Reasons for rejection

Mandatory requirement

1. A towbar fitted to a heavy vehicle does not have evidence of certification, ie:

a) the towbar was fitted before the last CoF inspection, and after 1 January 1997, and no LANDATA record has been entered (Note Before 1 January 1997 certification was required but for inspection purposes the LANDATA record need not be checked), or

b) the towbar was fitted after the last CoF inspection and

i. a valid LT400 form has not been presented, or

ii. the HVS certifier was not of category HVET or HMTD or

c) there is no valid certification plate or label attached to the vehicle as required in Table 8-2-1.

2. A towbar fitted to a heavy vehicle before 1 April 2006 for towing a light trailer has not been certified as complying with at least one of the following:

a) NZS 5467: 1993, or

b) NZS 5446: 1987, or

c) NZS 5446: 1987, amended by Appendix A to Policy Statement 5 for towbars rated for a maximum towed mass of 2000kg or less.

3. A towbar fitted to a heavy vehicle on or after 1 April 2006 for towing a light trailer has not been certified as complying with NZS 5467: 1993.

4. The certification label or plate:

a) is not indelible, or

b) is illegible, or

c) is not complete, or

d) has expired (where expiry date is required under Table 8-2-1), or

e) is not attached to the drawbeam in an easily visible position, or

f) does not match the vehicle, or

g) has obvious signs of tampering.

5. A 50mm or 1 7/8 inch diameter tow ball for towing a light trailer is not marked with:

a) the ball size, that is 50mm or 1 7/8 inch, or

b) the ball rating in kilograms.

Mandatory equipment

6. A towbar does not have provision for securely fitting the safety chain from a trailer coupling, except for:

a) New Zealand Defence Force vehicles.

b) fire fighting vehicles.

Condition

7. The towbar or towbar mounting:

a) is not securely attached, or

b) has a bolt or nut that is missing or significantly corroded, or

c) has corrosion damage within 150mm of the mounting points, or

d) is cracked or distorted.

8. The towbar coupling (tow ball):

a) is not securely attached, or

b) is worn beyond manufacturer’s specifications, or

c) is significantly corroded, distorted or cracked, or

d) has a nut that is missing or significantly corroded.

Revoked certifications

9. A towbar fitted to a heavy vehicle was last certified by Peter Wastney (PW) of Peter Wastney Engineering Ltd (for sample certification plates see Figure 8-2-1).

10. A towbar fitted to a heavy vehicle was last certified by Patrick Chu (ZC) of Transport and Structure Ltd (for sample certification plates see Figure 8-2-1).

Modification and repair

11. A modification or repair affects the towbar and:

a) is not excluded from the requirements for HVS certification (Table 8-2-2), or

b) the modification is not for the purpose of law enforcement or the provision of emergency services, or

c) is missing proof of HVS certification, ie the vehicle has been modified or repaired, and:

i. no LANDATA record has been entered, or

ii. no valid LT400 form from an HVS certifier of category HVET or HMTD has been presented.

Table 8-2-1. Minimum information on towbar certification label/plate

Summary of legislation

Applicable legislation

• Land Transport Rule: Heavy Vehicles 2004
• New Zealand Standard 5467: 1993, Code of Practice for Light Trailers
• New Zealand Standard 5446: 1987, Code of Practice for Heavy Motor Vehicle Towing Connections: Drawbar Trailers
• Policy Statement 5, Appendix A
• New Zealand Standard 5232: 1993, Specifications for Ball-and-Socket Type Trailer Couplings.

Mandatory requirement

1. A towbar fitted to a heavy trailer before 1 April 2006 must comply with and be certified to:

a) NZS 5467: 1993, or

b) NZS 5446: 1987, or

c) NZS 5446: 1987, amended by appendix A to Policy Statement 5 for towbars rated for a maximum towed mass of 2000kg or less.

2. A towbar fitted to a heavy trailer on or after 1 April 2006 for towing a light trailer must comply with and be certified to NZS 5467: 1993.

Mandatory equipment

3. A towbar, if fitted to a vehicle, must have provision for securing the safety chain or cable from a trailer coupling, except if the vehicle is likely to tow any of the following trailers:

a) a trailer designed for armament purposes by the New Zealand Defence Force.

b) a trailer pump for fire-fighting purposes.

Condition

4. Towing connection components fitted to a vehicle must ensure that a secure connection can be maintained between the towing and towed vehicles under all conditions of loading and operation for which the vehicle was constructed.

Modification and repair

5. A modification or repair that affects the towbar must be inspected and certified by an HVS certifier of category HVET or HMTD unless the vehicle:

a) is excluded from the requirement for HVS certification (Table 8-2-2), and

b) has been inspected in accordance with the requirements in this manual, including those for equipment, condition and performance.

Reasons for rejection

Mandatory requirement

1. A drawbar fitted to a heavy trailer (other than an agricultural trailer to which section 8-5 applies) does not have evidence of certification as complying with NZS 5446, ie:

a) the drawbar was fitted before the last CoF inspection, and after 1 January 1997, and no LANDATA record has been entered, (Note Before 1 January 1997 certification was required but for inspection purposes the LANDATA record need not be checked), or

b) the drawbar was fitted after the last CoF inspection and:

i. a valid LT400 form has not been presented, or

ii. the HVS certifier was not of category HVET or HMTD, or

c) the drawbar is not fitted with a certification label (Table 8-3-1).

2. The certification label:

a) is not indelible, or

b) is illegible, or

c) is not complete, or

d) is not attached to the drawbar in an easily visible position, or

e) does not match the vehicle, or

f) has obvious signs of tampering, or

g) has expired.

3. For a pole trailer that carries its load as a rigid single span secured to both the towing vehicle and the pole trailer:

a) the maximum towed mass of the drawbar is not equal to or greater than the unladen mass of the pole trailer, or

b) the certification plate attached to the drawbar does not state that the maximum towed mass applies only when the trailer is unladen.

Mandatory and permitted equipment

4. A full trailer (other than a logging trailer, or a trailer designed for the through loading of livestock or goods, or a trailer with an adjustable drawbar fitted before 1 July 2002):

a) is fitted with a telescopic or sliding drawbar, or

b) has a drawbar with more than one on-road operating position.

5. A permitted retractable drawbar on a stock or goods trailer that is a full trailer has:

a) no locking pin holes, or

b) more than one set of locking pin holes, or

c) locking pin holes that are not positioned so that the drawbar is fully extended when locked.

6. A telescopic drawbar on a logging trailer that is a full trailer has more than:

a) one sliding position for long logs, or

b) two fixed positions for short logs, or

c) one fixed position for storage of the drawbar when it is out of use while the trailer is being transported.

7. A telescopic or sliding drawbar does not have endstops or a secondary locking device to prevent separation if the primary locking device fails.

8. A socket-type coupling does not have a locking device or a separate means of retaining this device in the locked position.

Condition and performance

9. A towing connection component is:

a) damaged, deformed, cracked or has significantly deteriorated, or

b) worn beyond manufacturer’s specifications, or

c) not securely attached, or

d) missing, or

e) not mounted in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications, or

f) not protected from striking the ground.

10. The towing eye:

a) is not protected from striking the ground, or

b) is worn beyond (Note 1):

i. 41.6mm for a 40mm towing eye, or

ii. 51.5mm for a 50mm towing eye, or

c) has been repaired, or

d) is the demountable type and has been welded, or

e) is the weld-in type and has been welded other than parallel to the shank (Figure 8-3-1) or as permitted by the towing eye manufacturer

f) is a bolt-in towing eye and shows evidence:

i. of looseness around the securing nut, split pin or washer, or

ii. in the form of witness or fretting marks between the mounting boss and tow eye, or

iii. that the retainer nut has been re-tightened, having been loose.

Note: it is vitally important that there be no re-tightening of this component should there be any movement detected as this can cause failure and result in the trailer separating from the towing vehicle.

11. Locking of the coupling is not readily verifiable by visual inspection.

12. A coupling locking device is in such condition that it is not effective.

13. A telescopic or sliding drawbar:

a) endstop is not substantial enough to be effective, or

b) locking device is in such condition that it is not effective.

