Updating national vehicle standards

The standards for light and heavy vehicles are model laws maintained by the NTC. They must be adopted by states and territories before they come into legal effect.

Each time we update these standards, we work with an expert advisory group representing industry, Australian governments and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator.

We work with the group and subject matter experts to:

• review issues raised by stakeholders
• develop and test proposed amendments
• seek industry input on draft changes.
   

Light vehicles

The ALVSR set the standard for in-service light vehicles in Australian states and territories. They are based on the Australian Design Rules (ADRs), which are developed and administered by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sports and the Arts.

In summary, the proposed ALVSR amendments:

• clarify that alternative-fuel vehicles (such as LPG, hydrogen, and electric) must have a label fixed to each number plate fitted to the vehicle, and
• provide alternative label dimension requirements for electric-powered motor bike, permitting a label side length of 25.4 – 30 millimetres. 

For more information on the proposed changes to the ALVSR and the reasons for, please read our ALVSR Explanatory Document.

Heavy vehicles

The HV(VS)NR sets out the in-service heavy vehicle standards. It applies to vehicles over 4.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass or aggregate trailer mass and sits under the Heavy Vehicle National Law.

In summary, proposed amendments set out in the Heavy Vehicle National Amendment Regulation (Miscellaneous) 2026 will:

• establish requirements for the fitment and use of rear bump devices on heavy vehicles, and clarify their treatment when measuring vehicle length,
  • note - this amendment to the HV(VS)NR requires a consequential amendment to the HV(MDL)NR. For more information see clauses [4] & [8] of the Amendment Regulation,
• clarify the treatment of closed-circuit television (CCTV) system components fitted to buses when measuring vehicle width,
• require that vehicles granted exemptions continue to comply with applicable approval conditions,
• permit the use of devices that emit a regular, intermittent sound when a vehicle is reversing, when the left turn signal is activated, or
• when a retractable axle is in operation, and
• ensure that all emergency and police vehicles are excluded from Australian Design Rule 65 speed limiting requirements.

For more information on the proposed changes to the HV(VS)NR and the reasons for, please read our Heavy Vehicle National Amendment Regulations (Miscellaneous) 2026 Explanatory Document.
 

We are seeking your views on whether the proposed amendments achieve their intended purpose.

To have your say:

• read the explanatory documents, including the proposed amendments, for light vehicle and/or heavy vehicle standards
• submit your feedback below via “Have your say”

Where possible, please provide evidence to support your views.

Consultation closes on Wednesday 25 March 2026.

We will consider all submissions before finalising recommendations to ministers. Ministers will then consider whether to approve the amendments.