brake manufacturer, or, if such information is not available, two-thirds of the maximum operational pressure specified by the vehicle manufacturer or brake manufacturer.

3.7(2)     An air brake must have priority of the supply of compressed air from the brake reservoir.

3.7(3)     An air-operated device may be connected to the air brake of a vehicle, only if:

3.7(4)    Despite 3.7(3)(b), an air-operated device may be supplied with compressed air from the brake reservoir, if:

3.7(5)     For a vehicle to which 3.4 applies that has more than one compressed-air-brake reservoir, the failure of the brake, which lowers the pressure in one of the reservoirs below the pressure at which the warning device in 3.4 starts to operate, must not lower the pressure in any other brake reservoir below that pressure.

 

Section 4     Hydraulic brake

4.1(1)     A vehicle fitted with an hydraulic brake, whether or not the operation of the brake is assisted by compressed air, vacuum or other means of energy, must comply with the requirements in this section.

4.1(2)     The volume of the hydraulic fluid supplied by the master cylinder or booster cylinder of an hydraulic brake during a single stroke must be sufficient for the effective operation of the wheel brakes, even if all wheel brakes are worn to the permitted wear limit or are in the permitted maximum out-of-adjustment position.

4.1(3)     A passenger service vehicle first registered in New Zealand on or after 10 February 1978, or a vehicle of Class NB or Class NC first registered in New Zealand on or after 1 November 1990, that has a parking brake acting solely through the transmission and is fitted with an hydraulic service brake, must have a dual or tandem master cylinder that allows:

4.1(4)     A passenger service vehicle first registered in New Zealand on or after 1 September 1954, fitted with a brake that is operated by pump-generated hydraulic pressure, must be fitted with the following devices that provide to the driver a signal that is clearly audible and readily visible from the driver’s normal driving position to ensure that, at all times, the driver is aware immediately that the hydraulic pressure is less than the pressure necessary for the safe operation of the vehicle:

4.1(5)     A passenger service vehicle with more than nine seating positions first registered in New Zealand on or after 10 February 1978, which utilises vacuum to boost the force supplied by the driver to apply the brakes and is fitted with a vacuum reservoir, must be equipped with:

 

Section 5     Auxiliary brakes and controls

5.1     Retarders and engine brakes

5.1(1)     A vehicle may be fitted with a retarder or engine brake to control the speed of the vehicle.

5.1(2)     A retarder or an engine brake fitted on or after 1 March 2007 must:

5.1(3)     A retarder or an engine brake of a powered vehicle, which activates the brake of a trailer that is being towed, must not cause wheelslip on the vehicle that could result in loss of directional control.

 

5.2     Additional brake control devices

5.2(1)     A powered vehicle that is being operated as a combination vehicle may be fitted with a trailer-brake hand control.

5.2(2)     A trailer-brake hand control:

5.2(3)     A trailer may be fitted with a device that:

 

5.3     Devices to keep a vehicle stationary for a limited time

5.3(1)     A vehicle may be fitted with a device that can be operated by the driver from the driver’s normal driving position to keep the vehicle stationary temporarily, provided that the device does not prevent the safe operation of the service brake or the parking brake of the vehicle.

5.3(2)     A device in 5.3(1) may utilise the service brake by:

5.3(3)     A device in 5.3(1) which can only be de-activated by the driver must have a label permanently attached displaying the words: ‘NOT FOR PARKING’.

5.3(4)     A device in 5.3(1) which can be de-activated by the control system of the vehicle must either have:

 

Section 6     Additional requirements for vehicles not used in combination with other heavy motor vehicles

6.1(1)     A vehicle of Class MD3, MD4, ME, NB or NC manufactured or modified in New Zealand on or after 1 July 2008 in a way that affects the safety performance of a brake, and that does not have a towing connection to tow a vehicle of Class TC or Class TD must comply with 6.1(2).

6.1(2)     For a vehicle in this section, compliance of the service brake with the requirements in 2.2(8)(b) and 2.3(3)(a) must be demonstrated by either:

6.1(3)    An imported vehicle of Class MD3, MD4, ME, NB or NC first registered in New Zealand on or after 1 July 2008 and that does not have a towing connection to tow a vehicle of Class TC or Class TD must comply with one or more of the approved vehicle standards in 2.5(2).

 

Section 7     Additional requirements for vehicles used in combination with other heavy motor vehicles

7.1     Additional requirements for towing vehicles

7.1(1)     The brake of a vehicle of a class in Table A that has been fitted with a towing connection to tow a vehicle of Class TC or Class TD must comply with 7.1.

7.1(2)     A vehicle in 7.1(1) certified for compliance with one of the codes or specifications in Schedules 1 to 4 before 1 March 2007 must continue to comply with that code or specification, if that vehicle:

7.1(3)     A vehicle in 7.1(1) first registered in New Zealand after 1 March 2007 and before 1 July 2008 that is being operated in a combination vehicle that has a gross mass exceeding 39,000 kg but not exceeding 44,000 kg, must comply with:

7.1(4)     An imported vehicle of Class NB or Class NC to which 7.1(1) applies that is first registered in New Zealand on or after 1 July 2008 must comply with:

7.1(5)     A vehicle of Class NB or Class NC in 7.1(1) that is manufactured in New Zealand and is first registered on or after 1 July 2008, or a vehicle of Class NB or Class NC modified in New Zealand on or after that date, must comply with 7.5.

7.1(6)     A vehicle in 7.1(3), 7.1(4) or 7.1(5) that is fitted with an air brake must, when the trailer becomes disconnected from the towing vehicle, have a means by which:

7.1(7)     A vehicle of Class TC or Class TD in 7.1(1) first registered or modified in New Zealand on or after 1 July 2008 must comply with the requirements in 7.5.

7.1(8)     An air-braked vehicle in 7.1, except a vehicle that complies with the Interim Specification for Heavy Vehicle Braking in Schedule 1, or a vehicle that has an electronic control device which is capable of regulating and optimising vehicle deceleration according to an electrical signal provided by the driver’s brake control, must have a threshold pressure not exceeding 80 kPa.

 

7.2     Additional requirements for trailers

7.2(1)     The brake of a vehicle of Class TC or Class TD must comply with 7.2.

7.2(2)     A vehicle in 7.2(1) certified for compliance with one of the codes or specifications in Schedules 1 to 4 before 1 March 2007 must continue to comply with that code or specification, if that vehicle:

7.2(3)     A vehicle in 7.2(1) first registered in New Zealand on or after 1 March 2007 and before 1 July 2008 that is being operated in a combination vehicle with a gross mass exceeding 39,000 kg but not exceeding 44,000 kg, must comply with either:

7.2(4)     A vehicle of Class TC or Class TD in 7.2(1) first registered in New Zealand on or after 1 July 2008, or modified on or after that date, must comply with the requirements in 7.5.

7.2(5)     An air-braked vehicle in 7.2, except a vehicle that complies with the Interim Specification for Heavy Vehicle Braking in Schedule 1, or a vehicle that has an electronic control device which is capable of regulating and optimising vehicle deceleration according to an electric signal provided by the driver’s brake control, must have a threshold pressure not exceeding 80 kPa.

 

7.3     Requirements for the connection of the air brake of vehicles in a combination vehicle

7.3(1)     The air brake of a vehicle first registered in New Zealand on or after 1 March 2007 or modified on or after that date that can be operated in a combination vehicle must be capable of being connected to the air brake of the other vehicle by means of a two-line system.

7.3(2)     A two-line system must consist of:

7.3(3)     For vehicles towing semi-trailers, the hoses connecting the towing and towed vehicles are to be considered as part of the towing vehicle or be detachable at both ends.

7.3(4)     For vehicles other than those towing semi-trailers, the hoses are to be treated as part of the trailer and must be securely attached to the drawbar.

7.3(5)     A towing vehicle and a towed vehicle in 7.3(1) must be fitted with a coupling device, approved under 10.6(3), to connect the brake to, and disconnect it from, that of the other vehicle, and that device must:

7.3(6)     Subject to 7.3(8), if a vehicle is fitted with a Duomatic- or Triomatic-type coupling device, the control line in 7.3(2) must be connected to the port of the coupling device that is closest to the opening handle.

7.3(7)     Subject to 7.3(8), if a vehicle is fitted with a Duomatic- or Triomatic-type coupling device, the supply line in 7.3(2)(a) must be connected to:

7.3(8)     A vehicle, other than one that complies with the Interim Performance Specification for Heavy Vehicle Braking in Schedule 1, that has been fitted with a Duomatic- or Triomatic-type coupling device before 1 July 2008 and that was not required to comply with the requirements in 7.3(6) and 7.3(7), must comply with these requirements by the date on which the first certificate of fitness inspection is due on or after 1 July 2008.

