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The transport document many operators have never heard of – the Heavy Vehicle Industry Master Code
The Heavy Vehicle Industry Master Code is not legislation and creates no new duty. But it can help a court assess what was reasonably practicable after an alleged breach of the HVNL primary duty.
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The Master Code creates no new legal duties—but it could change how “reasonably practicable” is judged.
The revised Heavy Vehicle Industry Master Code creates no new legal duties, but its expanded, activity-based guidance could shape how courts assess whether transport businesses properly managed risk.
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What is a heavy-vehicle Safety Management System?
A heavy-vehicle Safety Management System is the documented and operating system a business uses to identify, control, monitor and improve the safety risks created by its transport activities.
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What is the Heavy Vehicle Accreditation scheme?
Heavy Vehicle Accreditation is the voluntary national framework introduced on 1 August 2026 for audited safety management and approved alternative compliance in maintenance, mass and fatigue.
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What is ACA–Fatigue?
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.
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What is the Heavy Vehicle Industry Master Code?
The 2026 Master Code is a registered industry code providing authoritative guidance on heavy-vehicle hazards, risks, risk assessment and risk controls.