The old 10,000 kg summary is incomplete
The 2012 learner paragraph refers to goods vehicles above 10,000 kg, but the inspected replacement regulation has a broader scope. Yellow approved contour or strip markings make the sides and rear outline visible. Goods vehicles over 3,500 kg GVM and goods vehicles longer than 7 m are included.
The regulation also covers trailers and caravans, and specified buses, midibuses, operating-licence minibuses and motor homes. Registration dates and use conditions matter for those categories. Check the category before concluding that an apparently small commercial vehicle is exempt.
Passenger vehicles, trailers and motor homes
The inspected regulation states the following category conditions:
- All trailers and caravans have been included since 1 July 2006; earlier provisions specifically covered those first registered from 1 January 2004.
- Buses first registered from 1 July 2004 are included. Operating-licence midibuses and buses are also covered by the stated later commencement provisions.
- An operating-licence minibus first registered on or after 4 September 2006 is included.
- A motor home first registered from 1 July 2007 is included.
Use the prescribed material and position
The material must meet the prescribed retro-reflective standard and markings must be permanently affixed. For the specified goods-vehicle rear markings, the regulation limits their position to no more than 600 mm from the lower part of the body. A strip of ordinary yellow adhesive tape does not provide the specified reflection.
Keep the side and rear markings visible and in sound condition. They help others judge the vehicle’s outline, especially a long side at a junction, but do not replace required lamps, reflectors or sound judgement about when it is safe to move.
Worked situation
A delivery goods vehicle has a GVM of 5,000 kg. Its driver has memorised the old learner sentence about 10,000 kg and assumes it needs no contour marking. The later >3,500 kg rule includes it. Check its side and rear markings rather than relying on the old simplified threshold.