The low and zero emission heavy vehicle (LZEHV) trial scheme aims to support the introduction of more efficient, productive and safer heavy vehicles on the South Australian road network.
The scheme is a key step in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the transport sector and aligns with the South Australian Government’s goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 50% below 2005 levels by 2030, and to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
Eligible vehicles
The scheme is available to any prime mover used in an eligible combination that is powered by:
- an electric motor with fixed or removable batteries
- a hydrogen engine
- a hydrogen electric motor
- a hybrid engine
- an ethically/sustainably sourced alternative fuel engine.
All eligible vehicles must comply with the following vehicle standard requirements:
- a suspension system certified as a road-friendly suspension system by the Vehicle Safety Standards Branch of the Commonwealth Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, communications and the Arts in accordance with VSB 11
- front underrun protection device that meets the requirements of ADR 84/00
- cabin that complies with UN ECE Regulation No. 29
- anti-lock braking systems that meet the requirements of ADR 35/07 (prime mover).
- devices for indirect vision that meet the requirements of UN ECE Regulation No. 46.
Note:
Later versions of the above mentioned ADRs or UN ECE Regulations are acceptable.
2.55m wide eligible vehicles
A prime mover used in an eligible combination may be up to 2.55m wide if it also complies with the following vehicle standards requirements, consistent with the 'Safer Freight Vehicle' safety technology package:
- Devices for Indirect Vision that meet the requirement of ADR 14/03*
- Commercial Vehicle Braking Systems that meet the requirements of ADR 35/07
- Advanced Emergency Braking (AEB) that meets the requirements of ADR 97/00
- Lane Departure Warning Systems that meet the requirements of ADR 99/00
- Blind Spot Information Systems (BSIS) that meet the requirements of ADR 105/00*.
- * ADR 105/00 only applies to vehicles with a GVM over 8t where the date of manufacture is on or after 1 November 2025. From 1 February 2027, ADR 105/00 will apply to all vehicles with a GVM over 8t.
Note:
The following prime mover configurations are eligible to operate under the scheme:
Single steer tandem drive
The minimum required spacing between the steer axle and the first axle of the drive group is 3.2 m.
Twin steer tandem drive
The minimum required spacing between the second steer axle and the first axle of the drive group is 2.5 m.
Excluded vehicles
Rigid trucks are not eligible to participate in the scheme
The following types of prime mover are also not eligible to participate in the scheme:
Single steer single drive
Single steer tri-drive
Twin steer tri-drive
Access may still be considered by submitting a route-specific permit application through the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) NHVR portal, subject to a structural assessment.
Mass exemption
Eligible vehicles may operate at masses that exceed statutory limits as defined below:
| Axle or axle group | Mass limit |
|---|---|
Single steer tandem drive prime mover | |
| Single steer | up to 7.5 t |
| Tandem drive | up to 18.5 t |
Twin steer tandem drive prime mover | |
| Twin steer | up to 12 t |
| Tandem drive | up to 17 t |
Vehicles operating under this scheme are not permitted to exceed the manufacturer’s mass ratings on any of the axles or axle groups of the combination.
A tyre section width of at least 385mm must be used when a single steer axle is loaded above 7.1 t.
Trailer units must comply with statutory axle and axle group mass limits (e.g., Higher Mass Limits), except for trailers with quad axle groups, which are not permitted to exceed 21t. Twin steer axle groups must also have load-sharing suspension.
For more information about mass and dimension limits, refer to the NHVR website.
All eligible vehicles must have appropriately rated wheels, tyres, axles, and suspension.
Access arrangements
Operators of an eligible vehicle may apply to access the following networks under a NHVR permit:
| Combination length limit | Network name | Eligible combinations |
|---|---|---|
| L≤20m | Low and zero emission heavy vehicle level 1A | Prime mover and semi-trailer |
| 20m<L≤26m | Low and zero emission heavy vehicle level 2A | B-double |
| 26m<L≤30m | Low and zero emission heavy vehicle level 2B |
B-double A-double |
| 30m<L≤36.5m | Low and zero emission heavy vehicle level 3A |
A-double
B-triple AB-triple BA-triple |
| 36.5m<L≤42m | Low and zero emission heavy vehicle level 3B |
AB-triple
BA-triple |
| 42m<L≤53.5m | Low and zero emission heavy vehicle level 4A |
A-triple
AB-triple BA-triple BAB-quad ABB-quad |
These networks can be viewed on South Australia’s pre-approved roads for low and zero emission heavy vehicles map.
Operators must comply with all travel restrictions displayed on the map and must check the Dimension Restrictions Map for dimension restrictions and Traffic SA website for road closures, detours, and travel restrictions prior to the commencement of any journey.
Operators must also have an appropriate Incident Response Management Plan.
Permits to access these networks are issued for a maximum of 36 months.
Operators with eligible vehicles may access these networks under a NHVR access permit. Permits can be obtained by submitting a Class 3 Custom OSOM permit application to the NHVR. Applications must include axle mass and spacing details.
If you have questions about the scheme and how to participate, email the Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) at DIT.RoadFreightNetworks@sa.gov.au or phone 1300 334 640.
