Network Access Policy

• Removal of longstanding structural constraints associated with the old Bridgewater Bridge, Tasmania, relating to height (4.6m) and width (2.5m) which have historically limited heavy vehicle access under several notices following the 2 June 2025 opening of the new Bridgewater Bridge. 

• Clarified that an A-double must have a tandem axle dolly to operate under the notice (Schedule 4, section 3). 
• Introduced wording to cover off on any requirements under another law relevant to operating in Victoria. This wording intends to make operators aware of the laws in Victoria that need to be considered when crossing a railway crossing in Victoria (Schedule 4, section 2(4)).

• Introduced wording to cover off on any requirements under another law relevant to operating in South Australia be clarified (Schedule 3, section 2(5)).

• Clarification of the wording from “any network listed...” to “the approved network listed…” to limit the scope of networks available for a rigid and truck combination to the GML Type 1 Rigid Truck and Two Dog Trailers Network. 

• Updated network references from outdated Queensland Globe references to the NHVR National Network Maps.

• ACT has been added as a participating jurisdiction with similar eligible vehicles and conditions as NSW. 
• Section 3 of the Queensland schedule has been amended to include a table clarifying that steer axle masses for eligible vehicles are limited to non-Euro VI mass limits. Eligible vehicles including twin steer Euro VI vehicles can operate under the notice at a maximum mass of 11.0t. 
• Section 5 of the Queensland schedule has been amended to confirm that combinations comprising of a dual-drive tandem axle group prime mover and a single axle dolly with an overall axle spacing less than 2.8m cannot operate under this notice. These combinations will need to operate under permit. 
• Section 6 of the Queensland schedule has been amended to confirm that combinations comprising of a dual-drive tandem axle group prime mover and a tandem axle dolly with an overall axle spacing less than 4.6m cannot operate under this notice. These combinations will need to operate under permit.

• Sections 6, 4, and 5 of the South Australian schedule have been amended to increase the trigger point for third party contact from 4.3m to 4.6m and to align with the wording in section 7, Schedule 8 of the MDL Regulation, respectively.
• Table 3 of the Victorian schedule has been amended to provide 10.00pm to 6.00am access for eligible vehicles Monday to Saturday in the Melbourne and Geelong urban areas.
• Tables 5 and 6 of the Victorian schedule have been amended to ensure that pilot vehicle requirements apply to all eligible vehicles.
• Section 50 of the Victoria Class 1 Load Carrying Vehicle and Special Purpose Vehicle Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2024 (No.2) has been inserted into the Victorian schedule for consistency in night travel restrictions in Victoria across notices.
• Section 5 of the New South Wales schedule has been amended to provide vehicles higher than 4.6m with access to a route also approved for access for 4.6m high vehicles as displayed on the ‘NSW Oversize Overmass Load Carrying Vehicles Network’ map; and requiring operators to assess the route before they travel to ensure that the route can be used without causing damage or disruption.

• Provides access to the Parkes Bypass for eligible vehicles that have a class 1 or class 3 mass or dimension exemption permit.
• Please note that this notice does not apply to all Class 1 or Class 3 vehicles, but only to those with a permit authorising them to operate on the Old Parkes Bypass.

• Provides access to the Parkes Bypass for eligible vehicles that have a class 2 heavy vehicle authorisation (permit).
• Please note that this notice does not apply to all Class 2 vehicles, but only to those with a permit authorising them to operate on the Old Parkes Bypass.

• Authorises the use of certain categories of heavy vehicles under higher mass limits on stated areas and routes and to state the intelligent access conditions under which these heavy vehicles may be used.

• No material change to eligible vehicles, conditions or access arrangements.
• Notice renewed as is with minor and administrative changes including changes to operational periods and drafting style.

• Authorises access for Class 2 heavy vehicles that are Type 1 road trains transporting cattle to Rockhampton abattoirs.

