Correct as at 30th March 2024. It may be superseded at any time.

Extract taken: from Vehicle Inspection Portal > VIRMs > Entry certification > Inspection and certification > Entrance and exit

6 Entrance and exit

6-1 Door and hinged panel retention systems

Reasons for rejection

Mandatory equipment

1. A vehicle does not comply with a requirement relating to mandatory equipment set out in the VIRM: In-service certification, section 6-1.

Compliance with approved standards

2. A door retention system that is required to comply with an approved door retention system standard did not comply, or cannot be demonstrated to have complied, with at least one of the standards listed in Table 6-1-1 at the time the vehicle was manufactured.

Condition, performance and modification

3. A door retention system does not comply with a requirement relating to condition, performance or modification set out in the VIRM: In-service certification, section 6-1.

Table 6-1-1. Approved door retention system standards*

UN-ECE Regulation no.

EEC/EC Directive

FMVSS

ADR

Japan

11

70/387
98/90
2001/31

206

2

Technical Standard for Door Retention Systems
Article 25

* A door retention system that is required to comply with an approved door retention system standard must comply with at least one of the standards listed in the table.

Summary of legislation

Applicable legislation
Mandatory equipment

1. Vehicles must comply with the requirements relating to mandatory equipment set out in the VIRM: In-service certification, section 6-1.

Compliance with approved standards

2. Door retention systems on the following vehicles must comply with one or more of the approved door retention system standards in Table 6-1-1:

a) vehicles of class MA manufactured on or after 1 January 1991

b) vehicles of class MB, MC and MD1 manufactured on or after 1 January 1998.

Condition, performance and modification

3. Door retention systems must comply with the requirements relating to condition, performance and modification set out in the VIRM: In-service certification, section 6-1.

6-2 PSV doors and doorways (light PSVs)

Reasons for rejection

Mandatory requirements

1. A doorway does not meet the dimension requirements of Table 6-2-1.

2. A vehicle does not comply with the requirements relating to mandatory equipment set out in the VIRM: In-service certification, section 6-2.

Condition and performance

3. A PSV door or doorway does not comply with the requirements relating to condition and performance set out in the VIRM: In-service certification, section 6-2.

Table 6-2-1. Minimum width and height for PSV doorways

A doorway that:

Minimum width (mm)

Minimum height (mm)

Gives access to less than three rows of seats and less than eight occupants (Figure 6-2-1)

No minimum but must give easy access

No minimum but must give easy access

Is un-tapered with no central stanchion

550

Same as minimum aisle height (see section 7-4), except:

1. the rear door of an outdoor-access vehicle may have reduced height if this is required for additional frame strength, or

2. the door height may be reduced to 1650mm for a PSV that:

a) is one of a series of identical vehicles produced in quantities of 1000 or more, and

b) does not have more than 25 passenger seats, and

c) has a GVM not exceeding 7000kg.

With central stanchion

550 each side of stanchion

Is tapered at the top to accommodate body shape

See Table 6-2-2

Is intended for wheelchair access (Figure 6-2-2)

800

1300 top of sill to doorway top

Table 6-2-2. Minimum width for tapered doorways (Figure 6-2-3)

Height above doorway sill (mm)

Minimum width (mm)

1600 or less

550

1601 to 1800

450

1801 to 1830

400

1831 and above

380

Figure 6-2-1. Entrance and exit

Figure 6-2-1. Entrance and exit 

 

Figure 6-2-2. Doorway intended for wheel chair access

Figure 6-2-2. Doorway intended for wheel chair access 

 

Figure 6-2-3. Tapered doorways

Figure 6-2-3. Tapered doorways 

Summary of legislation

Applicable legislation
Mandatory requirements

1. The dimensions of a doorway must be at least those specified in Table 6-2-1.

2. Vehicles must comply with the requirements relating to mandatory equipment set out in the VIRM: In-service certification, section 6-2.

Performance

3. PSV doors and doorways must comply with the requirements relating to performance set out in the VIRM: In-service certification, section 6-2.

Page amended 1 October 2012 (see amendment details).

