Road compactor or steel padfoot roller

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

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What is a steel padfoot roller?

A steel padfoot roller, also known as a sheepsfoot roller or tamping foot roller, is a type of road roller compactor. The rollers pad breaks up and compacts the soil before construction or road work.

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

Conditional registration for steel padfoot rollers

Road Compactor - steel padfoot - sheepsfoot roller
 

Steel padfoot rollers 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 to 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.

Vehicle requirements

Steel padfoot rollers must meet the following vehicle condition to apply for conditional registration:

  • Steel padfoot road rollers must not travel on sealed roads.

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.

Conditions of use

The following minimum conditions apply to conditional registration.

ConditionCode
Daylight / floodlit worksite use onlyTD1
Flashing amber beacon required and used when vehicle movingSL1
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 appliesLO5
Use only by shortest suitable route between depots and worksitesGO5
Vehicle can only travel on unsealed roadsFree text
Vehicle must not travel more than 5km between depots and worksitesFree 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.

EquipmentDaylight/floodlit use
Amber rotating beaconYes
Brake and turn lightsYes
Headlights, tail and number plate lightsNo
Rear reflectors or reflective tapeYes
Side reflective tapeYes
Rear vision mirror(s)Yes
HornYes

Lighting

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

Transport for NSW office use

Code TypeCode
Vehicle shapeRWP
Compulsory Third Party insurance class

Conditional registration - PLNT

Unregistered Vehicle Permit - UPLN

Registration usageRDWK / RDWN if vehicle over 4.5 tonnes GVM

Related information

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