• Notice grants exemptions from mass and dimension requirements for a Class 1 heavy combination that includes a platform trailer or a Class 1 heavy combination that includes a low loader dolly and a platform trailer.

• The Notice provides a Class 1 heavy vehicle combination consisting of a prime mover towing either a:

  • platform trailer; or
  • a low loader dolly and a platform trailer.
• Note that the South Australia Class 1 Platform Trailer Exemption Trial Notice 2025 (No.1) was registered and published but did not commence.

• Notice grants exemptions from mass and dimension requirements for a Class 1 heavy combination that includes a low loader or a Class 1 heavy combination that includes a low loader dolly and low loader.

• The Notice provides a Class 1 heavy vehicle combination consisting of a:

  • prime mover towing a low loader; or
  • prime mover towing a low loader dolly and low loader.
• Note that the South Australia Class 1 Low Loader Exemption Trial Notice 2025 (No.1) was registered and published but did not commence. 

• Notice grants exemptions from dimension requirements for Class 1 heavy vehicles for the transportation of a large indivisible item.

• The Notice provides a Class 1 heavy vehicle combination consisting of a:

  • rigid truck; or
  • rigid truck towing one trailer; or
  • prime mover towing a semitrailer.
• Note that the South Australia Class 1 Load Carrying Vehicle Dimension Exemption Trial Notice 2025 (No.1) was registered and published but did not commence.

• Grants mass and dimension exemptions for Class 1 heavy vehicles that are transporting indivisible items on roads managed by the Port of Brisbane.

• The Notice no longer requires a declaration to be made under a law of a relevant jurisdiction that an area is a drought-affected area or similar to operate.

• No material change to eligible vehicles, conditions or access arrangements.
• Notice renewed as is with minor and administrative changes including changes to operational periods and drafting style.

• The Notice clarifies the need for operators to comply with the Pilots and escort vehicles in mountainous areas requirements.

• No material change to eligible vehicles, conditions or access arrangements.
• Notice renewed as is with minor and administrative changes including changes to operational periods and drafting style.

• Authorises the use of Class 2 heavy vehicles that are Performance Based Standards (PBS) heavy vehicles transporting over-mass freight containers from a Stevedore’s Terminal at Port Botany to a prescribed Container Freight Station.

• No material change to eligible vehicles, conditions or access arrangements.
• Notice renewed as is with minor and administrative changes including changes to operational periods and drafting style.

• No material change to eligible vehicles, conditions or access arrangements.
• Notice renewed as is with minor and administrative changes including changes to operational periods and drafting style.

• No material change to eligible vehicles, conditions or access arrangements.
• Notice renewed as is with minor and administrative changes including changes to operational periods and drafting style.

• Provides access to the Gympie Bypass for eligible vehicles that have a Class 2 heavy vehicle authorisation (permit) under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL).
• The Notice was developed to enable operators who have been granted access to the Bruce Highway to have that access expanded to include a recently completed extension to the Bruce Highway, the Gympie Bypass.
• The Notice will grant operators access to both the Old Bruce Highway and the new Gympie Bypass for 12 months for permits issued prior to 24 October 2024.
• Access to the Old Bruce Highway will continue following commencement of this Notice. Any new access requests to the Bruce Highway will require operators to request both the Old Bruce Highway and the new Gympie Bypass.

• Provides access to the Gympie Bypass for eligible vehicles that have a Class 1 or Class 3 mass or dimension exemption permit (permit) under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL).
• The Notice was developed to enable operators who have been granted access to the Bruce Highway to have that access expanded to include a recently completed extension to the Bruce Highway, the Gympie Bypass.
• The Notice will grant operators access to both the Old Bruce Highway and the new Gympie Bypass for 12 months for permits issued prior to 24 October 2024.
• Access to the Old Bruce Highway will continue following commencement of this Notice. Any new access requests to the Bruce Highway will require operators to request both the Old Bruce Highway and the new Gympie Bypass.