6-2 PSV doors and doorways (heavy PSVs)

Reasons for rejection

Mandatory requirements

1. A doorway does not meet the dimension requirements of Table 6-2-1.

2. A heavy PSV is not fitted with sufficient handrails suitable for assisting people entering and leaving the vehicle.

3. A required handrail or handhold is not:

a) sufficiently strong for its foreseeable use, or

b) not securely fastened.

4. A handhold on a door has a cross section smaller than 15mm x 25mm.

5. A handhold in a doorway (other than a handhold on a door) has a cross section dimension:

a) smaller than 20mm, or

b) greater than 45mm.

6. A vehicle does not comply with the requirements relating to mandatory equipment set out in the VIRM: In-service certification, section 6-2.

Condition and performance

7. A PSV door or doorway does not comply with the requirements relating to condition and performance set out in the VIRM: In-service certification, section 6-2.

Table 6-2-1. Minimum width and height for PSV doorways

A doorway that:

Minimum width (mm)

Minimum height (mm)

Gives access to less than three rows of seats and less than eight occupants (Figure 6-2-1)

No minimum but must give easy access

No minimum but must give easy access

Is un-tapered with no central stanchion

550

Same as minimum aisle height (see section 7-4), except:

1. the rear door of an outdoor-access vehicle may have reduced height if this is required for additional frame strength, or

2. the door height may be reduced to 1650mm for a PSV that:

a) is one of a series of identical vehicles produced in quantities of 1000 or more, and

b) does not have more than 25 passenger seats, and

c) has a GVM not exceeding 7000kg.

With central stanchion

550 each side of stanchion

Is tapered at the top to accommodate body shape

See Table 6-2-2

Is intended for wheelchair access (Figure 6-2-2)

800

1300 top of sill to doorway top

Table 6-2-2. Minimum width for tapered doorways (Figure 6-2-3)

Height above doorway sill (mm)

Minimum width (mm)

1600 or less

550

1601 to 1800

450

1801 to 1830

400

1831 and above

380

Figure 6-2-1. Entrance and exit

Figure 6-2-1. Entrance and exit 

 

Figure 6-2-2. Doorway intended for wheel chair access

Figure 6-2-2. Doorway intended for wheel chair access 

 

Figure 6-2-3. Tapered doorways

Figure 6-2-3. Tapered doorways 

Summary of legislation

Applicable legislation
Mandatory requirements

1. The dimensions of a doorway must be at least those specified in Table 6-2-1.

Heavy PSV

2. A heavy PSV must be fitted with handrails or handholds which are suitable to assist people entering and leaving the vehicle.

3. Required handrails and handholds must be of adequate strength for their foreseeable use and be securely fastened.

4. The minimum cross section dimension of handholds on doors may be 15mm if one other dimension is at least 25mm.

5. The cross section dimension of handholds in doorways (other than those on doors) must have no dimension smaller than 20mm or greater than 45mm.

6. Vehicles must comply with the requirements relating to mandatory equipment set out in the VIRM: In-service certification, section 6-2.

Performance

7. PSV doors and doorways must comply with the requirements relating to performance set out in the VIRM: In-service certification, section 6-2.

Page amended 1 October 2012 (see amendment details).

6-3 PSV entry and exit steps, ramps and hoists (light PSVs)

Note An unmodified vehicle is not required to comply with Summary of legslation 1-5, or Reasons for rejection 1-4, provided that it complies with either:

  • UN/ECE 36 and UN/ECE 66; UN/ECE 107 and UN/ECE 66; UN/ECE 52 or Directive 2001/85/EC.

Reasons for rejection

Mandatory requirements

1. A permanent external step or ramp on the side of the passenger service vehicle:

a) extends more than 20mm beyond the adjacent body line of the vehicle, or

b) could injure a person (eg is not pedestrian friendly).

2. A manually operated extending step on the side of the vehicle:

a) does not have an audible or visual alarm to warn the driver when the vehicle is moving that the steps are extended more than 20mm beyond the adjacent bodyline of the vehicle , or

b) could injure a person (eg is not pedestrian friendly).

