Heavy Vehicle National Law

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The Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) regulates the use of heavy vehicles that have a gross vehicle mass of more than 4.5 tonnes. It applies nationally, except for Western Australia and the Northern Territory. 

In all jurisdictions where the HVNL applies, legislation is in place that adopts the HVNL as a law of that jurisdiction.

The NTC manages maintenance and improvement of regulatory improvements to the HVNL. The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) administers and enforces it. 

 

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Updated Heavy Vehicle National Law

In 2025 and 2026, Australia’s infrastructure and transport ministers approved a package of reforms to deliver a more flexible, risk-based and outcome-focused regulatory framework for heavy vehicle safety and productivity, including:

  • an updated Heavy Vehicle National Law
  • updated supporting regulations
  • new Statutory Instruments

The updated Heavy Vehicle National Law will commence on 1 August 2026, across participating jurisdictions.

Updated HVNL legislation and instruments (commencing 1 August 2026)

Updated Primary Law

Updated Supporting Regulations

  • Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Amendment Regulation
  • Heavy Vehicle National Amendment Regulations

These regulations, which have been approved by ministers, will be consolidated and become the Heavy Vehicle National Law Amendment Regulation 2026, made under the Heavy Vehicle National Law Act 2012 (Qld), ahead of commencement of the Heavy Vehicle National Law Amendment Act 2025 on 1 August 2026.

Statutory Instruments

Background

The HVNL and its regulations commenced on 10 February 2014.

The HVNL as passed by the Queensland Parliament is adopted for implementation by the other participating states and territories in their parliaments. It’s currently in force in:

  • Queensland
  • New South Wales
  • Australian Capital Territory
  • Victoria
  • Tasmania
  • South Australia. 

Legislative provisions are in place that modify some parts of the law in some states and territories. To access these modifications please visit the relevant state and territory legislation websites where the HVNL applies. 

Heavy Vehicle