Definitions

Unless otherwise stated, words and expressions used in this Operator’s Guide have the same meanings as those defined in the HVNL and the Notice.

Eligible vehicles

The Notice applies to an eligible vehicle that is one of the following Class 3 heavy vehicles:

• a rigid truck; or
• prime mover towing a semitrailer; or
• a B-double.

This Notice does not apply to a heavy combination consisting of a rigid truck towing a trailer.

Note: The above heavy vehicles must be fitted with certified road friendly suspension (RFS) to be an eligible vehicle.

Eligible vehicles and combinations are shown in Table 1.

Table 1: Eligible vehicles

Combination	Vehicle image
Rigid truck
Prime mover and semi-trailer
B-doubles

Conditions

Notices are subject to various conditions to ensure public safety, protect assets and prevent adverse impacts on the community, such as noise, emissions and traffic congestion.

Other conditions and additional information

Assessing routes before travel

Before driving on a public road, the driver or operator of an eligible vehicle or combination must be satisfied that the route has been assessed and that the vehicle can be driven without:

• disrupting telecommunication, electricity, rail, gas, water or sewage services; and
• damaging roads, structures, rail crossings or trees.

Part of this process is assessing the Map and reading this Guide before travel to identify any restrictions or conditions that may affect travel. In some cases, approval is required from third parties or entities when a vehicle exceeds certain mass or dimension limits.

Third party approvals

Gazette notices, permits and some jurisdictional laws may require third parties and other entities to provide permission for a vehicle to travel if it exceeds certain mass or dimension limits.

Operators must secure all approvals from third parties such as electricity/utility companies, rail authorities and other third parties as part of their heavy vehicle operations.

For more information, visit the Third party approvals page.

Warning signs

Eligible combinations longer than 22m but not longer than 30m must display a long vehicle warning sign at the vehicle's rear (as shown in Figure 1).

Warning sign requirements are described in the NHVR's Vehicle Standards Guide (VSG-19).

Complying with the HVNL

Unless otherwise exempted by the Notice or this Operator's Guide, operators must ensure their vehicle or combination complies with the:

• Australian Design Rules (ADRs); and,
• Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL); and,
• Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulation (MDL); and,
• Heavy Vehicle (Vehicle Standards) National Regulation (VS Regulation).

Using or permitting another person to use a defective heavy vehicle or a heavy vehicle with unapproved modifications on a road may be an offence.

Failure to comply may result in the driver and/or operator being liable for an offence. Penalties can include infringement notices or prosecution.

Chain of Responsibility (CoR)

Under the HVNL, every party in the Chain of Responsibility (CoR) has a positive duty to ensure the safety of their activities in relation to a heavy vehicle. This duty, known as the “primary duty”, applies to the scheduling, loading and consigning of a vehicle, as well as to its operation on a road.

Safety is broader than the safety of drivers and other road users. It also includes protection of road infrastructure, preventing damage to other vehicles or property, and minimising environmental harm. Substantial penalties may be imposed upon parties who breach this obligation and upon their executives.

For more information on your CoR obligations visit Chain of Responsibility on the NHVR website.

Our Regulatory Advice offers guidance, tips and tools for managing a range of heavy vehicle safety risks.

Loading requirements

A load on a heavy vehicle must:

• not be placed in a way that makes the vehicle unstable or unsafe;
• be secured so it is unlikely to fall or be dislodged;
• be restrained using an appropriate restraint method;
• be placed, secured or restrained in a way that meets the loading performance standards listed in Schedule 7 of the MDL.

Visit the NHVR loading page for more information on load requirements.

The requirement to carry the Notice

Drivers do not need to carry a copy of the Notice. 

Network and mapping

For the purposes of s121 of the HVNL, an area or route specified in the 'Network & Mapping' section of this Operator's Guide is a stated area or route to which this Notice applies. In addition to complying with the conditions stated in this Operator's Guide, operators must ensure compliance with the specific road manager access requirements set out below or in network maps.

National Network Map

This Notice may refer to state or territory government websites for the publication of networks. From 20 December 2023, certain authorised heavy vehicle road network maps for the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, and Victoria are published by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, through the NHVR National Network Map. Additional information and guidance can be found on the National Network Map webpage.

Approved routes covered by the Notice

The following routes are approved for travel for vehicles eligible under this Notice.

Related notices

In this tab, you will find a list of national, state and territory notices related to the Victoria Class 3 Road Friendly Suspension Mass Exemption Notice 2024 (No.1).

A related notice or declaration may be comparable with this Notice or provide alternatives for operators to find the appropriate notice or declaration under which to operate.

Related national notices

Related state and territory notices and declarations

Resources

All information about this Notice is contained in this Operator’s Guide. Please refer to the tabs for more information about this Notice, or contact us with your specific questions.

• Higher Mass Limits - Overview of Higher Mass Limits.
• Higher Mass Limits permit - Applying for a Higher Mass Limits permit.
• Joining the NHVAS - Apply for accreditation in Mass Management.

Note: If you have any feedback on the information provided please contact us at info@nhvr.gov.au

Participating jurisdiction heavy vehicle resources

For more information about operating a heavy vehicle in participating jurisdictions, refer to the following sites:

• Victoria: Department of Transport and Planning - Heavy vehicle industry

Changes and updates