3. On a vehicle with a power operated retractable step:

a) the movement of the step is not synchronised with the operation of the associated door, or

b) the vehicle is able to move under its own power when the step is extended, or

c) if the associated door is not within the driver’s direct view, the door is able to be closed with a passenger on the step (compliance with this requirement may be demonstrated by placing a weight of 15kg at the centre of the step), or

d) the step protrudes more than 10mm beyond the adjacent line of the body work when the associated door is closed.

4. On a vehicle with a mechanically operated retractable step, the step protrudes more than 10mm beyond the adjacent line of the body work when the associated door is closed.

5. A ramp is not:

a) at least 800mm wide, or

b) at least 760mm wide with a 20mm high safety ridge along the side edges.

6. A fully extended ramp from a vehicle parked on a flat level surface has a gradient that is steeper than 1 in 4.

7. A handhold on steps or a ramp has a cross section dimension:

a) smaller than 20mm, or

b) greater than 45mm.

8. A vehicle does not comply with the requirements relating to mandatory requirements set out in the VIRM: In-service certification, section 6-3.

Condition and performance

9. A vehicle does not comply with a requirement relating to condition or performance set out in the VIRM: In-service certification, section 6-3.

Summary of legislation

Applicable legislation
Mandatory requirements

1. Permanent external steps and ramps on the side of the passenger service vehicle must not extend more than 20mm beyond the adjacent body line of the vehicle, and must be constructed so that they are not likely to injure any person.

2. Manually operated extending steps on the side of the passenger service vehicle must:

a) be constructed so that they are not likely to injure any person, and

b) protrude no more than 20mm beyond the adjacent body line of the vehicle when they are folded away, and

c) if the steps extend more than 20mm beyond the adjacent body line of the vehicle, have an audible or visual alarm system that alerts the driver if the vehicle is moving and the steps are extended.

3. Retractable steps must comply with the requirements of the version of UN/ECE Regulation No. 52, UN/ECE Regulation No. 107 or Directive 2001/85/EC, which was applicable either:

a) if they were fitted before the vehicle entered service as a PSV in New Zealand, at the time when the vehicle entered service as a PSV in New Zealand, or

b) if they were fitted after the vehicle entered service as a PSV in New Zealand, at the time the steps were fitted.

4. Power operated retractable steps must meet the following requirements:

a) the movement of the step must be synchronised with the operation of the associated door, and

b) the vehicle must not be able to move under its own power when the step is extended, and

c) if the associated door is not within the driver’s direct view, the door must not be able to be closed with a passenger on the step (compliance with this requirement may be demonstrated by placing a weight of 15kg at the centre of the step), and

d) the step must not protrude more than 10mm beyond the adjacent line of the body work when the associated door is closed.

5. Mechanically operated retractable steps must not protrude more than 10mm beyond the adjacent line of the body work when the associated door is closed.

6. Ramps must be at least 800 mm wide, or at least 760mm wide with a 20mm high safety ridge along the side edges.

7. A ramp which is fully extended from a vehicle parked on a flat level surface must not have a gradient that is steeper than 1 in 4 .

8. The cross section dimension of handholds on steps or ramps must have no dimension smaller than 20mm or greater than 45mm.

9. A vehicle must comply with the requirements relating to mandatory requirements set out in the VIRM: In-service certification, section 6-3.

Condition and performance

10. A vehicle must comply with the requirements relating to condition and performance set out in the VIRM: In-service certification, section 6-3.

Page amended 1 November 2017 (see amendment details).

6-3 PSV entry and exit steps, ramps and hoists (heavy PSVs)

Note An unmodified vehicle is not required to comply with Summary of legislation 1-6, or  Reasons for rejection 1-7, provided that it complies with either:

  • UN/ECE 36 and UN/ECE 66; UN/ECE 107 and UN/ECE 66; UN/ECE 52 or Directive 2001/85/EC.

Reasons for rejection

Mandatory requirements

1. A heavy PSV, other than a stretch limousine, with the floor at the entrance and exit door more than 410mm above the surface of the level roadway does not have a step or ramp (Figure 6-3-1).

2. Unless the entrance is of a stretch limousine or an outdoor access vehicle or is a left-front passenger entrance providing access for less than three passenger seating positions, the distance from the ground to the tread surface of the lowest entrance level is 410mm or more, with the unladen vehicle on a level surface and with any driver-adjustable suspension in its lowest position.

