| HVNL Reform Implementation - what's coming next
Work is progressing to implement the amended HVNL, which is anticipated to commence mid-year.
The NHVR is focusing on finalising critical instruments, including the National Audit Standard, as well as supporting guidance, systems and operational tools, to ensure the law can be applied consistently.
From March, guidance and support materials will be rolled out progressively to help industry understand the changes and prepare for the commencement of the law. Increased communication will continue over the coming weeks through NHVR GO, On the Road, the NHVR website, and industry events.
Visit the NHVR website to read more about the changes.
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| NVHAS is changing – here’s what that means for you
From mid-2026, the National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme (NHVAS) will transition to the new Heavy Vehicle Accreditation (HVA) scheme as part of amendments to the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL).
The NHVR will manage this change through a phased transition, allowing operators time to prepare. Importantly, you won’t be required to move immediately. NHVAS and HVA will operate side-by-side during the transition, and existing NHVAS accreditations will remain valid until their current expiry date.
This approach is designed to support continuity while operators get ready for the new scheme.
Learn more about the transition approach on the NHVR website.
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| What’s different under the new HVA scheme
The HVA scheme introduces a new tiered accreditation framework including General Safety Accreditation (GSA) and Alternative Compliance Accreditation (ACA).
GSA is based on a whole-of-business Safety Management System (SMS) audit and forms the foundation for accessing alternative compliance options. Unlike NHVAS, which audits individual modules, HVA focuses on how safety is managed across the entire operation.
To support the transition, the NHVR is developing SMS tools, guidance materials and a step-by-step HVA guide, which will be shared with industry in the coming months.
Find out more about the HVA framework in the FAQs.
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| New tool to help compare the impact of heavy vehicle assets
The NHVR has released Freight PASS, a new online tool designed to help users compare the productivity, asset impact, safety and sustainability trade-offs of different heavy vehicle configurations. The free web app enables industry and road managers to consider the cumulative impacts of freight movements over time, allowing for clear comparisons between different vehicle configurations.
Learn more about the free tool and start using Freight PASS via NHVR Go.
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| $4.4 million in funding to boost heavy vehicle safety on Australia’s roads
The funding is available through Round 11 of the Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI), with the focus on supporting projects aimed at improving compliance and delivering safety benefits for the transport and logistics sector.
Projects enhancing safety outcomes for heavy vehicle operators and all road users will be central to the funding, including those which harness new and emerging technologies to build capability and knowledge across the sector.
Submissions for Round 11 of the HVSI are now open and will close at 5pm AEST 16 March 2026. The application form and project guidelines can be viewed here and outline the submission process, including eligibility.
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| Joint NHVR and police operation to focus on OSOM movements in Queensland
Operation Kindle will combine roadside inspections with education to reinforce permit conditions, vehicle standards and safe load management for OSOM movements over the next several weeks in areas including the Port of Brisbane and Burpengary.
NHVR Director Northern Region Kelli Ready said multiple operations conducted throughout 2025 identified mechanical, dimension and loading breaches as the primary contributors to non-compliance.
“High levels of non-compliance in an area involving complex heavy load movements are concerning, particularly when these combinations can reach mass limits of up to 150 tonnes and lengths of 19 metres, meaning even the slightest miscalculation can have serious consequences,” Ms Ready said.
Read more here.
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| NHVR funds Chain of Responsibility for Health & Safety Professionals
Delivered by CoR Comply Pty Ltd, as one of nine projects awarded $1.7 million in once-off funding under Round 7 of the Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative.
The interactive online course targets OHS professionals, compliance managers, and people and culture teams, building capability to implement Chapter 1A of the HVNL.
It covers HVNL foundations, Chain of Responsibility, transport activities, safety management system integration, and third-party interactions, using practical examples and case studies.
You can access the training free here.
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| Agricultural producer partners up for CoR Awareness Training Program
SunPork Pty Limited were one of nine projects awarded $1.7 million in once-off funding under Round 7 of the Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative.
This project undertook an in-depth assessment of the SunPork business' supply chain and developed three (3) YouTube videos targeted at executives, workers performing the tasks and contractors. They provide an increased awareness of the Primary Duty, Executive Duty and due diligence, Shared Responsibility and Third-Party Interactions. View the videos here: Chain of Responsibility Awareness.
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| South Australia crane notices to cut red tape and deliver efficient movements
The NHVR in partnership with the South Australian Department for Infrastructure and Transport (SA DIT), has introduced three new notices to cut red tape and deliver more efficient, consistent crane movements across SA.
Eligible crane operators will no longer require a permit to access road networks outlined in three new exemption notices. The development of these access reforms contributes to the South Australian government’s request to the NHVR to transition heavy vehicle access permits to notices. Read more.
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