Scope: restriction codes covered
- The memorandum applies to driver’s licenses bearing Restriction Codes (RC) 2, 3, 4, and 5.
- It clarifies the meaning of the term “VEHICLE” as used in RC 2 and RC 3.
- It clarifies the meaning of the term “AUTOMATIC CLUTCH” as used in RC 4 and RC 5.
- It also clarifies that restriction codes are categorized by the vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) as indicated.
Meaning of “VEHICLE” vs “AUTOMATIC CLUTCH”
- RC 2 and RC 3 use the term “VEHICLE” to refer to any motor vehicle regardless of the transmission whether conventional or automatic.
- RC 4 and RC 5 use the term “AUTOMATIC CLUTCH” to mean that the licensee is limited to driving a vehicle with an automatic clutch or transmission only.
- The authorization under each code depends on whether the vehicle’s GVW falls within up to 4500 kg or above 4500 kg.
GVW thresholds and RC 2
- A driver with Restriction Code No. 2 is authorized to drive a conventional motor vehicle with GVW of up to 4500 kg.
- A driver with Restriction Code No. 2 is also authorized to drive a motor vehicle with automatic transmission (clutch) with the same GVW of up to 4500 kg.
- The authorization under RC 2 therefore covers both conventional and automatic transmissions within the up to 4500 kg GVW limit.
GVW thresholds and RC 3
- A driver with Restriction Code No. 3 is authorized to drive a conventional motor vehicle with GVW above 4500 kg.
- A driver with Restriction Code No. 3 is also authorized to drive a motor vehicle with automatic transmission (clutch) with the same GVW above 4500 kg.
- The authorization under RC 3 therefore covers both conventional and automatic transmissions within the above 4500 kg GVW category.
Transmission-only limits under RC 4
- A driver with Restriction Code No. 4 is only authorized to drive a motor vehicle with automatic transmission with GVW of up to 4500 kg.
- A driver with Restriction Code No. 4 is in violation if the driver drives a motor vehicle with conventional transmission with the same GVW of up to 4500 kg.
- RC 4 thus restricts driving to automatic transmission only for vehicles up to 4500 kg GVW.
Transmission-only limits under RC 5
- A driver with Restriction Code No. 5 is limited to a motor vehicle with automatic transmission (clutch) with GVW above 4500 kg.
- A driver with Restriction Code No. 5 is not allowed to drive a conventional motor vehicle with the same GVW above 4500 kg.
- RC 5 thus restricts driving to automatic transmission only for vehicles above 4500 kg GVW.
Operational guidance and compliance consequence
- The memorandum directs that the foregoing interpretations govern the handling of driver’s licenses carrying RC 2, RC 3, RC 4, and RC 5.
- The memorandum treats a driver holding RC 4 who drives a conventional transmission vehicle within the same GVW of up to 4500 kg as in violation.
- The memorandum treats a driver holding RC 5 who drives a conventional transmission vehicle within the same GVW above 4500 kg as not allowed.
- The memorandum ends with the instruction for guidance, reflecting its clarificatory purpose for consistent enforcement.