Regulatory snapshot: VTA and CTA Performance Trends – Q3 2025
The Department of Infrastructure’s Regulatory Report – Issue 5 (covering July to September 2025) provided valuable insights into the performance of Vehicle Type Approval (VTA) and Component Type Approval (CTA) processes—key areas for bus manufacturers, importers, and modifiers.
Performance trend
Both VTA and CTA applications are being processed well within statutory limits, with CTA approvals showing particularly strong performance. The low resubmission rate and short turnaround times suggest a stable and efficient process. VTA applications also show improvement, though the higher resubmission rate may indicate areas for further refinement. This has showed improved over previous years where it was problematic for industry.
Application volumes and processing times
While it covers all sectors (and we have requested that future reports will segment this specifically for bus) at a glance processing times improved.
Vehicle Type Approval (VTA)
Median processing time:New applications:
○ 7 days (final submission only)
○ Including all submissions: 22 days
• Variation applications: Median 25 days
○ Resubmission rate: 21.4%
Component Type Approval (CTA)
Median processing time:
• New applications:
○ 3 days (final submission only)
○ Including all submissions: 3 days
• Variation applications:
○ Median 3 days
○ Resubmission rate: 12.9%
Need Support?
If your organisation is experiencing delays or challenges with VTA or CTA applications, please feel free to contact us for for assistance and representation.
Read the full report >>
Lighting standards harmonisation: what it means for the bus industry
Following an industry wide survey, the BIC has provided its official response to the Department of Infrastructure’s consultation on the harmonisation of vehicle lighting standards. This review aims to align Australian Design Rules (ADRs) with international best practice, improving clarity and consistency across jurisdictions.
Positive industry feedback
Overall, BIC members welcomed the proposed changes to lighting standards, noting that the explanatory statements were helpful in clarifying the intent behind the revisions. No major concerns were raised regarding general lighting requirements.
Key isue: School bus warning lights
While school bus lights are not directly covered under the ADRs, they remain a critical safety feature referenced by various jurisdictions and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR). Two main concerns emerged: Luminous Intensity Duplication and standardization.
Recommendations from the BIC
• Jurisdictional Coordination to address duplication in luminous intensity references in ADR 102 and ADR 06 and,
• Future ADR Inclusion – Consider harmonising school bus warning lights under ADRs to eliminate jurisdictional differences and improve safety.
Why it matters
Standardising warning lights is a proactive step toward reducing these risks while saving operators and governments significant costs.
Next steps
BIC remains open to further discussions with the Department and encourages members to stay engaged as this review progresses.
Width and mass changes: progress and next steps
Significant work has been underway to present a unified industry position on vehicle width and mass changes. Following the latest workshop with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) in September, here’s where things stand:
Mass increases
To justify the need for change and satisfy road managers, further discussion is recommended with the National Transport Commission (NTC) and Austroads. An independent study is being pursued to provide evidence for mass increases, and this work is now underway.
Width changes
Progress is being made through two pathways:
• Short-medium term: A possible updated Controlled Access Bus (CAB) notice.
• Longer-term: Incorporation into ADRs for a more permanent solution.
These changes will help operators accommodate modern bus designs without compromising compliance or safety, while ensuring regulatory frameworks keep pace with evolving technology.
We’ll keep you updated as the study progresses and as timelines for ADR changes become clearer. Watch this space for further announcements.
Highlights from the BIC’s latest Technical Webinar
Our Technical Manager Dean Moule hosted the third technical update webinar for 2025 that brought together over 100 participants to discuss key regulatory and technical developments impacting our industry. It covered Controlled Access Buses, compliance challenges, ZEB harmonisation, and concluded with an in-depth focus on driver safety screens.
Driver safety screens: a detailed overview
The webinar provided a comprehensive review of the new Driver Safety Screens Guidance Material, developed in collaboration with NHVR. This guide simplifies the pathway for fitting full-width glazed safety screens while ensuring compliance with Australian Design Rules (ADRs) and Heavy Vehicle National Law. Key points discussed included:
• Compliance Requirements: Screens must meet ADR standards or require an NHVR exemption supported by a technical report.
• Testing Protocols: Includes secondary image separation (light box) tests to minimise reflections and maintain driver visibility.
• Glazing Standards: Materials must comply with ADR 80/01, allow at least 70% light transmission, and include anti-shatter film where required.
• Ventilation & Comfort: Operators should ensure demisting and airflow remain effective after screen installation.
• Emergency Access: New driver-only exit signage and first responder access protocols were introduced.
• Proof of Compliance: A standardised engineering assessment framework now supports NHVR blue plate approvals.
This work represents over 2,500 hours of testing and collaboration with stakeholders, including Transport for Brisbane, to address rising concerns around driver safety and antisocial behaviour.
Catch the full webinar
For those who missed the webinar, recording and presentation slides are available below:
