After several years of review, the NHVR has announced it is now seeking industry feedback on its revisions to the PBS braking standard, known formally as ‘Directional Stability Under Braking’, but commonly abbreviated to ‘DSUB’.
Importantly, the NHVR’s revised standard specifies new requirements for brake technology fitted to Performance Based Standards (PBS) vehicles. The key changes are:
> Load Proportioning Valves (LPVs) are no longer permitted in PBS;
> Hauling units must be fitted with at least an antilock braking system (e.g. ABS or EBS) and provide an electric control signal to trailing units;
> All trailers, including dollies, must be fitted with an Electronic Braking System (Trailer EBS) that includes rollover control;
> Wiring network must support Trailer EBS CAN (Controller Area Network) communication across the entire combination; and
> All trailers, including dollies, must be fitted with an appropriate means of indicating the status of the brake system.
A consultation paper is available to download here, which provides some explanation of the above, and also proposes how these changes will be implemented into the PBS scheme, and how they impact existing vehicles and approval holders.
The NHVR have also provided an online link to a survey where industry can share their views.
The consultation is open until August 15, 2025. HVIA will be seeking member views and will announce a webinar shortly.
HVIA has always supported improvements to DSUB, and particularly that PBS vehicles should have the highest level of safety technology available in the market, but is concerned that some current PBS approval holders may be negatively impacted by the changes.
All queries can be directed to HVIA Chief Technical Officer Adam Ritzinger at a.ritzinger@hvia.asn.au. Members can also contact the NHVR directly at PBSreview@nhvr.gov.au and quote ‘DSUB consultation’ in the subject line.