Regulatory telematics and smart on-board mass
Certain restricted access heavy vehicles are required to have regulatory telematics as a condition of access. Some of these heavy vehicles also require Smart On-Board Mass when exceeding certain gross combination mass (GCM) thresholds. Requirements are specified in the gazette notice or permit that grants access to the restricted access heavy vehicle.
Regulatory telematics and Smart OBM requirements are used to manage and optimise legal access to the road network, as well as mitigate risk of damage to road infrastructure that can arise from non-compliance.
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) use telematics and mass data to ensure compliance to access arrangements and that mass limits are adhered to.
The Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) also use the telematics and mass data to inform on existing road access requirements, road network improvements for higher productivity and optimal outcomes where projects affect road freight.
There are two regulatory telematics schemes in use in Victoria:
- Intelligent Access Program (IAP); and
- Telematics Monitoring Application (TMA).
Only TMA is compatible with Smart OBM. For this reason, where Smart OBM is required, this must be paired with TMA. The Smart OBM system must by type-approved by Transport Certification Australia (TCA). The Smart OBM system must remain calibrated to meet this condition of access.
Smart OBM and regulatory telematics are managed by the TCA. Please visit the TCA website for more information.
Enrolment in these schemes is facilitated through the NHVR. Enquiries can be directed to [email protected] or 13 64 87.
HPFV combinations
High productivity freight vehicles (HPFVs) have gazetted access via the class 2 performance based standards (high productivity) notice 2024 (no.1). Under this notice, all HPFVs require TMA paired with Smart OBM when they exceed certain GCM thresholds. The thresholds are:
- 68.5t for multi-combination HPFVs;
- 46.0t for quad axle semi-trailer HPFVs; and
- 43.5t for split-axle semi-trailer HPFVs.
HPFVs operating below these GCM thresholds still require regulatory telematics for multi-combinations where exceeding 26m in length. Either TMA or IAP can be used.
HPFVs that have an exemption to the Smart OBM requirement are not covered by the gazette notice and require a permit.
HPFVs that are not compliant with the Smart OBM requirement and have not been issued a temporary exemption must not exceed the above mass thresholds.
More information on HPFV access is available on the HPFV information sheet (PDF).
Victoria’s gazetted road train network
Road trains operating on the legacy road train network under the national class 2 road train authorisation notice 2022 (no.3) require IAP or TMA. Smart OBM is not required for access to this network. More information on access arrangements can be found on the road train network information sheet.
Mobile cranes
Mobile cranes require regulatory either IAP or TMA if:
- Operating under the Victoria class 1 4-axle and 5-axle all terrain mobile crane mass and dimension exemption notice 2021 (no.2);
- exceeds limits described in the Victoria class 1 load carrying and special purpose vehicle mass and dimension exemption notice 2024 (no.1), and you have a permit that restricts travel to specific routes; or
- has a boom projection longer than 5.5 metres in length.
Concrete pump trucks
Concrete pump trucks operating under the national class 1 special purpose vehicle notice 2021 (no. 1) are required to have IAP or TMA if the vehicle either:
- exceeds 40.0 tonnes; and/or
- operates in excess of 14.0 tonnes on the twin-steer group, up to a maximum of 16.0 tonnes.
Interstate travel and requirements
Other states and territories may have different requirements to Victoria. It is important that the operator is aware of requirements in each state or territory of travel.
Operators should note that there is no regulatory telematics requirement for travel within Victoria under the national class 2 b-double authorisation notice 2024 (no.1) and/or the Victoria class 3 road friendly suspension mass exemption notice 2024 (no.1).
There is also no regulatory telematics requirement for travel within Victoria under the national class 2 performance based standards (tier 1) authorisation notice 2022 (no.1).
More information
For more information on regulatory telematics and Smart OBM requirements in Victoria, please contact the DTP heavy vehicles team at: [email protected]