Higher Mass Limits (HML) access can be obtained in New South Wales by enrolling under the
Intelligent Access Program (IAP) through Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority) online enrolment facility.
All enrolments are processed free of charge.
A printable fact sheet providing information on applying for HML in NSW can be found at the bottom of this page.
What are the benefits of HML?
HML provides a significant increase in the productivity of road freight transport vehicles, as detailed below:
* Vehicles that comply with Front Under-run Protection Systems (FUPS) requirements, cabin strength requirements, and the Australian Design Rule (ADR) 80/01 are permitted an additional 500kg on a single steer axle and the gross Higher Mass Limit (HML). Further details are contained in the Class3 Single Steer Axle Mass Limit Exemption Notice 2010.
The types of vehicles that can operate at HML include:
- Short combination vehicles (standard six-axle semi-trailers)
- B-Doubles
- Road-Trains
- Some vehicles operating under Performance Based Standards (PBS) schemes
Different levels of HML access will be permitted on the road network in New South Wales according to vehicle type.
What do I need to do before I can operate at HML?
Registered operators must enrol all HML vehicles with Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority) and ensure that the following conditions are met before operating at HML. Vehicles must:
- Not exceed the manufacturer's gross vehicle mass limit.
- Be fitted with road friendly suspension.
- Be accredited under the Mass Module of the National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme (NHVAS) if the vehicle or combination has a tri-axle group.
- Comply with in-service and maintenance requirements for road friendly suspension under current and future enhanced elements of the NHVAS.
- Be enrolled with Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority) to operate at HML under the IAP and obtain an Intelligent Access Permit.
Who is a registered operator?
A registered operator is the person or entity recorded on the certificate of registration provided by Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority) or an interstate road authority (this is the person or entity recorded on the vehicle's registration papers).
What if I have more than one vehicle that I want to operate at HML?
Any number of vehicles can be enrolled for HML under the IAP. Only prime movers need be enrolled for HML under the IAP.
What access is available under HML?
Operators fully enrolled in the IAP benefit from automatic access to all approved HML roads in New South Wales.
IAP maps provide details of HML approved routes.
Transport operators can request for assessment of roads that are not currently approved for higher productivity vehicle access by completing the IAP route confirmation form and email it to Intelligent_Access_Program@rta.nsw.gov.au.
Where access is sought on local and regional roads that are not currently approved, written approval will be required from the relevant Local Government Authority.
Approval to operate on private roads must be obtained from the relevant private road owner(s).
Vehicles must not operate on requested routes until advised by Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority) of the outcome of the route assessment or until the approved routes appear on the relevant IAP maps.
B-Double or Road Train restrictions
Transport operators should remember that all B-Double or Road Train restrictions apply to HML approved routes and route requests.
Consideration should be given to B-Double or Road Train access arrangements and/or restrictions when considering HML access for these combinations.
Further information regarding B-Double and Road Train travel restrictions is available.
For any enquiries, please email Intelligent_Access_Program@rta.nsw.gov.au.