"Check your load to protect our roads": NHVR

“Check your load to protect our roads”: NHVR

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) is calling on New South Wales’ truck drivers to check loads and plan routes to reduce collisions at low-height tunnels.

The NHVR said with New South Wales having more bridges and tunnels with low clearances than any other state in Australia, truck drivers must be aware that although a heavy vehicle is compliant at one tunnel it may not be compliant for all tunnels across the state.

The national regulator reiterated its stance of zero tolerance for over-height trucks entering tunnels in New South Wales, as non-compliant vehicles “pose a serious risk to the safety of other road users and threatening to cause significant traffic delays and damage to infrastructure”.

Penalties for breaching low-clearance rules will result in fines of up to $5,500, 12 demerit points, and possible licence or registration suspensions of up to six months.

The NHVR therefore urged all drivers and operators to plan their journeys and measure truck loads to ensure compliance with tunnel height clearances.

Over-height incidents have significantly reduced in 2025, with a 48.8 per cent decrease recorded from January to August 2025 compared to the same period in 2023.

This has been due to initiatives and strategies arising from collaborations between the NHVR, Transport for NSW, NSW Police, and the heavy vehicle industry.

However, the NHVR said a recent 7.5 per cent increase in incidents and the approaching summer holiday season highlight the need for truck operators to remain vigilant and committed to maintaining compliance.

The following list of tunnels in New South Wales should be avoided by truck drivers if their vehicles are over the stated heights, who should find alternative routes.