3. A required entry or exit step does not meet the following (Figure 6-3-2):

a) the rise from one step to the next is 300mm or more.

b) the depth of a step from front to inner riser is less than 200mm.

c) the width of a step parallel to the doorway is less than 550mm

d) an intermediate step that is cut away to allow space for the door to open is:

i. less than 180mm deep, or

ii. less than 250mm wide.

4. A permanent external step or ramp on the side of the passenger service vehicle:

a) extends more than 20mm beyond the adjacent body line of the vehicle, or

b) could injure a person (eg is not pedestrian friendly).

5. A manually operated extending step on the side of the vehicle:

a) does not have an audible or visual alarm to warn the driver when the vehicle is moving that the steps are extended more than 20mm beyond the adjacent bodyline of the vehicle, or

b) could injure a person (eg is not pedestrian friendly).

6. On a vehicle with a power operated retractable step:

a) the movement of the step is not synchronised with the operation of the associated door, or

b) the vehicle is able to move under its own power when the step is extended, or

c) if the associated door is not within the driver’s direct view, the door is able to be closed with a passenger on the step (compliance with this requirement may be demonstrated by placing a weight of 15kg at the centre of the step), or

d) the step protrudes more than 10 mm beyond the adjacent line of the body work when the associated door is closed.

7. On a vehicle with a mechanically operated retractable step, the step protrudes more than 10mm beyond the adjacent line of the body work when the associated door is closed.

8. A ramp is not:

a) at least 800mm wide, or

b) at least 760mm wide with a 20mm high safety ridge along the side edges.

9. A fully extended ramp from a vehicle parked on a flat level surface has a gradient that is steeper than 1 in 4.

10. A handhold on steps or a ramp has a cross section dimension:

a) smaller than 20mm, or

b) greater than 45mm.

11. A vehicle does not comply with the requirements relating to mandatory requirements and equipment set out in the VIRM: In-service certification, section 6-3.

Condition and performance

12. A vehicle does not comply with a requirement relating to condition or performance set out in the VIRM: In-service certification, section 6-3.

Figure 6-3-1. Height of floor from surface of level roadway

Figure 6-3-1. Height of floor from surface of level roadway 

 

Figure 6-3-2. Entry/exit step requirements

Figure 6-3-2. Entry/exit step requirements 

Summary of legislation

Applicable legislation
Mandatory requirements

1. Except for a stretch limousine, if the floor of a heavy PSV at the entrance or exit door is more than 410mm above the surface of the level roadway, there must be a step or ramp which complies with the following requirements:

a) unless the entrance is of an outdoor access vehicle or is a left-front passenger entrance providing access for less than three passenger seating positions, the distance from the ground to the tread surface of the lowest entrance level must be less than 410mm when measured with the unladen vehicle:

i. on a flat horizontal surface, and

ii. if the height of the suspension can be adjusted from the driver’s seat, the vehicle is in its lowest suspension position.

2. Unless the entrance is of a stretch limousine or an outdoor access vehicle or is a left-front passenger entrance providing access for less than three passenger seating positions, entry and exit steps must meet the following dimensional requirements:

a) if more than one step is provided, the rise from one step to the next must be less than 300mm, and

b) the step depth from the front edge to inner riser must be at least 200mm, and

c) the step width parallel to the doorway must be at least 550mm, and

d) If more than one step is provided, any intermediate step which is cut away to allow space for the door to open must be at least 180mm deep and at least 250mm wide.

3. Permanent external steps and ramps on the side of the passenger service vehicle must not extend more than 20mm beyond the adjacent body line of the vehicle, and must be constructed so that they are not likely to injure any person.

4. Manually operated extending steps on the side of the passenger service vehicle must:

a) be constructed so that they are not likely to injure any person, and

b) protrude no more than 20mm beyond the adjacent body line of the vehicle when they are folded away, and

c) if the steps extend more than 20mm beyond the adjacent body line of the vehicle, have an audible or visual alarm system that alerts the driver if the vehicle is moving and the steps are extended.

