Pastoral vehicles: registration standards

There are special vehicle standards for certain types of pastoral vehicles to meet registration requirements.

Hauled implements and trailers

Movement

Each trailer or hauled implement must follow the path of the towing vehicle without deviation – for example:

• it doesn't swing or deviate more than 100mm from a straight line when travelling
• does not continually oscillate from side to side.

Width

Vehicles, trailers and implements more than 2.5m wide

You can:

• not drive on a public road or highway between sunset and sunrise
• drive during the day if you get an over width permit.

Trailers and hauled implements 2.5 metres or less wide for use after dark

The vehicle must be fitted with:

• two red reflectors, one mounted on each side of the rear of the trailer or implement, as near as practical to the exterior of the vehicle
• one tail light (red) mounted either centrally, or to the right of centre, facing to the rear of the vehicle.

Passenger cars, derivatives and trucks

Steering

There must not be any obvious wear or excess free play in any component.

Brakes

Brakes must be operating on all wheels with no more than 50% pedal movement. No hydraulic fluid leaks permitted. All adjustments and wear shall be within manufacturer's limits. No oil or grease on linings.

Springs and suspension

There must be a minimum of 50% of original bump stop gap remaining, no broken spring leaves.

Tyres

The remaining tread depth to be at least 1.5mm on face of tread (1/16 inch - full width).

Lighting

For 24 hours use, your vehicle must include all of the following: 

• two headlights (high and low beams)
• one tail light
• one brake light (centre or right hand side)
• two reflectors (red) at rear - one on each side
• indicators both front and rear.

For daylight use only, your vehicle must have all of the following:

• one stop light
• two reflectors (red) at rear - one on each side indicators both front and rear.

Body

Chassis and structural panels are to be free from cracks and signs of advanced rust. Surface rust if left unattended will become advanced rust which is generally seen as an eruption of oxidised metal either on bare metal or under the paint.

Occupant safety

Seats must be securely mounted to the vehicle. A minimum of lap type seat belts for each seat in open type vehicles which in normal use would be required to have seat belts fitted. Enclosed vehicles should have original type and number of seat belts fitted. For vehicles which have had doors removed, a device to prevent occupant falling out must be fitted – for example: a safety device or bar mounted across the opening at approximate waist height to an average size person. Interior free of sharp fittings.

Mirrors

There must be one rear view mirror mounted either centrally or on right hand side, depending on vehicle type.

Exhaust

The exhaust must be fitted with a silencer (muffler) and extend beyond the rear most passenger space.

Fuel tanks

Tanks are not to be fitted within occupant space (except where an original fitment). To be securely mounted and to have metal piping except that a flexible hose may be fitted between chassis and engine to allow for relative movement. No leaks.

Pastoral motorcycles

Tyres

There must be a minimum of 1.5mm tread depth on full face of remaining tread width.

Brakes

Brakes must be operative on both front and rear wheels with not more than 50% control movement.

Steering

There must be no obvious wear or excess free play in headstand bearings.

Exhaust

The exhaust must be fitted with a correctly secured silencer (muffler).

Lighting

For 24 hour use, your vehicle must have all of the following:

• headlight (high and low beam)
• tail light
• brake light
• red reflector (rear).

For daylight use, your vehicle must have all of the following:

• stop light
• red reflectors (rear).

Footrests

You must have footrests.

Tractors

Tyres

There must be a minimum of 1.5mm depth of tread on surface contact area of steering tyres. The carcass of all tyres must be in sound condition.

Brakes

Brakes must be in operating condition. No hydraulic fluid leaks permitted. All adjustments and wear shall be within manufacturer's limits. All of the linings and friction surfaces of dry brake assemblies must be free of oil grease.

Steering

No steering faults are permitted. Where power assisted or hydraulic - no leaks permitted. All adjustments and wear shall be within manufacturer's limits. All components with safety locking provision (split pins, lock wire) shall be adequately secured.

Lighting

For 24 hour use, your vehicle must have:

• headlights (front work lights will be acceptable as head lights).
• one tail light
• one brake light
• two red reflectors (rear one on each side)
• indicators at the front and rear for vehicles with enclosed cabins.

For daylight use, your vehicle must have:

• stop light
• red reflectors (rear).
• indicators front and rear for vehicles with enclosed cabins.

Oil or fuel leaks

Oil or fuel leaks which can be seen during an inspection of the vehicle, that deposit oil or fuel onto the ground, are not permitted.