New

Australian Defence Force Class 1 and 3 Heavy Vehicle (Defence Assistance to the Civil Community) Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2024 (No.1)

 31 October 2024

New

• The Notice grants eligible Australian Defence Force (ADF) vehicles exemptions from the mass and dimension requirements for Class 1 and 3 heavy vehicles when operated under the Defence Assistance to the Civil Community (DACC) framework. 

• It will provide the ADF with vehicle access to areas in which governments have requested their assistance, without the need for applying and receiving NHVR permits. This will help expedite the ADF’s delivery of that assistance and reduce administrative burden on the NHVR, ADF and road managers.

Tasmania Class 1 Special Purpose Vehicle Exemption Notice 2019 (No.1)

Tasmania Class 1 Special Purpose Vehicle Exemption Notice 2024 (No.1)

11 August 2024

Renewal

• No material change to eligible vehicles, conditions or access arrangements.
• Notice renewed as is with minor and administrative changes including changes to operational periods and drafting style.

National Class 1 Special Purpose Vehicle (up to 40t total mass) Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2021 (No.1)

National Class 1 Special Purpose Vehicle (up to 40t total mass) Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2024 (No.1)

20 July 2024

Amendment

• No material change to eligible vehicles, conditions or access arrangements.
• NSW Schedule amended to include a requirement for an eligible vehicle that is a crane exceeding 2.5m in width must be enrolled in and comply with Intelligent Access Program or Telematics Monitoring Application.

New South Wales Class 1 Special Purpose Vehicle and Combination Exemption Notice 2024 (No.1)

New South Wales Class 1 Special Purpose Vehicle and Combination Exemption Notice 2024 (No.2)

20 July 2024

Amendment

• No material change to eligible vehicles, conditions or access arrangements.
• Notice amended to include a requirement for an eligible vehicle that is a crane exceeding 2.5m in width must be enrolled in and comply with Intelligent Access Program or Telematics Monitoring Application.

New South Wales Class 1 4-Axle & 5-Axle All Terrain Mobile Crane Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2019 (No.1)

New South Wales Class 1 4-Axle & 5-Axle All Terrain Mobile Crane Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2024 (No.1)

20 July 2024

Renewal

• No material change to eligible vehicles, conditions or access arrangements.
• Notice amended to include a requirement for an eligible vehicle that is a crane exceeding 2.5m in width must be enrolled in and comply with Intelligent Access Program or Telematics Monitoring Application.

New South Wales Class 1 All Terrain Mobile Crane and Dolly Combination Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2019 (No.1)

New South Wales Class 1 All Terrain Mobile Crane and Dolly Combination Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2024 (No.1)

20 July 2024

Renewal

• No material change to eligible vehicles, conditions or access arrangements.
• Notice amended to include a requirement for an eligible vehicle that is a crane exceeding 2.5m in width must be enrolled in and comply with Intelligent Access Program or Telematics Monitoring Application.

Queensland Class 3 Timber Transportation Mass Exemption Notice 2023 (No.1)

Queensland Class 3 Timber Transportation Mass Exemption Notice 2024 (No.1)

1 July 2024

• No material change to eligible vehicles, conditions or access arrangements.
• Notice renewed as is with minor and administrative changes including changes to operational periods and drafting style.

Queensland Class 3 Heavy Vehicle Sugar Mill Mass Management Scheme Exemption Notice 2021 (No.1)

Queensland Class 3 Heavy Vehicle Sugar Mass Management Scheme Exemption Notice 2024 (No.1)

1 July 2024

• No material change to eligible vehicles, conditions or access arrangements.
• Notice renewed as is with minor and administrative changes including changes to operational periods and drafting style.

• No material change to eligible vehicles, conditions or access arrangements.
• Notice renewed as is with minor and administrative changes including changes to operational periods and drafting style.

• No material change to eligible vehicles, conditions or access arrangements.
• Notice renewed as is with minor and administrative changes including changes to operational periods and drafting style.

