Generic Tyre Approach

The generic tyre approach for PBS vehicles allows industry to use any tyre of the size/s listed on their vehicle approval for the relevant axle position, provided the load rating is appropriate for the axle mass.

After extensive consultation with stakeholders, the generic tyre approach was introduced on 1 December 2022. It provides greater flexibility for those operators already realising the proven safety, productivity and sustainability benefits of the PBS scheme, and removes barriers for operators wishing to join the scheme.

Commencement of generic tyre approach

From the commencement of the generic tyre approach:

  • All existing PBS vehicles will be deemed to comply with the new approach – with no need to be reassessed – and operators will not be required to have their existing vehicle approval amended to reflect this change.
  • There will be a three-month transition period for any applications underway, during which operators can continue to make design approval applications using the existing specific tyre approach or, alternatively, they can use the generic tyre approach. From 1 March 2023, all PBS design applications must use the generic tyre approach.
  • PBS certifiers will no longer be required to confirm that a specific brand/model of tyre is fitted to a PBS vehicle. They will just need to confirm that the fitted tyres meet the size, load rating and configuration requirements.
  • Updates to vehicle approval documents issued before the introduction of the generic tyre approach will only occur when they need to be updated for some other reason.

Further information

For further information: