National Heavy Vehicle Inspection Manual

The National Heavy Vehicle Inspection Manual (NHVIM) provides a nationally consistent approach to heavy vehicle compliance and vehicle inspections.

On this page:

The current version of the National Heavy Vehicle Inspection Manual (NHVM V3.0), will be replaced on 16 December 2024 by a revised version, the National Heavy Vehicle Inspection Manual NHVIM V3.1 (PDF, 3.6MB).

This revision of the NHVIM reflects amendments made to:

  • the Australian Design Rules (ADRs) around:
    • the introduction of Safer Freight Vehicles
    • electric vehicle standards
    • hydrogen vehicle standards
  • the Road Vehicle Standards Act (RVSA)
  • respond to feedback provided to the NHVR.

More detailed information around the changes can be found in:

All participating states and territories will adopt the NHVIM V3.1 into their inspection regimes from 16 December 2024. Please note any inspections conducted up until 16 December 2024 should be performed using NHVIM V3.0.

The NHVIM provides authorised officers, inspectors and industry operators with a consistent criterion for heavy vehicle inspections. By carrying out inspections of vehicles using this manual, operators can ensure their vehicles comply with the heavy vehicle standards and help avoid penalties for non-compliance.

Important note about mechanics: The HVNL sets the standards that heavy vehicles must meet. It does not specify qualifications for mechanics servicing or repairing heavy vehicles. Qualifications and licensing arrangements for service providers are currently the responsibility of state-based legislative authorities that oversee the vehicle service and repair industry.

Heavy Vehicle Standards and the NHVIM

The Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) requires that all heavy vehicles used on a road must comply with heavy vehicle standards, which includes both the requirements of the Australian Design Rules (ADRs) and the Heavy Vehicle (Vehicle Standards) National Regulation. These standards set out the minimum safety, emissions and anti-theft requirements that apply to heavy vehicles.

Using a heavy vehicle on a road that does not comply with these standards can result in:

  • the issue of an infringement notice
  • the issue of a defect notice.

The standards are detailed technical documents and are often not easily read or applied by inspectors, operators or drivers. The NHVIM simplifies this information so you can more clearly understand the rules and whether your vehicle complies.

In the NHVIM, each of the reasons for a vehicle rejection refers back to a heavy vehicle standard of the HVNL. For example, the reasons for rejection outlined in ‘Section 3 Couplings’ of the NHVIM can be directly related back to a requirement of either the national regulation or ADRs 62 or 63. The manual also details practical information about wear, damage or change to important systems from in-service use.

Note: While the NHVIM fully summarises the requirements of the heavy vehicle standards, it is not exhaustive and must be read in conjunction with both vehicle and component manufacturer’s specifications.

You are welcome to download the manual, or just the sections you need.

Download the NHVIM

National Heavy Vehicle Inspection Manual (NHVIM) Version 3.0 (PDF, 5.7MB)

Individual sections of the manual can also be downloaded below:

In Queensland, South Australia and Tasmania there are additional inspection criteria for certain vehicles due to local heavy vehicle laws.

Queensland - Vehicle mounted lifting systems fitted to heavy vehicles and inspected in Queensland are subject to additional requirements as listed in Appendix Q – Stabilisers/outriggers mounted on heavy vehicles (PDF, 216KB)

South Australia - Every bus registered in South Australia must also comply with the Code of Practice for Buses: https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/driving-and-transport/vehicles/vehicle-types-and-specifications/code-of-practice-for-buses

Tasmania - There are additional vehicle requirements for buses, motorhomes, caravans and campervans used on Tasmanian roads as detailed in the National Heavy Vehicle Inspection Manual - Tasmanian Supplement: https://www.transport.tas.gov.au/vehicles_and_vehicle_inspections/vehicle_inspections_ais/ais_inspection_manuals

Amendments

As the NHVIM is revised and updated, we publish a change log of any amendments to identify which sections have been changed.

Share your feedback

The criteria set out in the NHVIM reflect current consultation with road user groups, road transport authorities, police agencies, manufacturers and suppliers.

We seek to continually update and improve the NHVIM. Contributions and feedback can be made by completing the NHVIM feedback form (DOCX, 103KB) and sending it to vehiclestandards@nhvr.gov.au

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