Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2025C00109:front:0:p7
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2025C00109
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 19831–21926

that all wheels in the front 'Axle Group' are connected to the steering mechanism for that part of the vehicle.
 2.                                           LOAD SHARING SUSPENSION
     1.                                     All the 'Axles' in an 'Axle Group', other than a 'Twin Steer Axle Group' with not more than 2.0 metres horizontal distance between the centrelines of each 'Axle', must be related to each other through a 'Load Sharing Suspension' except:
         1.                               this requirement must not apply to a 'Close Coupled Axle Group' on any motor vehicle or trailer (including a 'Semi-trailer') with a 'GVM' or 'ATM' less than 4.5 tonne provided that the load carrying capacity of each of the 'Axles' and the wheel and tyres fitted to each 'Axle' is at least 120% of the nominal load imposed on that 'Axle' with the vehicle or trailer at its 'GVM' or 'ATM'; and
         2.                               this requirement must not apply to a 'Close Coupled Axle Group' fitted with a 'Retractable Axle' on any motor vehicle or trailer (including a 'Semi-trailer') with a 'GVM' or 'ATM' less than 4.5 tonne provided that the load carrying capacity of each other 'Axle' and the wheels and tyres fitted to it is at least equal to the load imposed on that 'Axle' with the motor vehicle or trailer at its 'GVM' or 'ATM' and with the 'Retractable Axle' retracted.
 3.                                           RETRACTABLE AXLE REQUIREMENTS
     1.                                     The 'Retractable Axle' must automatically lower to the 'Fully-down' position no later than when the 'Prescribed Transition Mass' shown in Table 1 is reached.
     2.                                     The 'Retractable Axle' must remain in the 'Fully-down' position when the 'Prescribed Transition Mass' shown in Table 1 is exceeded.

         TABLE 1

         Transition mass ratings for Axle Configurations and Tyre types.

                           Prescribed Transition mass (tonnes)
Axle Configuration  Tyres

from                to     S                                    4.0