1. Why is the state introducing a scheme?
The South Australian Government has committed to introducing a heavy vehicle inspection scheme that
addresses coroner recommendations that all heavy vehicles should be subject to a periodic inspection regime.
The intent of the scheme is to identify, monitor and mitigate un-roadworthiness as a causative factor in crashes
on South Australian roads, and to increase heavy vehicle safety.
2. Why is the focus on heavy vehicles?
Heavy vehicles are overrepresented in fatal crashes. Due to their mass and rigidity, heavy vehicles can contribute to
the severity of the crash, have a higher fatality rate when compared to the light vehicle fleet and equally are involved
in a disproportionately high number of crashes that result in serious injury. Following a series of fatal crashes on the
South Eastern Freeway, subsequent coronial recommendations included that all heavy vehicles should be subject to
a periodic inspection regime. A state-based scheme provides South Australia with the opportunity to conduct
inspections on heavy vehicles that otherwise would not undergo any form of inspection in their lifetime, unless issued with a defect notice.
3. What were the results are of stage one (Change of Ownership Inspection)?
Information gathered from stage one has identified that there are significant issues with the roadworthiness of
heavy vehicles in South Australia with 62% of vehicles failing the initial inspections. Common faults may be hard
to identify through regular use and driver awareness alone.
4. Why is the age of a vehicle a concern?
Many variables may contribute to vehicle non-compliance including kilometres travelled, location, how the vehicle
is stowed, intended vs actual use, and maintenance practices over time. Age is a common predictor of high noncompliance. This predictor is evidenced and supported across many data set comparisons including national
Surveys conducted across all jurisdictions by the NHVR.
5. What vehicles are included in stage two of the scheme?
All heavy vehicles and trailers with a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) or Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM) over 4.5 tonnes
(refer to table on page 2 of flyer). Primary Producer vehicles have concessional registration, not conditional registration and are included as vehicles in scope. Primary Producers can apply for conditional registration, known as restricted primary producer registration.
6. What vehicles are exempt in stage two of the scheme?
Vehicles in the National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme (maintenance module), Restricted Primary Producers,
club registered, and certain SPV vehicles will be exempt from stage two requirements at this time (refer to table on
page 2). This exemption is due to national accreditation practices, the nature of the intended use, subsequent registration restrictions and/or conditions imposed eg. Restricted Primary Producer vehicles are restricted in use to a maximum distance of no more than 30km travel between parcels of land worked in conjunction with each other by the primary producer.
7. When will stage two commence?
Stage two of the scheme is expected to be rolled out in the second half of 2018. The transition will allow for varying
factors including registration patterns and readiness of industry to deliver the scheme. More information is
expected to become available during April/May 2018 after the tender responses are evaluated.
8. Will there be more inspection stations available in stage two?
The recently released tender documents serve to address concerns raised by heavy vehicle owners relating to
accessibility of inspection stations and maximum travel times for state wide delivery. Inspection stations are
expected to reflect the inspection demand.
9. What is the cost of an inspection?
Costs of the inspection are expected to be determined through the tender negotiations. These have been capped at
$268 per initial inspection, however, are expected to settle to a lower amount.
10. How long does an inspection take and what is assessed?
On average inspections should take no more than one hour. All heavy vehicles are assessed for compliance
against the National Heavy Vehicle Inspection Manual (NHVIM). This manual has been developed and revised by
the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) to enable a nationally consistent roadworthy approach to heavy
vehicle inspections.
