GB1589-2016
Limits of dimensions, axle load and masses for motor vehicles,trailers and combination vehicles
汽车、挂车及汽车列车外廓尺寸、 轴荷及质量限值
GB 1589-2016 is a current mandatory Chinese national standard for Limits of dimensions, axle load and masses for motor vehicles,trailers and combination vehicles. It appears in the Electronics compliance cluster with a testing methods focus and has an implementation date of Jul 26, 2016.
Applicability depends on product scope, certification route, competent authority notices and transition rules. Requst for the translation or verify source before using this record in a compliance decision.
Compliance overview
Scope and applicability
This standard applies to motor vehicles, trailers, and combination vehicles operated on roads within China. It establishes the mandatory limits for their external dimensions, axle loads, and masses. It is crucial to note that this standard does not apply to specialized vehicles equipped for the military, armed police, or special police, nor does it apply to double-articulated buses operating on restricted road networks.
Technical requirements
GB 1589-2016 specifies comprehensive mandatory limits across several core technical areas. Firstly, it defines the maximum external dimensions—length, width, and height—for various vehicle categories, including specific tables for drop slide vehicles, fence goods vehicles, and semi-trailers. Manufacturers must ensure their vehicle designs strictly adhere to these dimensional boundaries. Secondly, the standard regulates maximum allowable axle loads for single axles, two-axle groups, and three-axle groups. These limits are influenced by factors such as tire configuration (single vs. dual tires) and the presence of air suspension systems. Thirdly, it sets the maximum allowable total mass limits for vehicles and vehicle trains, which must not exceed the sum of the permissible axle loads. Additionally, the standard outlines specific requirements for vehicle trafficability, including turning clearance circles and vehicle swing values. It also dictates requirements for rear overhang, cargo side board heights, and specialized structural criteria for vehicles like low deck semi-trailers and oilfield special vehicles. Compliance with both the dimensional and mass limits is mandatory for all new productions.
Testing methods
The standard outlines specific measurement procedures to verify compliance. External dimension measurements must be conducted under specific vehicle preparation states (e.g., unladen mass, specific tire pressure) as detailed in Annex A. This includes precise rules on what components are included or excluded from length, width, and height measurements. For trafficability, the standard defines the vehicle turning clearance circle and vehicle swing value testing methods in Annex B. These tests require the vehicle or vehicle train to navigate through a specifically sized concentric circle pathway to ensure it does not exceed the outer and inner vertical spatial boundaries during turning maneuvers.
FAQs
What products and vehicles are regulated under GB 1589-2016?
The standard applies to motor vehicles, trailers, and combination vehicles operated on roads in China. It does not apply to specialized military, armed police, or special police vehicles, nor to double-articulated buses running on restricted routes.
Are there any significant updates from the previous version of GB 1589?
Yes, the 2016 version replaced GB 1589-2004. Major updates include revised limits for vehicle dimensions and axle loads, the addition of definitions for centre axle trailers and specialized vehicles, and modified requirements for vehicle turning clearance circles and rear overhang.
How does GB 1589-2016 differ from international ISO standards?
While the fundamental engineering principles of dimension and mass limits are similar, GB 1589-2016 includes specific parameter categories unique to the Chinese market, such as limits for tri-wheel vehicles, low-speed goods vehicles, and specialized oilfield operation vehicles. Manufacturers must verify their designs against the specific Chinese numerical limits rather than assuming ISO equivalents.
The summary above provides a high-level overview of GB 1589-2016. To ensure complete compliance for your vehicles entering the Chinese market, a precise and professional translation of the full technical specifications is essential. Purchase our high-quality English translation of GB 1589-2016 today to access all detailed parameter tables, axle load formulas, and testing procedures.
Applicability hints
- Type
- Foundational
- CCS
- T04
- ICS
- 43.020
- Competent department
- Ministry of Industry and Information Technology
- Technical committee
- Ministry of Industry and Information Technology
Relationships
Replaces:GB 1589-2004