PART C – Requirements for vehicles used for the transport of goods in accordance with Article ROAD.8 of this Agreement
Section 1. Weights and dimensions
Article 1 – Subject matter and principles
The maximum weights and dimensions of the vehicles that may be used for journeys referred to in Article ROAD.4 [Transport of goods between, through and within the territories of the Parties] of this Agreement are those set out in Appendix ROAD C.1.1.
Article 2 – Definitions
For the purposes of this Section, the following definitions apply:
(a) “motor vehicle” means any power-driven vehicle which travels on the road by its own means;
(b) “trailer” means any vehicle intended to be coupled to a motor vehicle excluding semitrailers, and constructed and equipped for the carriage of goods;
(c) “semi-trailer” means any vehicle intended to be coupled to a motor vehicle in such a way that part of it rests on the motor vehicle with a substantial part of its weight and of the weight of its load being borne by the motor vehicle, and constructed and equipped for the carriage of goods;
(d) “vehicle combination” means either:
— a road train consisting of a motor vehicle coupled to a trailer; or
— an articulated vehicle consisting of a motor vehicle coupled to a semi-trailer;
(e) “conditioned vehicle” means any vehicle whose fixed or movable superstructures are specially equipped for the carriage of goods at controlled temperatures and whose side walls, inclusive of insulation, are each at least 45 mm thick;
(f) “maximum authorised dimensions” means the maximum dimensions for use of a vehicle;
(g) “maximum authorised weight” means the maximum weight for use of a laden vehicle;
(h) “maximum authorised axle weight” means the maximum weight for use of a laden axle or group of axles;
(i) “tonne” means the weight executed by the mass of a tonne and shall correspond to 9.8 kilonewtons (kN);
(j) “indivisible load” means a load that cannot, for the purpose of carriage by road, be divided into two or more loads without undue expense or risk of damage and which owing to its dimensions or mass cannot be carried by a motor vehicle, trailer, road train or articulated vehicle complying with this Section in all respects;
(k) “alternative fuels” means fuels or power sources which serve, at least partly, as a substitute for fossil oil sources in the energy supply to transport and which have the potential to contribute to its decarbonisation and enhance the environmental performance of the transport sector, consisting of:
(i) electricity consumed in all types of electric vehicles;
(ii) hydrogen;
(iii) natural gas, including biomethane, in gaseous form (Compressed Natural Gas — CNG) and liquefied form (Liquefied Natural Gas — LNG);
(iv) Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG);
(v) mechanical energy from on-board storage/on-board sources, including waste heat;
(l) “alternatively fuelled vehicle” means a motor vehicle powered wholly or in part by an alternative fuel;
(m) “zero-emission vehicle” means a heavy goods vehicle without an internal combustion engine, or with an internal combustion engine that emits less than 1 g CO2/kWh; and
(n) “intermodal transport operation” means the transport of one or more containers or swap bodies, with a length of no more than 45 feet, where the lorry, trailer, semi-trailer (with or without tractor unit), swap body or container uses the road on the initial and/or final leg of the journey and, on the other leg, rail or inland waterway or maritime services.
Article 3 – Special permits
A vehicle or vehicle combination which exceeds the maximum weights and dimensions set out in Appendix Road C.1.1 may only be allowed to circulate on the basis of a special permit issued without discrimination by the competent authorities, or on the basis of similar non-discriminatory arrangements agreed on a case-by-case basis with those authorities, where these vehicles or vehicle combinations carry or are intended to carry indivisible loads.
Article 4 – Local restrictions
This Section shall not preclude the non-discriminatory application of road traffic provisions in force in each Party which permit the weight and/or dimensions of vehicles on certain roads or civil engineering structures to be limited.
This includes the possibility to impose local restrictions on maximum authorised dimensions and/or weights of vehicles that may be used in specified areas or on specified roads, where the infrastructure is not suitable for long and heavy vehicles, such as city centres, small villages or places of special natural interest.
