Joint release: NHVR and NTC release statutory instruments ahead of 1 August commencement of amended HVNL

29-05-2026

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) and National Transport Commission (NTC) and have released key statutory instruments supporting the amended Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL), ahead of its commencement on 1 August 2026.

The instruments provide the detailed standards and guidance that underpin the amended law, covering accreditation, fatigue management and safety assurance.

They include the Safety Management System (SMS) Standard, Ministerial Guidelines for Heavy Vehicle Accreditation, the National Audit Standard (NAS), and the Ministerial Standard for Alternative Compliance Hours.

NTC Chief Executive Officer and Commissioner Michael Hopkins said the release of the statutory instruments marks a major milestone in the implementation of the amended HVNL and provides industry with greater clarity and certainty ahead of commencement.

“Together, these instruments establish the practical standards and assurance frameworks that underpin the amended HVNL and support a more modern, risk-based approach to heavy vehicle regulation.”

NHVR Chief Executive Officer Nicole Rosie said the NAS, alongside the broader suite of statutory instruments, provide an important foundation for the consistent application of the amended law across jurisdictions.

“The HVNL reforms reflect an important shift in how the system operates, as we move away from a purely compliance-driven approach, towards a stronger focus on risk-based safety management and delivering safer outcomes,” Ms Rosie said.

“With the release of key statutory instruments, we have now reached a critical point in this reform process, supported by significant collaboration between the NHVR, the NTC, and government and industry partners.

Ms Rosie said the NHVR’s focus is now firmly on readiness, ensuring industry has the guidance, tools and support needed ahead of commencement on 1 August.

“Teams right across the organisation have been working closely together for many months to develop guidance materials, operational resources, training and implementation support to help industry transition confidently to the amended law,” she said.

“The NHVR has now released additional guidance material covering areas such as Unfit to Drive obligations, Heavy Vehicle Accreditation (HVA) information for operators and auditors, and supporting resources linked to the NAS.

“Direct engagement with industry has also been a key focus, with HVNL online information sessions recently launched to help drivers, operators and other industry stakeholders understand what the changes mean in practice.

“Those sessions are available to watch back online via the NHVR website.

“The NHVR will continue to roll out training and guidance material in the lead-up to commencement, including the HVA Operator Guideline which is currently being finalised and will be released over the coming weeks.”

The NTC and NHVR will continue working closely with governments and industry stakeholders throughout the implementation period to support a smooth and nationally consistent transition to the amended HVNL.

Read the statutory instruments:

For further information, read the guidance material now available on the NHVR website: