HEAVY VEHICLE NATIONAL LAW
Australian Capital Territory Higher Mass Limits Declaration 2026 (No.1)
- Purpose
This instrument declares the areas and routes on which stated categories of HML heavy vehicles can operate at the Higher Mass Limits (HML) stated in Schedule 5 of the Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulation.
- Authorising Provision
This Declaration is made under section 12 of the Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulation (the National Regulation).
- Title
This Declaration may be cited as the Australian Capital Territory Higher Mass Limits Declaration 2026 (No.1).
- Commencement
This Declaration commences on 10 August 2026.
- Expiry
This Declaration expires on 9 August 2031.
- Definitions
- Unless otherwise stated, words and expressions used in this Declaration have the same meanings as in the Heavy Vehicle National Law.
- In this Declaration:
Guide means the Australian Capital Territory Higher Mass Limits Declaration Operator’s Guide, published by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR).
- Application
- This Declaration applies to a HML heavy vehicle that complies with the requirements of Schedule 5 of the Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulation, except as excluded under 2).
- This Declaration does not apply to a HML heavy vehicle that is:
- a road train; or
- a PBS vehicle that is not approved to operate at higher mass limits under its PBS vehicle approval; or
- a B-double with a prime mover that has a tri-axle group as its drive axle group.
- This Declaration applies in the Australian Capital Territory.
- A vehicle to which this section applies is an eligible HML vehicle.
- Condition - Stated areas and routes
- An eligible vehicle complying with the conditions of this declaration is authorised to operate on areas and routes stated in this section.
- For the purposes of section 12 of the Heavy Vehicle (Mass Dimension and Loading) National Regulation, an area or route stated in this section is a stated area or route to which this HML declaration applies.
- An eligible HML vehicle operating under this Declaration may operate on the following network:
Australian Capital Territory HML Network
- In addition to 3), an eligible HML vehicle that is a B-double must operate on the following network:
Australian Capital Territory B-double Network
- Regardless of any access granted under this section, an eligible vehicle must comply with any conditions or restrictions applied to a given area or route by the Specified Road Manager Network Requirements in the Guide.
- In this section:
Network means a map or stated route, including a list or database, presented electronically or otherwise, that represents the stated areas and stated routes authorised under this declaration.
- An eligible vehicle operating on an area or route authorised by this section must comply with any of the following conditions prescribed for that area or route:
- Road conditions pursuant to section 160 of the HVNL; and
- Travel conditions pursuant to section 161 of the HVNL; and
- Vehicle conditions pursuant to section 162 of the HVNL.
Jose Arrendondo
Manager Network Access Policy
National Heavy Vehicle Regulator
Overview
The Australian Capital Territory Higher Mass Limits Declaration 2026 (No.1) was enacted in 2026 and is intended to address the need for specific regulations governing the operation of heavy vehicles with higher mass limits within the Australian Capital Territory. This Declaration was made under section 12 of the Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulation and applies exclusively within the territory from its commencement date of 10 August 2026 until 9 August 2031. The primary objective of this legislative instrument is to specify the areas and routes on which certain categories of heavy vehicles, complying with the requirements of Schedule 5 of the Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulation, are permitted to operate at higher mass limits. This Declaration excludes certain types of vehicles, such as road trains, unapproved PBS vehicles, and B-doubles with specific axle configurations, from its purview, ensuring that only eligible vehicles can benefit from the higher mass limits when operating within the designated network.
Scope and Application
The Australian Capital Territory Higher Mass Limits Declaration 2026 (No.1) applies to heavy vehicles that comply with the requirements of Schedule 5 of the Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulation, except for certain types of vehicles such as road trains, PBS vehicles not approved to operate at higher mass limits, and B-doubles with a prime mover that has a tri-axle group as its drive axle group. This Declaration operates within the geographical jurisdiction of the Australian Capital Territory and provides authorisation for eligible heavy vehicles to operate on specific areas and routes outlined within the Declaration. These vehicles must also comply with any additional conditions or restrictions applied by the Specified Road Manager Network Requirements as outlined in the Australian Capital Territory Higher Mass Limits Declaration Operator’s Guide. The Declaration outlines the conditions for road, travel, and vehicle requirements that must be met by eligible vehicles operating under its authorisation, ensuring compliance with the Heavy Vehicle National Law. This Declaration is made under section 12 of the Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulation and commences on 10 August 2026, expiring on 9 August 2031.
Key Provisions
The Australian Capital Territory Higher Mass Limits Declaration 2026 (No.1) outlines the specific areas and routes where eligible Heavy Mass Limit (HML) heavy vehicles are permitted to operate under higher mass limits as detailed in Schedule 5 of the Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulation. This Declaration, which commences on 10 August 2026 and expires on 9 August 2031, applies to HML heavy vehicles that meet the criteria set out in Schedule 5, but excludes road trains, PBS vehicles not approved for higher mass limits, and B-doubles with a tri-axle group as their drive axle group. The Declaration applies solely within the Australian Capital Territory, and any vehicle that meets the eligibility criteria is referred to as an "eligible HML vehicle."
Eligible HML vehicles are authorised to operate within the Australian Capital Territory HML Network, with B-doubles additionally permitted on the Australian Capital Territory B-double Network. However, regardless of the access granted under this Declaration, eligible vehicles must adhere to any conditions or restrictions imposed by the Specified Road Manager Network Requirements outlined in the Australian Capital Territory Higher Mass Limits Declaration Operator’s Guide published by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR). These vehicles must also comply with road, travel, and vehicle conditions prescribed for the authorised areas and routes under sections 160, 161, and 162 of the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL).
The obligations imposed by this Declaration on the parties it governs are primarily focused on ensuring compliance with the specified conditions and restrictions. Eligible HML vehicles must operate within the defined networks and adhere to all applicable conditions, including those relating to road conditions, travel conditions, and vehicle conditions as stipulated in the HVNL. Furthermore, operators must ensure their vehicles comply with any additional requirements or restrictions set forth by the Specified Road Manager Network Requirements in the Operator’s Guide. Failure to comply with these obligations could result in legal consequences.
There are no specific offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences mentioned in the text for breach of the conditions outlined in this Declaration. However, it is implied that any breaches of the Heavy Vehicle National Law or the terms of this Declaration could lead to enforcement actions, fines, or other penalties as prescribed by the relevant legislation. The maximum penalties for breaches of the HVNL can vary widely depending on the nature and severity of the offence, but they may include substantial fines and potential disqualification from operating heavy vehicles.