7.3(9)     The socket of a Duomatic- or Triomatic-type coupling device must be fitted:

7.3(10)     The socket of a coupling device in 7.3(5) must be fitted as close as practicable to:

7.3(11)     The socket of a coupling device in 7.3(5) that is fitted to the front of a semi-trailer must not be fitted with a non-return valve.

7.3(12)     The fitting of a coupling device in 7.3(5) must be carried out having regard to the instructions of the vehicle manufacturer.

 

7.4     Requirements for anti-lock brake systems (ABS)

7.4(1)     An anti-lock braking system of a vehicle of Class NB, NC, TB or TC first registered in New Zealand on or after 1 July 2008, or that was fitted to a vehicle of those classes in New Zealand on or after that date, must be capable of continuously controlling and adjusting the braking effort on the wheels during braking to prevent:

7.4(2)     A control device in 7.4(1) must meet the technical requirements in:

7.4(3)     A control device to which 7.4(2)(b) applies must act on each axle and must be capable of modulating the brake force separately for:

7.4(4)     A control device to which 7.4(2)(b) applies must have sensors to monitor the rotational speed of the wheels.

7.4(5)     The sensors in 7.4(4) must be fitted to at least one wheel on each side of all axle sets.

7.4(6)     If an axle set consists of more than one axle, the sensor in 7.4(4) must be fitted as follows:

7.4(7)     A control device in 7.4(1) that is fitted to a trailer of Class TC or Class TD must:

7.4(8)     The power connection between vehicles that can be operated in a combination vehicle must comply with Parts 1 and 2 of ISO 7638: 1997, Road vehicles – Electrical connectors for braking systems.

 

7.5     Specific performance requirements for vehicles manufactured or modified in New Zealand

7.5(1)     A vehicle to which 7.1(5), 7.1(7), 7.2(3)(c) or 7.2(4) applies must, in addition to complying with the other applicable requirements in this Rule, comply with 7.5.

7.5(2)     The brake force applied to a wheel of a vehicle in 7.5(1) during braking on a hard, dry, clean and level surface must:

7.5(3)     A vehicle complies with the requirements in 7.5, if it has been certified for compliance with the requirements in Schedule 5 and is within safe tolerance of its state when certified.

 

Section 8     Modification

8.1     General requirements for modification

8.1(1)     Section 8 applies to all modifications carried out on or after 1 March 2007.

8.1(2)     A modification to a vehicle’s brake must not prevent the brake from complying with this Rule.

8.1(3)     The modification of a brake, such as adding or removing a brake component or system, or altering the setting of a brake component or system, must not adversely affect the performance of the brake.

8.1(4)     When a vehicle is modified in a way that may affect compliance with this Rule, such as altering a vehicle’s wheelbase, the performance of the brake must be checked and modified if necessary to ensure continued compliance with this Rule.

8.1(5)     A vehicle that is modified by fitting an additional axle, removing an axle, replacing an axle with one that is not of the same make and model, or replacing the brake of an axle with one that is not of the same make and model, must either:

8.1(6)     A powered vehicle with an hydraulic service brake may be fitted with an additional rear axle that has an air operated disc brake as a service brake.

 

Section 9     Repair and replacement parts

9.1     Repair

9.1(1)     A repair to a brake, or to a vehicle that affects its braking performance, must comply with this Rule and with Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Repair 1998.

9.1(2)     When a brake lining or a brake pad on an axle is replaced:

 

9.2     Replacement components for vehicle repair

9.2(1)     Subclauses 9.2(2) and 9.2(3) apply to any component that affects the braking performance of a vehicle and that is:

9.2(2)     A component used in a repair must have equivalent performance characteristics to that of the original component and must not prevent a vehicle from complying with this Rule.

9.2(3)     A brake lining assembly used as a replacement component, whether or not the brake to which it is fitted is required to comply with an approved vehicle standard, complies with this Rule if it complies with UN/ECE Regulation No. 90, Uniform Provisions concerning the approval of replacement brake lining assemblies and drum brake linings for power-driven vehicles and their trailers (E/ECE/324-E/ECE/TRANS/505/Rev.1/Add.89).

 

Section 10     Responsibilities

10.1     Responsibilities of operators

A person who operates a vehicle must ensure that the vehicle complies with this Rule.

