Width

The total width of an eligible PBS vehicle must not exceed the lesser of:

• Structure limitations on the intended route.
• Width limits applied to specific structures, routes, and areas on the relevant network map. These may appear on the map as a condition (yellow) and/or restriction (red).
• Width limit reflected on the VA.

Height

The total height of an eligible PBS vehicle must not exceed the lesser of:

• Structure limitations on the intended route.
• Height limits applied to specific structures, routes, and areas on the relevant network map. These may appear on the map as a condition (yellow) and/or restriction (red).
• Height limit reflected on the VA.

Length

The total length of an eligible PBS vehicle must not exceed the lesser of:

• Length limits applied to specific structures, routes, and areas on the relevant network map. These may appear on the map as a condition (yellow) and/or restriction (red).
• Length limits applied to approved networks and routes in the ‘Network and Mapping’ tab.
• Length limits applied to a specified reference vehicle. See the ‘Network and Mapping’ tab to confirm which networks require compliance with a reference vehicle.
• Length limit reflected on the VA.

The total mass of an eligible vehicle must not exceed the lesser of:

• Mass limits applied to specific structures, routes, and areas on the relevant network map. These may appear on the map as a condition (yellow) and/or restriction (red).
• Mass limits applied to approved networks and routes in the ‘Network and Mapping’ tab.
• Mass limits applied to a specified reference vehicle. See the ‘Network and Mapping’ tab to confirm which networks require compliance with a reference vehicle.
• Masses limits reflected on the VA.

Compliance with PBS vehicle approval (VA)

An eligible vehicle must comply with the requirements and conditions of the VA issued to it.

If another condition of the Notice, or a condition of access to a network under the Notice, makes a requirement that is more restrictive than the vehicle’s VA then the more restrictive condition must be complied with.

For example, a VA may have a maximum height that exceeds 4.6m, however, all the approved networks under the Notice are restricted to 4.6m in height. In this scenario, the 4.6m network height restriction applies and vehicles exceeding this limit are not approved to operate on networks under the Notice regardless of what the VA may state.

Reference vehicle requirements

Reference vehicles are used in the Notice to match specific vehicle configurations with access to specific routes or areas. Networks listed in the ‘Network and Mapping’ tab, may specify compliance with a given reference vehicle or vehicles.

If access to a network is conditioned by the requirement to comply with a reference vehicle, the eligible vehicle must comply with the parameters of a specified reference vehicle including, but not limited to, those regarding:

• number and type of units in a combination; or
• PBS level; or
• mass, length, height, or width; or
• axle configuration, axle spacing, or axle mass limits; or
• draw bar length, overhang, or ground clearance.

Reference vehicles and approved networks can be found in the ‘Network and Mapping’ section of this Guide.

Note: Not every network will require compliance with a reference vehicle, and not every reference vehicle will specify all parameters outlined above. If a reference vehicle exists for a network, then the reference vehicle parameters must be complied with.

Non-compliance with the Pavement Vertical Loading Standard (PVLS)

The Notice does not allow eligible vehicles to operate at masses that require approval under section 8 of the General Regulation for non-compliance with the PVLS.

Approvals under section 8 of the general regulation are noted on the front page of the VA and will include the following information:

• The specific infrastructure standard/s the PBS vehicle doesn’t comply with
• At what mass the PBS vehicle becomes non-compliant.
• Conditions the PBS vehicle must meet before operating at non-compliant masses.

Example VA

Figure 1 shows an example of how approvals under section 8 of the General Regulation for non-compliance with the PVLS appear on the front page of VAs.

The condition shown in Figure 1, states that:

1. The vehicles listed in the VA comply with the PVLS when operating at tri-axle group masses up to (and including) 21t.
2. The vehicles listed in the VA do not comply with the PVLS when operating at tri-axle group masses that exceed 21t.

PBS vehicles in this example, can operate under the Notice with tri-axle group masses of up to 21t, provided they comply with all other relevant conditions outlined in this Guide.

PBS vehicles operating at masses that do not comply with the PVLS are required obtain access permits.

Prohibited vehicles

The following vehicles are prohibited from operating in New South Wales:

• Vehicle configurations with a tri-drive axle group are not permitted to operate on approved networks under the Notice.
• Vehicle configurations with a twinsteer axle group are not permitted to operate on approved networks under the Notice.
• Access for A-double configurations is restricted to those with a tandem dolly axle group.