14. A drawbar pivot (hinge) pin/bush clearance is more than 1/8th of the pin diameter (eg for a 24mm pin, the clearance is more than 3mm).

15. The drawbar or drawbar mounting has corrosion damage within 150mm of a mounting point.

16. A drawbar on a full trailer has more than one operating position.

Revoked certifications

17. A drawbar fitted to a heavy vehicle was last certified by Peter Wastney (PW) of Peter Wastney Engineering Ltd (for sample certification plates see Figure 8-3-3).

18. A drawbar fitted to a heavy vehicle was last certified by Patrick Chu (ZC) of Transport and Structure Ltd (for sample certification plates see Figure 8-3-3).

Modification and repair (Note 3)

19. A modification or repair affects the drawbar and:

a) is not for the purpose of law enforcement or the provision of emergency services, or

b) is missing proof of HVS certification, ie the vehicle has been modified or repaired, and:

i. no LANDATA record has been entered, or

ii. no valid LT400 form from an HVS certifier of category HVET or HMTD has been presented.

Table 8-3-1. Minimum information on drawbar certification label/plate

*Prior to 1 December 2016 the engineer's job file number could have been used instead of the LT400 number.

**If these values are not applicable, ‘N/A’ must be used (from 1 October 2020). Prior to 1 October 2020 the plate may have a blank space or a zero, nil or N/A value.

For example:

• hinged drawbars do not have a vertical load rating
• most pintle hooks/eyes do not have a D value.

Summary of legislation

Applicable legislation

• Land Transport Rule: Heavy Vehicles 2004
• Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Dimensions and Mass 2002
• New Zealand Standard 5446: 1987, Code of Practice for Heavy Motor Vehicle Towing Connections: Drawbar Trailers
• New Zealand Standard 5446: 2007, Heavy Vehicle Towing Connections – Drawbeams and Drawbars.

Mandatory requirement

1. A drawbar fitted to a vehicle used in a combination (other than an agricultural trailer to which section 8-5 applies) must comply with NZS 5446.

2. For a pole trailer that carries its load as a rigid single span secured to both the towing vehicle and the pole trailer:

a) the maximum towed mass of the drawbar must be equal to or greater than the unladen mass of the pole trailer, and

b) the certification plate attached to the drawbar must state that the maximum towed mass applies only when the trailer is unladen.

Mandatory and permitted equipment

3. A socket-type coupling must have an effective locking device and a separate means of retaining this device in the locked position.

4. A drawbar on a full trailer must not be extendable except as follows:

a) to facilitate the loading of livestock or goods, provided the drawbar has only one set of locking pin holes positioned so that the drawbar is fully extended when locked,

b) a logging trailer with a drawbar that has no more than:

i. one sliding position for long logs.

ii. one or two fixed positions for short logs.

iii. a fixed position for storage of the drawbar when it is out of use while the trailer is being transported.

5. A telescopic drawbar must have endstops or a secondary locking device to prevent separation if the primary locking device fails.

Condition

6. Towing connection components fitted to a vehicle must ensure that a secure connection can be maintained between the towing and towed vehicles under all conditions of loading and operation for which the vehicle was constructed.

7. A drawbar on a full trailer may have only one operating position.

8. Locking off the coupling must be readily verifiable by visual inspection.

Modification and repair

9. A modification or repair that affects the drawbar must be inspected and certified by an HVS certifier of category HVET or HMTD.

Reasons for rejection

Mandatory requirement

1. A drawbeam fitted to a heavy trailer, other than an agricultural vehicle to which section 8-5 applies or a recovery service vehicle, does not have evidence of certification to NZS 5446, ie:

a) the drawbeam was fitted before the last CoF inspection, and after 1 January 1997 and no LANDATA record has been entered, (Note that before 1 January 1997 certification was required but for inspection purposes the LANDATA record need not be checked), or

b) the drawbeam was fitted after the last CoF inspection and

i. a valid LT400 form has not been presented, or

ii. the HVS certifier was not of category HVET or HMTD , or

c) there is no valid certification label or plate attached to the vehicle as required in Table 8-4-1.

