What are Higher Mass Limits?
Short answer
Higher Mass Limits allow eligible vehicles with road-friendly suspension and the required mass accreditation to carry higher axle-group masses on an approved HML route or area.
Plain English
HML is not a blanket increase everywhere. The vehicle, suspension, accreditation and route must all qualify; under the current table, a qualifying dual-tyred tandem axle group can carry 17.0 tonnes and a qualifying dual-tyred tri-axle group can carry 22.5 tonnes.
What this means operationally
Verify road-friendly suspension, the vehicle’s inclusion in current mass alternative compliance accreditation, the HML network or access instrument, axle spacing, manufacturer ratings and all route conditions before loading or dispatch.
Who it applies to
Operators and Chain of Responsibility parties using HML in participating HVNL jurisdictions, including businesses transitioning from legacy NHVAS Mass Management to the Heavy Vehicle Accreditation scheme.
Example
A qualifying semitrailer tri-axle group may operate at 22.5 tonnes only while the vehicle, accreditation and route satisfy the HML requirements; leaving the authorised network removes that entitlement.
Exceptions and traps
Road-friendly suspension alone does not create HML access. Route restrictions, notices, permits, manufacturer limits and any vehicle-specific conditions continue to apply.
What changed
The Heavy Vehicle Accreditation scheme took effect on 1 August 2026. New applicants use the applicable Alternative Compliance Accreditation – Mass pathway, while existing NHVAS operators transition under the NHVR arrangements.
Previous rule
Before 1 August 2026, NHVAS Mass Management was the main accreditation pathway used for HML eligibility.
Legal foundation
Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulation 2013, Sch 5; Heavy Vehicle National Law accreditation provisions
Sources & primary documents
- www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/whole/html/inforce/current/sl-2013-0077
- www.nhvr.gov.au/safety-accreditation-compliance/national-heavy-vehicle-accreditation-scheme/nhvas-transition-to-hva-scheme
- www.nhvr.gov.au/safety-accreditation-compliance/national-heavy-vehicle-accreditation-scheme/nhvas-transition-to-hva-scheme/changes-to-accreditation
WWTG verification: Queensland legislation, NHVR
Frequently asked questions
What is HML?
It is a higher mass entitlement for eligible vehicles, accreditation and approved routes or areas.
Is road-friendly suspension enough?
No. Accreditation, vehicle eligibility and HML route access must also be satisfied.
What is the HML for a qualifying dual-tyred tri-axle group?
The current prescribed HML is 22.5 tonnes.
Can I use HML on any road?
No. The road must be part of an authorised HML route or area and all conditions must be met.
What replaced new NHVAS Mass Management applications?
From 1 August 2026, new applicants use the applicable Heavy Vehicle Accreditation mass pathway while legacy operators transition.