5. Retractable steps must comply with the requirements of the version of UN/ECE Regulation No 36, UN/ECE Regulation No. 107 or Directive 2001/85/EC, which was applicable either:

a) if they were fitted before the vehicle entered service as a PSV in New Zealand, at the time when the vehicle entered service as a PSV in New Zealand, or

b) if they were fitted after the vehicle entered service as a PSV in New Zealand, at the time the steps were fitted.

6. Power operated retractable steps must meet the following requirements:

a) the movement of the step must be synchronised with the operation of the associated door, and

b) the vehicle must not be able to move under its own power when the step is extended, and

c) if the associated door is not within the driver’s direct view, the door must not be able to be closed with a passenger on the step (compliance with this requirement may be demonstrated by placing a weight of 15kg at the centre of the step), and

d) the step must not protrude more than 10 mm beyond the adjacent line of the body work when the associated door is closed.

7. Mechanically operated retractable steps must not protrude more than 10mm beyond the adjacent line of the body work when the associated door is closed.

8. Ramps must be at least 800mm wide, or at least 760mm wide with a 20mm high safety ridge along the side edges.

9. A ramp which is fully extended from a vehicle parked on a flat level surface must not have a gradient that is steeper than 1 in 4.

10. The cross section dimension of handholds on steps or ramps must have no dimension smaller than 20mm or greater than 45mm.

11. A vehicle must comply with the requirements relating to mandatory requirements and equipment set out in the VIRM: In-service certification, section 6-3.

Condition and performance

12. A vehicle must comply with the requirements relating to condition and performance set out in the VIRM: In-service certification, section 6-3.

Page amended 1 October 2012 (see amendment details).

6-4 PSV emergency exits (light PSVs)

Note An unmodified vehicle is not required to comply with Summary of legislation 1–6, or Reasons for rejection 1–6, provided that it complies with either:

  • UN/ECE 36 and UN/ECE 66; UN/ECE 107 and UN/ECE 66; UN/ECE 52 or Directive 2001/85/EC.

Reasons for rejection

Mandatory requirements

1. A PSV does not have emergency exits:

a) distributed throughout the area used by the occupants of the PSV, or

b) on at least two different surfaces of the compartment.

2. A PSV does not have dedicated emergency exits on as many different surfaces as is practicable.

3. A PSV with less than three dedicated emergency exits has one on the left-hand side of the vehicle.

4. A dedicated emergency exit door opens inwards.

5. A dedicated emergency exit on the side wall is hinged on its rear edge.

6. A push-out or free-falling dedicated emergency exit requires a force of more than 400 newtons to open it (Note 2).

7. A PSV is fitted with a sliding or similar type of dedicated emergency exit, which is likely to jam or malfunction if there is even a slight distortion of the vehicle body or frame.

8. A dedicated emergency exit which is a doorway is not at least:

a) 1200mm high (except for a stretch limousine),or

b) 500mm wide.

9. A dedicated emergency exit which is a window or hatch:

a) has a dimension (eg height or width) less than 500mm, or

b) has a free area of the opening is less than 0.35m2.

10. A person is required to step both upwards and downwards to access a dedicated emergency exit.

11. The lower edge of a dedicated emergency exit on the side of the vehicle is 1m or more above the adjacent floor.

12. A dedicated emergency exit window or door is in the extreme rear of the vehicle and there are seats in front of it, and there is no permanent shelf to cover any gap exceeding 150mm between the emergency exit window/door and the rear of the seats (Figure 6-4-1).

13. A vehicle does not comply with the requirements relating to mandatory equipment set out in the VIRM: In-service certification, section 6-4.

Performance

14. A vehicle does not comply with a requirement relating to performance set out in the VIRM: In-service certification, section 6-4.

Note 1 Definitions

Compartment, for the purposes of emergency exits, means:

  • the separated driver’s compartment
  • the upper and lower passenger compartments of a double-decked vehicle
  • the front and rear sections of the passenger compartment of an articulated bus
  • the passenger compartment of a single-decked non-articulated bus.

Emergency exit means:

  • a door used for the entry and exit of the occupants and, for this purpose, a door of double single width is a single emergency exit
  • the access between the front and rear sections of an articulated bus
  • the stairway from the upper deck to the lower deck
  • a dedicated emergency exit.