 

10.2     Responsibilities of repairers

A person who repairs or adjusts a brake must ensure that the repair or adjustment:

 

10.3     Responsibilities of modifiers

A person who modifies a vehicle so as to affect the braking performance of the vehicle must:

 

10.4     Responsibilities of vehicle inspectors and inspecting organisations

10.4(1)     A vehicle inspector or inspecting organisation must not certify a motor vehicle under Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Standards Compliance 2002 if they have reason to believe that the vehicle does not comply with this Rule.

10.4(2)     During the certification of a vehicle, compliance of a vehicle’s brakes with the performance requirements in this Rule must be verified by means of appropriate tests, using approved testing devices and following correct test procedures.

10.4(3)     For a vehicle to which 2.3(3) applies, if a vehicle inspector or inspecting organisation has reason to believe that there is an excessive delay between the time the driver starts to actuate the brake control and when effective braking starts, compliance with the stopping-distance requirements must be verified by measuring the stopping distance as specified in 2.3(8).

 

10.5     Responsibilities of manufacturers and retailers

A person may manufacture, stock, or offer for sale a brake or its components, intended for fitting to a vehicle to be used on a New Zealand road, only if that brake or component:

 

10.6     Functions and powers of the Director

10.6(1)     The Director may approve, by notice in the Gazette, devices for the purpose of measuring brake performance and may place conditions on the use of those devices.

10.6(2)     The Director may approve, by notice in the Gazette, testing equipment, methods and conditions, and test result evaluation methods, for the purpose of verifying that a vehicle complies with performance requirements in 2.3.

10.6(3)     The Director may approve coupling devices for the purpose of connecting the air brake of a towing vehicle and towed vehicle if those devices meet the criteria in 7.3(5)(a) to (d).

10.6(4)     The Director may, by notice in the Gazette, specify a method for determining that replacement brake friction material complies with this Rule.

10.6(5)     The Director may direct a person in 10.5 to recall a replacement component, if the Director has reason to believe that the component does not comply with this Rule, and may direct that person to bear the costs associated with the recall.

10.6(6)     The Director may revoke, by giving written notice, a record of determination issued after specialist inspection and certification that a vehicle complies with this Rule, if the Director believes on reasonable grounds that the applicable requirements have not been complied with.

10.6(7)     The Director may approve, by notice in the Gazette, a hose or other flexible tubing for the purpose of fitting it to the compressed-air or vacuum line of a brake.

10.6(8)     The Director may approve, by notice in the Gazette, computer software for the purpose of demonstrating compliance with the requirements in Schedule 5.

[Note: A breach of a responsibility in this section is an offence, as provided in the Land Transport (Offences and Penalties) Regulations 1999, and is subject to a penalty as specified in those regulations.]

Part 2     Definitions

Agricultural trailer
means a trailer constructed to be operated in connection directly with the operation or management of a farm; but does not include a logging trailer.
Air brake
means a brake, the operation of which requires the use of compressed air.
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
means a device that senses that one or more of the wheels is starting to lock-up during braking and regulates the braking forces automatically and effectively to prevent it.
Approved vehicle standard
means a vehicle standard in 2.5(2), 2.6(2) and 9.2(3).
Auxiliary brake
means a device, other than a service brake or parking brake, fitted to a vehicle to enable the driver to control its speed, whether or not it is suitable to stop the vehicle.
Average deceleration
for the purpose of this Rule, means the average deceleration during braking, which is either the mean value of deceleration during braking or the deceleration calculated from the distance travelled during the period when the deceleration occurred and the difference between the speed immediately before and after that.
Axle
means one or more shafts, spindles, or bearings in the same vertical transverse plane by means of which, in conjunction with wheels mounted on those shafts, spindles, or bearings, a portion of the weight of the vehicle is transmitted to the roadway, and:

(a) if two or more wheels of a motor vehicle are substantially in the same line transversely and some or all of them have separate axles, the axles of all those wheels are to be treated as one axle;