2. The certification label or plate:

a) is not indelible, or

b) is illegible, or

c) is not complete, or

d) is not attached to the drawbeam in an easily visible position, or

e) does not match the vehicle, or

f) has obvious signs of tampering, or

g) has expired.

Mandatory equipment

3. A hook- or pin-type coupling does not have a locking device or a separate means of retaining this device in the locked position.

Condition and performance

4. A towing connection component is:

a) damaged, deformed, cracked or has significantly deteriorated, or

b) worn beyond manufacturer’s specifications, or

c) not securely attached, or

d) missing, or

e) not mounted in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications.

5. Locking of the coupling is not readily verifiable by visual inspection.

6. A coupling locking device is in such condition that it is not effective.

7. The towing pin diameter is worn to less than (Note 1):

a) 36.4mm for a 40mm pin, or

b) 46.4mm for a 50mm pin.

8. A towing hook or pin has been repaired or welded.

9. Towing connection components fitted to a vehicle must ensure that a secure connection can be maintained between the towing and towed vehicles under all conditions of loading and operation for which the vehicle was constructed.

10. A drawbeam designed for towing a full trailer is sliding or adjustable.

Revoked certifications

11. A drawbeam fitted to a heavy vehicle was last certified by Peter Wastney (PW) of Peter Wastney Engineering Ltd (for sample certification plates see Figure 8-4-2).

12. A drawbeam fitted to a heavy vehicle was last certified by Patrick Chu (ZC) of Transport and Structure Ltd (for sample certification plates see Figure 8-4-2).

Modification and repair

( see Note 3)

13. A modification or repair affects the drawbeam and:

a) the modification is not for the purpose of law enforcement or the provision of emergency services, or

b) is missing proof of HVS certification, ie the vehicle has been modified or repaired, and:

i. no LANDATA record has been entered, or

ii.  no valid LT400 form from an HVS certifier of category HVET or HMTD has been presented.

Table 8-4-1. Minimum information on drawbeam certification label/plate

*Prior to 1 December 2016 the engineer's job file number could have been used instead of the LT400 number.

**If these values are not applicable, ‘N/A’ must be used (from 1 October 2020). Prior to 1 October 2020 the plate may have a blank space or a zero, nil or N/A value.

For example drawbeams do not have turntable locks, nor do they require a drawbar length.

Summary of legislation

Applicable legislation

• Land Transport Rule: Heavy Vehicles 2004
• Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Dimensions and Mass 2002
• New Zealand Standard 5446: 1987, Code of Practice for Heavy Motor Vehicle Towing Connections: Drawbar Trailers
• New Zealand Standard 5446: 2007, Heavy Vehicle Towing Connections – Drawbeams and Drawbars.

Mandatory equipment

1. A drawbeam fitted to a heavy trailer, other than an agricultural trailer to which section 8-5 applies, used in a combination, must comply with New Zealand Standard 5446: 1987, Code of Practice for Heavy Motor Vehicle Towing Connections: Drawbar Trailers.

2. A hook- or pin-type coupling must have an effective locking device and a separate means of retaining this device in the locked position.

Condition and performance

3. Towing connection components fitted to a vehicle must ensure that a secure connection can be maintained between the towing and towed vehicles under all conditions of loading and operation for which the vehicle was constructed.

4. A drawbeam used for towing a full trailer must not be sliding or adjustable.

5. Locking of the coupling must be readily verifiable by visual inspection.

Modification and repair

6. A modification or repair that affects the drawbeam must be inspected and certified by an HVS certifier of category HVET or HMTD .

Reasons for rejection

Mandatory equipment

1. An agricultural trailer fitted with a towing connection other than a two- or three-point agricultural linkage does not have a safety chain permanently attached to the trailer.

2. A mandatory safety chain does not meet all of the following requirements:

Condition

3. A towing connection component including a safety chain is:

a) damaged, deformed, cracked or has significantly deteriorated, or

b) worn beyond manufacturer’s specifications, or

c) has corrosion damage within 150mm of a mounting point, or

d) not securely attached, or

e) missing, or

f) not mounted in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications, or

g) welded, and the weld metal has not been applied in accordance with good trade practice (direct welding of a safety chain is not permitted).

