The Safety Tech New Prime Movers Now Need

Key Takeaways

• AEB and stability control are now standard by law: since 1 February 2025, all new goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes GVM must meet ADR 97/00 (advanced emergency braking) and ADR 35/07, which brings in electronic stability control.

• Lane departure warning is next: ADR 99/01 applies to new models from 1 September 2026 and to all new vehicles from 1 September 2028. Trucks with four or more axles are exempt.

• Blind spot systems are coming for wider trucks: ADR 105/00 covers goods vehicles over 8 tonnes GVM and wider than 2,500mm, from 1 November 2025 for new models and 1 February 2027 for all vehicles.

• The rules decide your width option: trucks with the required safety features can run at up to 2,550mm wide under the Safer Freight Vehicles package.

• Check the approval, not the brochure: ask which design rules the exact truck was approved to, especially for run-out, ex-demo and imported stock.

Why safety technology is now part of the buying decision

A few years ago, safety systems were options you could add or skip. That has changed. A set of new Australian Design Rules (ADRs) now makes several systems compulsory, and the dates differ by system, by model age and sometimes by axle count. Two prime movers on the same yard can be approved to different rules, so the features you get depend on the exact truck, not just the model name.

Which safety features must a new prime mover have?

AEB detects a vehicle or obstacle ahead and brakes automatically if the driver doesn't respond. ESC cuts engine power and brakes individual wheels to help prevent rollovers and jackknifes. LDWS warns the driver when the truck drifts out of its lane without indicating. BSIS detects cyclists and pedestrians on the near side, the left side in Australia, to help prevent collisions when the truck turns.

What this means if you're buying in 2026

New models versus existing models. "New model" dates apply to models approved after that date. Models already on sale have until the "all vehicles" date. A truck you buy in late 2026 may have lane departure warning if it's a newly approved model, or may not if it's an existing model, because that model has until September 2028.

8x4 prime movers. Vehicles with four or more axles are exempt from the AEB and lane departure rules. Some 8x4 trucks still come with these systems, but don't assume it. Ask.

Run-out, ex-demo and imported stock. Ask the dealer which ADRs the truck was approved to, and check the build plate. This matters most for run-out and ex-demo stock.

The 2.55m width option

Under the Safer Freight Vehicles package released in 2023, NB2 and NC category trucks can run at an overall width of up to 2,550mm if they meet a set of safety standards. For a prime mover, that means:

• ADR 14/03: devices for indirect vision (mirrors and approved camera systems)

• ADR 35/07: commercial vehicle brake systems, including ESC

• ADR 97/00 and ADR 99/00: AEB and lane departure warning, unless the truck has four or more axles or is designed for off-road use

• ADR 105/00: blind spot information system, for trucks over 8t GVM

In this package, side underrun protection under ADR 106/00 applies to completed rigid trucks, not to prime movers. If you want the width allowance, ask the dealer to confirm in writing that the truck meets every standard on the list.

Features worth adding beyond the minimum

The design rules set a floor. Some operators specify more, especially for linehaul and night work.

• Driver fatigue and distraction monitoring: in-cab cameras that detect eye closure, head position and phone use. The NHVR has trialled fatigue and distraction detection technology.

• Adaptive cruise control: keeps a set gap to the vehicle ahead, which reduces driver workload on long highway runs.

• Camera-based mirrors: replace conventional mirrors with screens in the cab. They must still meet ADR 14/03, so confirm the system is approved.

• Retarder or engine brake: reduces brake wear and heat on long descents, which matters for heavy loads and hilly routes.

• Telematics and electronic work diaries: record speed, braking events and hours, which helps with chain of responsibility obligations.

Factory-fitted systems are usually covered by the truck's warranty, so price them at order rather than after delivery.

Questions to ask every dealer

• Which ADRs is this exact truck approved to, and what's its build date?

• Does it have AEB, ESC, lane departure warning and a blind spot information system fitted from the factory?

• Does it qualify for the 2,550mm width allowance? Can you confirm that in writing?

• Which driver assistance and fatigue monitoring systems are standard, and which are options?

• Are these systems covered by the main warranty, and how are they calibrated after windscreen or bumper repairs?

Compare prime mover quotes with your required safety features written into the request. For mass and access rules, see Prime Mover Axle Configuration: What the 2026 NHVR Rules Mean for Buyers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is AEB mandatory on new trucks in Australia?

Yes. Since 1 February 2025, all new goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes GVM must meet ADR 97/00 for advanced emergency braking. Vehicles with four or more axles and off-road designs are exempt.

Is lane departure warning compulsory on trucks?

It's being phased in under ADR 99/01: from 1 September 2026 for new models and from 1 September 2028 for all new vehicles. Trucks with four or more axles are exempt.

Do prime movers need side underrun protection?

Not to qualify for the 2.55m width allowance. The Safer Freight Vehicles package requires side underrun protection on completed rigid trucks, but excludes prime movers.

What is a blind spot information system on a truck?

A system that detects cyclists and pedestrians on the near side of the truck and warns the driver, mainly when turning. ADR 105/00 applies to goods vehicles over 8 tonnes GVM and wider than 2,500mm.

Can a prime mover be 2.55m wide in Australia?

Yes, if it meets the Safer Freight Vehicles safety standards, including AEB, ESC, approved indirect vision devices and, for trucks over 8 tonnes GVM, a blind spot information system.