National Class 2 4.6m High Livestock Carrier Authorisation Notice 2026 (No.2)

Administered by Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts

Legislation au C2026G00404 In force Gazette

Legislation content

HEAVY VEHICLE NATIONAL LAW

National Class 2 4.6m High Livestock Carrier Authorisation Notice 2026 (No.2)

 

Purpose

 

  1.                    The purpose of this notice is to authorise the use of Livestock Carriers from 4.3 to 4.6 metres in height in stated areas or stated routes, during stated hours of stated days and to state the conditions under which these Livestock Carriers may be used.

 

Note: This notice removes a condition in the South Australian Schedule concerning operation at concessional mass limits and higher mass limits. This provision is obsolete.

 

The Heavy Vehicle National Law provides that Livestock Carriers (as defined in this notice) are class 2 vehicles if the vehicle’s height exceeds 4.3 metres but does not exceed 4.6 metres.  That means that these heavy vehicles are restricted access vehicles and the operator requires an authorisation from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator before the vehicle may be used on public roads.  This instrument is an authorisation that declares the routes on which Livestock Carriers may be used, subject to compliance with certain conditions.  This instrument does NOT exempt the Livestock Carrier from requirements of the Heavy Vehicle National Law including, but not limited to, mass and dimension requirements.  

 

  1.                    This notice revokes and replaces the National Class 2 4.6m High Livestock Carrier Authorisation Notice 2026 (No.1).

 

Authorising Provision

 

  1.                    This notice is made under the following provisions of the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL):

 

  1.       section 138 - Regulator’s power to authorise use of all or stated categories of class 2 heavy vehicles.
  2.       section 23 of Schedule 1 - Regulator’s power to amend or repeal instrument.


Title

 

  1.                    This notice may be cited as the National Class 2 4.6m High Livestock Carrier Authorisation Notice 2026 (No.2).
     

Commencement

 

  1.                    This notice commences on 1 August 2026.

Expiry

 

  1.                    This notice expires on 9 February 2029.

 

Definitions

 

  1.                    Unless otherwise stated, words and expressions used in this notice have the same meanings as in the HVNL or regulations made under the HVNL.

 

‘Livestock Carrier’ means a heavy vehicle that is a heavy vehicle or combination that is higher than 4.3m but not higher than 4.6m and is built to carry cattle, sheep, pigs, goats or horses.

 

‘National Class 2 B-double Authorisation Notice’ means the current national notice of that name providing access to Class 2 B-Doubles.

 

‘National Class 2 Road Train Authorisation Notice’ means the current national notice of that name providing access to Class 2 Road Trains.

‘Stated areas or routes’ means the stated areas or routes set out in the Schedules.

‘Stated hours of stated days’ means the stated hours of stated days set out in the Schedules.
 

Application

 

  1.                    This notice applies to a Livestock Carrier.
     
  2.                    This notice applies in all participating jurisdictions other than the Australian Capital Territory.

 

Conditions
 

  1.                The driver and operator of the Livestock Carrier must comply with all conditions set out in the Schedule for a participating jurisdiction when the vehicle is being used in the jurisdiction to which that Schedule applies.

 

 

Jose Arredondo

Manager Network Access Policy

National Heavy Vehicle Regulator

 

 

 

 

SCHEDULE 1 – NEW SOUTH WALES

 

Stated areas or routes

 

  1.        A Livestock Carrier that is a motor vehicle, or a combination consisting of a prime mover and semitrailer, may use the areas or routes in the following networks:

 

GML 19m B-double Routes (over 50 tonnes)

GML 23m B-double Routes

GML 25/26m B-double Routes 

  1.        A Livestock Carrier that is used in a B-double combination, may use the areas or routes in the following networks:

 

GML 19m B-double Routes (over 50 tonnes)

GML 23m B-double Routes

GML 25/26m B-double Routes 

  1.        A Livestock Carrier that is used in a road train combination, may use the areas or routes in the following networks:

 

GML Type 1 A-double Network

GML Modular B-Triple

GML B-Triple

GML AB-Triple

GML Type 1 Rigid Truck and Two Dog Trailers

GML Type-2 Road Train

 

  1.        An eligible vehicle that is more than 4.3m high but not more than 4.6m high may only operate on a route that is also approved on the 4.6m High Vehicle Network layer (NSW Network Overlays) on the NHVR National Network Map.  

