Reform guide
HVNL 2026 changes: what transport companies need to know now the amended law is in force
Published 8 February 2026/Updated 11 November 2026
A guide to the amended Heavy Vehicle National Law, covering safety management evidence, the move from NHVAS to Heavy Vehicle Accreditation, and practical next steps.
The amended law is current law
The amended Heavy Vehicle National Law commenced on 1 August 2026, and industry has operated under it since that date. It is current law, so operators should check that their systems and records reflect it.
Safety management evidence
The reform puts more weight on practical safety management evidence. Operators should review how hazards, controls, monitoring, management review, corrective actions, and audit evidence are documented.
NHVAS and Heavy Vehicle Accreditation
The Heavy Vehicle Accreditation (HVA) scheme took effect on 1 August 2026, and no new NHVAS accreditation is being granted. Operators with existing NHVAS accreditation can keep operating under NHVAS until that accreditation expires. They should review their current NHVAS modules, map them against HVA expectations, identify documentation gaps, and plan the move before expiry rather than leaving it to the last weeks.