Dedicated emergency exit means any doorway, window, hatch or other opening that is designed and constructed solely to provide a means of leaving the vehicle in the event of an emergency.

Surfaces (of a PSV) means:

  • the side walls
  • the front and rear faces
  • the roof
  • the floor of the upper deck of a double-decked vehicle.
Note 2

If it is suspected that the opening force exceeds 400 newtons, the exit must be checked during an entry inspection. A push-out or free falling dedicated emergency exit is not required to have levers or handles to open it. It must be mounted in a rubber that has a removable rubber strip on both the inside and outside. In the absence of either rubber strip the owner must demonstrate the operation of the exit.

Figure 6-4-1. Dedicated emergency exit window (or door)

Figure 6-4-1. Dedicated emergency exit window (or door) 

Summary of legislation

Applicable legislation
Mandatory requirements

1. Emergency exits must be:

a) distributed throughout the area used by the occupants of the PSV, and

b) on at least two different surfaces of the compartment.

2. Dedicated emergency exits:

a) must be provided for on as many different surfaces as is practicable, and

b) must not be on the left-hand side of the PSV if the vehicle has less than three dedicated emergency exits.

3. A dedicated emergency exit must open outwards.

4. A dedicated emergency exit of a hinged door or hinged window type in the side wall of a vehicle must not be hinged on its rear edge.

5. A push-out or free-falling dedicated emergency exit must not require a force of more than 400 newtons to open it (Note 2).

6. A sliding or similar type of dedicated emergency exit, which is likely to jam or malfunction if there is even a slight distortion of the vehicle body or frame, must not be fitted on a motor vehicle which entered service as a PSV in New Zealand on or after 1 September 1999.

7. A dedicated emergency exit which is a doorway must be at least:

a) 1200mm high (except for a stretch limousine), and

b) 500mm wide.

8. A dedicated emergency exit which is a window or hatch must have no dimension less than 500mm, and the free area of the opening must be at least 0.35m2

9. A dedicated emergency exit in a motor vehicle which entered service as a PSV in New Zealand on or after 1 September 1999 must comply with the following requirements:

a) a person must not be required to step both upwards and downwards to access the emergency exit, and

b) if an emergency exit window is on the side of the vehicle, the lower edge of the emergency exit window opening must not be more than 1m above the floor adjacent to the emergency exit, and

c) if an emergency exit window is in the extreme rear of the vehicle and there are seats in front of it, there must be a permanent shelf to cover any gap greater than 150mm between the emergency exit window and the rear of the seats.

10. A vehicle must comply with the requirements relating to mandatory equipment set out in the VIRM: In-service certification, section 6-4.

Performance

11. A vehicle must comply with the requirements relating to performance set out in the VIRM: In-service certification, section 6-4.

Page amended 1 October 2012 (see amendment details).

6-4 PSV emergency exits (heavy PSVs)

Note An unmodified vehicle is not required to comply with Summary of legislation 1–6, or Reasons for rejection 1–6, provided that it complies with either:

  • UN/ECE 36 and UN/ECE 66; UN/ECE 107 and UN/ECE 66; UN/ECE 52 or Directive 2001/85/EC.

Reasons for rejection

Mandatory requirements

1. A PSV does not have emergency exits:

a) distributed throughout the area used by the occupants of the PSV, or

b) on at least two different surfaces of the compartment.

2. A PSV does not have dedicated emergency exits on as many different surfaces as is practicable.

3. A PSV with less than three dedicated emergency exits has one on the left-hand side of the vehicle.

4. A dedicated emergency exit door opens inwards.

5. A dedicated emergency exit in the side wall is hinged on its rear edge.

6. A push-out or free-falling dedicated emergency exit requires a force of more than 400 newtons to open it (Note 2).

7. A PSV is fitted with a sliding or similar type of dedicated emergency exit, which is likely to jam or malfunction if there is even a slight distortion of the vehicle body or frame.

8. A dedicated emergency exit which is a doorway is not at least:

a) 1200mm high (except for a stretch limousine),or

b) 500mm wide.

