What is ACA–Fatigue?
Short answer
ACA–Fatigue is the HVA alternative compliance pathway for operators that need approved work and rest hours different from Standard Hours and can demonstrate effective fatigue-risk controls through an audited system.
Plain English
An operator must first hold General Safety Accreditation, then meet the ACA-Fatigue requirements and obtain approval for applicable alternative compliance hours. The operator may use an NHVR template or propose bespoke hours supported by evidence and risk controls.
The outer limit is not an automatic allowance: for a solo driver, approved hours cannot permit more than 15.5 hours work in 24 hours or less than seven continuous hours stationary rest. The operator and each driver must follow the hours and conditions actually approved, which may be tighter.
What this means operationally
Use ACA-Fatigue only where the freight task cannot be managed effectively under Standard Hours. Document the risk case, consult drivers, design rosters and escalation controls, train affected people, monitor leading and lagging indicators, audit the SMS and keep evidence that the approved controls work in practice.
Who it applies to
Operators of fatigue-regulated heavy vehicles that hold or are obtaining GSA and have an evidenced operational need for approved alternative work and rest hours.
Example
A remote freight operator demonstrates that a proposed roster better aligns major rest with safe locations and circadian risk, obtains approval for specified alternative hours and then monitors actual sleep opportunity, work records and fatigue reports against the approved system.
Exceptions and traps
ACA-Fatigue is voluntary and is not permission to use the statutory outer limit on every job. Standard Hours apply unless the driver and operation are within a current accreditation or exemption. Legacy BFM and AFM accreditations may continue only during the NHVR transition period and within their existing scope and conditions.
What changed
From 1 August 2026, ACA-Fatigue became the new HVA pathway for alternative fatigue compliance, bringing the former BFM and AFM concepts into a single risk-based framework.
Previous rule
Before 1 August 2026, accredited operators used separate Basic Fatigue Management or Advanced Fatigue Management modules under NHVAS.
Legal foundation
Heavy Vehicle National Law Chs 6 and 8; Heavy Vehicle (Fatigue Management) National Regulation 2013; Ministerial Standard for Alternative Compliance Hours; Safety Management System Standard 2026
Sources & primary documents
- www.nhvr.gov.au/safety-accreditation-compliance/fatigue-management/alternative-compliance-accreditation-aca-fatigue
- www.nhvr.gov.au/safety-accreditation-compliance/heavy-vehicle-accreditation-scheme/about-the-hva-scheme/hva-scheme-tiers
- www.nhvr.gov.au/safety-accreditation-compliance/national-heavy-vehicle-accreditation-scheme/nhvas-transition-to-hva-scheme/changes-to-accreditation
- www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/whole/html/inforce/current/sl-2013-0078
WWTG verification: NHVR, Queensland legislation
Frequently asked questions
What does ACA–Fatigue replace for new applicants?
It is the new HVA pathway bringing the former BFM and AFM concepts into one alternative compliance framework.
Do I need GSA first?
Yes. General Safety Accreditation is a prerequisite for ACA-Fatigue.
Does ACA–Fatigue automatically allow 15.5 hours work?
No. That is an outer ceiling; only the hours and conditions actually approved may be used.
Can I propose my own hours?
A templated or evidence-supported bespoke proposal may be available, subject to NHVR approval and the applicable standard.
Does the unfit-to-drive duty still apply?
Yes. Approved hours never permit driving while impaired by fatigue or otherwise unfit.