We regularly review the Australian Light Vehicle Standards Rules 2015 and the Heavy Vehicle (Vehicle Standards) National Regulation. This ensures they remain contemporary and promote improved transport productivity and safety outcomes.
The 2020-21 review has now concluded.
Infrastructure and transport ministers approved the amendments to light and heavy vehicle standards at the November 2020 meeting.
The approved Australian Light Vehicle Standards are available on the Australasian Parliamentary Counsel's Committee website.
Changes to the Heavy Vehicle (Vehicle Standards) National Regulations commenced on 22 February, 2021.
Work has now commenced on the next vehicle standards maintenance review. More information on the next review and public consultation on proposed amendments will be available on this site later in 2021.
Transport ministers will consider the next round of proposed amendments in May 2022.
Amendments to the Australian Light Vehicle Standards Rules (ALVSRs) and the Heavy Vehicle (Vehicle Standards) National Regulation were developed together and seek to better align these instruments with the Australian Design Rules (ADRs), clarify requirements and terminology and introduce safety improvements. Specific amendments include:
In November 2019, the transport ministers approved changes to the Heavy Vehicle (Vehicle Standards) National Regulations and the Australian Light Vehicle Standards.
Ministers did not approve all proposed amendments. The 2019 explanation of proposed amendments report should be read together with the published Australian Light Vehicle Standards Rules Amendment (Miscellaneous) 2019 and the Heavy Vehicle National Legislation Amendment Regulation 2020, which reflect the amendments approved by transport ministers.