The Performance-Based Standards (PBS) scheme offers the potential for heavy vehicle operators to achieve higher productivity and safety through innovative vehicle design.
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) administers the PBS scheme, assessing and approving PBS designs and vehicles on advice from the PBS Review Panel.
To learn more and apply to the PBS scheme, visit the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator PBS website.
PBS routes
PBS vehicle routes are classified into 4 national network levels (levels 1 to 4). Levels 2, 3 and 4 also include Class A and Class B categories to account for different vehicle lengths.
| Road network | Vehicle length (metres) | PBS network level | Common vehicle combination example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1A | Equal to or less than 20 m | 1 | Prime mover and semitrailer, or truck trailer combination |
| Level 2A | Greater than 20 m up to 26 m | 2 | B-double |
| Level 2B | Greater than 26 m up to 30 m | 2 | A double |
| Level 3A | Greater than 30 m up to 36.5 m | 3 | Double road train (type I) - eg A-double, B-triple |
| Level 3B | Greater than 36.5 m up to 42 m | 3 | Double road train (type I) - eg AB-triple |
| Level 4A | Greater than 42 m up to 53.5 m | 4 | Triple road train (type II) - eg BAB-quad, ABB-quad |
Note: No jurisdiction currently has a published PBS Level 4B network, which would provide access for combinations greater than 53.5 m up to 60 m in length.
PBS routes in South Australia
The approved PBS route networks for South Australia are available through the NHVR National Network Map.
National Class 2 PBS Truck and Dog Notice
The National Class 2 PBS Level 1 and 2A Truck and Dog Trailer Authorisation Notice, which can be accessed from the NHVR website, covers PBS truck and dog trailer combinations comprising a 3-axle or 4-axle rigid truck towing a 3-axle, 4-axle, or 5-axle dog trailer that is the subject of a current PBS vehicle approval for operation at PBS Level 1 or Level 2, and:
- Passes the PBS Bridge Loading standard as a Tier 1 vehicle, and
- Has a maximum overall height no greater than 4.3 m, and
- For PBS Level 1, has a maximum operating mass no greater than 50.5 t, and
- For PBS Level 1, has a maximum overall length no greater than 20.0 m, and
- For PBS Level 2, has a maximum overall length no greater than 26.0 m.
The route networks available are:
- PBS truck and dog that is the subject of a current PBS vehicle approval for operation at PBS Level 1 may use the 'PBS Routes Level 1A' as published on the NHVR National Network Map.
- A PBS truck and dog that is the subject of a current PBS vehicle approval for operation at PBS Level 2 may use the 'PBS Routes Level 2A' as published on the NHVR National Network Map.
New routes
Where an operator requires access to routes not covered by the current approved PBS route networks, they must apply to the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator for a new route assessment.
A permit will only be issued when the requested route has been assessed and approved for PBS vehicle access.
Contact National Heavy Vehicle Regulator
Online
Email - info@nhvr.gov.au
Web - www.nhvr.gov.au
Phone
Post
PO Box 492
Fortitude Valley QLD 4006