Summary of legislation

Applicable legislation

• Land Transport Rule: Heavy Vehicles 2004.

Mandatory equipment

1. An agricultural trailer fitted with a towing connection other than a two- or three-point agricultural linkage must have either one safety chain fitted.

2. An agricultural trailer fitted with a towing connection other than a two-point or three-point linkage must have a safety chain permanently attached to it and that chain must:

a) have a breaking strength of at least the gross mass towed, and

b) have its breaking strength identified, and

c) be attached to the trailer by means other than by welding of the chain itself, and

d) be adjustable in length to eliminate a tight or loose chain.

Condition

3. Towing connection components fitted to a vehicle must ensure that a secure connection can be maintained between the towing and towed vehicles under all conditions of loading and operation for which the vehicle was constructed.

4. Towing connections must be fit for purpose and in sound condition.

Reasons for rejection

Mandatory equipment

1. A fifth wheel is not designed to fit a 50mm or 90mm kingpin.

2. A fifth wheel or ball-type coupling fitted to a heavy trailer does not have evidence of certification (unless excepted in Table 8-6-1), ie:

a) the coupling was fitted before the last CoF inspection, and after 1 January 1997, and no LANDATA record has been entered (Note before 1 January 1997 certification was required but for inspection purposes the LANDATA record need not be checked), or

b) the coupling was fitted after the last CoF inspection and

i. a valid LT400 form has not been presented, or

ii. the HVS certifier was not of category HVET or HMTD.

3. A 50mm diameter fifth wheel, other than a rigid fifth wheel, has not been certified to:

a) NZS 5450: 1989, or

b) All of the following:

i. Australian/New Zealand Standard 4968.1-2003, and

ii. Australian/New Zealand Standard 4968.2-2003, and

iii. Australian Standard 2174-2006.

4. A 90mm diameter fifth wheel, other than a rigid fifth wheel, has not been certified to one of the following:

a) if fitted before 1 April 2005, NZS 5450, or

b) if fitted on or after 1 April 2005, both AS 2174 and AS/NZS 4968 (Note 1).

5. A rigid fifth wheel has not been certified to manufacturer’s specifications.

6. A heavy trailer that is fitted with a 90mm diameter fifth wheel does not have ‘90mm fifth wheel’, where ‘90’ is at least 60mm high, clearly displayed in a position readily visible from the position from which the release handle of the fifth wheel is operated.

7. An ‘Operator Statement of Compliance with the Maintenance Requirements of NZS 5450: 1989’ (4085A form) is:

a) not presented, or

b) incomplete (Note 2), or

c) not current, that is more than:

i. the time or distance specified by the fifth wheel manufacturer has elapsed or been travelled since the most recent inspection recorded on the form, or

ii. 30 days have lapsed or 15,000 km has been travelled, whichever occurred sooner, since the most recent inspection recorded on the form, where manufacturer’s specifications are unavailable.

8. A vehicle is fitted with a ball type coupling to tow a semi-trailer and:

a) is not certified to NZS 5446, or

b) does not have a valid certification label or plate attached to the vehicle as required in Table 8-6-2, or

c) is not part of a dedicated combination (Note 6).

9. A required certification label or plate (ball-type couplings only):

a) is not indelible, or

b) is illegible, or

c) is not complete, or

d) is not attached to the vehicle in an easily visible position, or

e) does not match the vehicle, or

f) has obvious signs of tampering, or

g) has expired.

10. A fifth wheel or ball type coupling is installed to the front of a semi-trailer (Note 7).

Condition and performance (Note 3)

11. A coupling or its mounting:

a) is not securely attached, or

b) bolt or nut is missing, significantly corroded or not suitable, or

c) is cracked, distorted or significantly deteriorated, or

d) has corrosion damage within 150mm of the mounting points, or

e) pivot is seized, worn beyond manufacturer’s specifications, or not securely attached.

12. The fifth wheel release mechanism:

a) is not in good condition, eg the handle is bent or damaged, or

b) does not operate freely (check only if presented without trailer attached).

