Fatigue management

Driver fatigue, defined as driving while feeling sleepy, physically or mentally tired, or lacking energy, is a major heavy vehicle safety hazard. Not getting enough sleep, driving at night, and being awake for a long time are the main causes of fatigue. Understand the rules and requirements of fatigue management.

You must not operate a fatigue-regulated heavy vehicle if you are impaired by fatigue. Even if you comply with work and rest requirements, you may still feel too tired to drive, so it’s important to be aware of the signs of fatigue.

Drivers who feel pressured to drive while fatigued should call the Heavy Vehicle Confidential Reporting Hotline.

For additional information and guidance on fatigue in the heavy vehicle transport industry, as well as obligations under the HVNL for parties in the Chain of Responsibility (CoR), see Regulatory Advice – Fitness to drive: Fatigue.

Fatigue-regulated heavy vehicles

National heavy vehicle driver fatigue laws apply to fatigue-regulated heavy vehicles, which are:

  • a vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) of over 12t
  • a combination when the total of the GVM is over 12t
  • buses with a GVM over 4.5t fitted to carry more than 12 adults (including the driver)
  • a truck, or a combination including a truck, with a GVM of over 12t with a machine or implement attached.

Fatigue management for farmers

The NHVR has produced a fact sheet the most common questions from operators and industry bodies about the fatigue regulations that apply to farm operations under the Heavy Vehicle National Law.

Heavy vehicle fatigue management - primary producers

Heavy vehicle fatigue management - primary producers

Primary producers have an important role to play in managing the fatigue of heavy vehicle drivers, whether you are using your vehicle or someone else’s.