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The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) is introducing temporary flexibility within its National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme (NHVAS) to help operators manage rising costs and broader economic uncertainty, including ongoing diesel price pressures.
The initiative will allow South Australian operators to temporarily de-register vehicles while maintaining their place within the accreditation scheme for up to six months, reducing administrative burden and helping businesses manage fleet costs during challenging operating conditions.
The NHVR has been working closely with the South Australian Department for Infrastructure and Transport (SA DIT) to develop the approach, ensuring it is practical, consistent with regulatory requirements, and responsive to industry needs.
NHVR Chief Operations Officer Paul Salvati said the regulator understands the significant cost pressures facing the industry.
“Operators across the heavy vehicle sector have been doing it tough,” Mr Salvati said.
“Diesel price volatility and broader economic uncertainty are creating real pressure on business operations and fleet decisions.
“That’s why we’ve been working closely with our key jurisdictional partners, including SA DIT, to develop a practical solution that provides short-term relief while maintaining the integrity of the accreditation scheme.”
Under the arrangement, operators will be able to place vehicles into an “unregistered” status within NHVAS for up to six months without removing them from the scheme.
Vehicles may retain existing accreditation labels during this period, and operators will not be required to re-apply or re-pay entry costs when reactivating vehicles.
Where all vehicles are temporarily de-registered, operator accreditation can remain active for up to six months to allow fleets to be reintroduced without administrative barriers.
Operators remain subject to all relevant state and territory registration and inspection requirements.
Mr Salvati said the approach reflects the NHVR’s commitment to working with industry and jurisdictions to respond to emerging challenges.
“Our role is to ensure the regulatory system supports safety while remaining practical and adaptable,” he said.
“This is a targeted, time-limited measure designed to give operators breathing space during a difficult period, without compromising safety or compliance obligations.
“We recognise heavy vehicle registration requirements are unique to all states, and the NHVR will work with other state jurisdictions to implement similar measures if they hold a significant benefit to industry and meet state safety requirements."