 

Note:  This means the route must be displayed as approved on both the relevant B-double network map AND the 4.6m High Vehicle Network layer (NSW Network Overlays) on the NHVR National Network Map.

 

 Road network maps for New South Wales are published on the NHVR National Network Map.

 

Stated hours of stated days

  1.        Except as specified in clauses 6 and 7, a Livestock Carrier may use the stated areas or routes at any time of the day.
  2.        A Livestock Carrier that is authorised to use the areas or routes in the National Class 2 Heavy Vehicle B-double Authorisation Notice must do so in accordance with any restrictions on the hours and days of operation specified in this notice.
  3.        A Livestock Carrier that is authorised to use the areas or routes in the National Class 2 Heavy Vehicle Road Train Authorisation Notice must do so in accordance with any restrictions on the hours and days of operation specified in this notice.

 

Conditions

  1.        A Livestock Carrier must comply with the conditions specified for each area or route in this Schedule.
  2.        A Livestock Carrier that is used in a B-double combination must comply with any relevant conditions set out in the National Class 2 Heavy Vehicle B-double Authorisation Notice.
  3.    A Livestock Carrier that is used in a road train combination must comply with any relevant conditions set out in the National Class 2 Heavy Vehicle Road Train Authorisation Notice.
  4.    Livestock must not be carried in an upper deck of a multi-deck livestock carrier unless any lower deck of the livestock carrier is fully laden.


SCHEDULE 2 – QUEENSLAND

 

Stated areas or routes

 

  1.        A Livestock Carrier that is a motor vehicle or a combination may use all roads in Queensland except where there is insufficient height clearance for the combination to pass without striking or damaging any road infrastructure.

 

Note:  The driver of the Livestock Carrier must assess the suitability of a road prior to operating the vehicle on that road. The roads used must be continually monitored to ensure sufficient clearance for the vehicle exists.

 

  1.        A Livestock Carrier that is used in a B-double combination may only use a route described in clause 1 if the route is also approved in the National Class 2 B-Double Authorisation Notice.

 

Note:  This means the route must be approved for use by both 4.6m high semitrailers and B-doubles.

 

  1.        A Livestock Carrier that is used in a road train combination may only use a route described in clause 1 if the route is also approved in the National Class 2 Road Train Authorisation Notice.

 

Note:  This means the route must be approved for use by both 4.6m high vehicles and road trains.

 

Stated hours of stated days

 

  1.        Except as specified in clauses 5 and 6, a Livestock Carrier may use the stated areas or routes at any time of the day.
  2.        A Livestock Carrier that is authorised to use the areas or routes in the B-double notice must do so in accordance with any restrictions on the hours and days of operation specified in the B-double notice.
  3.        A Livestock Carrier that is authorised to use the areas or routes in the road train notice must do so in accordance with any restrictions on the hours and days of operation specified in the road train notice.

 

Conditions

  1.        A Livestock Carrier that is used in a B-double combination must comply with any relevant conditions set out in the National Class 2 B-double Authorisation Notice.
  2.        A Livestock Carrier that is used in a road train combination must comply with any relevant conditions set out in the National Class 2 Road Train Authorisation Notice.

 

 


SCHEDULE 3 – SOUTH AUSTRALIA

 

Stated areas or routes

 

  1.        A Livestock Carrier that is a combination consisting of a prime mover and semitrailer may use all roads in South Australia provided it complies with conditions specified below.
  2.        A Livestock Carrier that is used in a B-double combination may only use a route approved in the National Class 2 B-double Authorisation Notice.
  3.        A Livestock Carrier that is used in a road train combination may only use a route approved in the National Class 2 Road Train Authorisation Notice.

 

Stated hours of stated days

 

  1.        Subject to clauses 5 and 6, a Livestock Carrier may use the stated areas or routes at any time of the day.
  2.        A Livestock Carrier that is authorised to use the areas or routes in the B-double notice must do so in accordance with any restrictions on the hours and days of operation specified in the National Class 2 B-double Authorisation Notice.
  3.        A Livestock Carrier that is authorised to use the areas or routes in the road train notice must do so in accordance with any restrictions on the hours and days of operation specified in the National Class 2 Road Train Authorisation Notice.