(b) if the longitudinal centre-line of an axle of a motor vehicle is less than 1 m distant from the longitudinal centre-line of another axle, the two axles are to be treated as one axle (‘a dual axle’).
Axle set
means a single axle set, a tandem axle set, a twin-steer axle set, a tri-axle set or a quad-axle set.
Brake
means the combination of parts whose function is to reduce the speed of the vehicle, to stop the vehicle or to keep the vehicle stationary.
Brake coupling
means the device for connecting the control and supply lines of the towing vehicle to the control and supply lines of the trailer.
Brake lining
means a brake lining in the case of a drum brake, and a brake pad in the case of a disc brake.
Brake lining assembly
means a component of a friction brake, including a brake lining and its backing plate or a brake lining and its brake shoe, that is pressed against the brake disc or drum to produce friction force.
Braking force
means the retarding force generated by a brake assembly.
Certificate of loading
means a certificate of loading issued under any regulation or Rule made under the Land Transport Act 1998.
Certify
has the same meaning as in Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Standards Compliance 2002.
Chassis
means the structural lower part of a vehicle to which the running gear and as applicable, engine, transmission, steering system and body may be attached.
Circuit
means the combination of components that functionally links the brake control and the foundation brake. The circuit may be mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical or a mix of these.
Class
in relation to vehicles, means a category of vehicle of one of the Groups A, L, M, N and T, as specified in Table A: Vehicle classes.
Combination vehicle
means a towing vehicle in combination with one or more trailers.
Construction
means the manufacture, assembly, reassembly, or modification of a vehicle; and includes all acts and activities related or incidental to the construction of a vehicle.
Control
means the part of the brake actuated directly by the driver to regulate the operation of the brake.
Control (service) line
means the part of the circuit that transmits the service brake signal within a vehicle and also between vehicles being operated as a combination vehicle.
Coupling
means that part of a vehicle that is specifically designed to enable it to be connected to another vehicle; and does not include a structural member of the towing or towed vehicle.
Deceleration
means the rate of speed reduction over time.
Director
means the Director of Land Transport appointed under section 186 of the Land Transport Act 1998.
Drawbar
means an assembly of components that includes the trailer coupling that connects the trailer to the coupling of the towed vehicle, hinges (where applicable) and the structural and other related components between the trailer coupling and trailer bogie or chassis.
EEC, EC
are abbreviations for directives of the European Economic Community and, later, the European Communities.
Emergency brake
in relation to any vehicle, or combination of vehicles, means the system that makes it possible to undertake a controlled stop of the vehicle or combination in the event of the failure of the service brake.
Engine brake
means a device or feature of an engine to increase, when applied, the retardation force provided by the engine that can be utilised to control the speed of the vehicle.
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
is a vehicle standard of the United States of America.
Forklift
means a motor vehicle (not fitted with self-laying tracks) designed principally for lifting, carrying and stacking goods by means of one or more tines, platens, or clamps.
Foundation brake
means the basic brake assembly fitted to each axle or road wheel which produces the braking force necessary to bring a vehicle to a stop; and includes the complete drum or disc brake.
Friction material
means a brake component having a friction surface that is designed to be preferentially sacrificed.
Friction surface
means any surface of a brake component that is designed to convert kinetic energy to heat.
Goods
means all kinds of movable personal property; and includes articles sent by post, and animals.
Gross combination mass
means, for a vehicle that is permitted to tow another vehicle, the maximum permitted combined mass of the towing vehicle and any combination of attached trailers or vehicles, determined by the vehicle manufacturer and approved by the Director, or determined by the Director.
Gross mass
in relation to any vehicle or combination vehicle, means the mass of that vehicle and its load, equipment, and accessories, which may be determined by adding the mass on the vehicle’s axles or axle sets.
Gross vehicle mass
means either:

(a) the maximum permitted mass of a vehicle, which includes the mass of the accessories, the crew, the passengers and load, and is, unless (b) applies, the gross vehicle mass specified (subsequent to the latest modification, if any) by the manufacturer of the vehicle; or

(b) if a person approved for the purpose by the Director determines that the gross vehicle mass should differ from that specified by the manufacturer, taking into account evidence on the capability of the systems and components of the vehicle, or the effects of any modification, that mass determined by that person.
Heavy haulage trailer
means a trailer that is fitted with an hydraulic suspension system that allows the adjustment of the ride height, and for which the pressure in the hydraulic system varies significantly at any given load condition of the trailer depending solely on the ride height.
Heavy motor vehicle
means a motor vehicle that:

(a) is of Class MD3, MD4, ME, NB, NC, TC or TD; or

(b) has a gross vehicle mass that exceeds 3500 kg and is not of a class specified in Table A: Vehicle classes.
Hydraulic brake
means a brake that utilises hydraulic pressure to activate the foundation brake, whether its operation is assisted by compressed air, vacuum or any other means.
Load
includes part of a load; and:

