Intelligent Access Program (IAP)

This page provides information to operators about enrolment in the Intelligent Access Program (IAP) when it is a condition of a permit or notice.

Please note: If IAP is required as a condition under an access permit or notice, operators must be enrolled in IAP, and have an In-Vehicle Unit (IVU) fitted and operational, before travel. It is an offence to operate a vehicle that does not comply with an IAP condition of a permit or notice. This applies to jurisdictions under the authority of the NHVR. For other jurisdictions (Northern Territory and Western Australia), please contact the relevant state or territory road transport authority.

On this page:

What is IAP?

The Intelligent Access Program (IAP) is a technical, functional and regulatory national framework to manage heavy vehicle access through the use of telematics. Telematics is a method of monitoring vehicles by using GPS technology and on-board diagnostics to plot the vehicle’s movements.

Developed in partnership with all Australian road agencies, IAP allows participating operators access – or improved access – to the road network, in return for IAP monitoring and compliance with road manager access conditions.

Location, time and identity are remotely monitored using satellite tracking and wireless communication technology via the In-Vehicle Unit (IVU). Road agencies receive IAP data when a vehicle operates outside the permitted access networks or conditions, and a Non-compliance Report (NCR) is issued. NCRs are reviewed and, if validated, may result in further action taken.

IAP enables operators to access roads or bridges, operate at greater masses, or use larger and heavier vehicles than would otherwise be available. IAP provides road managers with the confidence and assurance that heavy vehicles are complying with their road access conditions.

For more information visit Transport Certification Australia (TCA) - Intelligent Access Program.

Operating at Higher Mass Limits (HML)

New South Wales

Vehicles operating at Higher Mass Limits (HML) in New South Wales, including Performance Based Standards (PBS) vehicles, are required to be enrolled in either IAP or Telematics Monitoring Application (TMA).

Queensland

Operators operating at HML in Queensland must be enrolled in:

  • TMA for vehicles enrolled from 1 December 2022
  • TMA or IAP for vehicles enrolled before 1 December 2022.

From 1 June 2024, the option to be enrolled in IAP will be removed for HML, and all operators must change to TMA prior to this date to continue operating at HML.

For more information visit Queensland's transition to Smart On-Board Mass and Telematics Monitoring Application.

South Australia

There are no telematics requirements at this stage in South Australia.

For more information visit South Australia Intelligent Access Program.

IAP requirements

Information on IAP requirements for different vehicles within a state or territory of travel can be found at:

In certain circumstances – such as, for certain heavy loads operating on certain infrastructure, or at the direction of a road authority or road manager­ – the NHVR may wait for the operator to enrol in IAP and request a copy of the IAP certificate of enrolment before issuing the permit.

Authorised compliance and enforcement officers may ask operators for evidence of compliance – for example, presenting the permit and/or IAP certificate of enrolment.

If a road manager receives a new permit application and imposes IAP as a condition of their consent, or if the NHVR is aware that IAP is a condition of access – for example, for an existing permit-based scheme – the NHVR will notify you. You can then choose whether you wish to proceed with, or continue, using this route.

If you are unsure whether IAP is required for your vehicle and route, please contact the NHVR or the relevant state or territory road transport authority.

Authorised compliance and enforcement officers may ask operators for evidence of compliance for example, to present the IAP certificate of enrolment.

IAP enrolment

Application

Enrolment must be completed for each state or territory where travel is intended and where IAP is a condition of access.

Operators enrolling in IAP for New South Wales, Queensland or Victoria should complete an IAP application form.

Cancellation

If you choose to stop participating in IAP, you need to cancel your enrolment by completing an IAP application form.

You will also need to cancel any permits that require IAP as a condition through the NHVR Portal.

It is an offence to operate a vehicle that cannot comply with an IAP condition of a notice or permit.

IAP service providers

Operators are responsible for contacting a TCA-certified IAP service provider and organising installation of an IVU. Service providers and IVUs must be certified by TCA.

IAP service providers are easily recognised as they are the only suppliers permitted to display the TCA Certified for IAP symbol.

IAP certificates

An IAP certificate is issued by TCA on behalf of the NHVR. The NHVR records whether vehicles are enrolled in the IAP.

The transport operator is responsible for advising their drivers that a vehicle is being monitored in the IAP. A driver needs to be aware of the IAP certificate and produce it when requested by an authorised officer.

AN IAP certificate does not expire but is only valid while the vehicle is enrolled in the IAP.

Other telematics programs

Smart On-Board Mass (OBM)

Smart On-Board Mass (OBM) ;may only be operated in conjunction with the TMA.

Smart OBM is a requirement for:

  • high-productivity freight vehicles operating in Victoria
  • some PBS vehicles operating in New South Wales
  • eligible Class 2 and some specified Class 3 heavy vehicles operating in Queensland.

Please check the relevant notice for your vehicle type to confirm requirements for Smart OBM.

Visit TCA - Smart OBM for more information and applying for Smart OBM

Telematics Monitoring Application (TMA)

Telematics Monitoring Application (TMA) is offered in New South Wales and Victoria as an alternative to IAP for some vehicle types, and Queensland as a requirement for eligible Class 2 and some specified Class 3 heavy vehicles.

Visit TCA - Telematics Monitoring Application for further information about eligible vehicles and applying for TMA.