The amended HVNL has officially commenced
Australia's heavy vehicle industry officially began operating under the amended Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) on Saturday, 1 August, marking the most significant overhaul of heavy vehicle regulation since the law was first introduced in 2012.
The changes reflect an important shift in how the system operates, moving beyond a traditional compliance-focused approach towards a stronger focus on proactive risk management, shared responsibility and achieving better safety outcomes.
Nearly 400 resources, tools and support materials were developed or refined through the NHVR’s reform implementation program to support industry transition.
Find the support material here.
The NHVR launches two new digital tools to support the transition to the Heavy Vehicle Accreditation (HVA) scheme
The Risk Register Builder and NHVAS to HVA Gap Analysis Tool have been developed to provide practical support to industry following changes to the HVNL.
The Risk Register Builder helps operators and other Chain of Responsibility parties create a business-specific risk register using the NHVR’s Master Code of Practice. The tool also saves assessments in the browser, allowing users to return to their work on the same device if their browser or tab is closed, or their computer is restarted.
The NHVAS to HVA Gap Analysis Tool compares existing NHVAS modules against the new General Safety Accreditation (GSA) requirements, helping operators understand what already aligns with the new scheme, where improvements may be required and what additional evidence may support the transition.
Find out more here.
Have your say on the NHVR's new digital tools
The NHVR is inviting industry to help shape the future of the Risk Register Builder and NHVAS to HVA Gap Analysis Tool by providing feedback on their usability, functionality and value to operators.
Operators and other Chain of Responsibility parties are encouraged to express their interest in participating in user feedback sessions. Participants will also be asked to complete a short questionnaire about their organisation, industry sector and risk management practices.
Feedback from industry will help inform future enhancements and ongoing improvements to the tools.
Register your interest.
New factsheet available: Generation 2.0 Electronic Work Diaries
The NHVR, in partnership with Transport Certification Australia (TCA), has developed a new Generation 2.0 (Gen 2.0) Electronic Work Diary (EWD) framework.
The updated framework includes a new EWD System Specification and strengthened testing, assurance and governance arrangements. The Gen 2.0 EWD System Specification is expected to be released in the coming weeks.
These updates will help ensure EWD Systems are consistent, reliable and ready to meet the future needs of the heavy vehicle industry.
To learn more about the upcoming changes and what they mean for operators, drivers, record keepers and technology providers, read the Introduction to Generation 2.0 Electronic Work Diaries Fact Sheet.
New Rego Checker app enhanced with updated Performance Based Standards (PBS) data
This provides users with more accurate and comprehensive information. PBS data will continue to be refreshed regularly to help ensure the information remains current and reliable.
The NHVR encourages industry to use the NHVR Rego Checker app to access the latest PBS vehicle information. Thank you for your patience and support while these improvements were implemented.
For any questions, please contact info@nhvr.gov.au.
Reminder for accredited operators on fatigue management arrangements
The NHVR is reminding accredited operators that existing Basic Fatigue Management (BFM) and Advanced Fatigue Management (AFM) accreditations remain valid until expiry, following changes to the HVNL on 1 August 2026.
Operators can continue under their current accreditation conditions until their accreditation expires, is cancelled or they transition to the new Heavy Vehicle Accreditation scheme.
Drivers must follow the requirements applying to their accreditation, including carrying their certificate, induction letter and work diary.
Read more on the NHVAS to HVA transition.
Don't Risk the Rails: New level crossing safety campaign launched
The Don’t Risk the Rails campaign reminds road users to take extra care at level crossings, and that no shortcut, distraction or moment of impatience is worth risking a collision with a train at one of more than 20,000 level crossings across the country.
Dozens of Australians have lost their lives in preventable collisions at level crossings over the past decade while almost 950 near hits are recorded at crossings every year.
Don’t Risk the Rails will run nationally online, via social media, billboard and audio placements with specific messages targeting both light and heavy vehicle drivers.
Visit Don't Risk the Rails to find out more.
Trailer safety reminder for ag operators
The NHVR has updated the National Class 1 Agricultural Vehicle and Combination Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2026 (No.1) to clarify the conditions agricultural operators and contractors must follow to receive mass and dimension exemptions and improved road access.
The conditions of the notice permits eligible agricultural vehicles and combinations to:
- travel with one trailer or implement for combinations using a prime mover or rigid truck as the hauling unit;
- travel with two trailers or implements for combinations using an agricultural vehicle/machine as a hauling unit;
- be a maximum length of up to 35 metres;
- be a maximum mass of up to 45 tonnes, with a maximum axle limit of up to 12 tonnes;
- travel up to 25 or 50 kilometres per hour pending braking method and tow mass ratio;
- travel with a pilot and escort based on combination width;
- have warning signs, flags and lights attached.
The combination in the diagram below is non-compliant and will not be permitted to travel under the notice. It will require a permit to operate.
For more information, read more here and view the Operator’s Guide.
National Automated Access System preview commences for low loaders in Queensland
The Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has commenced a preview period of the National Automated Access system (NAAS) for low loader operators, running from 24 August to 18 September.
The preview allows industry, road managers and partners to familiarise themselves with the features of the NAAS road user portal ahead of Queensland's low loader vehicle implementation later this year.
The NAAS will become the default road access pathway for eligible low loader vehicles operating outside of the National Class 1 Load Carrying Vehicle Dimension Exemption Notice 2025 (No. 2) and National Class 1 Load Carrying Vehicle Mass Exemption Notice 2025 (No. 1).
Find out more about the preview and register for information sessions here. Visit the NAAS portal here
Reminder: 20-metre length limit applies to certain combinations only
The maximum length limit for specific heavy vehicle combinations has increased from 19 metres to 20 metres under the HVNL.
This applies to:
- prime mover and semitrailer
- rigid truck and pig trailer
- rigid truck and dog trailer
- rigid truck and tag trailer combinations.
The NHVR would like to remind industry that the length increase only applies to heavy vehicles that meet the requirements, and B-doubles are not included.
Trailers over 10 tonnes Gross Trailer Mass used in combinations longer than 19m (up to 20m) must be fitted with ADR 38/05 (or later) compliant brakes powered by the towing vehicle.
Read more.