Performance Based Standards (PBS) is a national program that focuses on how well the vehicle behaves on the road, rather than how big and heavy it is (e.g. length and mass), through a set of safety, road wear and bridge loading standards. PBS sets minimum vehicle 'performance' standards to ensure trucks are stable on the road and can turn and stop safely. These vehicles are being referred to as SMART trucks - because they work smarter.

PBS vs Prescriptive Regulations

Capacity exists on the South Australian road network for SMART trucks operation within PBS standards developed by the National Transport Commission.

The Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure in conjunction with local government are classsifying the South Australian road network for all levels of PBS access.

Draft PBS route maps are now available for download and printing. We welcome your feedback and ask that you forward any comments or questions you have regarding the PBS Maps to John Jarrad or Yvonne Lewis.

Please note that the development of PBS Routes is an ongoing process and subject to change.

For further information regarding PBS Standards and Vehicle Blueprints please refer to the National Transport Commission PBS homepage.

PBS Access Levels Maps

Road Class Access	Network Access by Vehicle Length, L(m)	SMART Heavy Vehicle Level	Close Present Vehicle Description
Level 1a Metropolitan	L 20	1	From passenger cars to single articulated
Level 1a Regional
Level 1b - NA
Level 2a - Metropolitan	L 26	2	B-double
Level 2a - Regional	L 26
Level 2b - Metropolitan	26 < L 30
Level 2b - Regional	26 < L 30
Level 3a - Metropolitan	L 36.5	3	Double road train (Type I)
Level 3a - Regional	L 36.5
Level 3b - Metropolitan - NA	36.5 < L 42
Level 3b - Regional	36.5 < L 42
Level 4a - Metropolitan - NA	L 53.5	4	Triple road train (Type II)
Level 4a - Regional	L 53.5
Level 4b - NA	53.5 < L 60