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The NHVR is seeking feedback on the technical discussion paper below. Feedback should be provided by Monday, 5 January 2026.
This paper presents options for the review of the Static Rollover Threshold (SRT), Rearward Amplification (RA), and High-Speed Transient Offtracking (HSTO) in the PBS Scheme - Standards and Vehicle Assessment Rules.
Overview
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) is currently reviewing three high-speed and stability standards within the Performance Based Standards (PBS) Scheme to help improve road safety, enhance productivity, and promote innovation. The standards under review are the:
- Static Rollover Threshold (SRT)
- Rearward Amplification (RA)
- High-Speed Transient Offtracking (HSTO)
These standards play a critical role in ensuring the safety of PBS vehicles. The review aims to modernise the standards to better reflect contemporary vehicle technology and ensure we can maintain a safe heavy vehicle industry.
Purpose of consultation
The NHVR has been progressively reviewing all of the PBS standards, with the current consultation focusing specifically on three high-speed and stability standards: SRT, RA and HSTO.
Since the PBS Scheme was established, significant advancements have been made in braking and stability control technologies, such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Roll Stability Control (RSC), and many of these technologies are not fully reflected in the current standards. Additionally, feedback from industry indicates that some standards may act as barriers to participation for certain vehicle types, without necessarily improving safety outcomes.
Through this consultation, the NHVR aims to:
- Confirm whether the existing standards remain fit-for-purpose,
- Understand the impacts of current standards on industry participation,
- Explore potential updates to reflect modern vehicle technology, and
- Ensure continued safety benefits while enabling productivity improvements.
What is being proposed
The options presented in this paper have been developed in consultation with the PBS Review Panel and outline several options for the future of each standard. These include:
- Whether existing performance limits and test procedures should be retained or amended,
- Options to recognise the role of stability control technology in managing high-speed and stability performance,
- Opportunities to reduce compliance barriers for certain vehicle types, and
- Possible amendments to PBS test procedures to align with real-world performance.
Who should participate
If your organisation is involved in designing or manufacturing PBS vehicles, operating or managing PBS vehicle fleets, this review is likely to have implications for you.
This consultation is relevant to:
- PBS Fleet Operators
- Heavy Vehicle manufacturers
- PBS Assessors and Certifiers
- PBS Review Panel
- Engineering consultants
- Jurisdictions and road managers
- Technology suppliers
- Industry associations
- Vehicle testing and research organisations.
How to provide feedback
Feedback can be submitted via the Feedback Form, by emailing NHVR’s PBS Enhancements Team at PBSreview@nhvr.gov.au by Monday, 5 January 2026.
Subject line: PBS High-Speed and Stability Standards Review Feedback – [Your Name/Organisation]
Feedback can be provided to the NHVR by completing the feedback form.