The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has published five compliance and enforcement bulletins outlining the enforcement process for key aspects of the Heavy Vehicle National Law and what drivers can expect at the side of the road.
NHVR Chief Executive, Sal Petroccitto, said the bulletins were drafted to help operators and drivers understand how compliance with the national law is assessed regarding vehicle access; dimension, mass and vehicle standards requirements; and carriage of documents.
"We know most operators and drivers want to do the right thing," said Mr Petroccitto.
"Removing any confusion and mystery about how the national law is applied on the road, means operators can spend more time ensuring their drivers, schedulers, loaders and others in the supply chain are focused on better road safety," Mr Petroccitto said.
The bulletins outline how offences are categorised, the types of enforcement action that can be taken and the responsibility of drivers and operators before and during a trip.
The NHVR developed the bulletins with NHVR Service Providers and police agencies to promote transparency and consistency in on-road enforcement. The information has been road-tested with industry representatives and their feedback incorporated.
"All parties are aiming for the same outcome in the same circumstances, because then everyone knows what’s expected and that ultimately means better safety outcomes," Mr Petroccitto said.
Visit www.nhvr.gov.au/ce-bulletins for more information and to download copies of the bulletins.
Compliance and enforcement bulletin overview
Heavy vehicle defects — Advice on vehicle standards and defect notice requirements, including how to clear a defect notice.
Heavy vehicle dimension assessment — Advice on dimension requirements and information about some of the methods used to assess compliance.
Heavy vehicle mass assessment — Advice on mass requirements and information about some of the methods used to assess compliance.
Restricted access vehicles — Definitions of Class 1, 2 and 3 heavy vehicles, including mass and dimension limits and breaches of notices and permits .
Carriage and presentation of documents — Advice on what documents need to be carried when operating a heavy vehicle and how they should be presented (including electronic copies) if intercepted.