Australian Standard Vehicle Classification
In Australia, vehicle classification for traffic surveys is based on the Austroads Standard Vehicle Classification System. This system categorizes vehicles by axle count, vehicle length, and combination configuration, supporting consistent traffic data collection and road planning nationwide.
Breakdown of Australian Vehicle Classes
Class 1 – Light Vehicles
Cars, taxis, and light vans
Typically 2 axles, up to 3.1 meters long
Class 2 – Cars with Trailers
Passenger vehicles towing small trailers or caravans
3 to 5 axles, 3.1 to 7.5 meters in length
Class 3 – Medium Length Vehicles
Two types fall under this class:
2-axle medium trucks (3.1 to 7.5 m)
2-axle buses or coaches (3.1 to 7.5 m)
Class 4 – Medium 3-Axle Trucks or Coaches
Rigid vehicles with 3 axles
Length: 5.0 to 7.5 meters
Class 5 – Medium 4-Axle Vehicles
Typically rigid trucks with 4 axles
Length: 3.1 to 7.5 meters
Class 6 – Long 3-Axle Vehicles and Buses
Includes 3-axle rigid trucks and long buses
Length: 7.5 to 18.5 meters
Class 7 – Long 4-Axle Vehicles & Rigid + Trailer
4-axle long vehicles and 2-axle truck + 2-axle trailer combos
Length: 7.5 to 18.5 meters
Class 8 – Long 5-Axle Combinations
3-axle truck + 2-axle trailer (rigid combination)
Length: 7.5 to 18.5 meters
Class 9 – Long 6-Axle Combinations
3-axle truck + 3-axle trailer
Length: 7.5 to 18.5 meters
Class 10 – Long Vehicles with 7 or 8 Axles
Large combination trucks with 7–8 axles
Length: 7.5 to 18.5 meters
Class 11 – Medium Combination Vehicles
5 to 11 axles
Length: 18.5 to 34 meters
Class 12 – Long Combination Vehicles (LCVs)
6 to 19 axles
Length: Greater than 34 meters
Includes road trains and large B-triples
Class 13 – Other Vehicles
Any vehicle not fitting into classes 1–12
May include specialized or off-standard types
Australian Vehicle Classification Summary Table
Class | Vehicle Type | Axles | Length |
1 | Car, Light Van, Taxi | 2 | Up to 3.1 m |
2 | Car with Trailer | 3–5 | 3.1 – 7.5 m |
3 | Medium Vehicle or Bus (2-axle) | 2 | 3.1 – 7.5 m |
4 | Medium Truck/Coach (3-axle) | 3 | 5.0 – 7.5 m |
5 | Medium Vehicle (4-axle) | 4 | 3.1 – 7.5 m |
6 | Long 3-Axle Truck or Bus | 3 | 7.5 – 18.5 m |
7 | Long 4-Axle Vehicle or Rigid + 2-Axle Trailer | 4 | 7.5 – 18.5 m |
8 | Long Vehicle (3-Axle Truck + 2-Axle Trailer) | 5 | 7.5 – 18.5 m |
9 | Long Vehicle (3-Axle Truck + 3-Axle Trailer) | 6 | 7.5 – 18.5 m |
10 | Long Vehicle | 7–8 | 7.5 – 18.5 m |
11 | Medium Combination Vehicle | 5–11 | 18.5 – 34 m |
12 | Long Combination Vehicle | 6–19 | Over 34 m |
13 | Other/Unclassified Vehicles | Varies | Varies |
The Australian Standard Vehicle Classification helps ensure reliable and uniform traffic survey data across states and regions. Understanding how to assign vehicles to the correct class is essential for transport planning, infrastructure design, and freight route assessment.
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