The Heavy Vehicle Brakes Rule and its implementation

Questions and answers

Should de-cluttered chassis be marked in the area clamps will be fitted?

While it is not a mandatory requirement it would be a good idea and  would assist testing.

Do tie down hooks require certifying?

The tie down hooks do not need to be certified themselves but if the chassis or any certified component listed on the certificate is modified then that modification must be certified by the appropriate certifier. Tie down suggestions will be published in an upcoming Factsheet.

Can all testing stations do axle load simulation?

All testing stations fitted with load simulation equipment will be able to offer axle tie down.  Your local testing station will be able to advise you of the available options.

Are tractors and agricultural trailers covered by the Rule?

Yes. A breakaway brake on an agricultural trailer will no longer be required.

Most of the current requirements for tractors and agricultural trailers will continue. This means that a tractor and agricultural trailer combination will have to meet the brake performance requirements that apply to the tractor itself, whether or not the trailer had a brake fitted.

Are standards available to advise where tie down loops should be fitted? That is, within 'x' distance of axles?

A fact sheet addressing this issue is being developed by LTNZ and will be available through your local CoF B testing station shortly.

For over dimension vehicles such as heavy forklifts and mobile cranes (80 tonnes+) or rows of eight trailer tractors that will not fit on roller brake machines-How do these vehicles get tested as CVIU checks on the roadside?

These vehicles will be tested at their presented self weight but with some special conditions applicable to the actual test due to the physical dimensions of the vehicle.  The test will be similar to present test but using and electronic decelerometer.  Due to operational constraints they will not be required to undergo roller brake machine testing.

Will there be an exemption for motor homes to the requirement of 60% load at CoF?

No, but in most cases motor homes will have sufficient self weight to meet this requirement. In the case where motor homes do not meet the requirements due to their layout then the operator should discuss their situation with their testing station as it is likely that very little additional load will be required.  Extra load requirement may be achieved by something as simple as ensuring water tanks are full.

Will there be an exemption for buses and coaches (PSV’s) to the requirement for 60% load at CoF?

No, but LTNZ is working with the Bus and Coach Association (BCA)  to develop a ‘type testing’ procedure which will allow qualifying vehicles and operators to have their CoF brake test completed at their presented weight. Details of this procedure will be available shortly from the BCA.

What will be the case of axle tie down when load sensing valves are fitted and there are changes to the imbalance ratio?

If load sensing valves are fitted to a vehicle chassis then chassis tie down or laden tests will be the approved methods of testing. The imbalance requirements, that is, more than 20% imbalance on any axle during the brake test is a fail.

A laden test will provide a true reading of axle imbalance.

Will I be able to import an American 5th wheel motor home that has electric brakes?

Yes, but like all heavy trailers, either imported or locally built, they will have to be certified to the HV Brakes rule by a HVS Engineer holding the HVEK category. For American 5th wheel motor homes with electric brakes this will often mean changes to the service brake controls, the park brake and emergency brake along with carrying out certified stopping tests.

Can the load for testing be greater than 60%?

Yes, but you may require a split test to complete the CoF test if the weight is too great to allow the testing station to lift the vehicle and inspect all items.

Can Ferry tie downs be used for brake testing purposes?

Yes Ferry tie down points may be used for testing. Talk to your testing station to see if the location of your Ferry tie down points are acceptable for load simulation testing.

Third Party Testing – Can I use my RBM to test brakes the same way as a Testing Station and provide a report etc that the operator can give to the Testing Station?

No, Third Party testing as it has been commonly termed was considered during the development of the rule and was discounted as an option to a Testing Station Roller Brake Machine test for CoF purposes.

Is there a list of Certified Engineers? How do you find one?

Go to www.landtransport.govt.nz/certifiers or the Road Transport Certifying Engineers (RTCE) website will provide some engineers www.rtce.org.nz.

How do you contact your manufacturer?

Contact your manufacturer by phone or email via their website.

CVIU checks on the road – How? Loaded – 44 tonnes, unloaded

CVIU tests will be done on the vehicle “as presented” the rule requires braking compliance at all conditions of loading.

What is the cost of a CoF?

Land Transport NZ is not involved in the setting of costs for Testing Stations – this is a commercial decision made by the testing stations. Testing Stations will be able to answer this for you closer to the time.

Motor homes are a fairly consistent weight which is no more than the Road User charges (RUC) tonnage but vehicle is capable of carrying more than that weight

The vehicle will need to be tested at 60% or above the manufacturer’s axle weight or statutory axle limit, whichever is the less.  The RUC weight is not a factor in brake testing at CoF 

How are chassis hooks going to be quicker than tying the axle down?

Easier to connect to Roller Brake Machine (RBM) for multi axle vehicles.  In most cases the Roller Brake Machine load simulation equipment only needs to be attached to the chassis once, unlike axle pull-down, where it has to be attached to individual axles.

Will there be enough “certifiers” to meet demand? And if not what will happen?

Land Transport NZ will be appointing more brake certifiers (HVEK) in the coming months.  Keep an eye out on www.landtransport.govt.nz/commercial/hvbr

Page created: 4 July 2008