Wider trucks get the go-ahead

As part of these reforms, heavy vehicles of up to 2.55 metres wide will now get general access to Australia’s road network.

The wider vehicles are required to be fitted with additional safety features, including an enhanced set of devices for indirect vision, stability control, advanced emergency braking, lane departure warning, side underrun protection, and conspicuous markings. 

Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said the implementation of the Safer Freight Vehicles reforms is a significant step forward for heavy vehicle operators, with this increased general width limit now reflected in the Heavy Vehicle National Law.

“We have gotten on with the job of delivering the Safer Freight Vehicles reforms, which is now in place for New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, the Northern Territory, and the Australian Capital Territory,” Ms King said.

“This means these safer heavy vehicles will have general access to the road network in these jurisdictions, supporting improved road safety for all.”

This follows the Federal Government making changes to the Australian Design Rules last October to allow an increase in the maximum width of heavy vehicles fitted with the most modern safety features, from 2.50 to 2.55 metres.

The announcement will allow manufacturers to more easily roll out electric trucks such as the Volvo FE and FL Electric and the upcoming FH Electric prime mover, which currently have to operate under the PBS scheme due to their width.

The NHVR will now start working with key industry associations to develop a process to allow existing vehicles already in-service to be certified as Safer Freight Vehicles, given only new vehicles are currently eligible. This process is expected to be finalised in early 2025.

“As a modern and progressive regulator, the NHVR wants to ensure heavy vehicles are equipped with the latest safety technology, and make sure there are no regulatory barriers when it comes to manufacturers identifying and installing new systems,” said NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto.

“This announcement is a gamechanger for both operators and manufacturers, and will ensure the safest vehicles are available in Australia, helping keep all road users safe,” he added.

To read more, including the safety features Safer Freight Vehicles need to have, visit Vehicle Standards Guide 35.