The record keeping and work diary requirements for drivers of fatigue-regulated heavy vehicles, when working within area with a radius of 100KM of their base (local area work). Drivers transporting primary produce with 160KM of their base may be able to work under a work diary exemption.

What is a fatigue-regulated heavy vehicle? 

A fatigue-regulated heavy vehicle is a vehicle or combination with a gross vehicle mass (GVM) of more than 12 tonnes and fatigue-regulated buses (i.e. buses equipped to carry more than 12 adults).

Recording work and rest requirements

All drivers of a fatigue-regulated heavy vehicle are required by the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) to comply with the work and rest limits set out in the law.

Drivers are not allowed to drive or work more than the maximum work hours, or rest less than the minimum rest hours.

Most drivers of a fatigue-regulated heavy vehicle, who drive 100km or more from their base, are required by law to record the time spent working and resting in a:

• National Driver Work Diary or
• Electronic Work Diary (EWD).

Drivers who travel up to 100km or less from their base do not have to use a Work Diary but are still required to record work and rest information and provide this to their record keeper.

What records do I require if I am doing local area (up to 100km) work?

Drivers operating under Standard Hours must keep a detailed written record of work and rest times in their own local area driving record. Drivers may record these details on a ‘daily run sheet’ or similar document. Drivers can choose to use a National Driver Work Diary for local work if they want to.

What information am I required to document if I’m not using a National Driver Work Diary for local work?

Drivers who are doing local area work (up to 100km) and who are not required to use the National Driver Work Diary must make local area records, which include:

• driver’s name and contact details
• driver’s current driver licence number and the jurisdiction in which the licence was issued
• dates on which the driver drives a fatigue-regulated heavy vehicle
• registration number for each fatigue-regulated heavy vehicle the driver drives
• the location of the driver’s base and dates of any changes
• total of the driver’s work times and rest times on each day on which the driver drives a fatigue-regulated heavy vehicle
• total of the driver’s work times and rest times for each week during which the driver drives a fatigue-regulated heavy vehicle.

What if I didn’t plan to travel more than 100km from base but I do?

If you undertake unplanned work over 100km under standard hours you must start to record the required details for the day in your work diary as soon as possible.

You must fill in your daily sheet from the start of the day (i.e. midnight), not just from the time you became aware you would be undertaking work over 100km from your base location.

Do work and rest limits apply to me if my vehicle is not a fatigue-regulated heavy vehicle?

No. Drivers of vehicles between 4.5t and 12t are not subject to prescribed work and rest limits; however, they are legally required to ensure they are not impaired by fatigue when driving a fatigue-regulated vehicle.

Is there an easy-to-use document I can use to keep records?

Yes.

Local Area Record Template (DOCX, 27KB)

This template can be used to keep local area records.

Do work and rest limits apply to me if I am using local area records?

Yes. Work and rest limits apply to local area work in a fatigue-regulated heavy vehicle.

Do local area arrangements apply to BFM and AFM drivers?

No. Drivers operating under Basic or Advanced Fatigue Management must use a National Driver Work Diary or EWD regardless of the distance from their base.