• No material change to eligible vehicles, conditions or access arrangements.
• Notice renewed as is with minor and administrative changes including changes to operational periods and drafting style.

• No material change to eligible vehicles, conditions or access arrangements.
• Notice renewed as is with minor and administrative changes including changes to operational periods and drafting style.

Victoria Class 3 Road Friendly Suspension Mass Exemption Notice 2023 (No.1)

Victoria Class 3 Road Friendly Suspension Mass Exemption Notice 2024 (No.1)

28 June 2024

Section 14 of the notice has been amended to provide:

• General access for HML rigid trucks;
• General access for semi-trailers that do not exceed 20.0t on the tri-axle group;
• HML network access for semi-trailers that exceed 20.0t on the tri-axle group;
• B-double network access for B-doubles that do not exceed 20.0t on any tri-axle groups; and
• Access to roads where the B-double and HML networks overlap for B-doubles that exceed 20.0t on the tri-axle groups.

New

New South Wales Class 3 Zero Emission Vehicle Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2024 (No. 1)

10 June 2024

• Notice grants exemptions from mass and dimension requirements for Class 3 heavy vehicles that are battery electric or hydrogen fuel cell vehicles that meet specified Australian Design Rules requirements.
• The Notice applies to a vehicle or combination consisting of one or the following:
  • rigid truck or prime mover without a trailer; or
  • prime mover towing a semitrailer; or
  • a B-double.

• Split into a Class 2 Authorisation for the PBS vehicles and a Class 3 Exemption for the other eligible vehicles. 
• This ensures that Class 2 PBS vehicles are not provided with a mass exemption under the notice that could exceed their Vehicle Approval (VA) mass limits. Exceeding their VA mass limits in reliance on the existing notice could create public safety risks. 
• A Class 2 vehicle operates under an authorisation rather than an exemption.

Victoria Class 1 4-Axle & 5-Axle All Terrain Mobile Crane Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2021 (No.2)

Victoria Class 1 4-Axle & 5-Axle All Terrain Mobile Crane Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2024 (No.1)

10 June 2024

• Clarify the areas a Class 1 Crane can operate on if it has a maximum speed greater than 60km/h but less than 80 km/h – on freeways and highways;
• Omit a redundant Intelligent Access Program requirement;
• Correct incorrect reference in the old notice to a section of the Heavy Vehicle National Law;
• Correct the name of the appropriate Victorian Department referred to in the notice; and
• Upgrade, where appropriate, the notice to reflect current drafting style.

Tasmania Class 1 Load Carrying Vehicles Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2024 (No. 1)

Tasmania Class 1 Load Carrying Vehicles Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2024 (No. 2)

10 June 2024

• Modernise network referencing and to align the length of eligible vehicles under the notice to 30m.

National Class 2 Performance Based Standards (High Productivity) Authorisation Notice 2022 (No.3)

National Class 2 Performance Based Standards (High Productivity) Authorisation Notice 2024 (No.1)

3 June 2024

• Increase mass limits for B-triple general freight and volumetric combinations operating in Victoria (Table 1) from 85.5t to 91t;
• Update telematic requirements for PBS vehicles GML, CML or QML 1 -Tier 3 for the New South Wales (NSW) Schedule;
• Update network names in the Victorian (VIC) Schedule to replace existing network names which did not have a consistent naming convention;
• Exclusion of vehicles operating under a non-compliance approval issued under section 8 of the Heavy Vehicle (General) National Regulation for both NSW & VIC to allow eligible vehicles with super single tyres to use the HPFV Notice;
• Update and clarify the tri-drive exclusion in the NSW schedule to meet current drafting;
• Changed references to ‘Template vehicle’ to ‘Reference vehicle’ to be consistent with current usage and the National Network Map;
• Re-arranged the order of the Schedules into alphabetical order (NSW Schedule 1 & VIC Schedule 2);
• Contemporised the notice, where practical, to align with the current drafting style.

