National Heavy Vehicle Regulator – Fee for Victorian Services Notice 2026 (No.1)

Overview

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator – Fee for Victorian Services Notice 2026 (No.1) was enacted to address the need for the regulation and collection of fees associated with services provided in Victoria for heavy vehicles transporting large indivisible items under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL). This Notice is intended to recoup the reasonable costs associated with providing escort services and related vehicle and load inspections for such vehicles. The Notice is made under section 740 and 740A of the HVNL and will take effect on 1st July 2026. It applies specifically in Victoria and sets out the fees for services such as escort services and inspections, at a rate of $275.00 per hour including GST, with minimum charges for cancellation notices. The overarching policy objective is to ensure that the costs associated with the administration of these services are adequately covered, thereby facilitating the efficient operation of heavy vehicle regulations within the state.

Scope and Application

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator – Fee for Victorian Services Notice 2026 (No.1) pertains to the fees charged for services associated with the administration of the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) in Victoria. This Notice applies specifically to heavy vehicles that transport large indivisible items and require an escort under the provisions of the HVNL. These services encompass the provision of escort services and inspections of vehicles and loads that are integral to the escort's responsibilities. The fees are designed to cover the reasonable costs incurred by the Regulator for providing these services. The Notice applies exclusively within the jurisdiction of Victoria and was made under sections 740 and 740A of the HVNL, taking effect on the 1st of July 2026. The fee for any specified service is set at $275.00 per hour, inclusive of GST, with a minimum of two hours required on weekdays and three hours on weekends and public holidays. Any cancellation of a service booked with less than 24 hours' notice will incur a minimum charge of two hours on weekdays and three hours on weekends or public holidays.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator – Fee for Victorian Services Notice 2026 (No.1) detail the fees that are payable for services related to the administration of the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) (section 1). Specifically, section 3 states that the services provided include escort services for heavy vehicles carrying large indivisible items and inspections of vehicles and loads related to those escort services. The fee for these services is set at $275.00 per hour, inclusive of GST, with a minimum requirement of 2 hours on weekdays and 3 hours on weekends or public holidays (section 4). Additionally, if a service is cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice, a minimum charge applies, which is two hours on weekdays and three hours on weekends or public holidays (section 5). This Notice comes into effect on 1 July 2026 and applies within the state of Victoria (section 6 and 7). The obligations and requirements imposed by this Act on the parties involved include ensuring that all fees are paid as specified in the Notice (section 4). Parties must book services in advance and provide adequate notice for cancellations to avoid incurring the minimum charge (section 5). The Regulator is responsible for providing the specified services, including escort services and inspections, and must do so within the parameters set out in the Notice, such as the minimum time requirements and the specified fee structure (section 3). There are no explicit provisions detailing offences, penalties, or consequences for breach within the Notice itself. However, failure to adhere to the specified requirements, such as not paying the fees or cancelling services without the required notice, may result in the imposition of the minimum charge as outlined in section 5. This minimum charge serves as a deterrent and ensures that the services are managed efficiently and that the costs are recovered appropriately. Additionally, non-compliance with the payment requirements or service bookings may lead to disputes or other administrative actions as per the general provisions of the Heavy Vehicle National Law.