The Australian Government has mandated stability control technology for a range of new trucks and trailers, saving 126 lives and preventing 1,101 serious injuries in the years to come.

The new Australian Design Rules (ADRs) will apply to selected categories of new model heavy trucks from 1 November 2020, and all new trucks in those categories from 1 November 2022. The requirement will apply to all new model heavy trailers weighing more than 10 tonnes from 1 July 2019 and all new heavy trailers weighing more than 10 tonnes from 1 November 2019.

In addition, new trailers weighing more than 4.5 tonnes will need to have ABS.

The ATA lobbied hard to extend the original proposal that the Infrastructure Department released for consultation, and as a result the final design rules extend the mandate to include short wheel base rigid trucks weighing more than 12 tonnes.

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