Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles) (Amendment) Regulations, 1992.
Statutory Instruments
Source: Statutory Instruments

num: 1
paragraphs: (1) These Regulations may be cited as the Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles) (Amendment) Regulations, 1992.
(2) The Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles) Regulations, 1963 to 1991 and these Regulations shall be construed as one and may be cited together as the Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles) Regulations, 1963 to 1992.
2 Interpretation
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paragraphs: In these Regulations—
the "Principal Regulations" means the Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles) Regulations, 1963 ( S.I. No. 190 of 1963 );
"Air suspension system" means a system in which at least 75 per cent of the spring effect is caused by the elasticity of a confined gas;
"Equivalent system" means a system which fulfils the conditions for equivalence to air suspension as set out in Annex III to the European Communities Council Directive 85/3/EEC1 on the weights, dimensions and certain technical characteristics of certain road vehicles as amended by Council Directive 92/7/EEC2;
1 OJ No. L2, dated 3.1.1985.
2 OJ No. L57, dated 2.3.1992.
"Four axle bogie" means four successive axles the outermost of which are spaced at a distance apart of less than 4.3 metres;
"Tandem axles" means two successive axles, not being part of a triaxle or a four axle bogie which are spaced at a distance apart of not more than 2.5 metres;
"Triaxle" means three successive axles, not being part of a four axle bogie, the outermost of which are spaced at a distance apart of not more than 3.25 metres.
3 Commencement
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paragraphs: These Regulations shall come into operation on the 1st day of December, 1992.
4 Maximum Weights
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paragraphs: The Principal Regulations are hereby amended by the substitution for article 7 of the following article:—
"7. (1) The weight transmitted to the surface of a road by any wheel of a vehicle or any wheel of a trailer attached to a vehicle shall not exceed:—
( a ) where the wheel is fitted with a pneumatic tyre, 5,250 kilograms;
( b ) where the wheel is fitted with a soft tyre, 16 kilograms for each millimetre width of the tyre measured at the point of contact of the tyre with the ground;
( c ) where the wheel is not fitted with a pneumatic or soft tyre 10 kilograms for each millimetre width of the wheel or its tyre measured at the point of contact of the wheel or tyre with the ground.
(2) ( a ) Subject to the provisions of paragraph (b) of this sub-article, the weight transmitted to the surface of a road by a single axle of a vehicle or of a trailer attached to a vehicle shall not exceed 10,170 kilograms;
( b ) The weight transmitted to the surface of a road by a single axle which is the sole driving axle of a vehicle may, where the distance between the sole driving axle and the closest adjacent axle is 1.2 metres or more, exceed 10,170 kilograms but shall not exceed 10,500 kilograms.
(3) ( a ) Subject to the provisions of paragraph (b) of this sub-article, the weight transmitted to the surface of a road by tandem axles of a vehicle or of a trailer attached to a vehicle shall not exceed the maximum weight shown in Column 2 of the following Table in relation to the distances between the axles shown in Column 1 of the Table.
Table
Column 1
Column 2
Where the distance between the axles is—
Maximum Weight
less than 1.0 metres
11,500 kilograms
not less than 1.0 metres
17,280 kilograms
not less than 1.2 metres
18,300 kilograms
not less than 1.35 metres
18,800 kilograms
not less than 1.5 metres
19,320 kilograms
not less than 1.8 metres
20,000 kilograms
not less than 1.85 metres
20,340 kilograms
( b ) The weight transmitted to the surface of a road by tandem axles of a vehicle, where the distance between the axles is not less than 1.3 metres and less than 1.5 metres, may exceed 18,300 kilograms but shall not exceed 19,000 kilograms if:—
(i) the driving axle is fitted with twin tyres and an air suspension system or an equivalent system, or
(ii) the tandem axles consist of two driving axles both of which are fitted with twin tyres and neither of which transmits a weight in excess of 9,500 kilograms to the surface of a road.
(4) ( a ) The weight transmitted to the surface of a road by a triaxle conforming with the description given in Column 1 of the following Table shall not exceed that shown in Column 2 of the Table in relation to that description.
Table
Column 1
Column 2
Description of the tri-axle
Maximum Weight
Where the distance between the two closest adjacent axles is less than 1.3 metres
21,000 kilograms
Where the distance between the two closest adjacent axles is 1.3 metres or more and at least one of the axles does not have an air suspension system or an equivalent system
22,500 kilograms
Where the distance between the two closest adjacent axles is 1.3 metres or more and each of the three axles is fitted with air suspension system or an equivalent system
24,000 kilograms
( b ) The weight transmitted to the surface of a road by a four axle bogie shall not exceed 24,000 kilograms.
(5) ( a ) Subject to the provision of paragraph (b) of this sub-article the weight laden of a vehicle, not being an articulated vehicle, or of a trailer attached to a vehicle shall not exceed—
(i) where the vehicle has two axles —17,000 kilograms;
(ii) where the trailer has two axles and the distance between the axles is:—
less than 3.0 metres —16,260 kilograms;
not less than 3.0 metres — 18,000 kilograms;
(iii) where the vehicle or trailer has three axles and the distance between the extreme front and rear axles is:—
less than 4.6 metres—22,360 kilograms;
not less than 4.6 metres — 25,000 kilograms;
(iv) where the vehicle or trailer has four or more axles and the distance between the extreme front and rear axles is:—
less than 5.6 metres — 25,410 kilograms;
not less than 5.6 metres — 26,420 kilograms;
not less than 5.9 metres — 28,450 kilograms;
not less than 6.3 metres — 30,500 kilograms;
( b ) (i) The weight laden of a vehicle, not being an articulated vehicle, which is equipped with twin tyres and an air suspension system or an equivalent system on each driving axle shall not exceed the maximum weight laden shown in Column 3 of the following Table in relation to a vehicle having the number of axles shown in Column 1 of the Table with a distance between the extreme front and rear axles shown in Column 2 of the Table.
(ii) The weight laden of a vehicle, not being an articulated vehicle, having two driving axles neither of which transmits to the surface of a road a weight in excess of 9,500 kilograms and equipped with twin tyres on each driving axle, shall not exceed the maximum weight laden shown in Column 3 of the following Table in relation to a vehicle having the number of axles shown in Column 1 of the Table with a distance between the extreme front and rear axles shown in Column 2 of the Table.
Table
Column 1
Column 2
Column 3
The number of axles on the vehicle.
The distance between the extreme front and rear axles.
Maximum Weight Laden.
3 axles
not less than 4.9m
26,000 kilograms
4 axles or more
not less than 5.2m
26,000 kilograms
not less than 5.4m
27,000 kilograms
not less than 5.6m
28,000 kilograms
not less than 5.8m
29,000 kilograms
not less than 6.0m
30,000 kilograms
not less than 6.2m
31,000 kilograms
not less than 6.4m
32,000 kilograms
(6) The weight laden of a mechanically propelled vehicle which forms part of an articulated vehicle shall not exceed—
( a ) where the mechanically propelled vehicle has two axles and the distance between the extreme front and rear axles is:—
(i) less than 2.7 metres — 16,260 kilograms;
(ii) not less than 2.7 metres — 17,000 kilograms;
( b ) where the mechanically propelled vehicle has three or more axles none of which transmits a weight in excess of 10,170 kilograms to the surface of a road and the distance between the extreme front and rear axles is:—
(i) less than 4.3 metres — 22,360 kilograms;
(ii) not less than 4.3 metres — 25,000 kilograms;
( c ) where the mechanically propelled vehicle has three or more axles and the weight transmitted to the surface of a road by any of these axles exceeds 10,170 kilograms and the distance between the extreme front and rear axles is:—
(i) less than 4.0 metres — 20,340 kilograms;
(ii) not less than 4.0 metres and less than 4.9 metres — 22,360 kilograms;
(iii) not less than 4.9 metres — 25,000 kilograms;
(7) ( a ) Subject to the provisions of paragraph (b) of this sub-article, the weight laden of an articulated vehicle having a total of three axles shall not exceed the maximum laden weight shown in Column 2 of the following Table in relation to the distances shown in Column 1 of the Table.
Table
Column 1
Column 2
The distance between the rearmost axle of the drawing component and the axle of the semi-trailer.
Maximum Weight Laden.
less than 2.6 metres
22,360 kilograms
not less than 2.6 metres
23,370 kilograms
not less than 2.9 metres
25,000 kilograms
( b ) The weight laden of an articulated vehicle having a total of three axles, which is equipped with twin tyres and an air suspension system or an equivalent system on the driving axle may, if the distance between the rearmost axle of the drawing component and the axle of the semi-trailer is not less than 3.5 metres, exceed 25,000 kilograms but shall not exceed 26,000 kilograms.
( c ) the weight laden of an articulated vehicle having a total of four axles shall not exceed the maximum weight laden shown in Column 2 of the following Table in relation to the distances between axles shown in Column 1 of the Table.