13. The fifth wheel locking mechanism:

a) is not in good condition, eg jaws are worn beyond manufacturer’s specifications or out of adjustment, or

b) does not operate freely (check only if presented without trailer attached).

Modification and repair (Note 4)

14. A modification or repair affects the coupling and:

a) is not excluded from the requirements for HVS certification (Table 8-6-1), or

b) is not for the purpose of law enforcement or the provision of emergency services, or

c) is missing proof of HVS certification, ie the vehicle has been modified or repaired, and:

i. no LANDATA record has been entered, or

ii. no valid LT400 form from an HVS certifier of category HVET or HMTD has been presented.

Table 8-6-1. Requirements for HVS certification

Summary of legislation

Applicable legislation

• Land Transport Rule: Heavy Vehicles 2004
• New Zealand Standard 5450: 1989, Coupling Devices for Articulated Vehicles – Fifth Wheel Assemblies
• Australian Standard 1773-1996: Articulated Vehicles – Fifth Wheel Assemblies
• Australian Standard 1771-1996: Installation of Fifth Wheel and Turntable Assemblies
• Australian Standard 2174-1994: Articulated Vehicles – Mechanical Coupling between Prime Movers and Semi-Trailers – Interchangeability Requirements
• Australian Standard 2174-2006:Articulated Vehicles – Mechanical coupling between prime movers and semitrailers – Interchangeability requirements
• Australian/New Zealand Standard 4968.1-2003: Heavy-road vehicles – Mechanical coupling between articulated vehicle combinations – Design criteria and selection requirements for fifth wheel, kingpin and associated equipment
• Australian/New Zealand Standard 4968.2-2003: Heavy-road vehicles – Mechanical coupling between articulated vehicle combinations – Testing and installation of fifth wheel and associated equipment
• New Zealand Standard 5446: 1987, Code of Practice for Heavy Motor Vehicle Towing Connections: Drawbar Trailers
• New Zealand Standard 5446: 2007, Heavy Vehicle Towing Connections – Drawbeams and Drawbars.

Mandatory equipment

1. A trailer that is constructed to tow a semi-trailer must be fitted with either:

a) a 50mm diameter fifth wheel, or

b) a 90mm diameter fifth wheel, or

c) a ball-type coupling certified to NZS 5446 and be operated as part of a dedicated coupling.

2. A 50mm diameter fifth wheel must comply with:

a) NZS 5450: 1989, or

b) all of the following:

i. Australian/New Zealand Standard 4968.1-2003: Heavy-road vehicles – Mechanical coupling between articulated vehicle combinations – Design criteria and selection requirements for fifth wheel, kingpin and associated equipment, and

ii. Australian/New Zealand Standard 4968.2-2003: Heavy-road vehicles – Mechanical coupling between articulated vehicle combinations – Testing and installation of fifth wheel and associated equipment, and

iii. Australian Standard 2174-2006: Articulated Vehicles – Mechanical coupling between prime movers and semitrailers – Interchangeability requirements.

3. A 90mm diameter fifth wheel installed before 1 April 2005 must comply with NZS 5450: 1989.

4. A 90mm diameter fifth wheel installed on or after 1 April 2005 and before 29 December 2007 must comply with:

a) Australian Standard 1773–1996 (Note 1), and

b) Australian Standard 1771–1996 (Note 1), and

c) Australian Standard 2174–1994.

5. A 90mm diameter fifth wheel installed on or after 29 December 2007 must comply with:

a) AS/NZS 4968.1–2003, and

b) AS/NZS 4968.2–2003, and

c) AS 2174–2006.

6. A trailer that is fitted with a 90mm diameter fifth wheel must have clearly displayed, in a position readily visible from the position from which the release handle of the fifth wheel is operated, ‘90mm fifth wheel’ where ‘90’ must be not less than 60mm high.

7. A rigid fifth wheel fitted to a trailer must be installed and maintained in accordance with the fifth-wheel manufacturer’s instructions.

