National Heavy Vehicle Standards (Emergency Services Speed Limiting) Exemption Notice 2026 (No.1)

HEAVY VEHICLE NATIONAL LAW

NATIONAL HEAVY VEHICLE STANDARDS (EMERGENCY SERVICES SPEED LIMITING) EXEMPTION NOTICE 2026 (No.1)

1.        Purpose

The purpose of this Notice is to exempt emergency vehicles that are heavy vehicles from complying with certain requirements of the Heavy Vehicle (Vehicle Standards) National Regulation (the National Regulation).

1.        Authorising Provision

This Notice is made under section 61 of the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) as in force in each participating jurisdiction.

1.        Commencement

This Notice commences on 21 June 2026.

1.        Expiry

This Notice expires 31 March 2027.

1.        Definitions

Unless otherwise stated, words and expressions used in this Notice have the same meanings as those defined in the HVNL and the National Regulation.

1.        Title

This notice may be cited as the National Heavy Vehicle Standards (Emergency Services Speed Limiting) Vehicle Exemption Notice 2026 (No.1).

1.        Application

This Notice applies to an emergency vehicle that is a heavy vehicle operating in a participating jurisdiction.

1.        Exemption from Prescribed Vehicle Standards

A vehicle to which this Notice applies is exempt from complying with Schedule 1 Section 2(1) of the National Regulation insofar as it requires compliance with Australian Design Rule (ADR) 65/00 – Maximum Road Speed Limiting for Heavy Goods Vehicles and Heavy Omnibuses, or a later version of the ADR.

1.        Conditions

1.     The vehicle must comply with all other applicable ADRs and the National Regulation other than those exempted by this Notice.
2.     If disposed of to anyone other than another emergency service entity, the vehicle must be made compliant with ADR 65/00.

Dated: 04/02/2026

Peter Austin

Director Policy Implementation

National Heavy Vehicle Regulator