A heavy vehicle is defined as a motor vehicle or trailer that has a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) greater than 4.5 tonnes.
In 2008, the Australian Transport Council of Ministers approved the 2007 Heavy Vehicle Charges Determination developed by the National Transport Commission (NTC). The determination aims to:
- Promote the full recovery of wear and tear costs on roads caused by heavy vehicle usage
- Remove cross-subsidies between vehicle categories where bigger trucks such as B-doubles are subsidised by smaller trucks.
- Cater for the emergence of higher productivity vehicles such as B-triples.
- Revenue generated from new charges will go towards road safety, maintenance and essential infrastructure development.
From 1 July 2012, an annual adjustment will apply to all heavy vehicles registered in NSW. The annual adjustment ensures registration charges keep pace with government spending on roads throughout Australia.
Note that these changes also apply to vehicles registered in NSW under the Federal Interstate Registration Scheme (FIRS).
Heavy Vehicles
For registration and charging purposes, heavy vehicles are classified into one of the following categories:
- Trucks
- Prime Movers
- Buses
- Special Purpose Vehicles
- Semi-trailers, B-doubles/ B-triple tail trailers and road train trailers
- B-double lead trailers, B-triple lead and middle trailers
- Pig trailers
- Dog trailers
- Converter dolly or low loader dolly
More information about the calculation of the annual adjustment can be found on the National Transport Commission website.
For descriptions of heavy vehicles and trailers, including configuration codes, please use the link 'Heavy Vehicle forms' in the box below. Then go to the form 'Description of Heavy Vehicle/ trailer'.
IMPORTANT: It is an offence to operate at a higher configuration than nominated. Fines apply. You are permitted to operate at a lower configuration.