Technical bulletins (general)
15 Identifying compliant hitches and brake systems
Imported trailers with whole vehicle type approval
A trailer that has European whole vehicle type approval will have brakes compliant with UN/ECE Regulation 13. These trailers are identified by a plate very similar to the following:
Trailers fitted with a UN/ECE Regulation 13 braking system
These trailers are usually built in New Zealand and fitted with an imported braking system. An approved braking system can be identified by the features and markings detailed below. If these features and markings are not present the owner must be able to present documentation that reasonably proves the braking system is compliant with UN/ECE Reg.13 and Reg.55.
Compliant hitch
- A compliant hitch will be fitted with a plate like the one above that indicates it is compliant to Reg. 55 as per the red highlighted section in the image.
Compliant brake system
- compliant brake system will require a brake acting on each wheel of every axle (ie two individual brakes on a single axle, four on a twin axle, and six on a tri axle). The back of each brake drum will have a test number marking like that shown above.
Trailers without a UN/ECE approved brake system
Trailers presented without a European approved braking system, as per the two sections above, must be presented with an exemption letter issued by the Transport Agency. An example of this may be seen below. These trailers are usually built in New Zealand and are usually fitted with a brake system manufactured in New Zealand. Some of these trailers will be fitted with a plate like the one shown below. All these trailers must have a VIN/chassis that matches that shown on the exemption letter.
Sample exemption letter
Page added 1 June 2019 (see amendment details)
Page updated 1 May 2020 (see details)