(a) includes covers, ropes, ties, blocks, tackles, barrows, or other equipment or objects used in the securing or containing of a load on a vehicle or the loading or unloading of a vehicle, whether or not any other load is on the vehicle; and

(b) does not include animal wastes discharged from animals being carried on a vehicle at the time.
Load-sharing axle set
means an axle set suspension system that has effective damping characteristics on all axles of the set and is built to divide the load between the tyres on the set so that no tyre carries a mass more than 10% greater than the mass it would carry, if:

(a) the load were divided in the axle set so that each tyre carries an equal load; or

(b) the axle set is a tandem axle set comprising a twin-tyred axle and a large single-tyred axle and is built to divide the load between the tyres on the set so that:

(i) 60% of the load is borne by the twin-tyred axle and 40% of the load is borne by the large single-tyred axle; or

(ii) 55% of the load is borne by the twin-tyred axle and 45% of the load is borne by the large single-tyred axle.
Logging vehicle
means a vehicle that is constructed exclusively for transporting timber logs using permanently fitted log bolsters.
Manufacturer’s operating limits
means:
  • (a) in relation to a motor vehicle, the allowance provided by the vehicle manufacturer in terms of performance capability and dimensions, relative to deterioration, malfunction or damage beyond which the safe performance of the vehicle, as defined by the vehicle manufacturer, is compromised; and
  • (b) in relation to a system, component or item of equipment, incorporated in or attached to a vehicle, the allowance provided by the system, component or equipment manufacturer in terms of performance capability and dimensions, relative to the deterioration, malfunction or damage, beyond which the safe performance of the system, component or item of equipment (and consequently the vehicle) is compromised.
Mass
in relation to a vehicle, means the quantity of material contained in or on the vehicle that, when subjected to acceleration due to gravity, will exert downwards on a level surface a force that can be measured as the weight of the vehicle.
Military trailer
means a trailer that is used exclusively as equipment of the New Zealand Defence Force.
Modify
in relation to a vehicle, means to change the vehicle from its original state by altering, substituting, adding or removing any structure, system, component or equipment; but does not include repair.
Motor vehicle
has the same meaning as in section 2(1) of the Land Transport Act 1998.
Operate
in relation to a vehicle, means to drive or use the vehicle on a road, or to cause or permit the vehicle to be on a road or to be driven on a road, whether or not the person is present with the vehicle.
Parking brake
means a brake that is designed for keeping the vehicle stationary, and that is readily applicable and capable of remaining applied for an indefinite period without further attention.
Phase-in date
means the date specified in an approved vehicle standard from which a model, or model variant, of a vehicle must comply with that standard or part of that standard.
Quad-axle set
means a set of four axles, where:

(a) the centres of the first and fourth axles are spaced not less than 3.75 m, and not more than 4 m apart; and

(b) all axles contain an equal number of tyres; and

(c) none of the axles is a single standard-tyred axle.
Repair
means to restore a damaged or worn vehicle, its structure, systems, components or equipment; and includes the replacement of damaged or worn structures, systems, components or equipment with equivalent undamaged or new structures, systems, components or equipment.
Reservoir
for the purpose of this Rule, means a device designed and constructed to store fluid, compressed air, compressed gas, or vacuum; and does not include pipes, valves, hoses, or booster cylinders operated by vacuum or compressed air.
Retarder
means a device permanently fitted to a vehicle to provide, when applied, a continuous braking effort not generated by a brake.
SAE
is an abbreviation for a standard of the American Society of Automotive Engineers.
Safe tolerance
means the tolerance within which the safe performance of the vehicle, its structure, systems, components or equipment is not compromised, having regard to any manufacturer’s operating limits.
Semi-trailer
means a trailer, with only one axle set, that is partially superimposed on the towing vehicle so that a substantial part of the trailer and its load is borne by the towing vehicle.
Service brake
means a brake for intermittent use that is designed for the purpose of slowing down and stopping the vehicle.
Single axle set
means either one axle or two axles having their centres spaced less than 1 m apart.
Supply line
means the part of a circuit that supplies energy in the form of compressed air or in any other suitable form from the towing vehicle to the towed vehicle.
Suspension system
means a system that allows controlled and limited movement of an axle relative to the chassis or body of a vehicle; and includes a spring system and a damping system.
Tandem axle set
means a load-sharing axle set comprising two axles having their centres spaced not less than 1 m and not more than 2 m apart.
Technical standard
means a Japanese domestic vehicle standard issued by the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and translated into, and published in, English by the Japan Automobile Standards Internationalization Center (JASIC) in the Automobile Type Approval Handbook for Japanese Certification.
Threshold pressure
for an axle of an air-braked vehicle, means the pressure measured at the control line of the brake coupling when a braking effect on the axle begins.
Towing connection
means the combination of components that enables one vehicle to tow or be towed by another vehicle; and includes a towbar, drawbar, drawbeam and coupling.
Tractor
means a motor vehicle (other than a traction engine) constructed principally for towing an agricultural trailer or powering agricultural implements,
Trailer
means a vehicle without motive power that is capable of being drawn or propelled by a motor vehicle from which it is readily detachable; but does not include:
(a) a side car attached to a motor cycle; or