Table
Column 1
Column 2
The distance between the rearmost axle of the drawing component and the rearmost axle of the semi-trailer
Maximum Weight Laden
less than 3.5 metres
25,410 kilograms
not less than 3.5 metres
26,420 kilograms
not less than 3.8 metres
27,440 kilograms
not less than 4.1 metres
28,540 kilograms
not less than 4.4 metres
29,470 kilograms
not less than 4.7 metres
30,490 kilograms
not less than 5.0 metres
31,500 kilograms
not less than 5.3 metres
32,520 kilograms
not less than 5.4 metres
33,000 kilograms
not less than 5.7 metres
34,000 kilograms
not less than 6.0 metres
35,000 kilograms
( d ) (i) The weight laden of an articulated vehicle having a total of five or more axles shall not exceed the maximum weight laden shown in Column 3 of the following Table in relation to the distances between axles shown in Column 1 of the Table, as regards drawing components having 2 axles, subject to the proviso that the limits of 39,000 kilograms and 40,000 kilograms shall not apply unless each of the axles of the semi-trailer is fitted with an air suspension system or an equivalent system.
(ii) The weight laden of an articulated vehicle having a total of five or more axles shall not exceed the maximum weight laden shown in Column 3 of the following Table in relation to the distances between axles shown in Column 2 of the Table, as regards drawing components having 3 axles.
Table
Column 1
Column 2
Column 3
The distance between the rearmost axle of a 2 axle drawing component and the rearmost axle of the semi-trailer
The distance between the rearmost axle of a 3 axle drawing component and the rearmost axle of the semi-trailer
Maximum Weight Laden
less than 3.5 metres
less than 3.5 metres
25,410 kilograms
not less than 3.5 metres
not less than 3.5 metres
26,420 kilograms
not less than 3.8 metres
not less than 3.8 metres
27,440 kilograms
not less than 4.1 metres
not less than 4.1 metres
28,450 kilograms
not less than 4.4 metres
not less than 4.4 metres
29,470 kilograms
not less than 4.7 metres
not less than 4.7 metres
30,490 kilograms
not less than 5.0 metres
not less than 5.0 metres
31,500 kilograms
not less than 5.3 metres
not less than 5.3 metres
32,520 kilograms
not less than 5.5 metres
not less than 5.4 metres
33,000 kilograms
not less than 5.8 metres
not less than 5.6 metres
34,000 kilograms
not less than 6.2 metres
not less than 5.8 metres
35,000 kilograms
not less than 6.5 metres
not less than 6.0 metres
36,000 kilograms
not less than 6.7 metres
not less than 6.2 metres
37,000 kilograms
not less than 6.9 metres
not less than 6.3 metres
38,000 kilograms
not less than 7.1 metres
not less than 6.5 metres
39,000 kilograms
not less than 7.3 metres
not less than 6.7 metres
40,000 kilograms
(8) ( a ) The weight laden of a track-laying vehicle shall not, subject to paragraph (c) of this sub-article, exceed 7,400 kilograms.
( b ) The weight transmitted to any strip of the surface of a road upon which a track-laying vehicle rests, contained between any two parallel lines drawn 600 millimetres apart on that surface at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, shall not exceed 10,170 kilograms.
( c ) Paragraph (a) of this sub-article shall not apply to a track-laying vehicle while it is being loaded on to or unloaded from a conveying vehicle or while it is travelling for a distance not exceeding 100 metres between such vehicle and a place off the road.
(9) ( a ) Subject to the provisions of paragraph (b) of this sub-article, the weight laden of a combination of vehicles comprising a vehicle and one trailer shall not exceed 35,000 kilograms.
( b ) The weight laden of a combination of vehicles comprising a vehicle and one trailer, having five or more axles where the distance between the rearmost axle of the vehicle and the foremost axle of the trailer is—
(i) not less than 3.7 metres but less than 3.9 metres, may exceed 35,000 kilograms but shall not exceed 38,000 kilograms.
(ii) 3.9 metres or more, may exceed 35,000 kilograms but shall not exceed 40,000 kilograms.
(10) In calculating, for the purpose of this article, the weight laden of large public service vehicle or the weight transmitted by an axle or wheel thereof, the vehicle shall be deemed to be carrying its full complement of standing and sitting passengers, and weights of 65 kilograms each shall be placed in the correct relative positions for the driver, the conductor and each passenger."
5 Maximum Dimensions
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paragraphs: The Principal Regulations are hereby amended by the substitution for article 11 of the following article:—
"11. (1) The overall length of a vehicle, not being an articulated vehicle, or of a trailer attached to a vehicle shall not exceed 12 metres.
(2) The overall length of an articulated bus shall not exceed 18 metres.
(3) The overall length of an articulated vehicle, other than an articulated bus, shall not exceed 16.5 metres.
(4) Subject to the provisions of sub-article (5) of this article, the distance between the axis of the semi-trailer king pin and the rear of the semi-trailer shall not exceed 12 metres, or 12.5 metres in the case of a vehicle transporter, and the distance measured horizontally between the axis of the semi-trailer king pin and any point to the front of the semi-trailer shall not exceed 2.04 metres, or 4.19 metres in the case of a vehicle transporter.
