Regulations setting mass limits under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) have now been amended to allow heavy vehicles to meet the latest international standards.
In what is widely seen as a boost to trucking productivity, from November 1, 2024, a 500kg increase in general access mass limits will apply to trucks in Australia that comply with Euro 6 or equivalent noxious emissions standards.
The federal government said this will improve safety and emissions reduction outcomes in the heavy vehicle fleet and follows the government’s recent announcement of tighter noxious emissions standards for new trucks and buses, which must be met from November 1, 2024 onwards.
The mass limit amendments have been made under the HVNL, which is based in Queensland and adopted states and territories, excluding WA and the NT.
“The increase in heavy vehicle mass limits is an important step towards improving productivity and safety in the heavy vehicle sector, while reducing emissions,” said Transport Minister Catherine King.
“I thank state and territory colleagues, the National Transport Commission and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator for working together to achieve this important change.”