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

Axle layout for R11 code - 2 at the front and 2 at the back

R11

Axle layout for R12 code - 2 at the front and 4 at the back

R12

Axle layout for R19 code - 2 at the front and 2 sets of 2 at the back

R19

Axle layout for R13 code - 2 at the front and a set of 2 and a set of 4 at the back
or
Axle layout for R13 code - 2 at the front and a set of 4 and a set of 2 at the back

R13

Axle layout for R14 code - 2 at the front and a set of 2 sets of 4 at the back

R14

Axle layout for R15 code - 2 at the front and a set of 2 and two sets of 4 at the back

R15

Axle layout for R16 code - 2 at the front and three sets of 4 at the back

R16

Axle layout for R22 code - two sets of 2 at the front and a set of 4 at the back

R22

Axle layout for R24 code - two sets of 2 at the front and two sets of 4 at the back

R24

Axle layout for R26 code - two sets of 2 at the front and three sets of 4 at the back

R26

Axle layout for ZAV code - articulated bus with three axles

ZAV

Variable axle configuration for ZRT code - 3 or more axles

ZRT

 

Trailers

Axle layout

Axle code

Axle layout for T1 code - 2 axles

T1

Axle layout for T2 code - 4 axles

T2

Axle layout for T9 code - 2 sets of 2

T9

Axle layout for T3 code - a set of 2 and a set of 4 axles

T3

Axle layout for T4 code - 2 sets of 4 axles

T4

Axle layout for T0 code - 3 sets of 2 axles

T0

Axle layout for T5 code - a set of 2 axles and two sets of 4 axles

T5

Axle layout for T6 code - three sets of 4 axles

T6

Axle layout for T8 code - four sets of 4 axles

T8

Axle layout for T22 code - 2 sets of 4 axles
or
Axle layout for T22 code - 2 sets of 2 axles
or
Axle layout for T22 code - a set of 2 and a set of 4 axles

T22

Axle layout for T24 code - a set of 4 axles and 2 sets of 2 axles
or
Axle layout for T24 code - 3 sets of 4 axles

T24

Axle layout for T44 code - 4 sets of 4 axles

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.