Vehicle Standards Bulletin 6 (VSB6) Review

Current status

Vehicle Standards Bulletin 6 is the national code of practice for heavy vehicle modification and is published by the NHVR.

HVIA is currently working with the NHVR on updates to VSB6.

Summary

In 2018 the NHVR recognised that the sections of VSB6 relating to tippers needed amendment and asked HVIA for assistance.

HVIA established a working group of members with experience in building tipper bodies and has proceeded with the drafting of the relevant sections of VSB6

Background

In 2017 the NHVR conducted a major review of VSB6 which resulted in Version 3 being brought into effect on 1 September 2017. This review included

In parallel with the review the NHVR established an industry working group to oversea ongoing modifications to VSB 6. HVIA represents the Heavy Vehicle Industry on that committee.

In 2018 the NHVR decided that the sections of the code related to the fitment of tipper bodies needed to be amended and requested HVIA draft a new section of the code on behalf of the NHVR. HVIA invited members with experience in fitting these bodies to join a working group to assist in the drafting of the new code. The group identified a series of areas where the code needed amendment including:

In conjunction with its members HVIA has drafted the new code in three sections covering:

These three sections are currently being reviewed by HVIA members. HVIA expects to complete the draft code by August 2019 and will provide the draft code to the NHVR. The code will then be it will be subject to internal review by the NHVR and a public consultation process.

Please Contact HVIA’s Chief Technical Officer, Paul Caus p.caus@hvia.asn.au 0437901669 for further information.

Latest news on VSB6

HVIA Celebrates Final Version Of New Tipper Design Code

10 July 24

On July 1, the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator released the final version of its ‘J4’ tipper body design code, marking the conclusion of a lengthy period of industry consultation – and a major win for industry

NHVR Release Tipper Code Updates, Rollout Timetable

26 June 24

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator has revealed the staged implementation dates for the revised J4 Tipper Body Design Code

NHVR Flag Major Changes To Tipper Code Update

5 June 24

This week saw another successful and productive round of review of industry feedback from HVIA, VACC and the CVIAA on the finalisation of the J4 code in Vehicle Standards Bulletin 6

HVIA’s May Forum Keeps Members Up To Date

5 June 24

Last week HIVA held its first online member forum for 2024 which provided updates on key advocacy, regulatory, technical and policy issues

First State Meetings Completed + Changes Announced!

5 March 24

Last week saw completion of the Queensland and WA state meetings, with NSW and Victoria held the week prior. In a sure sign 2024 has had a flying start, new records for attendance were achieved by NSW and WA, and VIC and QLD meetings were also strongly supported

HVIA To Attend Vehicle Standards Consultative Forum

14 February 24

HVIA Chief Technical Officer Adam Ritzinger will be attending the next Vehicle Standards Consultative Forum in Canberra in March

HVIA Releases Agenda For First State Committee Meetings

7 February 24

The HVIA has released the agenda for the next round of state committee meetings in February – register now!

NHVR Extends Transitional Arrangements For VSB6

20 December 23

The NHVR has extended the current transitional arrangements allowing authorised examiners and signatories to certify tipper bodies under the old VSB6 v3.1 Section J requirements until July 1, 2024

HVIA Calls For Delay To Implementation Of VSB6 Update

6 December 23

The HVIA has called for the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator to extend the implementation date of the new version of VSB6 by an additional three months

HVIA Request Removal Of ‘Tipper Stability’ Calculation

15 November 23

HVIA has formally requested that the National Heavy Vehicle Regulatory remove the contentious ‘tipper stability’ calculation from the upcoming VSB6 update.

HVIA Calls For Consistency On Mass Limit Increases

1 November 23

HVIA calls for national consistency across the scope, details, and administration of separate state-based higher axle mass limit schemes

HVIA Releases State Committee Meetings Agenda

11 October 23

HVIA’s final round of state committee meetings will be held across the major capital cities in late October – and the recent regulatory announcements that have caused a stir are front and centre.

HVIA Flags Huge Agenda For Committee Meetings

27 September 23

Truck width and mass increases, electromobility, technical issues, and HVIA’s new magazine and ZEV show all on packed agenda for upcoming state committee meetings.

NHVR supports VSB6 extension

8 August 23

The NHVR has agreed to push back the implementation of Vehicle Standards Bulletin 6 (VSB6) Code J4 with transitional arrangements now extended to 1 February 2024.

J4 Tipper Code and AVE scheme need NHVR intervention

2 August 23

HVIA has written to the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator to plead for a postponement of VSB6 updates including the new J4 Tipper Code.

NHVR rejects call for VSB6 implementation delay

21 June 23

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator has rejected HVIA’s calls for a delay to the implementation of updates to Vehicle Standards Bulletin 6 (VSB6), scheduled to commence on 1st July.

HVIA offers further support for members impacted by the VSB6 changes

6 June 23

In April this year, the NHVR published updates to Vehicle Standards Bulletin 6 (VSB6) and announced a commencement date of 1st July 2023.

VSB6 v3.2 update

18 April 23

Following last week’s Talk the Torque article on the implementation date for the new version of VSB6, HVIA received important feedback from members regarding the new ‘J4’ modification code for tipper bodies.

NHVR publishes VSB6 v 3.2 and commencement date

12 April 23

VSB6 Version 3.2 includes new information on tipper body design, tow truck design and box or top hat chassis section modifications, plus updates to existing codes.,

Release of Consultation Draft: VSB6 Section J4 – Tipper Bodies

22 September 21

HVIA is facilitating a series of web meetings for members to discuss the draft VSB 6 Section J4 covering Tipper Bodies.

Responsibilities and exceptions under Queensland Engineers Act

7 April 21

The Board of Professional Engineers of Queensland (BPEQ) recently issued a reminder of the responsibilities of a Corporation under the Queensland Professional Engineers (PE) Act 2002.

Vehicle Standards Bulletin 1 (VSB1) – light trailers

3 March 21

The VSB1 review includes important clarifications and expanded information on lighting and how to certify and identify imported trailers amongst other items.

VSB 6 Section T – Tow Trucks

20 January 21

HVIA is consulting with members on the review of Vehicle Standards Bulletin 6 (VSB6) section relating to the design and construction of tow trucks.

Open for comment – HVIM and Tow trucks (VSB6)

16 December 20

Draft documents regarding VSB6 – Section T covering Tow trucks and proposed reviews to the Heavy Vehicle Inspection Manual are currently ioen for comment.