Road compactor - steel-smooth drum roller

Find out about conditional registration, acceptable uses and equipment requirements for road compactors or steel-smooth drum rollers.

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What is a road compactor?

A road compactor, also known as a road roller, roller paver, or steel smooth drum roller compactor, is used to compact soil, gravel, concrete, or asphalt before road construction.

You need a Car (Class C) licence to drive a road compactor.

Conditional registration for road compactors

Road compactor - steel smooth drum roller
 

Road compactors need to be conditionally registered to be used on public roads and road-related areas.

Conditional registration gives you limited road access to perform specific functions.

You cannot get conditional registration if a vehicle that complies with the construction and equipment requirements of the Australian Design Rules can be used perform the same function.

See information about vehicle standards to see what standards apply.

Find out how to apply for conditional registration for a road compactor.

Oversize vehicle operators

Vehicles that go beyond the dimension and weight limits must comply with the conditions of the relevant access notice or permit. To find out the conditions for:

  • NSW permits – contact Special Permits Unit on 1300 656 371
  • interstate permits – contact National Heavy Vehicle Regulator on 1300 696 487.

Vehicle requirements

Road compactors must meet the following vehicle condition to apply for conditional registration:

  • Steel smooth drum rollers must not travel on any sealed road.

Conditions of use

The following minimum conditions apply to conditional registration.

Condition Code
Daylight / floodlit worksite use only TD1
Flashing amber beacon required and used when vehicle moving SL1
Vehicle to be floated from site to site (except that it can operate in areas designated in LO5 or GO5) LO99
Use only within a defined area or construction zone where a traffic control plan applies LO5
Use only by shortest suitable route between depots and worksites GO5
Vehicle can only travel on unsealed roads Free text
Vehicle must not travel more than 5km between depots and worksites Free text
Steering failure warning device/sign
Note: Applies to vehicles with hydraulic steering only
SL99
Restricted to a maximum speed of 45km/h
Note: Applies to vehicles with hydraulic steering only
SP45

Equipment requirements

To receive conditional registration you must ensure that the following equipment requirements are met.

Equipment Daylight/floodlit use
Amber rotating beacon Yes
Brake and turn lights Yes
Headlights, tail and number plate lights No
Rear reflectors or reflective tape Yes
Side reflective tape Yes
Rear vision mirror(s) Yes
Horn Yes

Lighting

All lighting must be fitted as near as possible to the position specified in Schedule 2 of:

Transport for NSW office use

Code Type Code
Vehicle shape RWP
Compulsory Third Party insurance class

Conditional registration - PLNT

Unregistered Vehicle Permit - UPLN

Registration usage RDWK / RDWN if vehicle over 4.5 tonnes GVM
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