LIVESTOCK TRAILER REGULATIONS

The Road Traffic (Vehicle Standards) Rules 2002 require trailers built for the carriage of animals to comply with certain limitations to the allowable trailer length available for carrying animals. 

A trailer built to carry cattle, sheep, pigs or horses must not have over 12.5 metres of its length available for the carriage of animals.  In a B Double the two semi-trailers must not have over 18.8 metres of their combined length available for the carriage of animals.  These dimensions relate to the length between the front wall or door and the rear wall or door of the trailer(s), with any intervening partitions disregarded.  The 12.5 metre limit also applies to trailers used in road trains. The maximum permitted height is 4.6 metres provided a permit is obtained from Main Roads.

The rules mentioned above are contained in the Road Traffic (Vehicle Standards) Rules 2002.  Rules 62(4), 62(5), 63(2), 63(3) and 66(2)(a) apply and cover both single trailers and B Doubles.  The legislation is available on-line from the State Law Publisher’s web site at www.slp.wa.gov.au and you are encouraged to familiarise yourself with this legislation.

In respect to livestock trailers incorporating a rounded front wall, the rules mean that unless permanently closed off by means of a non-removable partition, the rounded front is included in the measurement of the trailer length available for the carriage of animals.  If a non removable partition is fitted behind the rounded front, the measurement is taken from that partition, and the carriage of animals in the area ahead of that partition is not permitted.

A meeting was held recently at Main Roads to discuss the issue of livestock trailers.  The meeting was attended by representatives from Main Roads, the Livestock Transporters And Country Bulk Carriers Association, and a number of independent operators involved in the transport of livestock.  Main Roads advised that from 1 September 2008 Main Roads will enforce the rules relating to the amount of trailer length available for the carriage of animals.  The rules will apply equally to trailers incorporating removable crates, when being used for the transport of animals.

PERIOD     FROM 1 SEPTEMBER 2008 – ONGOING.

CONTACT   MAIN ROADS HEAVY VEHICLE OPERATIONS BRANCH ON (08) 9311 8450.

Doug Morgan
Acting Director Heavy Vehicle Operations
12 August 2008