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

1 Class – Light Vehicles

Cars, taxis, and light vans
Typically 2 axles, up to 3.1 meters long

2 Class – Cars with Trailers

Passenger vehicles towing small trailers or caravans
3 to 5 axles, 3.1 to 7.5 meters in length

3 Class – 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)

4 Class – Medium 3-Axle Trucks or Coaches

Rigid vehicles with 3 axles
Length: 5.0 to 7.5 meters

5 Class – Medium 4-Axle Vehicles

Typically rigid trucks with 4 axles
Length: 3.1 to 7.5 meters

6 Class – Long 3-Axle Vehicles and Buses

Includes 3-axle rigid trucks and long buses
Length: 7.5 to 18.5 meters

7 Class – 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

8 Class – Long 5-Axle Combinations

3-axle truck + 2-axle trailer (rigid combination)
Length: 7.5 to 18.5 meters

9 Class – Long 6-Axle Combinations

3-axle truck + 3-axle trailer
Length: 7.5 to 18.5 meters

10 Class – Long Vehicles with 7 or 8 Axles

Large combination trucks with 7–8 axles
Length: 7.5 to 18.5 meters

11 Class – Medium Combination Vehicles

5 to 11 axles
Length: 18.5 to 34 meters

12 Class – Long Combination Vehicles (LCVs)

6 to 19 axles
Length is Greater than 34 meters
Includes road trains and large B-triples

13 Class – 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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