FAQs - National Class 3 20m Long 3-axle Truck and 4-axle Dog Trailer Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice
National
Heavy
Vehicle
Regulator
What’s the purpose of the National Class 3 20m Long 3-axle Truck and 4-axle Dog Trailer Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2022 (No.2)?
The National Class 3 20m Long 3-axle Truck and 4-axle Dog Trailer Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2024 (No.1) allows operators to operate a 3-axle truck and 4-axle dog combination on approved networks without having to go through the PBS approval process.
Why is the NHVR providing the option to operate a 20m long 3-axle truck and 4-axle dog combination outside the PBS scheme?
Now that the PBS scheme has been in operation for more than 15 years, there’s enough data, knowledge and experience from hundreds of 3-axle truck and 4-axle dog combination designs to provide the option to operate this particular combination outside the PBS scheme.
Moving this common, well-understood truck and dog trailer combination out of the PBS scheme will lighten the regulatory and administrative burden for the industry, and encourage the use of these safer, more productive vehicles by more operators.
The NHVR will be looking at which other common, ‘mature’ PBS combinations may be able to operate outside the PBS scheme.
Does this mean I have to take my vehicle out of the PBS scheme?
No, you don’t have to take your vehicle out of the scheme. Your current PBS vehicle approval will continue to apply. This notice simply provides the option for operators to include this combination in their heavy vehicle fleet without having to go through the PBS approval process.
Can I still have a 3-axle truck and 4-axle dog trailer that doesn’t exceed 20 metres in length assessed under the PBS scheme?
Yes, you can. Choosing to operate these vehicles outside the PBS scheme is completely optional. We will still accept and assess applications for these vehicles under the PBS scheme.
I have been operating under PBS permits. Do I now have to operate under this notice?
No, you don’t. You can continue to operate under PBS permits. Use of this notice is completely optional.
I have been operating under PBS permits. Can I now operate under this notice?
Yes, you can, as long as you comply with all the conditions of the notice. See the ‘Conditions’ tab in the Operator’s Guide for all dimension, mass and vehicle conditions.
Do I need to submit an application and obtain NHVR approval to operate under this notice?
No, you don’t. As long as you comply with all the dimension, mass and vehicle conditions listed in the notice, you can operate on the approved networks. See the ‘Conditions’ tab in the Operator’s Guide for more information.
Which are the approved networks under the notice?
You can find these in the Operator’s Guide under the ‘Network and Mapping’ tab. Please note that where a network is called, for example, PBS Level 1 or PBS Level 2A, this is the name of the network. It does not relate to the class of the vehicle, which in the case of this notice is Class 3.
What do I do if the road I want to operate on isn’t on an approved network?
You will need to apply for a permit (Class 3 20m truck and dog) through the NHVR Portal. See ‘How to apply for a permit’ under the ‘Network and Mapping’ tab in the Operator’s Guide. Access will be decided by the relevant road manager. This application will be subject to the normal processing times for permits.
I have a fleet of existing PBS approved vehicles running under other notices and permits. Do I have to use this notice?
No, you have the choice to operate under this new notice or under other notices and permits. However, vehicles operating under the new notice must comply with all the conditions and dimensional requirements listed in the notice.