NSW Operators Given 2 Year Extension on “non-conforming” Bullbars

NSW truckies have been given a two year reprieve to get their non-compliant bull bars in line with Australian Design Rules for vehicle frontal protection systems.

The New South Wales Roads and Freight Minister, Duncan Gay recently released a Ministerial Order to allow a medium term level of tolerance on bull bar compliance in the state.

Operators have been urged to take advantage of the time to have their non-conforming bull bars replaced without penalty. This is in an effort to get dangerous bull bars off the state’s roads.

An article on Truck website www.primemovermag.com.au explains more about the order and what it means to operators,

Under the order, there will be a two-year exemption period to allow drivers who have purchased a non-compliant bull bar to have it checked and modified or replaced without penalty.

Source:Prime Mover Mag.

Minister Gay also explained that the order was meant to facilitate the removal of potentially dangerous bull bars from NSW roads without handing out penalties, especially to people who were unaware that their bull bars did not comply with the Australian Design Rules.

The announcement from Minister Gay followed a police blitz in the north-west part of the state which focused on non-conforming bull bars. A number of complaints were received in relation to the blitz, prompting the state government to extend the period for drivers to get their bull bars in order, although the Australian Design Rules for vehicle frontal protection systems took effect over a decade ago.

A statement was also issued by the NSW Centre for Road Safety. In the statement it was explained that the Transport Department will be advising people on bull bar compliance. The article went on to detail that the Transport Department:

“will be working to provide better guidance to the public and bull bar manufacturers about the types of bull bars permitted in NSW”.

Source:Prime Mover Mag.

They will also be working in conjunction with the Police and other law enforcement agencies to provide clarity on bull bar compliance issues.

The main problem seems to be the five post type bull bar which does not comply with the regulation which came into effect in 2003 under the Australian Design Rules for vehicle frontal protection systems.

For further information see NSW Roads Bull Bar Tolerances and Conditions Applicable in 2 Year Exemption Period.

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