The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) is the first national independent regulator in Australia for all vehicles that weigh more than 4.5 tonnes GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass) and it will be operating from the 21st January 2013.
The NHVR will replace eight state and territory regulators with the aim of reducing red tape, make available services that are more convenient for heavy vehicle operators and as the Regulator is an independent corporation created under statutory authority create more independence.
Some of the services that the NHVR will provide are at their website http://nhvr.gov.au/:
What is the NHVR?
The NHVR is Australia’s first national, independent regulator for all vehicles over 4.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass. We will administer one set of laws for heavy vehicles under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) and will evolve into a one-stop-shop for heavy vehicle road transport business with government later in 2013, once the HNVL is in place in the majority of states and territories.
What will the NHVR do once it opens on 21 January?
From 21 January 2013, we will initially manage National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme (NHVAS) accreditation and the Performance-Based Standards (PBS) Scheme design and vehicle approvals on a national basis.
Please see the specific NHVAS and PBS FAQs for more information.
For all other heavy vehicle road transport business with government, including heavy vehicle access permits, it’s business as usual with your state and territory road transport authority.
What services will the NHVR roll out later in 2013?
Once the Heavy Vehicle National Law takes effect in the majority of state and territories later in 2013, the NHVR will be your one-stop-shop for heavy vehicle road transport business with government. We will deliver a comprehensive range of services and act as an information gateway for all heavy vehicle road transport business.
You will be able to:
- Apply online for access permits through one national business portal
- Deliver Australia’s freight tasks under standardised regulations for mass, dimension and loading
- Operate heavy vehicles under harmonised, national standards for heavy vehicle inspections
- Take advantage of mutual interstate recognition of inspections and defect clearances, reducing vehicle downtime
- Align your business with nationally-consistent fatigue management laws
- Benefit from nationally-consistent penalties and enforcement outcomes at the roadside.
What won’t change under the NHVR?
Even when the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) is in place in the majority of states and territories later in 2013, some aspects of heavy vehicle regulation will remain unchanged:
You will continue to deal with your local road transport authority for:
- Heavy vehicle registration
- Licensing
- All matters related to the carriage of dangerous goods.
State and territory police and authorised officers will continue to enforce heavy vehicle offences under the new national law.
Legal and court processes will largely remain as they are.
Local productivity initiatives (LPIs) will be retained and existing LPI permits, notices, exemptions and accreditations will be recognised under the HVNL. You do not have to reapply for permits or accreditations until they are due to expire. Read the LPI fact sheet for more information.
Source: http://nhvr.gov.au/nhvr-faqs/
The NHVR has a wealth of information on its website regarding how it will operate and when you will still need to deal with your local/state authority. If you are a heavy vehicle operator it may be worth acquainting yourself with the legal obligations that you will have once the NHVR is operating.
