NHVR Industry Update

Heavy vehicle stacking at level crossings 

The NHVR and Queensland Rail have partnered to issue a safety bulletin which highlights the risks associated with heavy vehicle stacking or queuing at level rail crossings. 

Image source: Australian Transport Safety Bureau

Heavy vehicles are over-represented in level crossing incidents and carry higher consequence risk than light vehicles. 

Collisions can result in:  

• Serious injury or fatalities
• Derailments and major infrastructure damage
• Significant disruption to freight and passenger networks 

The safety bulletin outlines key preventative measures that heavy vehicle operators and drivers should take to reduce the risk of these incidents and support the safe movement of goods on our roads at level rail crossings. 

Read the full safety bulletin here. 

National Class 2 Performance Based (High Productivity) Authorisation Notice updates 

The NHVR has worked with the Department of Transport and Planning Victoria to update the National Class 2 Performance Based Standards (High Productivity) Authorisation Notice 2026 (No. 3), introducing access and productivity improvements for eligible Euro VI PBS vehicles across Victoria.

The updated Victorian schedule includes a 0.5-tonne total mass increase for eligible Euro VI vehicles, new reference vehicles on the PBS Level 2B Cubic Network, updated operating conditions that continue to restrict wide single tyre and split-axle vehicle configurations, and six new volumetric networks on Victorian state roads.

These changes improve access and operational flexibility for eligible operators while maintaining appropriate infrastructure protection and safety outcomes.

Risk Register Builder continues to evolve 

The NHVR is continuing to enhance the Risk Register Builder based on feedback from operators and industry.

Recent updates make the tool more practical and relevant across the heavy vehicle sector, with Recovery, Waste and Passenger modules now available, including tailored questions, hazards and controls.

Users can now create a shareable link to save a completed assessment or collaborate on one in progress. Controls are also organised to highlight suggestions based on earlier answers, accreditation requirements and the hierarchy of controls, helping users identify more effective ways to manage risk.

New Heavy Vehicle Accreditation guidance, clearer progress tracking and improved navigation also make it easier to build and maintain a risk register.

Have your say on the NHVR's 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 notices to provide eligible vehicles with access to new M1 Pacific Motorway extension in NSW 

The NHVR, in collaboration with Transport for NSW, has published two new notices:

• New South Wales Class 1 and Class 3 M1 alignment between Raymond Terrace and Black Hill Notice 2026 (No.1)
• New South Wales Class 2 M1 alignment between Raymond Terrace and Black Hill Authorisation Notice 2026 (No.1)

The notices provide eligible Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3 heavy vehicles operating under the relevant notices and travelling under a permit for approved routes between Black Hill and Raymond Terrace (issued before 11 September 2026) with access to the new Pacific Motorway M1 extension.

Both notices commenced on 11 September 2026 and will remain in place for three years, helping eligible operators transition to the new motorway extension and maintain access to approved routes.

NHVR reminds all drivers to share the roads safely these school holidays 

With more families, caravanners and heavy vehicles expected on the roads during the school holidays, the NHVR urging all drivers to slow down and stay alert.

Everyone who’s on the road deserves to return home safely – ensure you plan your journey, take regular breaks, avoid distractions, and stay focused behind the wheel.

The NHVR also has an anonymous Heavy Vehicle Confidential Reporting Line for anyone concerned about the safety of a heavy vehicle or heavy vehicle operation.

Reports can be made by calling 1800 931 785 or through the Heavy Vehicle Confidential Reporting Line.

Read more.

Significant court outcome a reminder to check your mass limits 

A recent court outcome is a timely reminder of the importance of getting heavy vehicle mass right and learning from previous compliance issues.

On 6 May 2026, authorised officers inspected a heavy vehicle travelling on the Great Western Highway and found its first axle mass was 13.56 tonnes - more than 2.5 tonnes above the permitted limit.

The company involved was convicted at Lithgow Local Court on 27 August and received a $22,500 court-imposed penalty.

The Court noted the company was a recidivist offender and was the subject of a supervisory intervention order yet continued to offend. The Court commented that the company was treating penalties as a cost of doing business and its operational approach was compromising public safety.  The outcome highlights the importance of taking opportunities to address identified risks and prevent repeat offending.

Read more.

Changes to the HVNL remove the need for Euro VI (wide-spaced twinsteer) axle notice 

The National Class 3 Euro VI Vehicle (wide-spaced twinsteer) Mass Exemption Notice 2025 (No.1) has been revoked following changes to the HVNL.

The notice is no longer required following reforms that amended the definition of ‘twinsteer axle groups’ to accommodate twinsteer vehicles with axle spacings of up to 2.5 metres, including Euro VI wide-spaced configurations.

Read more.

Grain harvest: industry resources updated 

With Australia’s grain harvest season approaching, the NHVR is reminding operators of resources available to help support safe and compliant grain transport.

The Grain Transport Safety Network (GTSN) has updated its Truck Book and Truck Chart, providing an overview of the truck types and combinations commonly used across the grain industry.

The resources also outline applicable mass limits and the different types of permits that may apply to each combination.

Operators can access the updated resources through the GTSN website.

New Loading Guide

Loading Guides feature best practice methods to assist industry with common loading tasks.

The NHVR has recently published a new guide covering Engineered Solutions.

Engineered solutions may be used when standard load restraint methods are not suitable, practical or sufficient for a particular transport task.

Under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL), parties in the Chain of Responsibility (CoR) have a primary duty to ensure the safety of their transport activities, so far as reasonably practicable, and drivers have an obligation to comply with prescriptive loading requirements to maintain safety for all road users.

Read the full list of published loading guides.