National Class 2 PBS Level 1 & 2A Truck and Dog Trailer Authorisation Notice 2024 (No.1)

National Class 2 PBS Level 1 & 2A Truck and Dog Trailer Authorisation Notice 2024 (No.2)

10 May 2024

• No material change to eligible vehicles, conditions or access arrangements.
• Revoked and replaced the National Class 2 PBS Level 1 & 2A Truck and Dog Trailer Authorisation Notice 2022 (No.1) and the National Class 2 PBS Level 1 & 2A Truck and Dog Trailer Authorisation Notice 2024 (No.1).

National Class 2 PBS Level 1 & 2A Truck and Dog Trailer Authorisation Notice 2022 (No.1)

National Class 2 PBS Level 1 & 2A Truck and Dog Trailer Authorisation Notice 2024 (No.1)

3 May 2024

• NSW Schedule amended to include identical requirements for vehicles operating at GML or CML to have Road Infrastructure Management (RIM) and for vehicles operating at HML to have either Intelligent Access Program (IAP) or Telematics Monitoring Application (TMA).
• No material changes have been made to eligible vehicles or access conditions.

National Class 3 20m Long 3-axle Truck and 4-axle Dog Trailer Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2022 (No. 2)

National Class 3 20m Long 3-axle Truck and 4-axle Dog Trailer Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2024 (No.1)

3 May 2024

• NSW Schedule amended to include identical requirements for vehicles operating at GML or CML to have Road Infrastructure Management (RIM) and for vehicles operating at HML to have either Intelligent Access Program (IAP) or Telematics Monitoring Application (TMA).
• No material changes have been made to eligible vehicles or access conditions.

National Class 1 Agricultural Vehicle and Combination Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2020 (No.1)

National Class 1 Agricultural Vehicle and Combination Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2024 (No.1)

1 May 2024

• No material change to eligible vehicles, conditions or access arrangements.
• Notice renewed as is with minor and administrative changes including changes to operational periods and drafting style.

National Class 3 Supplementary Access (Western Australia Assistance) Exemption Notice 2024 (No.2)

National Class 3 Supplementary Access (Western Australia Assistance) Exemption Notice 2024 (No.3)

4 April 2024

• Notice exempted eligible Class 3 heavy vehicles that are road trains up to 53.5m in length to a specified network between South Australia to Western Australia.
• Purpose of this access is to allow increased freight capacity on alternative specified areas or routes during a period when regular rail and road freight routes are affected by natural disaster.

National Class 3 Supplementary Access (Western Australia Assistance) Exemption Notice 2024 (No.1)

National Class 3 Supplementary Access (Western Australia Assistance) Exemption Notice 2024 (No.2)

30 March 2024

• Notice exempted eligible Class 3 heavy vehicles that are road trains up to 53.5m in length to a specified network between South Australia to Western Australia.
• Purpose of this access is to allow increased freight capacity on alternative specified areas or routes during a period when regular rail and road freight routes are affected by natural disaster.

Australian Capital Territory Class 3 4.6m High Vehicle Dimension Exemption Notice 2020 (No.1)

Australian Capital Territory Class 3 4.6m High Vehicle Dimension Exemption Notice 2024 (No.1)

13 March 2024

• No material change to eligible vehicles, conditions or access arrangements.
• Notice renewed as is with minor and administrative changes including changes to operational periods and drafting style.

Access will continue in the form of two new national Notices:

• National Class 2 Bus Authorisation Notice 2024 (No.1)
• National Class 3 Bus Rear Overhang Dimension Exemption Notice 2024 (No.1)

• Tasmania Class 3 Heavy Vehicle Truck and Dog Trailer Combination (Increased Mass Limits) Mass Exemption Notice 2019 (No.1)
• Tasmania Class 3 Heavy Vehicle Truck and Dog Trailer Combination Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2019 (No.1)