(b) a vehicle normally propelled by mechanical power while it is being temporarily towed without the use of its own power.
Trailer brake hand control
means a hand-operated control capable of applying the service brake of the trailer or trailers.
Transmission
in relation to a motor vehicle, means the gearing system and related components, including a driveshaft, by which power is transmitted from the flywheel or the engine output shaft to the input shafts of the powered axles.
Tri-axle set
means a set of three axles, where:
(a) the centres of the first and third axles are spaced not less than 2 m and not more than 3 m apart; and

(b) all axles contain an equal number of tyres; and

(c) none of the axles is a single standard-tyred axle.
Twin-steer axle set
means a tandem axle set with single tyres, where both axles are connected to the same mechanism in order to steer similarly.
UN/ECE
is an abbreviation for a regulation of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe.
Unladen mass
in relation to a vehicle, means the mass of the vehicle together with the fuel in its fuel system (if any) and the equipment and accessories on it that are necessary for its operation for the purpose for which it was designed.
Vehicle
has the same meaning as in section 2(1) of the Land Transport Act 1998.
Vehicle inspector or inspecting organisation
has the same meaning as in Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Standards Compliance 2002.
Wheel
means a rotating load-carrying member between the tyre and the hub, which usually consists of two major parts, the rim and the wheel disc, which may be manufactured as one part, or permanently attached to each other, or detachable from each other; and includes the tyre fitted to the rim.

 

