This page is intended to equip heavy vehicle operators with the information they need to operate a road train in Victoria. Road trains operate on a network in the northwest of Victoria either under the National Class 2 Road Train Authorisation Notice 2022 (No.3) (the Notice) or under a permit.

Operating under the Notice

The Notice harmonises access conditions across borders, including the axle-space mass schedule (also known as the bridge formula) contained in Schedule 1 of the Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulations (MDL).

Mass and dimension limits under the Notice

The Notice applies only to two-trailer road trains (Type 1) with a tandem axle dolly and a maximum mass of 79.5t. Road trains participating in Concessional Mass Limits (CML) may operate at up to 81.5 tonnes.

Operating conditions under the Notice

Road trains operating under the Notice must display a ‘road train’ warning sign at the front and rear of the combination.

The National Class 2 Road Train Authorisation Notice 2022 (No.3) provides more detail on operating requirements, such as speed limits, vehicle standards, and the minimum rating for couplings.

Access under Notice

The Notice restricts operators of road trains to Victoria's Gazetted Road Train Network in the northwest of Victoria. Access is permitted no further south than Ouyen and Swan Hill.

Operators seeking access beyond the approved road train network must have a road train that meets the requirements of a High Productivity Freight Vehicle (HPFV). The National Class 2 Performance Based Standards (High Productivity) Authorisation Notice 2024 (No.1) provides further information on HPFVs and Victoria's HPFV network.

Operating under permit

Combinations fitted with a tri-axle dolly and/or operating at higher mass limits (HML) are eligible for two-year permits to operate on the approved road train network. Consideration will also be given to B-triple (including modular B-triple), A-triple, and A-B-triple combinations.

Road trains operating at HML that comply with the axle-spacing specifications in Figure 1 do not require a structural assessment.

Operating conditions under permit

The National Class 2 Road Train Authorisation Notice 2022 (No.3) provides more detail on operating requirements, such as speed limits, vehicle standards, and the minimum rating for couplings.

In addition, road trains operating at HML must:

• be fitted with a GPS device accredited under the Intelligent Access Program (IAP) or Telematics Monitoring Application (TMA);
• be accredited under the Mass Management module of the National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme (NHVAS); and
• be fitted with certified Road Friendly Suspension (RFS).

Road trains transporting livestock on the approved road train network must provide evidence that the company and driver are enrolled in Victoria’s Livestock Loading Scheme, available in the Victoria Class 3 Livestock Carrier Mass Exemption Notice 2024 (No.1).

Access under permit

Permits restrict operators of road trains to Victoria's Gazetted Road Train Network in the northwest of Victoria. Access is permitted no further south than Ouyen and Swan Hill.

Operators seeking access beyond the approved road train network must have a road train that meets the requirements of a High Productivity Freight Vehicle (HPFV). The National Class 2 Performance Based Standards (High Productivity) Authorisation Notice 2024 (No.1) provides further information on HPFVs and Victoria's HPFV network.

Transporting hay and grain

A three-year transitional arrangement applies to road trains transporting hay and grain (not livestock) on Victoria's Permit Road Train Hay & Grain Network. 

Road trains transporting hay and grain are subject to the same mass, access and operating conditions as vehicles under permit, with the exception that road trains transporting hay:

• may operate up to a width of 2.7m;
• can only operate at general mass limits; and
• must comply with the conditions in the Tasmania and Victoria Class 3 Baled Hay Dimension Exemption Notice 2024 (No.1). 

FAQs

Can I access the approved road train network if my depot/farm/property is not an approved road?

Applications will be considered for properties within 15km of the approved network.

Access beyond the approved network is likely to require a geometric assessment to ensure the vehicle can safely exit the property and negotiate turns. This will be conducted at the operator’s expense and may require a PBS Assessor or a physical trial of the route. A structural assessment may also be required.

In cases where the property is located on a municipal road, an operator should seek consent from the local government prior to applying for access.

If I want to operate above the Notice masses, will I need a structural assessment?

To operate at HML, a structural assessment is not required if you comply with the minimum and maximum axle spacings illustrated in Figure 1.

If the combination has an axle spacing less or more than the spacings detailed in Figure 1, a structural assessment will be required. Applications to operate in excess of HML will be declined.

Can I operate a B-triple, A-B triple, modular B-triple or A-triple on the approved network?

These vehicles can operate under permit on the approved network, provided:

• the combination is no longer than 36.5m; and
• a structural and geometric assessment is conducted to ensure the combination can safely negotiate the network and does not place undue stress on infrastructure.

Do I need a permit to cross rail tracks?

Operators of road trains that exceed 26.0m in length and cross at-grade rail or tram tracks must apply for an over-dimensional load (ODL) permit. Permits can take up to 15 business days to process.

Do I need IAP or TMA?

IAP and TMA are certified vehicle-tracking systems that use telematics to ensure heavy vehicles adhere to approved routes at approved times. Unless otherwise approved, you must provide route compliance assurance by participating in either system using a certified in-vehicle unit.

Further information about IAP and TMA is available in Telematics and intelligent access programs.