Article 5 – Aerodynamic devices attached to the rear of vehicles or vehicle combinations
1. Vehicles or vehicle combinations equipped with aerodynamic devices may exceed the maximum lengths provided for in point 1.1 of Appendix ROAD.C.1.1, to allow the addition of such devices to the rear of vehicles or vehicle combinations. Vehicles or vehicle combinations equipped with such devices shall comply with point 1.5 of Appendix ROAD.C.1.1, and any exceeding of the maximum lengths shall not result in an increase in the loading length of those vehicles or vehicle combinations.
2. The aerodynamic devices referred to in paragraph 1 shall fulfil the following operational conditions:
(a) in circumstances where the safety of other road users or of the driver is at risk, they shall be folded, retracted or removed by the driver;
(b) when aerodynamic devices and equipment exceed 500 mm in length in the in-use position they shall be retractable or foldable;
(c) their use on urban and inter-urban road infrastructures shall take into account the special characteristics of areas where the speed limit is less than or equal to 50 km/h and where vulnerable road users are more likely to be present; and
(d) when retracted/folded, they shall not exceed the maximum authorised length by more than 20 cm.
Article 6 – Aerodynamic cabins
Vehicles or vehicle combinations may exceed the maximum lengths laid down in point 1.1 of Appendix ROAD.C.1.1 provided that their cabs deliver improved aerodynamic performance, energy efficiency and safety performance. Vehicles or vehicle combinations equipped with such cabs shall comply with point 1.5 of Appendix ROAD.C.1.1 and any exceeding of the maximum lengths shall not result in an increase in the load capacity of those vehicles.
Article 7 – Intermodal transport operations
1. The maximum lengths laid down in point 1.1 of Appendix ROAD.C.1.1, subject where applicable to Article 6, and the maximum distance laid down in point 1.6 of Appendix ROAD.C.1.1, may be exceeded by 15 cm for vehicles or vehicle combinations engaged in the transport of 45-foot containers or 45-foot swap bodies, empty or loaded, provided that the road transport of the container or swap body in question is part of an intermodal transport operation carried out according to the conditions set by each Party.
2. For intermodal transport operations, the maximum authorised vehicle weight for articulate vehicles with five or six axles may be exceeded by two tonnes in the combination set out in point 2.2.2(a) of Appendix ROAD.C.1.1 and by four tonnes in the combination set out in point 2.2.2(b) of Appendix ROAD.C.1.1. The maximum authorised vehicle weight of these vehicles may not exceed 44 tonnes.
Article 8 – Proof of compliance
1. As proof of compliance with this Section, vehicles covered by it shall carry one of the following proofs):
(a) a combination of the following two plates:
– the manufacturer’s statutory plate, which is a plate or label, affixed by the manufacturer on a vehicle that provides the main technical characteristics which are necessary for the identification of the vehicle and provides the competent authorities with the relevant information concerning the permissible maximum laden masses; and
– a plate relating to dimensions as far as possible affixed next to the manufacturer’s statutory plate and containing the following information:
(1) name of the manufacturer;
(2) vehicle identification number;
(3) length of the motor vehicle, trailer or semi-trailer (L);
(4) width of the motor vehicle, trailer or semi-trailer (W); and
(5) data for the measurement of the length of vehicle combinations:
— the distance (a) between the front of the motor vehicle and the centre of the coupling device (coupling hook or fifth wheel); in the case of a fifth wheel with several coupling points, the minimum and maximum values must be given (amin and amax );
— the distance (b) between the centre of the coupling device of the trailer (fifth wheel ring) or of the semi-trailer (king pin) and the rear of the trailer or of the semi- trailer; in the case of a device with several coupling points, the minimum and maximum values must be given (bmin and bmax ).
The length of vehicle combinations is the length of the motor vehicle and trailer or semi-trailer placed in a straight line behind each other.