9. A dedicated emergency exit which is a window or hatch:

a) has a dimension (e.g. height or width) less than 500mm, or

b) has a free area of the opening is less than 0.35 m2.

10. A person is required to step both upwards and downwards to access a dedicated emergency exit.

11. The lower edge of a dedicated emergency exit on the side of the vehicle is 1m or more above the adjacent floor.

12. A dedicated emergency exit window or door is in the extreme rear of the vehicle and there are seats in front of it, and there is no permanent shelf to cover any gap exceeding 150mm between the emergency exit window/door and the rear of the seats (Figure 6-4-1).

13. A vehicle does not comply with the requirements relating to mandatory equipment set out in the VIRM: In-service certification, section 6-4.

Performance

14. A vehicle does not comply with a requirement relating to performance set out in the VIRM: In-service certification, section 6-4.

Note 1 Definitions

Compartment, for the purposes of emergency exits, means:

  • the separated driver’s compartment
  • the upper and lower passenger compartments of a double-decked vehicle
  • the front and rear sections of the passenger compartment of an articulated bus
  • the passenger compartment of a single-decked non-articulated bus.

Emergency exit means:

  • a door used for the entry and exit of the occupants and, for this purpose, a door of double single width is a single emergency exit
  • the access between the front and rear sections of an articulated bus
  • the stairway from the upper deck to the lower deck
  • a dedicated emergency exit.

Dedicated emergency exit means any doorway, window, hatch or other opening that is designed and constructed solely to provide a means of leaving the vehicle in the event of an emergency.

Surfaces (of a PSV) means:

  • the side walls
  • the front and rear faces
  • the roof
  • the floor of the upper deck of a double-decked vehicle.
Note 2

If it is suspected that the opening force exceeds 400 newtons, the exit must be checked during an entry inspection. A push-out or free falling dedicated emergency exit is not required to have levers or handles to open it. It must be mounted in a rubber that has a removable rubber strip on both the inside and outside. In the absence of either rubber strip the owner must demonstrate the operation of the exit.

Figure 6-4-1. Dedicated emergency exit window (or door)

Figure 6-4-1. Dedicated emergency exit window (or door) 

Summary of legislation

Applicable legislation
Mandatory requirements

1. Emergency exits must be:

a) distributed throughout the area used by the occupants of the PSV, and

b) on at least two different surfaces of the compartment.

2. Dedicated emergency exits:

a) must be provided for on as many different surfaces as is practicable, and

b) must not be on the left-hand side of the PSV if the vehicle has less than three dedicated emergency exits.

3. A dedicated emergency exit must open outwards.

4. A dedicated emergency exit of a hinged door or hinged window type in the side wall of a vehicle must not be hinged on its rear edge.

5. A push-out or free-falling dedicated emergency exit must not require a force of more than 400 newtons to open it (Note 2).

6. A sliding or similar type of dedicated emergency exit, which is likely to jam or malfunction if there is even a slight distortion of the vehicle body or frame, must not be fitted on a motor vehicle which entered service as a PSV in New Zealand on or after 1 September 1999.

7. A dedicated emergency exit which is a doorway must be at least:

a) 1200mm high (except for a stretch limousine), and

b) 500mm wide.

8. A dedicated emergency exit which is a window or hatch must have no dimension less than 500mm, and the free area of the opening must be at least 0.35m2

9. A dedicated emergency exit in a motor vehicle which entered service as a PSV in New Zealand on or after 1 September 1999 must comply with the following requirements:

a) a person must not be required to step both upwards and downwards to access the emergency exit, and

b) if an emergency exit window is on the side of the vehicle, the lower edge of the emergency exit window opening must not be more than 1m above the floor adjacent to the emergency exit, and

c) if an emergency exit window is in the extreme rear of the vehicle and there are seats in front of it, there must be a permanent shelf to cover any gap greater than 150mm between the emergency exit window and the rear of the seats.

10. A vehicle must comply with the requirements relating to mandatory equipment set out in the VIRM: In-service certification, section 6-4.

Performance

11. A vehicle must comply with the requirements relating to performance set out in the VIRM: In-service certification, section 6-4.

Page amended 1 October 2012 (see amendment details).