Australia’s Heavy Vehicle National Law slides smoothly into first gear

The Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) commenced on 10 February 2014 in most jurisdictions in Australia. Following commencement, the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) is the “one-stop shop” for regulatory services such as access permits or internal reviews of access decision making.

The harmonisation achieved through the HVNL is expected to have numerous benefits for industry participants. The HVNL penalties framework is still undergoing a formal review, and formal submissions closed on 14 February 2014.

The new law

The HVNL – available from the host jurisdiction, the state of Queensland – and the Heavy Vehicle Regulations commenced in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and Tasmania on 10 February 2014. The HVNL will commence in the Australian Capital Territory and Northern Territory at a later date. At this stage, the HVNL will not be coming into force in Western Australia.

The HVNL applies to all vehicles with a gross vehicle mass or aggregate trailer mass exceeding 4.5 tonnes. All permits already in force at the commencement of the HVNL will remain current for the same routes, and with the same conditions, until expiry or until replaced under the national access framework, whichever comes first.