Braking Standards Changes Finalised

Yesterday, the NHVR announced the finalisation of its changes to the Directional Stability Under Braking (DSUB) standard in the Performance Based Standards (PBS) scheme.

Further information can be found in the announcement page on the NHVR’s website, including a start date of July 1, 2026.

The change will formally remove Load Proportioning Valves (LPVs) as a means of complying with the standard. Instead, the standard will require an advanced braking system (e.g. ABS, EBS or Trailer EBS) to be fitted.

First-time PBS vehicles entering the scheme from July 1, 2026 must comply with the revised DSUB standard. Pre-existing vehicles, however, are not affected.

Vehicles issued with a Vehicle Approval (VA) before July 1, 2026 are grandfathered indefinitely (referred to as ‘DSUB-grandfathered’ vehicles) and are not required to be upgraded to comply with the revised DSUB requirements.

The exception is in scenarios where some units in a combination comply with the revised DSUB standard, but others do not, because they were built before it was revised. In those situations, an equipment upgrade may be required to achieve a basic level of electrical compatibility between units, to ensure the newer vehicle’s braking systems can function correctly.

There is a range of other technical and administrative matters that are outlined in the announcement, and the NHVR is offering a webinar on Tuesday, February 3 from 10:00am-11:15am (AEST). All interested parties are encouraged to attend and can register via the link on the NHVR’s announcement page.

HVIA members were involved heavily in the consultations the NHVR ran throughout 2025, principally via the three HVIA working groups that were impacted – the Brake Regulation Working Group, the Trailer Status Light Working Group, and the PBS Working Group. HVIA thanks all members who were involved and views the changes as positive for the industry.

Members wishing to raise any issues can contact Adam Ritzinger at a.ritzinger@hvia.asn.au.