Heavy buses (sometimes called omnibuses) have a gross vehicle mass (GVM) of more than 3500kg.
There are three classes of heavy bus:
Consultation on proposed changes to VDAM rule
The Government is consulting on proposed changes to the Vehicle Dimensions and Mass Rule 2002 (VDAM Rule) which regulates the size and weight of vehicles able to travel on New Zealand roads. Submissions are open until 17 February 2016. The discussion document and submission form are available online at www.transport.govt.nz/vdam .
Requirements for heavy buses (classes MD3, MD4 and ME)
All these imported heavy vehicles first registered in New Zealand after 1 July 2008 must meet an approved brake standard. See the Land Transport Rule: Heavy Vehicle Brakes 2006 .
| Vehicle has to meet standard if made on or after... | What sort of standard? | Under what legislation? |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January 2006 | Side marker lamps (if fitted) | Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Lighting 2004 and Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Lighting Amendment 2005 |
| 1 January 2006 |
| Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Lighting 2004 |
| 27 February 2005 | Installation standard for lighting on this class of vehicles OR fitting requirements in Lighting Rule* | Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Lighting 2004 |
| 1 October 2004 | Tyres and wheels ** | Land Transport Rule: Tyres and Wheels 2001 |
| 1 January 1996 | Rear-view mirrors | Land Transport Rule: Glazing, Windscreen Wipe and Wash, and Mirrors 1999 |
| 1 January 1996 | Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Lighting 2004 | |
| 1 January 1992 | Rear reflectors | Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Lighting 2004 |
| 1 January 1991 | Glazing | Land Transport Rule: Glazing, Windscreen Wipe and Wash, and Mirrors 1999 |
| Varies | Seatbelts and seatbelt anchorages ** | Land Transport Rule: Seatbelts and Seatbelt Anchorages 2002 |
| * The number, position and performance of lighting equipment on vehicles manufactured after 27 February 2005 must meet EITHER an installation standard OR the relevant requirements in 3.3, 4.3, 6.3, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 8.3 and 9.3 of Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Lighting 2004. ** You may fit components that meet New Zealand standards to your vehicle after it arrives in the country. | ||