Condition

8. Towing connection components fitted to a trailer must ensure that a secure connection can be maintained between the towing and towed vehicles under all conditions of loading and operations for which the vehicle was constructed.

Modification and repair

9. A modification or repair that affects the coupling must be inspected and certified by an HVS certifier of category HVET or HMTD unless the vehicle:

a) excluded from the requirement for HVS certification (Table 8-6-1), and

b) has been inspected in accordance with the requirements in this manual, including those for equipment, condition and performance.

Reasons for rejection

Mandatory equipment

1. A semi-trailer is not fitted with:

a) a 50mm or 90mm diameter kingpin and a skid plate, or

b) a socket-type coupling.

2. A kingpin or socket-type coupling fitted to a heavy semi-trailer does not have evidence of certification (unless excepted in Table 8-7-1), ie:

a) the coupling was fitted before the last CoF inspection, and after 1 January 1997, and no LANDATA record has been entered (Note Before 1 January 1997 certification was required but for inspection purposes the LANDATA record need not be checked), or

b) the coupling was fitted after the last CoF inspection and

i. a valid LT400 form has not been presented, or

ii. the HVS certifier was not of category HVET or HMTD.

3. A 50mm diameter kingpin and associated skid plate has not been  certified to:

a) NZS 5451, or

b) All of the following:

i. Australian/New Zealand Standard  4968.1-2003, and

ii. Australian/New Zealand  Standard 4968.2-2003, and

iii. Australian Standard  2174-2006, or

c) UN/ECE Regulation 55 (if fitted to an imported, powered vehicle).

4. A 90mm diameter kingpin and skid plate installed on or after 1 April 2005 has not been certified to both of the following standards:

a) AS/NZS 4968 (supersedes AS 2175 and AS4235), and

b) AS 2174.

5. A trailer that is fitted with a 90mm diameter kingpin does not have ‘90mm kingpin’, where ‘90’ is at least 100mm high, clearly displayed in a position readily visible at the lower right-hand side of the front end of the trailer.

6. A vehicle is fitted with a socket-type coupling to tow a semi-trailer and:

a) is not certified to NZS 5446, or

b) does not have a valid certification label or plate attached to the vehicle as required in Table 8-7-2, or

c) is not part of a dedicated combination (Note 1).

7. A required certification label or plate (ball-type couplings only):

a) is not indelible, or

b) is illegible, or

c) is not complete, or

d) is not attached to the vehicle in an easily visible position, or

e) does not match the vehicle, or

f) has obvious signs of tampering, or

g) has expired.

8. A hook- or pin-type coupling does not have a locking device or a separate means of retaining this device in the locked position.

9. A kingpin or socket-type coupling has been installed to the rear of a towing vehicle (Note 2).

10. An NZTA 4085B Operator statement of skidplate maintenance form is:

a) not presented, or

b) not complete (Note 3), or

c) not current (ie more than 30 days have lapsed or 15,000km has been travelled, whichever occurred sooner, since the most recent inspection recorded on the form).

See also the Heavy vehicle servicing: skid plate inspection guide.

Condition and performance (Note 5)

11. A skid plate or skid-plate mounting:

a) is not securely attached, or

b) is cracked, distorted or has significantly deteriorated, or

c) has corrosion damage within 150mm of the mounting points.

12. A coupling or its mounting:

a) is not securely attached, or

b) bolt or nut is missing, significantly corroded or not suitable, or

c) is cracked, distorted or significantly deteriorated, or

d) has corrosion damage within 150mm of its mounting points, or

e) has been repaired, or

f) is excessively worn, ie there is excessive play.

13. Locking of the coupling is not readily verifiable by visual inspection.

14. A coupling locking device is in such condition that it is not effective.

Modification and repair (Note 2)

15. A modification or repair affects the kingpin or skid plate, or socket-type coupling and:

a) is not excluded from the requirements for HVS certification (Table 8-7-1), or

b) the modification is not for the purpose of law enforcement or the provision of emergency services, or

c) is missing proof of HVS certification, ie the vehicle has been modified or repaired, and:

i. no LANDATA record has been entered, or

ii. no valid LT400 form from an HVS certifier of category HVET or HMTD has been presented.