(5) The provisions of sub-article (4) of this article shall not apply to an articulated vehicle first registered before 1st January, 1991 provided the overall length of such articulated vehicle does not exceed 15.5 metres.
(6) Subject to the provisions of sub-article (7), of this article the overall length of a combination of vehicles shall not exceed 18.35 metres.
(7) Sub-article (6) of this article shall not apply to a large tractor where—
( a ) such tractor is drawing two trailers outside a county or other borough or an urban district the population of which, as ascertained by the census of population which for the time being is the last published census of population, exceeds 10,000 persons, and
( b ) the overall length of the combination of vehicles comprising the tractor and trailers does not exceed 22 metres.
(8) Subject to the provisions of sub-article (9) of this article a combination of vehicles comprising a mechanical propelled vehicle and one trailer shall meet the following requirements—
( a ) the distance measured parallel to the longitudinal axis of the combination of vehicles, other than a vehicle transporter, from the foremost external point of the loading area behind the cabin to the rearmost point of the trailer of the combination, less the distance between the rear of the drawing vehicle and the front of the trailer, shall not exceed 15.65 metres, and
( b ) the distance measured parallel to the longitudinal axis of the combination of vehicles from the foremost external point of the loading area behind the cabin to the rearmost point of the trailer of the combination shall not exceed 16 metres.
(9) The provisions of sub-article (8) shall not apply in the case of a vehicle registered before the 31st day of December, 1991 until the 31st day of December, 1998 provided the overall length of the combination does not exceed 18 metres.
(10) The overall length of vehicle or trailer shall be the distance between vertical planes at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle or trailer and passing through the extreme projecting points at the front and rear of the vehicle or trailer, and for that purpose—
( a ) in calculating overall length removable superstructures and standardised freight containers shall be included;
( b ) in calculating the overall length of a trailer, the drawbar shall be included;
( c ) in calculating the overall length of a vehicle, any ladder permanently attached to the vehicle for the purpose of affording access to the roof and not projecting backwards more than 230 millimetres beyond the rear of the vehicle shall be disregarded;
( d ) in calculating the overall length of an articulated vehicle the longitudinal axes of the drawing and drawn components shall be in the same vertical plane.
(11) The overall length of a combination of vehicles shall be the distance between vertical planes at right angles to the longitudinal axes of the drawing and drawn components comprised in such combination (while such axes are in the same vertical plane) and passing through the extreme projecting points at the front and rear of the combination.
(12) The provisions of this article relating to the overall length of a combination of vehicles shall not operate so as to prohibit the towing of a broken down vehicle which is being towed, in consequence of the breakdown, to the nearest convenient place of safety or repair.
(13) A load, other than poles intended for use in connection with telephone or electricity services, on a vehicle which is not drawing a trailer, or on the rearmost trailer in a combination of vehicles, shall not project more than 3 metres to the rear beyond the rearmost point of such vehicle or trailer.
(14) Where a load (including an implement carried by a tractor) projects more than 1 metre to the rear beyond the rearmost point of a vehicle or the rearmost trailer in a combination of vehicles, a warning device (being either a red flag or cloth at least 300 millimetres square, or a rigid device having a surface of a similar area coloured red or in two colours, one of which is red and the other of which is lighter than red) shall be carried at the rear of the load during the day time.
(15) Subject to the provisions of paragraphs (a) and (b) of this sub-article, the maximum overall height of a vehicle, or of a trailer attached to a vehicle including any load carried on the vehicle or trailer shall not exceed 4.25 metres.
( a ) With the exception of a double deck large public service vehicle, the provisions of this sub-article shall not apply to a vehicle registered on or before the 31st day of March, 1991, or to a trailer attached to such a vehicle, until the 31st day of March, 1996;
( b ) The maximum overall height of a double deck large public service vehicle may exceed 4.25 metres but shall not exceed 4.57 metres."
6 Special Permits
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paragraphs: Article 17 of the Principal Regulations is hereby amended by the substitution of paragraph (a) of sub-article (4) by the following paragraph:—
"(a) (i) Before making an application for a permit, the applicant shall give to the Commissioner of the Garda SÃ­ochana (hereinafter referred to as the Commissioner) four clear days' notice of such application, and such notice shall be accompanied by a copy of the application for the permit;
(ii) Saturday, Sunday and any public holiday shall not be included in the reckoning of the four clear days' notice required by this sub-article."
7 Vehicle on an International Journey
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paragraphs: The Schedule hereto is hereby substituted for the Schedule to the Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles) (Amendment) Regulations, 1986 ( S.I. No. 442 of 1986 ).