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's PBS website.
PBS routes
PBS vehicle routes are classified into four national network levels (levels 1 to 4). These network levels include a Class A and Class B category for the vehicle lengths and cover general mass limits, concessional mass limits and higher mass limits.
| Road network | Vehicle length (metres) | PBS network level | Close present vehicle description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1A | Equal or less than 20 m | 1 | Single articulated vehicle or truck trailer combination |
| Level 2A | Equal or less than 26 m | 2 | B-double |
| Level 2B | Greater than 26 m but equal or less than 30 m | 2 | B-double fitted with quad axle groups |
| Level 3A | Equal or less than 36.5 m | 3 | Double road train (type I) |
| Level 3B | Greater than 36.5 m but equal or less than 42 m | 3 | Double road train (type I) |
| Level 4A | Equal or less than 53.5 m | 4 | Triple road train (type II) |
The approved PBS route network for South Australia is available through the RAVnet map system.
National Class 2 PBS Truck and Dog Notice
The National Class 2 PBS Level 1 and 2A Truck and Dog Trailer Authorisation Notice available on the NHVR's page covers PBS truck and dog trailer combinations comprising a three- or four-axle rigid truck towing a three-, four-, or five-axle dog trailer that is the subject of a current Performance Based Standards vehicle approval for operation at PBS Level 1 or Level 2, and:
- passes the PBS Bridge Loading standard as Tier 1; and
- for PBS Level 1, has a maximum overall length no greater than 20.0m; and
- for PBS Level 1, has a maximum overall height no greater than 4.3m; and
- for PBS Level 1, has a maximum operating mass no greater than 50.5t; and
- for PBS Level 2, has a maximum overall length no greater than 26.0m.
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 RAVnet map system.
- 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 RAVnet map system.
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 (NHVR) 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