Table 8-7-1. Requirements for HVS certification

Summary of legislation

Applicable legislation

• Land Transport Rule: Heavy Vehicles 2004
• New Zealand Standard 5451: 1989, Coupling Devices for Articulated Vehicles – Fifth Wheel Kingpins
• Australian Standard 2175: 1995, Articulated Vehicles – Kingpins
• Australian/New Zealand Standard 4968: 2003, Heavy Road Vehicles – Mechanical Coupling between Articulated Vehicle Combinations., Parts 1–3 (supersedes AS 2175).
• Australian Standard 2174:1994, Articulated Vehicles – Mechanical Coupling between Prime Movers and Semi-Trailers – Interchangeability Requirements
• Australian Standard 4235: 1994, Articulated Vehicles – Design Criteria for Fifth Wheel Skid Plates
• New Zealand Standard 5446: 1987, Code of Practice for Heavy Motor Vehicle Towing Connections: Drawbar Trailers
• New Zealand Standard 5446: 2007, Heavy Vehicle Towing Connections – Drawbeams and Drawbars.

Mandatory equipment

1. A semi-trailer must be fitted with:

a) a 50mm or 90mm diameter kingpin, and a skid plate, or

b) a socket type coupling certified to NZS 5446 and operated as part of a dedicated combination.

2. A 50mm diameter kingpin and associated skid plate fitted to a  vehicle must comply with:

a) NZS 5451, or

b) all of the following:

i. Australian/New Zealand  Standard 4968.1-2003: Heavy-road vehicles – Mechanical coupling between  articulated vehicle combinations – Design criteria and selection requirements  for fifth wheel, kingpin and associated equipment, and

ii. Australian/New Zealand  Standard 4968.2-2003: Heavy-road vehicles – Mechanical coupling between  articulated vehicle combinations – Testing and installation of fifth wheel and  associated equipment, and

iii. Australian Standard  2174-2006: Articulated Vehicles – Mechanical coupling between prime movers and  semitrailers – Interchangeability requirements, or

c) Despite the requirements in 2b) above, an imported, powered  vehicle that is constructed to tow a semi-trailer may be fitted with a 50mm  diameter fifth wheel that complies with UN/ECE Regulation 55: Uniform  Provisions Concerning the Approval of Mechanical Coupling Components of  Combinations of Vehicles E/ECE/32 4 Rev.1/Add.54/Rev.1 E/ECE/TRANS/505A.

3. A 90mm diameter kingpin fitted to a vehicle before 1 April 2005 must be certified by an HVS certifier.

4. A 90mm diameter kingpin fitted to a vehicle on or after 1 April 2005 must comply with both:

a) AS/NZS 4968 (supersedes AS 2175), and

b) AS 2174.

5. A skid plate fitted to a vehicle on or after 1 April 2005 and before 29 December 2007 in connection with a 90mm diameter kingpin must comply with AS 4235.

6. A skid plate fitted to a vehicle on or after 29 December 2007 in connection with a 90mm diameter kingpin must comply with AS/NZS 4968.

7. A vehicle that is fitted with a 90mm diameter kingpin must have clearly displayed in a position readily visible at the lower right-hand side of the front end of the vehicle ‘90mm kingpin’ where ‘90’ must not be less than 100mm high.

8. A socket-type coupling must have an effective locking device and a separate means of retaining this device in the locked position.

Condition and performance

9. Towing connection components fitted to a vehicle must ensure that a secure connection can be maintained between the towing and towed vehicles under all conditions of loading and operations for which the vehicle was constructed.

10. A coupling fitted to a vehicle must not have any cracks that can be detected by means of visual inspection.

11. Locking of the coupling must be readily verifiable by visual inspection.

12. A skidplate and kingpin must remain in safe tolerance of the state of manufacture or last modification.

Modification and repair

13. A modification or repair that affects the coupling must be inspected and certified by an HVS certifier of category HVET or HMTD unless the vehicle:

a) is excluded from the requirement for HVS certification (Table 8-7-1), and

b) has been inspected in accordance with the requirements in this manual, including those for equipment, condition and performance.