National law for heavy vehicles starts

Most of Australia's state and territory borders will be lifted for heavy vehicle operators under a new national law.

From Monday, trucks, buses and all vehicles of more than 4.5 tonnes will operate under common guidelines across Queensland, NSW, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and the ACT.

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator will be responsible for ensuring compliance with national vehicle standards and for regulating drivers and the industry's safety practices, Infrastructure and Regional Development Minister Warren Truss said.

"Importantly, the regulator will also oversee vehicle loading and manage permit applications for roads access," he said.

Mr Truss estimates the cuts to red tape, as well as common accreditation and fatigue management practices, will boost the national economy by $12 billion over two decades.

Negotiations are continuing with Western Australia and the Northern Territory to include them in the national law.