The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator has answered further questions about reforms already in force, including which combinations can operate at 20 metres, how existing fatigue accreditations transition and when drivers must stop because they are unfit to drive.
The NHVR published new frequently asked questions on 22 October 2026 following the amended Heavy Vehicle National Law’s commencement on 1 August. This is implementation guidance, not a fresh commencement date for the reforms.
Can every 19-metre combination now operate at 20 metres?
No. The NHVR says eligible combinations can operate at up to 20 metres only where all relevant requirements are met. Vehicle and trailer components must still satisfy applicable dimension, braking, mass and other safety requirements. Operators should confirm their particular configuration, access and conditions before changing equipment or routes; the change is not a blanket permission to extend every combination.
Do BFM and AFM operators have to switch immediately?
No. The NHVR says existing Basic Fatigue Management and Advanced Fatigue Management accreditations can continue under their existing conditions until expiry, cancellation or transition to Heavy Vehicle Accreditation (HVA). New applicants seeking alternative fatigue hours instead apply through Alternative Compliance Accreditation – Fatigue (ACA-Fatigue). Operators should check expiry dates, audit and application requirements and allow time to prepare for transition. New NHVAS accreditation is no longer granted.
What does ‘unfit to drive’ require?
The amended law prohibits a person from driving a heavy vehicle while impaired by fatigue or otherwise unfit to drive. The NHVR says the duty extends to drivers of all heavy vehicles over 4.5 tonnes, not only fatigue-regulated vehicles. Drivers must assess their fitness before starting, monitor it during a shift and stop driving if they become unfit. Chain of Responsibility parties must not encourage unsafe driving and should support drivers who need to stop.
Where does the law apply?
The HVNL operates in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and the ACT. Western Australia and the Northern Territory are not HVNL jurisdictions, but vehicles entering an HVNL jurisdiction must comply with applicable requirements.
What should operators check now?
- Confirm the eligibility and conditions of any combination proposed to operate at 20 metres.
- Review BFM/AFM accreditation expiry and transition planning, including the HVA audit process.
- Update driver instructions and Chain of Responsibility procedures to reflect the unfit-to-drive duty.
- Consult the NHVR’s latest FAQs and the relevant legislation rather than relying on a headline description of the changes.
The NHVR says the questions raised by industry are shaping further guidance. The full FAQs and supporting standards are available on its HVNL reform implementation page. See also the NHVR’s 22 October announcement and its unfit-to-drive guidance.
Editorial note: This article explains current NHVR guidance. A line-by-line comparison against a previous version of the FAQs has not yet been completed.