Heavy vehicle modification requirement changes

Heavy vehicle operators should be aware that the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) requirement that all J and P code modifications be certified by a licensed authorised vehicle examiner (AVE) became enforceable from 1 July this year, according to Roads and Maritime Services (RMS).

AVEs licensed to certify heavy vehicle modifications in NSW are third-party providers enrolled in the Vehicle Safety Compliance Certification Scheme or VSCCS and VSCCS J and P.

RMS Director Safety and Compliance Peter Wells said modified vehicles which require certification include vehicles with body fit and tow coupling/fifth wheel modifications, also referred to as J and P code modifications.

“The introduction of the HVNL a year ago required the certification of these types of modifications to fully comply with the national law,” Wells said.

“The new requirement meant about 5000 trucks a year would need certification, providing opportunities for new certifiers to become licensed to carry out J and P code certification.

“Some existing approved VSCCS authorised vehicles examiners are automatically qualified to certify J and P code modifications but industry feedback indicated the number of certifiers was not sufficient for the estimated increase in the volume of modifications.

“Roads and Maritime worked with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) to provide a grace period until 30 June this year to allow time to increase the number of suitably qualified licensed certifiers.

“The Vehicle Safety Compliance Certification Scheme J and P was developed to improve customer access to licensed certifiers,” Wells said.

The scheme was developed in consultation with the Motor Traders Association, Institute of Automotive Mechanical Engineers and other industry organisations to address the impacts including the training and educational requirements needed to obtain certification.

MTA NSW CEO Greg Patten congratulated RMS for recognising the need to provide an alternative to the original VSCCS.

“Roads and Maritime was instrumental in acquiring National Operational Advice from the NHVR which led to the establishment of an industry committee representing affected stakeholders.

“Roads and Maritime worked with the committee to develop an acceptable procedure to address the issue of J and P code modifications before the enforcement deadline,” Patten said.

More certifiers are needed and RMS encourages mechanics, mechanical engineers and other similarly qualified people interested in participating in the scheme to contact the RMS enrolment processing unit at ais@rms.nsw.gov.au or 1300 79 11 86 for the requirements for entry and benefits of joining the scheme such as increased business demand.

Heavy vehicles with non-certified modifications after 1 July face fines of up to $2200.