HVA scheme and SMS
Heavy Vehicle Accreditation (HVA) scheme
- Introduces a new tiered accreditation framework: General Safety Accreditation (GSA) and Alternative Compliance Accreditation (ACA).
- GSA is the core accreditation requirement; ACA provides flexible alternative compliance pathways.
- There is a transition period for up to 3 years where NHVAS and HVA run concurrently; operators transition on expiry of current accreditation or earlier by choice.
- NHVAS will no longer accept new applicants once the amended law commences.
- Alternative Compliance Hours standard replaces both Basic Fatigue Management (BFM) and Advanced Fatigue Management (AFM).
- Read more about the NHVAS transition to HVA scheme.
Safety Management System (SMS) Standard
- Is a ministerially-approved standard that provides defined auditable evidence requirements.
- Focussed around five core SMS outcomes:
- Leadership and Commitment
- Risk Management
- People
- Assurance, Monitoring and Improvement
- Safety Systems.
Operator SMS
- Operators must develop an SMS proportionate to the operation's size, complexity, and risk.
- The NHVR must be satisfied that an operator's SMS complies with the SMS Standard.
Audits
- The National Audit Standard (NAS) enables impartial audits of SMS and accreditation requirements under GSA and ACA.
- Up to three audits for new entrants (entry, initial compliance, compliance); initial compliance audit may be waived if all elements of the operator's SMS are assessed as Present, Suitable, Operating, and Effective (PSOE) at entry audit.
- One compliance audit per accreditation period, conducted between 9 and one month before expiry.
- Operators are expected to conduct ongoing internal audits and maintain evidence to support regulatory assurance.
Unfit to Drive
- This is a new safety duty where drivers must not drive if unfit for any reason (physical or mental illness, injury, drugs, alcohol, fatigue).
- Legal authority empowers drivers to refrain from or stop driving when unfit.
- Supports proactive health and fitness management and aligns with WHS Act 2011 obligations.
Work Diaries
Updates to the WWD reflect HVNL amendments
- Includes Alternative Compliance Hours (ACH)
- Marking the day of the week is now optional
- Marking standard hours is now optional
- Recording work and rest totals is now optional
- Overall updates to align with amended HVNL
Other Written Work Diary Changes
- Drivers are no longer required to return a lost or stolen WWD (if found/returned) to the NHVR
Updated Written Work Diary roll-out
- Updated WWDs gradually available from August 2026 as existing stock depletes
- Drivers can continue using current WWD until completed (including those transitioning to ACH from BFM or AFM)
Mass, Dimension and Loading
Euro VI (ADR 80/04)
The Australian Government introduced a new emissions standard for new heavy vehicles last year through Australian Design Rule (ADR) 80/04, which aligns with the European Euro VI standard.
To meet this higher emissions standard, ADR 80/04 vehicles incorporate additional and more advanced emissions systems. As a result, these vehicles are generally heavier than equivalent ADR 80/03 (Euro V) and earlier models.
In response, the Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulations were amended to increase mass limits for ADR 80/04 heavy vehicles.
Current regulatory position
An issue has been identified in the Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulations that affects the operation of the Euro VI mass exception. In its current form, the legislation does not fully reflect the approved policy intent of the reform.
This issue is being addressed by the National Transport Commission (NTC), and amendments to the legislation are intended.
NHVR approach
The NTC has confirmed that the policy intent behind this regulation is that Euro VI vehicles may have up to 500kg additional mass distributed across the steer and drive axles, provided a 315mm tyre is fitted to the steer axle if this axle is loaded to more than 6.5 tonnes and no manufacturers' ratings are exceeded.
While amendments are being made, the NHVR will administer and enforce the Euro VI mass provisions in line with the approved policy intent. This includes providing advice to our on-road Safety and Compliance Officers and updating the processes for operators to obtain PBS Vehicle Approvals that make use of the approved policy intent. This approach provides clarity and consistency for industry during the interim period.
Further updates will be provided as amendments progress.
Road managers
Accessibility tools