Tri-axle drive groups fitted with lift/retractable axles 

Vehicles fitted with a tri-axle drive group that includes a retractable axle, may operate under the Notice if all the following conditions are met: 

• The retractable axle must be in the raised (lifted) position, ensuring no more than two axles are in contact with the ground. 
• Conditions imposed by the VA regarding the retractable axle must be adhered to. This includes, but is not limited to: 
  • Transition mass requirements. 
  • Conditions that require the vehicle to operate unladen when the retractable axle is lifted. 
• If network access requires compliance with a reference vehicle, the eligible vehicle must adhere to the specifications of the reference vehicle when the retractable axle is lifted. In other words, the vehicle’s ability to comply with a reference vehicle is determined by how it aligns with the reference vehicle’s specifications when the retractable axle is in the raised position. 

Intelligent Access Program conditions

Eligible vehicles must be enrolled in and comply with an intelligent transport system certified by Transport Certification Australia (TCA) when operating in New South Wales.

Approved system requirements vary according to operating mass. Table 2 outlines which approved systems are required to operate at each mass.

For more information on each of the approved intelligent transport systems, refer to the TCA webpage link provided in Table 2.

Note: Approved intelligent transport system must be functioning while operating on approved networks and routes under the Notice.

Vehicle conditions

When operating in Victoria eligible vehicles must:

• Be fitted with an anti-lock braking system (ABS) on all axles (excluding convertor dolly axles).
• Be fitted with road-friendly suspension in accordance with Vehicle Standards Bulletin 11.
• Be compliant with ADR 80/02 - Emission Control for Heavy Vehicles (post-2007 prime movers only).
• Not exceed 6.5t on the steer axle group.

Note: Before travelling in Victoria, operators should consult the Operating a Performance-Based Standards vehicle in Victoria - Industry Guide published by Victoria's Department of Transport and Planning (DTP).  

Intelligent Access Program conditions

Eligible vehicles must be enrolled in and comply with an intelligent transport system certified by Transport Certification Australia (TCA) when operating in Victoria.

Approved system requirements vary according to operating mass. Table 3 outlines which approved systems are required to operate at each mass.

For more information on each of the approved intelligent transport systems, refer to the TCA webpage link provided in Table 3.

Note: Approved intelligent transport system must be functioning while operating on approved networks and routes under the Notice.

New South Wales

Approved networks

Under the Notice, eligible vehicles are approved to operate on the networks listed in Table 4, provided they:

• Comply with a vehicle configuration listed for that network.
• Comply with the PBS level for that network. In this section, PBS level has the same meaning as in the definitions tab.
• Do not exceed the mass level, tier, mass limit, or length limit applied to that network.
• Do not exceed 4.6m in height.
• Comply with all other relevant conditions outlined in this Guide.
• If a reference vehicle is listed, the eligible vehicle must meet all the requirements of a specified reference vehicle – see the ‘Specified road manager network requirements’ section of this Guide for more information on reference vehicle requirements that apply to networks in New South Wales.

Approved routes

Under the Notice, eligible vehicles are approved to operate on the routes outlined in Table 5, provided they:

• Comply with a vehicle configuration listed for the route.
• Have a VA that includes Level 2 masses up to 57.5t.
• Do not exceed the tier, mass limit, or length limit applied to the route.
• Comply with all other relevant conditions outlined in this Guide.

Victoria

Approved networks

Under the Notice, eligible vehicles are approved to operate on networks listed in Table 6, provided they:

• Meet all the requirements of a specified reference vehicle – see the ‘Specified road manager network requirements’ section of this Guide for more information on reference vehicle requirements that apply to networks in Victoria.
• Comply with the PBS level for that network. In this section, PBS level has the same meaning as in the definitions tab.
• Do not exceed the mass and length limits applied to that network.
• Do not exceed 4.6m in height and 2.5m in width.
• Comply with all other relevant conditions outlined in this Guide.

Note: On June 3, 2024, all Victorian networks and reference vehicles under this Notice were reclassified. To confirm how your network or reference vehicle has been reclassified, or for more details about network reclassification, please refer to the Victoria PBS High Productivity Network Reclassification 2024 - Information sheet (PDF, 307KB).

Reference vehicle requirements

Not all networks in NSW will require compliance with a specified reference vehicle. Table 4 in the New South Wales ‘Approved networks’ section of this Guide outlines which networks have reference vehicles and what type of reference vehicles are approved to access those networks.

For a full list of reference vehicles and reference vehicle requirements, refer to the National Class 2 Performance Based Standards (High Productivity) Authorisation Notice - Reference Vehicle Information Sheet (PDF, 25.7KB).

• Navigate to the section that corresponds with the reference vehicle type listed in Table 4.
• Each of the reference vehicles listed under the reference vehicle type is approved to operate on the associated network.
• To comply with a given reference vehicle, eligible vehicles must meet all requirements outlined for that reference vehicle, including vehicle configuration, axle spacing, and other dimension requirements.
• The National Network Map will list all available reference vehicles for a given network. Operators must select the reference vehicle they comply with to view the access, conditions, and restrictions that apply to that reference vehicle.

Note: More than one reference vehicle may be provided for a single network, in which case compliance with only one reference vehicle is required.

Reference vehicle requirements

Table 6 in the Victoria ‘Approved networks’ section of this Guide outlines which type of reference vehicle is approved to operate on each network. For a full list of reference vehicles and reference vehicle requirements, refer to one of the following:

• For PBS Level 2A Cubic Volumetric Reference Vehicles: PBS Level 2A Tankers Information sheet.
• For all other reference vehicles: National Class 2 Performance Based Standards (High Productivity) Authorisation Notice - Reference Vehicle Information Sheet (PDF, 25.7KB).
  • Navigate to the section that corresponds with the reference vehicle type listed in Table 6.
  • Each of the reference vehicles listed under the reference vehicle type is approved to operate on the associated network.
  • To comply with a given reference vehicle, eligible vehicles must meet all requirements outlined for that reference vehicle, including vehicle configuration, axle spacing, and other dimension requirements.
  • The National Network Map will list all available reference vehicles for a given network. Operators must select the reference vehicle they comply with to view the access, conditions, and restrictions that apply to that reference vehicle.

Note: More than one reference vehicle may be provided for a single network, in which case compliance with only one reference vehicle is required.

Freight type requirements

• General Freight reference vehicles are for all eligible configurations that meet the requirements of a specified General Freight reference vehicle, including tankers containing liquid commodities.
• Volumetric reference vehicles are restricted to eligible configurations that are tankers containing liquid commodities and that meet the requirements of a specified Volumetric reference vehicle.

Rail Track crossing requirements

Operators of vehicles exceeding 26.0m in length that intend to cross at-grade rail or tram tracks must apply for an over-dimensional load (ODL) rail permit.

• Permits can take up to 15 business days to process.
• Access to the at-grade rail or tram track is not permitted without an ODL rail permit.
• Further information on obtaining an ODL rail permit is available on the DTP website.

Low Speed Swept Path (LSSP) map restrictions

To cater for the LSSP width of combinations with an overall length between 30m and 36.5m, an LSSP restriction layer has been added to the National Network Map.

Vehicles operating above 30m in length on an approved network are required to check the LSSP layer prior to travel.

The following steps outline how to turn on the LSSP layer in the National Network Map:

1. Click on the Layers and controls menu located on the bottom right of the screen.
2. Scroll down and expand the ‘Swept path’ layers.
3. Click on the blank box next to ‘Low Speed Swept Path - VIC’.
4. Zoom in to view LSSP restrictions on your intended route.
5. LSSP restrictions are identified by the LSSP map symbol

Prior to commencing any journey, operators should review traffic alerts, road closures, travel delays, and other traffic advisory information for participating jurisdictions.

Table 7 provides details and links to official traffic advisory services for each participating jurisdiction. For more information about a particular service, contact the relevant jurisdiction or department via the contact details listed on the service webpage.

Access permit applications are required for heavy vehicles that don’t comply with the conditions set out in a notice and when accessing routes that aren’t covered on an approved network.

The following pages provide useful information and resources for submitting access permit applications:

• Do I need a permit?: Information and resources for determining whether a road access permit, or a Notice is required to operate on Australian roads.
• Access permit application process: Information, resources, and instructions for submitting a valid access permit application.

Victoria access permit considerations

Access permits are required under the following circumstances in Victoria:

• Vehicle configurations that do not match any reference vehicle. Configurations that exceed specified axle limits may require an assessment of the nominated routes, which could incur costs.
  • Operators seeking to design or register a combination that does not fit within one of the reference designs are advised to read the Operating a Performance-Based Standards vehicle in Victoria Industry Guide.
• B-triples and/or AB-triples seeking access to the Port of Melbourne. Permits to move containerised freight will be declined where rail is a viable option.
• Vehicle configurations that exceed 36.5m length and meet the following minimum requirements:
  • Complies with PBS Level 3.
  • Complies with Intelligent Access Program conditions outlined in the ‘Conditions’ tab of this Guide (under Victoria conditions).
  • The requested routes must not include any rail level crossings.
  • The requested routes are restricted to arterial roads and essential last-kilometre access.
  • Structural assessment will be undertaken at the operator’s cost.
• All HPFVs that have a Smart OBM requirement operating under an extension to the Smart OBM deadline of 1 November 2021 are not covered by the Notice and require a permit for travel. Access under the Notice is limited to 68.5t for a multi-combination and 46t for a quad-axle semitrailer.