Road rules for heavy vehicles in Queensland include rules for safe following distances, stopping, parking, load limits and using low gears. A vehicle gets classified as a heavy vehicle when it weighs more than 4.5 tons, or when its length is more than 7.5 metres.
Safe Following Distances
A heavy vehicle with a length of 7.5 metres or more must keep a distance of 60 metres or more with another vehicle in front. This distance should be increased during storm, rain or other poor weather conditions. This rule does not apply if you are driving on a multi-lane road or a road in a built-up area. In these cases you must leave enough space to allow you to stop safely and avoid a crash. When driving a heavy vehicle, you’re advised to use your discretion – clearly you should leave enough space to avoid smashing into the vehicle in front if you have to suddenly brake for any reason.
Stopping and Parking Rules
Heavy vehicles are allowed to stop in built-up areas for up to one hour. You can stop for longer only if you are dropping off or picking up goods, or if the signs say otherwise. You may only stop on the shoulder of roads in non-built-up areas.
Load Limits
You must not drive past a bridge load limit sign, or a gross mass limit sign, if the maximum gross mass of your vehicle is above the limit shown on the sign. It is illegal to do so.
Using Low Gears
When driving a truck or bus on steep routes (such as Cunningham’s Gap, the Kuranda Range or the Toowoomba Range) you must drive in a gear low enough to limit your speed without relying on your primary brake. This rule is designed to reduce brake fade and the potential of serious accidents.
Contact Dynamic Diesel Services on the Gold Coast for your heavy vehicle service, repair or maintenance.