Table A     Vehicle classes

Class Description
AA (Pedal cycle) A vehicle designed to be propelled through a mechanism solely by human power.
AB (Power-assisted pedal cycle) A pedal cycle to which is attached one or more auxiliary propulsion motors having a combined maximum power output not exceeding 200 watts.
LA (Moped with two wheels) A motor vehicle (other than a power-assisted pedal cycle) that:
  • (a) has two wheels; and
  • (b) either:
    • (i) has an engine cylinder capacity not exceeding 50 ml and a maximum speed not exceeding 50 km/h; or
    • (ii) has a power source other than a piston engine and a maximum speed not exceeding 50 km/h.
LB (Moped with three wheels) A motor vehicle (other than a power-assisted pedal cycle) that:
  • (a) has three wheels; and
  • (b) either:
    • (i) has an engine cylinder capacity not exceeding 50 ml and a maximum speed not exceeding 50 km/h; or
    • (ii) has a power source other than a piston engine and a maximum speed not exceeding 50 km/h.
LB 1 A Class LB motor vehicle that has one wheel at the front and two wheels at the rear.
LB 2 A Class LB motor vehicle that has two wheels at the front and one wheel at the rear.
LC (Motorcycle) A motor vehicle that:
  • (a) has two wheels; and
  • (b) either:
    • (i) has an engine cylinder capacity exceeding 50 ml; or
    • (ii) has a maximum speed exceeding 50 km/h.
LD (Motorcycle and side-car) A motor vehicle that:
  • (a) has three wheels asymmetrically arranged in relation to the longitudinal median axis; and
  • (b) either:
    • (i) has an engine cylinder capacity exceeding 50 ml; or
    • (ii) has a maximum speed exceeding 50 km/h.
Side-car A car, box, or other receptacle attached to the side of a motorcycle and supported by a wheel.
LE (Motor tri-cycle) A motor vehicle that:
  • (a) has three wheels symmetrically arranged in relation to the longitudinal median axis; and
  • (b) has a gross vehicle mass not exceeding one tonne; and
  • (c) either:
    • (i) has an engine cylinder capacity exceeding 50 ml; or
    • (ii) has a maximum speed exceeding 50 km/h.
LE 1 A Class LE motor vehicle that has one wheel at the front and two wheels at the rear.
LE 2 A Class LE motor vehicle that has two wheels at the front and one wheel at the rear.
Passenger vehicle A motor vehicle that:
  • (a) is constructed primarily for the carriage of passengers; and
  • (b) either:
    • (i) has at least four wheels; or
    • (ii) has three wheels and a gross vehicle mass exceeding one tonne.
MA (Passenger car) A passenger vehicle (other than a Class MB or Class MC vehicle) that has not more than nine seating positions (including the driver's seating position).
MB (Forward control passenger vehicle) A passenger vehicle (other than a Class MC vehicle):
  • (a) that has not more than nine seating positions (including the driver's seating position); and
  • (b) in which the centre of the steering wheel is in the forward quarter of the vehicle's total length.
MC (Off-road passenger vehicle) A passenger vehicle, designed with special features for off-road operation, that has not more than nine seating positions (including the driver's seating position), and that:
  • (a) has four-wheel drive; and
  • (b) has at least four of the following characteristics when the vehicle is unladen on a level surface and the front wheels are parallel to the vehicle's longitudinal centre-line and the tyres are inflated to the vehicle manufacturer's recommended pressure:
    • (i) an approach angle of not less than 28 degrees;
    • (ii) a breakover angle of not less than 14 degrees;
    • (iii) a departure angle of not less than 20 degrees;
    • (iv) a running clearance of not less than 200 mm;
    • (v) a front-axle clearance, rear-axle clearance, or suspension clearance of not less than 175 mm.
Omnibus A passenger vehicle that has more than nine seating positions (including the driver's seating position). An omnibus comprising two or more non-separable but articulated units shall be considered as a single vehicle.
MD (Light omnibus) An omnibus that has a gross vehicle mass not exceeding 5 tonnes.
MD 1 An omnibus that has a gross vehicle mass not exceeding 3.5 tonnes and not more than 12 seats.
MD 2 An omnibus that has a gross vehicle mass not exceeding 3.5 tonnes and more than 12 seats.
MD 3 An omnibus that has a gross vehicle mass exceeding 3.5 tonnes but not exceeding 4.5 tonnes.
MD 4 An omnibus that has a gross vehicle mass exceeding 4.5 tonnes but not exceeding 5 tonnes.
ME (Heavy omnibus) An omnibus that has a gross vehicle mass exceeding 5 tonnes.
Goods vehicle A motor vehicle that:
  • (a) is constructed primarily for the carriage of goods; and
  • (b) either:
    • (i) has at least four wheels; or
    • (ii) has three wheels and a gross vehicle mass exceeding one tonne.
For the purpose of this description:
  • (a) a vehicle that is constructed for both the carriage of goods and passengers shall be considered primarily for the carriage of goods if the number of seating positions multiplied by 68 kg is less than 50% of the difference between the gross vehicle mass and the unladen mass;
  • (b) the equipment and installations carried on special purpose vehicles not designed for the carriage of passengers shall be considered to be goods;
  • (c) a goods vehicle that has two or more non-separable but articulated units shall be considered to be a single vehicle.
NA (Light goods vehicle) A goods vehicle that has a gross vehicle mass not exceeding 3.5 tonnes.
NB (Medium goods vehicle) A goods vehicle that has a gross vehicle mass exceeding 3.5 tonnes but not exceeding 12 tonnes.
NC (Heavy goods vehicle) A goods vehicle that has a gross vehicle mass exceeding 12 tonnes.
Trailer A vehicle without motive power that is constructed for the purpose of being drawn behind a motor vehicle.
TA (Very light trailer) A single-axled trailer that has a gross vehicle mass not exceeding 0.75 tonnes.
TB (Light trailer) A trailer (other than a Class TA trailer) that has a gross vehicle mass not exceeding 3.5 tonnes.
TC (Medium trailer) A trailer that has a gross vehicle mass exceeding 3.5 tonnes but not exceeding 10 tonnes.
TD (Heavy trailer) A trailer that has a gross vehicle mass exceeding 10 tonnes.

 

Part 3     Schedules

Part 3     Schedules

 

Land Transport Rule - Heavy-vehicle Brakes - Rule 32015
Land Transport Safety Authority of New Zealand, Te Mana Marutau Waka Whenua o Aotearoa