Draft rules for Standardization of Vehicle dimension

New Delhi- Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH), based in New Delhi has proposed the draft rules for Standardisation of vehicle dimensions to amend the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. The objections and suggestions received from the public in respect of the said draft rules have been considered.

The dimension, particularly the height of the N category vehicles (goods vehicles) has been amended to encourage containerized transport. The dimensions, particularly the height of the M category vehicles has been amended from 3.8 meter to 4.0 meter except in the case of Airport passenger bus, in line with international UNECE (United Nations Economic Commission for Europe) standards. The length of the M3 (buses) with two axles is amended from 12 meters to 13.5 meter.

The length of the Trailers (T category) is amended from 18.0 meters to 18.75 meter to accommodate ISO standards containers of 45 ft. The height of the trailer is amended from 3.8 meter to 4.0 meter with certain exceptions.

Semi-trailers carrying ISO series/ freight containers or fabricated/refrigerated containers or with containerized body shall not exceed 4.52 meter.

In case of Truck-trailers/ Tractor-trailer engaged by Auto manufacturers to carry motor vehicles/ construction equipment Motor vehicle/ livestock / white goods with closed body or meant to carry indivisible loads, the overall height of the motor vehicle shall not exceed 4.75 meter.

In case of invisible load following relaxations are made with respect to dimensions namely:

·       200 mm projection on each lateral side permissible in case motor vehicle has the actual width as 2.6 meter subject to height upto 4.75 with certain conditions namely.

·       In case of mechanical trailers carrying goods of exceptional length (for eg. wind mill blades), the trailers with extendable length are proposed to be included.

Proposed dimension details are below -

Category M - Motor vehicles having at least four wheels and for the carriage of passengers

Note:

In case Double Decked buses, the overall height of the motor vehicle shall not exceed 4.75meters.

M1- Vehicles designed and constructed for the carriage of passengers and comprising no more than eight seats in addition to the driver’s seat, and having a maximum mass (“technically permissible maximum laden mass”) not exceeding 3.5 tons

M2- Vehicles designed and constructed for the carriage of passengers, comprising more than eight seats in addition to the driver’s seat, and having a maximum mass (“technically permissible maximum laden mass”) not exceeding 5 tons

M3- Vehicles designed and constructed for the carriage of passengers, comprising more than eight seats in addition to the driver’s seat, and having a maximum mass exceeding 5 tons

Category N - Power-driven vehicles having at least four wheels and for the carriage of goods

Note:

N1- Vehicles for the carriage of goods and having a maximum mass not exceeding 3.5 tonnes.

N2- Vehicles for the carriage of goods and having a maximum mass exceeding 3.5 tonnes but not exceeding 12 tonnes.

N3- Vehicles for the carriage of goods and having a maximum mass exceeding 12 tonnes.

Category T – Trailers used for the carrying goods.

Note:

·       Provided that in case semitrailer has a closed Load body the overall height of the motor vehicle shall not exceed 4.52meters. Also, Semi-trailers carrying ISO series I freight containers or Fabricated / Refrigerated containers shall not exceed 4.52 meters.

·       Provided further that in case Truck-trailer/Tractor-trailer engaged by Auto manufacturers to carry motor vehicles/Construction equipment Motor vehicle/ livestock/white goods has a closed load body or meant to carry indivisible loads, the overall height of the motor vehicle shall not exceed 4.75 m.

Modular Hydraulic Trailer/Pneumatic Trailer

Note:

Pneumatic trailers are trailers with air suspension.

Mechanical Trailers of Exceptional Length

Notes:

Mechanical Trailers with length upto 18.75meters which may be extended up to 50 meters depending on the length of the indivisible consignment, while complying with Central Motor Vehicles Rules conditions like axle load, Turning radius etc.