Axle codes
The number of axles in the tables in this section are derived from the axle code shown on the vehicle’s Certificate of Registration. This code is used to record the layout and number of axles and wheels on vehicles. Non-driven axles are included (eg retractable, tag, lazy, pusher axles etc).
For registration charging purposes, the calculation of the number of axles is as follows:
- two axles not more than one metre apart from the wheel centres are treated as one axle
- four axles not more than 3.2 metres apart from the wheel centres are treated as three axles
- three axles not more than two metres apart from the wheel centres are treated as two axles
The illustrations on this page represent examples of typical axle layouts and the corresponding axle code.
Trucks, prime movers, buses
Axle layout | Axle code |
R11 | |
R12 | |
R19 | |
R13 | |
R14 | |
R15 | |
R16 | |
R22 | |
R24 | |
R26 | |
ZAV | |
ZRT |
Trailers
Axle layout | Axle code |
T1 | |
T2 | |
T9 | |
T3 | |
T4 | |
T0 | |
T5 | |
T6 | |
T8 | |
T22 | |
T24 | |
T44 | |
For trailers with 5 to 9 axles | T1# where # is the number of axles on the trailer. |
Self propelled plant and SPVs
Axle Layout | Axle code |
Any | P# where # is the number of axles on the vehicle. |