When do the revised Directional Stability Under Braking (DSUB) requirements commence?

The revised DSUB standard applies from 1 July 2026.

Does the revised DSUB standard apply to my existing PBS vehicle?

No. If your vehicle was PBS-approved prior to 1 July 2026, it is grandfathered and the new braking standard does not apply even if you re-certify or add that vehicle to a new or existing PBS Vehicle Approval (VA) after 1 July 2026.

Do I need to retrofit my current PBS fleet?

No, retrofit is not required for pre-existing PBS vehicles. These vehicles are referred to as DSUB-grandfathered.

However, if a DSUB-grandfathered vehicles is to be used in a combination with DSUB-compliant vehicles, the DSUB-grandfathered vehicles must meet minimum wiring and connectivity requirements.

What is a first-time PBS vehicle?

A vehicle entering the PBS scheme for the first time from 1 July 2026.

How do I check whether my vehicle is a first-time PBS vehicle?

Operators can check whether a vehicle is a first-time or pre-existing PBS vehicle by contacting the NHVR on 13 NHVR (13 64 87) or by emailing pbs@nhvr.gov.au - the email subject line must include ‘PBS approval status enquiry’. Operators may also contact their preferred PBS Certifier for assistance with PBS approval status verification.

NHVR are working to make this information available also on the NHVR Registration Checker app.

Are load proportioning valves (LPVs) allowed on first-time PBS vehicles?

No. LPVs are not permitted on first-time PBS vehicles under the revised DSUB standard.

Do all trailers need an Electronic Braking System (EBS)?

First-time PBS trailers and dollies must meet the revised DSUB requirements, this includes fitment of Trailer EBS with full roll stability functionality.

Do all trailers and dollies need rollover control?

Yes. First-time PBS trailers and dollies must be fitted with Trailer EBS that includes rollover control functionality compliant with ADR 38/05 or later.

What is an EBS status indicator?

An EBS status indicator is a device that shows whether the braking system on a trailer or dolly is connected, powered on, and free of faults.

What information must the status indicator provide?

The device must clearly indicate that the braking system on each trailing unit is:

• connected
• powered on, and
• free of system faults.

What types of devices are acceptable as a status indicator?

This requirement may be met using one of the following:

• trailer EBS diagnostic displays fitted to all trailing units, including dollies (including but not limited to Wabco SmartBoard, Knorr-Bremse Trailer Information Module or Haldex Info Centre); or
• an in-cab display connected to the Trailer EBS system, including factory-fitted OEM displays (some European truck models communicate with Trailer EBS to display trailer axle load information); or
• in-cab displays forming part of an On-Board Monitoring (OBM) system (including, but not limited to, the Knorr-Bremse iMass Driver Interface Unit).

Can other devices be used as status indicators?

Yes. Other devices, such as OEM or OBM in-cab displays, are acceptable, provided they:

• connect directly to the Trailer EBS system, and
• provide trailer-specific power and fault status information.

Do all trailers need their own diagnostic display if an in-cab display is used?

No. Where an in-cab display is used, a separate trailer-mounted diagnostic display is not required, provided the in-cab display can identify trailer-specific power and fault status.

Can I fit trailer status lights?

The revised DSUB standard does not explicitly prohibit trailer-mounted status lights. However, if fitted, those have to comply with the requirements of ADR 13. At this time there is no clear legal pathway to support their use in practice under the current version of ADR 13.

When will trailer-mounted status lights become an option?

Trailer-mounted status lights may become a viable option once:

• relevant Australian Design Rules are updated, or
• a Vehicle Standards Exemption notice is issued.

Is the NHVR working on a solution for status lights?

Yes. The NHVR is working closely with the Commonwealth to establish a compliant pathway and is aiming to resolve this issue by the DSUB go-live date.

Do the changes apply to PBS Design Approvals (DAs)?

No. Existing PBS Design Approvals remain valid and do not need to be updated.

If I cancel a PBS VA before 1 July 2026 and reapply later, is the vehicle grandfathered?

No. If a vehicle does not have an active PBS VA prior to 1 July 2026, it will be treated as a first-time PBS vehicle.

Does adding a VIN to an existing PBS VA trigger the new DSUB requirements?

Yes, if the additional vehicle is entering the PBS scheme for the first time on or after 1 July 2026.

No, if the additional vehicle was PBS-approved prior to 1 July 2026.

Are in-service vehicles entering PBS for the first time required to upgrade brakes?

Yes. Vehicles entering the PBS scheme for the first time from 1 July 2026 must meet the revised DSUB requirements, even if they are already in service. Retrofitment must be completed in accordance with VSB 6 requirements and evidence provided at the PBS certification stage.

Do grandfathered vehicles ever need braking upgrades?

No braking upgrades are required solely due to the revised DSUB standard.

However, limited electrical or connector upgrades may be required when operating in mixed combinations that include DSUB-compliant vehicles (a vehicle that has entered the PBS Scheme for the first time from 1 July 2026).

What electrical upgrades may be required for grandfathered vehicles in mixed combinations?

Grandfathered vehicles may need appropriate ISO 7638 connectors and wiring to ensure adequate power supply and connectivity to DSUB-compliant trailers or dollies.

Do rigid trucks and buses need to comply with the revised DSUB standard?

Yes. Rigid trucks and buses entering PBS for the first time from 1 July 2026 must meet the revised DSUB requirements applicable to hauling units.