HVNL reform implementation

A review of the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL), led by the National Transport Commission (NTC), commenced in 2019 and aimed to update the existing law to improve safety and productivity for Australia’s heavy vehicle sector. The review identified a series of reform options to enhance the effectiveness of the HVNL for governments, industry and the broader community.

This process resulted in the development of the Heavy Vehicle National Law Amendment Bill 2025 and the Heavy Vehicle National Amendment Regulations 2025 (together, the 2025 Amendment Package), which was passed without amendment by Queensland Parliament on 18 November 2025.

The amended HVNL is expected to commence in mid-2026.

Resources

The NHVR is actively preparing for the implementation of the new law, to ensure a smooth transition for industry and regulatory partners.

As more information becomes available, this page will be updated to include:

  • Details of the new law and regulations
  • Implementation timeframes 
  • Guidance and support material for industry.

In the meantime, you can:

Review underway of submissions on draft standards and guidelines

As part of the HVNL reform, heavy vehicle accreditation is transitioning from a prescriptive, compliance-based system to a risk-based approach focused on safety management. To support this shift, the National Transport Commission (NTC) has developed key documents, including:

  • SMS Standard: Outlines performance outcomes for compliant safety management systems.
  • Schedule 1 – SMS Evidence Requirements: Details evidence expectations and supports the NHVR’s assessment process.
  • Standard for Alternative Compliance Hours: Establishes a framework for alternative fatigue compliance and the use of the Risk Classification System.
  • Ministerial Guidelines for Heavy Vehicle Accreditation (Ministerial Guidelines): Directs the NHVR’s accreditation decisions.

To support these documents, the NHVR has developed the National Audit Standard (NAS) to provide a nationally consistent audit framework founded on contemporary, safety-focused principles. The NAS enables impartial audits of safety management systems and accreditation requirements under both General Safety Accreditation and Alternative Compliance Accreditation, ensuring audits contribute to ongoing safety improvements. The NAS incorporates key elements from the existing National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme Business Rules and Standards, as well as the Audit Framework and Code of Conduct, while introducing enhanced measures to reinforce its focus on safety outcomes.

The NAS was released alongside the Ministerial Guidelines and the SMS Standard for public consultation, which closed on 1 December 2025.

The NHVR is working alongside the NTC to review submissions and will work with governments to finalise the instruments for ministerial approval before the commencement of the amended law.

Have your say: draft amendments to the Mass, Dimension and Loading National Regulation

The National Transport Commission (NTC) has launched consultation on draft amendments to the Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulation.
The proposed changes include increasing General Mass Limits to align with current Concessional Mass Limits, expanding Euro VI concessions to road trains, increasing the general length limit for vehicles from 19 metres to 20 metres, and amending the tow mass ratio and conditions for tag trailers.

This is a critical opportunity for industry stakeholders to review the draft regulation and provide feedback to help ensure the amendments are accurate, clear and practical to implement.

To have your say or to read more, visit the NTC website.

Consultation closes Monday, 19 January 2026.