 

Note:  Road network maps for South Australia are published on the NHVR National Network Map.

 

Conditions

 

Conditions applicable to all Livestock Carriers

 

  1.        Only livestock consisting of cattle, sheep, pigs and goats can be carried when operating under this schedule.
  2.        A rigid motor vehicle is not permitted to operate under this Schedule.
  3.        Livestock must not be carried in an upper deck of a multi-deck livestock carrier unless all pens on any lower decks are fully loaded except for pens containing loading ramps.
  4.    The load must consist solely of livestock.
  5.    While transporting livestock, the driver and operator of a Livestock Carrier must comply with the requirements of the Australian Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals and the road transport of livestock.

 

Conditions applicable to a Livestock Carrier used in a B-double or road train combination

 

  1.    In addition to complying with the requirements of this Schedule, a Livestock Carrier that is used in a B-double combination must comply with the National Class 2 B-double Authorisation Notice.
  2.    In addition to complying with the requirements of this Schedule, a Livestock Carrier that is used in a road train must comply with the National Class 2 Road Train Authorisation Notice.

 


Conditions applicable to a Livestock Carrier that exceeds 4.3m high

 

  1.    Before starting the journey, the driver or operator:

 

  1.       should review the Heavy Vehicle – Road Operations Access Map (HV-ROAM) published on the South Australian Department for Infrastructure and Transport website; and
  2.       may be required to consult and obtain consent from third party entities who manage utilities which may be impacted by over height vehicles.

 

Note: Some routes in the Adelaide Metropolitan Area have height restrictions less than 4.3m.

 

Contact details for SAPN, Telstra and Optus are available on the NHVR website.

 

 

 

 


SCHEDULE 4 – TASMANIA

 

Stated areas or routes

 

  1.        A Livestock Carrier that is a motor vehicle or a combination consisting of two vehicles may use all roads in Tasmania, except for—
  1.       Tasman Bridge if the vehicle is more than 4.3m high; or
  2.       Any other road where there is insufficient height clearance for the combination to pass without striking or damaging any road infrastructure.

 

Note: The driver of a Livestock Carrier that is higher than 4.3m must assess the suitability of a road prior to operating the vehicle on that road using the maps specified in Appendix 1 to ensure sufficient clearance for the vehicle exists.

 

  1.        A Livestock Carrier that is used in a B-double combination that is more than 21m long may only use a route specified in clause 1 if it is also a route approved in the National Class 2 B-double Authorisation Notice.

Stated hours of stated days

 

  1.        Except as specified in clause 4, a Livestock Carrier may use the stated areas or routes at any time of the day.
  2.        A Livestock Carrier that is authorised to use the areas or routes in the B-double notice must do so in accordance with any restrictions on the hours and days of operation specified in the National Class 2 B-double Authorisation Notice and in the B-double network map specified in Appendix 1.

 

Conditions

  1.        A Livestock Carrier that is used in a B-double combination must comply with the conditions specified in the National Class 2 B-double Authorisation Notice and in the B-double network map specified in Appendix 1.

Appendix 1

Tasmanian 26 metre B-double Network Map

Height Clearance Under Overhead Structures Map

 

Note: The Height Clearance Under Overhead Structures Map identifies relevant height clearances that may be relevant depending on specific routes on the network.

 

The maps and networks mentioned in this appendix are published by the Tasmania Department of State Growth, and are available on its website.

 


SCHEDULE 5 – VICTORIA

 

Stated areas or routes

 

  1.        A Livestock Carrier that is a motor vehicle or a combination consisting of a prime mover and semitrailer may use all roads in Victoria.
  2.        A Livestock Carrier that is used in a B-double combination may operate on the areas or routes provided in the following network:

Victoria's Gazetted B-Double Network

 

Note:  Road network maps for Victoria are published on the NHVR National Network Map.

 

Stated hours of stated days

 

  1.        Except as specified in clause 4, a Livestock Carrier may use the stated areas or routes at any time of the day.
  2.        A Livestock Carrier that is authorised to use the areas or routes in the B-double notice must do so in accordance with any restrictions on the hours and days of operation specified in the B-double notice.

 

Conditions

 

  1.        A Livestock Carrier is limited to transporting cattle, pigs, sheep or goats.

 

  1.        A Livestock Carrier that is used in a B-double combination must comply with any relevant conditions set out in the B-double notice.

 

Overview

The National Class 2 4.6m High Livestock Carrier Authorisation Notice 2026 (No.2), enacted by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, serves to address the need for specific authorisation to use livestock carriers that fall between 4.3 and 4.6 metres in height on public roads. This notice updates and replaces the previous authorisation notice, reflecting changes in legislative requirements and operational standards. It aims to ensure that such vehicles comply with national heavy vehicle laws while facilitating their use within designated areas and timeframes. This authorisation notice operates under the provisions of the Heavy Vehicle National Law and outlines the specific conditions and restrictions for the use of these vehicles in various participating jurisdictions, including New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, and Victoria, while excluding the Australian Capital Territory.

Scope and Application

The National Class 2 4.6m High Livestock Carrier Authorisation Notice 2026 (No.2) applies to Livestock Carriers that are heavy vehicles with a height exceeding 4.3 metres but not exceeding 4.6 metres, which are designed to carry livestock such as cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, or horses. This notice authorises the use of such vehicles on specific routes and during certain hours within participating jurisdictions, which include all states except the Australian Capital Territory. The notice specifies that the driver and operator of these Livestock Carriers must comply with the conditions set out in the schedules for each participating jurisdiction. Notably, the notice does not exempt these vehicles from the general requirements of the Heavy Vehicle National Law, including mass and dimension regulations. The notice also revokes and replaces the previous National Class 2 4.6m High Livestock Carrier Authorisation Notice 2026 (No.1). The authorisation for use of these vehicles is granted under specific sections of the Heavy Vehicle National Law, and the notice comes into effect on 1 August 2026, expiring on 9 February 2029. The notice includes detailed schedules for each participating jurisdiction, outlining the permitted routes, hours of operation, and additional conditions that must be adhered to.

Key Provisions

The National Class 2 4.6m High Livestock Carrier Authorisation Notice 2026 (No.2) (sections 138 and 23 of the Heavy Vehicle National Law) authorises the use of livestock carriers between 4.3 and 4.6 metres in height on specified routes and during specified times in various participating jurisdictions, subject to compliance with certain conditions. The authorisation applies to livestock carriers used in various combinations, including B-double and road train configurations. It is important to note that this notice does not exempt livestock carriers from the requirements of the Heavy Vehicle National Law, including mass and dimension requirements. The notice replaces the previous National Class 2 4.6m High Livestock Carrier Authorisation Notice 2026 (No.1). Operators and drivers of livestock carriers must comply with the conditions specified in the schedules for the relevant jurisdiction. This includes ensuring that livestock carriers do not carry livestock in an upper deck of a multi-deck livestock carrier unless any lower deck is fully laden, and that the load consists solely of livestock. In addition, livestock carriers must comply with the Australian Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals and the road transport of livestock. For livestock carriers used in B-double or road train combinations, additional conditions set out in the National Class 2 B-double Authorisation Notice and the National Class 2 Road Train Authorisation Notice must also be complied with. Failure to comply with the conditions of the authorisation notice may result in civil or criminal penalties. The Heavy Vehicle National Law sets out various offences and penalties for breaches of the law, including fines and imprisonment. The specific penalties for each offence are set out in the law and may vary depending on the circumstances of the breach. In summary, the National Class 2 4.6m High Livestock Carrier Authorisation Notice 2026 (No.2) provides authorisation for the use of livestock carriers between 4.3 and 4.6 metres in height on specified routes and during specified times in various participating jurisdictions. Operators and drivers of livestock carriers must comply with the conditions set out in the schedules for the relevant jurisdiction, as well as any additional conditions set out in other authorisation notices. Failure to comply with the conditions of the authorisation notice may result in civil or criminal penalties.

Legal classification tags

Area of Law
Commercial Law
Instrument
Gazette Notice
Concepts
Definitions & Interpretation
Regulatory Standards
Compliance Obligations
Reporting & Disclosure Obligations
Enforcement Powers

Interactions

Authorises

All Versions

Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation at 26 August 2026. For the latest information on Australian Government law please go to https://www.legislation.gov.au.