(b) a single plate containing the information on the two plates referred to in point (a); or
(c) a single document issued by the competent authorities of a Party or, in the case of the Union, the Member State where the vehicle is registered or put into circulation containing the same information as the plates referred to in point (a). It shall be kept in a place easily accessible to inspection and shall be adequately protected.
2. If the characteristics of the vehicle no longer correspond to those indicated on the proof of compliance, the Party or, in the case of the Union, the Member State in which the vehicle is registered or put into circulation shall take the necessary steps to ensure that the proof of compliance is altered.
3. The plates and documents referred to in paragraph 1 shall be recognised by the Parties as the proof of vehicle compliance provided for in this Section.
Article 9 – Enforcement
1. Each Party shall take specific measures to identify vehicles or vehicle combinations in circulation that are likely to have exceeded the maximum authorised weight and that shall therefore be checked by the competent authorities of the Parties in order to ensure compliance with the requirements of this Section. This can be done with the aid of automatic systems set up on the road infrastructure, or by means of on-board weighing equipment installed in vehicles. Such on- board weighing equipment shall be accurate and reliable, fully interoperable and compatible with all vehicle types.
2. A Party shall not require on-board weighing equipment to be installed on vehicles or vehicle combinations which are registered in the other Party.
3. Where automatic systems are used to establish infringements of this Section and to impose penalties, such automatic systems shall be certified. Where automatic systems are used only for identification purposes, they need not be certified.
4. The Parties shall, in accordance with Article 14 of Section 1 of Part A of this Annex, ensure that their competent authorities exchange information about infringements and penalties relating to this Article.
APPENDIX ROAD.C.1.1: MAXIMUM WEIGHTS AND DIMENSIONS AND RELATED CHARACTERISTICS OF VEHICLES
1. Maximum authorised dimensions for vehicles (in metre; “m”)
1.1 Maximum length:
— motor vehicle
12.00 m
— trailer
12.00 m
— articulated vehicle
16.50 m
— road train
1.2 Maximum width:
18.75 m
(a) all vehicles except the vehicles referred to in point (b)
2.55 m
(b) superstructures of conditioned vehicles or conditioned containers
2.60 m
or swap bodies transported by vehicles
1.3 Maximum height (any vehicle)
4.00 m
1.4 Removable superstructures and standardised freight items such as containers are included in the dimensions specified in points 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8 and 4.4
1.5 Any motor vehicle or vehicle combination which is in motion must be able to turn within a swept circle having an outer radius of 12.50 m and an inner radius of 5.30 m
1.6 Maximum distance between the axis of the fifth-wheel king pin and the rear of a semi-trailer
12.00 m
1.7 Maximum distance measured parallel to the longitudinal axis of the road train from the foremost external point of the loading area behind the cabin to the rearmost external point of the trailer of the combination, minus the distance between the rear of the drawing vehicle and the front of the
trailer
15.65 m
1.8 Maximum distance measured parallel to the longitudinal axis of the road train from the foremost external point of the loading area behind the cabin to the rearmost external point of the trailer of
the combination
16.40 m
2. Maximum authorised vehicle weight (in tonnes)
2.1 Vehicles forming part of a vehicle combination
2.1.1 Two-axle trailer
18 tonnes
2.1.2 Three-axle trailer
24 tonnes
2.2 Vehicle combinations
In the case of vehicle combinations including alternatively fuelled or zero-emission vehicles, the maximum authorised weights provided for in this Section are increased by the additional weight of the alternative fuel or zero-emission technology with a maximum of 1 tonne and 2 tonnes respectively.
