Road managers
Accessibility tools
There is a significant amount of roads closed across southern and eastern Australia due to heavy rainfall and flooding. The NHVR is urging all heavy vehicle operators to take steps to ensure safe travel when operating in and around areas affected by heavy rainfall and flooding.
Where possible operators should avoid travelling in impacted zones, however if required be aware of local emergency access arrangements.
Heavy vehicle access across flood-affected areas
Heavy vehicle operators should take the following steps when accessing flood-affected areas.
- Check the local road conditions through state road manager websites. A list of websites with the latest information about road conditions can be found below.
- If travelling in an affected area, check with local emergency services or recovery operations.
- Ensure your vehicle is able to travel on the existing network. If you’re travelling outside of these networks, you may need to obtain a permit through the NHVR Portal or call 13 NHVR (13 64 87) for assistance. Avoid using back tracks or off-network roads to get around road closures.
NHVR applications
If flooding or flood recovery operations have interfered with your ability to lodge access or accreditation applications please get in contact with us on 13 NHVR (13 64 87) or info@nhvr.gov.au so we can provide appropriate support and guidance.
Heavy vehicle access in an emergency
In an emergency the NHVR may issue a permit or verbal approval for heavy vehicle road access. For more detailed information visit the Emergency Access page.
Safety checks
Post flooding safety check (PDF, 178KB) - Identifies potential vehicle impacts of driving in adverse conditions and highlights the importance of adjusting your maintenance system to match.
Understand emergency fatigue provisions – what you can and can’t do
An emergency services work and rest hour exemption may apply if working with or under the direction of emergency services. This includes transporting relief supplies or working to restore essential utilities and services.
For this exemption to apply, written or verbal direction must be received from emergency service personnel.
While the direction may exempt you from complying with work and rest limits and maintaining work diaries, they do not exempt an operator or a driver from managing fatigue.
Drivers should keep a record of any instruction given by emergency services.
Drivers should stop work and rest immediately if they are feeling fatigued at any time while operating a heavy vehicle.