Telematics Rules Set To Change In QLD, NSW In June

Major changes are looming for transport operators who rely on telematics devices for access or productivity benefits.

On June 30 Telstra will close its 3G network, following on from the closure of the Vodafone 3G network in December 2023 and ahead of Optus shutting down its 3G network by August 31.

Transport operators who rely on telematics devices for access or productivity benefits will need to upgrade their 3G devices to remain legally compliant.

Operators whose devices are not 4G compliant are advised to speak with their application service provider about upgrading their fleet. A list of 4G-compliant TCA approved telematics devices is available here.

At the same time, both Queensland and New South Wales will enact changes to their telematics requirements from June 1, 2024.

In Queensland eligible vehicles need to transition from the Intelligent Access Program (IAP) to the Telematics Monitoring Application (TMA) by that date.

They also are required to transition from Queensland’s interim On Board Mass (OBM) to Smart OBM.

The changes affect Performance Based Standards (PBS) vehicles and vehicles operating at higher mass limits (HML) in Queensland that are enrolled in IAP and/or interim OBM.

Operators whose devices are not 4G compliant are advised to speak with their service provider about upgrading

Those affected are advised to talk with a TCA-certified TMA service provider to enrol in the relevant TMA scheme and, if required by permit, have a TCA-approved Smart OBM system fitted to their vehicle.

Operators can cancel their IAP enrolment by emailing the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads at IAPAdmin@tmr.qld.gov.au (until March 28) or the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator at iap.compliance@nhvr.gov.au (from April 2).

Similarly, New South Wales is also implementing changes to telematics requirements from June 1.

Under the changes, eligible vehicles can choose to remain enrolled in the Intelligent Access Program (IAP), but may also need to enrol in the Telematics Monitoring Application (TMA) if they have mass monitoring as a condition of access in their permits.

Eligible vehicles also need to transition from NSW’s interim OBM to Smart OBM by that date.

The changes affect PBS vehicles operating under permit in NSW where mass monitoring is currently an agreed condition of road access.

Affected operators are advised to speak with a TCA-certified TMA service provider to enrol in the relevant TMA scheme; and, if required by permit, have a TCA-approved Smart OBM system fitted to their vehicle.

After enrolling in TMA, operators may choose to cancel their IAP enrolment by contacting the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator at iap.compliance@nhvr.gov.au.