2.2.1 Road trains with five or six axles
(a) two-axle motor vehicle with three-axle trailer
40 tonnes
(b) three-axle motor vehicle with two or three-axle trailer
2.2.2 Articulated vehicles with five or six axles
40 tonnes
(a) two-axle motor vehicle with three-axle semi-trailer
40 tonnes
(b) three-axle motor vehicle with two or three-axle semi-trailer
2.2.3 Road trains with four axles consisting of a two-axle
40 tonnes
motor vehicle and a two-axle trailer
36 tonnes
2.2.4 Articulated vehicles with four axles consisting of a two-axle motor vehicle and a two-axle semi- trailer, if the distance between the axles of the semi-trailer:
is 1.3 m or greater but not more than 1.8 m 36 tonnes
is greater than 1.8 m 36 tonnes (+ 2 tonnes margin when the maximum authorised weight (MAW) of the motor vehicle (18 tonnes) and the MAW of the tandem axle of the semi-trailer (20 tonnes) are respected and the driving axle is fitted with twin tyres and air suspension or equivalent suspension)
2.3 Motor vehicles
In the case of alternatively fuelled motor vehicles or zero-emission vehicles, the maximum authorised weights provided for in subsections 2.3.1 and 2.3.2 are increased by the additional weight of the alternative fuel or zero-emission technology with a maximum of 1 tonne and 2 tonnes respectively.
2.3.1 Two-axle motor vehicles
18 tonnes
2.3.2 Three-axle motor vehicles
25 tonnes (26 tonnes where the driving axle is fitted with twin tyres and air suspension or equivalent suspension, or where each driving axle is fitted with twin tyres and the maximum weight of each axle does not exceed 9.5 tonnes)
2.3.3 Four-axle motor vehicles with two steering axles
32 tonnes where the driving axle is fitted with twin tyres and air suspension or equivalent suspension, or where each driving axle is fitted with twin tyres and the maximum weight of each axle does not exceed 9.5 tonnes
3. Maximum authorised axle weight of the vehicles (in tonnes)
3.1 Single axles
Single non-driving axle
3.2 Tandem axles of trailers and semi-trailers
The sum of the axle weights per tandem axle must not exceed, if the distance (d) between the axles is:
10 tonnes
– less than 1 m (d < 1.0)
11 tonnes
– between 1.0 m and less than 1.3 m (1.0 – d < 1.3)
16 tonnes
– between 1.3 m and less than 1.8 m (1.3 – d < 1.8)
18 tonnes
– 1.8 m or more (1.8 – d)
20 tonnes
3.3 Tri-axles of trailers and semi-trailers
The sum of the axle weights per tri-axle must not exceed, if the distance (d) between the axles is:
1.3 m or less (d – 1.3) 21 tonnes
over 1.3 m and up to 1.4 m (1.3 <d – 1.4) 24 tonnes
3.4 Driving axle
Driving axle of the vehicles referred to in points 2.2 and 2.3 11.5 tonnes
3.5 Tandem axles of motor vehicles
The sum of the axle weights per tandem axle must not exceed, if the distance (d) between the axles is:
– less than 1 m (d < 1.0)
11.5 tonnes
– 1.0 m or greater but less than 1.3 m (1.0 – d < 1.3)
16 tonnes
– 1.3 m or greater but less than 1.8 m (1.3 – d < 1.8)
18 tonnes (19 tonnes where the driving axle is fitted with twin tyres and air
suspension or equivalent suspension, or
where each driving axle is fitted with twin tyres
and where the maximum weight for each axle does not exceed 9.5 tonnes)
4. Other characteristics of the vehicles
4.1 All vehicles
The weight borne by the driving axle or driving axles of a vehicle or vehicle combination must not be less than 25 % of the total laden weight of the vehicle or vehicle combination.
4.2 Road trains
The distance between the rear axle of a motor vehicle and the front axle of a trailer must not be less than 3.00 m.
4.3 Maximum authorised weight depending on the wheelbase
The maximum authorised weight in tonnes of a four-axle motor vehicle may not exceed five times the distance in metres between the axes of the foremost and rearmost axles of the vehicle.
4.4 Semi-trailers
The distance measured horizontally between the axis of the fifth-wheel king pin and any point at the front of the semi-trailer must not exceed 2.04 m.
