ANOTHER PRACTICAL HVNL WIN — GENERAL ACCESS LENGTH MOVES TO 20 METRES
From 1 August 2026, the HVNL changes include an increase in the general access length limit for certain heavy vehicle combinations from 19 metres to 20 metres. This is a practical reform that industry has been calling for.It recognises modern freight equipment, modern prime movers, better driver accommodation and the reality of long-haul transport.
The change applies to combinations including:
prime mover and semi-trailer
rigid truck and pig trailer
rigid truck and dog trailer
rigid truck and tag trailer
But this is not just about putting an extra metre into freight space. For long-haul drivers, the extra length can also be used where it matters most, in the cab. That means better sleeper cabs, better living space and better conditions for drivers who spend nights away from home keeping freight moving across the country.
For years, large prime movers used in road train work have created issues when broken down from a road train into a semi-trailer combination. This change should help remove the need to rely on the Road Train prime mover length exemption in many of those cases, because the general access baseline moves to 20 metres.
That is a win for common sense.But there are technical requirements operators still need to check:
the combination must still fit within the 20 metre overall length
trailer dimensional limits still apply
rear overhang requirements still apply
semitrailer front articulation to rear axle group limits still apply
semitrailer front articulation to rear of trailer limits still apply
side underrun protection may be required
braking requirements may apply for trailers over 10 tonnes GTM in combinations over 19 metres
route access, notices, permits and manufacturer ratings still matter
The bottom line:* This reform gives operators more flexibility.* That extra metre can support productivity through trailer design, or it can support driver welfare through larger and better sleeper cabs.* Both matter.* Better equipment.* Better driver conditions.* Less reliance on unnecessary exemptions.* A more practical HVNL for the people actually doing the work.
That is the kind of reform the NRFA will continue to support.
