Skip to content

CALL 02 9723 8080

1300 287 911
JB Logo jb solicitors family lawyer
  • 1300287911
  • About Us
    • Why Choose Us?
    • Our Team
    • Our Fixed Fees
  • Family Lawyers Sydney
    • Divorce Lawyers Sydney
    • Parenting Orders: Parent & Children Matters
    • Mediation Lawyers: Mediation & Arbitration
    • Property Settlement Lawyers
    • Domestic Violence Lawyer
    • Binding Financial Agreement Lawyer
    • Will and Estate Lawyers
  • Other Services
    • Conveyancing Lawyer
    • Sydney Business Lawyers
    • Civil Litigation Lawyer
    • Criminal Lawyers & Traffic Lawyers
    • Environment Lawyer: Land & Environmental Law
    • Employment Law
    • Immigration Lawyer
  • Resources
    • Blogs
    • Events
    • Videos
    • Crimes Act 1900 (NSW)
    • Family Law Act 1975
    • Migration Act 1958
    • Fact Sheet
  • Contact
  • About Us
    • Why Choose Us?
    • Our Team
    • Our Fixed Fees
  • Family Lawyers Sydney
    • Divorce Lawyers Sydney
    • Parenting Orders: Parent & Children Matters
    • Mediation Lawyers: Mediation & Arbitration
    • Property Settlement Lawyers
    • Domestic Violence Lawyer
    • Binding Financial Agreement Lawyer
    • Will and Estate Lawyers
  • Other Services
    • Conveyancing Lawyer
    • Sydney Business Lawyers
    • Civil Litigation Lawyer
    • Criminal Lawyers & Traffic Lawyers
    • Environment Lawyer: Land & Environmental Law
    • Employment Law
    • Immigration Lawyer
  • Resources
    • Blogs
    • Events
    • Videos
    • Crimes Act 1900 (NSW)
    • Family Law Act 1975
    • Migration Act 1958
    • Fact Sheet
  • Contact
JB Logo jb solicitors family lawyer
  • 1300287911
  • About Us
    • Why Choose Us?
    • Our Team
    • Our Fixed Fees
  • Family Lawyers Sydney
    • Divorce Lawyers Sydney
    • Parenting Orders: Parent & Children Matters
    • Mediation Lawyers: Mediation & Arbitration
    • Property Settlement Lawyers
    • Domestic Violence Lawyer
    • Binding Financial Agreement Lawyer
    • Will and Estate Lawyers
  • Other Services
    • Conveyancing Lawyer
    • Sydney Business Lawyers
    • Civil Litigation Lawyer
    • Criminal Lawyers & Traffic Lawyers
    • Environment Lawyer: Land & Environmental Law
    • Employment Law
    • Immigration Lawyer
  • Resources
    • Blogs
    • Events
    • Videos
    • Crimes Act 1900 (NSW)
    • Family Law Act 1975
    • Migration Act 1958
    • Fact Sheet
  • Contact
  • About Us
    • Why Choose Us?
    • Our Team
    • Our Fixed Fees
  • Family Lawyers Sydney
    • Divorce Lawyers Sydney
    • Parenting Orders: Parent & Children Matters
    • Mediation Lawyers: Mediation & Arbitration
    • Property Settlement Lawyers
    • Domestic Violence Lawyer
    • Binding Financial Agreement Lawyer
    • Will and Estate Lawyers
  • Other Services
    • Conveyancing Lawyer
    • Sydney Business Lawyers
    • Civil Litigation Lawyer
    • Criminal Lawyers & Traffic Lawyers
    • Environment Lawyer: Land & Environmental Law
    • Employment Law
    • Immigration Lawyer
  • Resources
    • Blogs
    • Events
    • Videos
    • Crimes Act 1900 (NSW)
    • Family Law Act 1975
    • Migration Act 1958
    • Fact Sheet
  • Contact
1300 287 911

OR CALL 02 9723 8080

Home / Heavy Vehicle Traffic Offence

Heavy Vehicle Traffic Offence

  • Traffic Law
  • John
  • 22 November 23
Facebook Twitter Youtube Instagram Linkedin
traffic offence

What is a heavy vehicle traffic offence? This may include speeding, overloading, driving while impaired with fatigue, and more. 

Driving a heavy vehicle in New South Wales (NSW) is a significant responsibility. Heavy vehicles, such as trucks and buses, play a vital role in transporting goods and people across the state. However, they can also pose a risk to other road users if not operated safely.

To ensure the safety of all road users, NSW has strict laws and regulations governing the operation of heavy vehicles. These laws cover everything from driver licensing and fatigue management to motor vehicle maintenance and load securement.

What is the HVNL?

The Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) is a crucial piece of legislation in NSW, Australia. It governs the operation of heavy vehicles with a gross vehicle mass (GVM) of more than 4.5 tonnes.

Moreover, the HVNL plays a vital role in ensuring the safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability of Australia’s heavy vehicle transport industry. These are the HVNL regulations:

  • Fatigue Management 
  • General
  • Mass, Dimension and Loading
  • Registration
  • Vehicle Standards

Heavy Vehicle Traffic Offence in NSW

In New South Wales (NSW), drivers using heavy vehicles may be subject to severe penalties and demerit points if they are caught committing the offences, particularly on driver fatigue, below:

Traffic offencePenalty notice finesDemerit points
Driving a fatigue-regulated heavy vehicle on a road while the person is impaired by fatigue.$7,5803
If the following drivers (a) works for more than the maximum work time stated in the standard hours (or BFM/AFM/exemption hours) for the period; or (b) rests for less than the minimum rest time stated in the standard hours (or BFM/AFM/exemption hours) for the period:

– the solo driver of a fatigue-regulated heavy vehicle
– the driver of a fatigue-regulated heavy vehicle who is a party to a two-up driving arrangement
– the solo driver of a fatigue-regulated heavy in any period stated in the Basic Fatigue Management (BFM) hours for the driver
– The driver of a fatigue-regulated heavy vehicle in any period stated in the AFM hours for the driver
– The driver of a fatigue-regulated heavy vehicle operating under a work and rest hours exemption in any period stated in the exemption hours for the exemption.
$12,600 (severe)

$18,900 (critical)
3


4

traffic offence

Common Heavy Vehicle Traffic Offence

Like any other vehicle used in the roads of NSW, there are also other kinds of traffic offence that heavy vehicles may commit:

1. Overweight vehicle offences. It is an offence to load and drive a heavy vehicle with a greater load than it is designed for. This can lead to increased fines and demerit points, as overweight vehicles pose a greater danger to people and public infrastructure.

2. Over-dimension offences. Significant penalties apply if a heavy vehicle is too tall or too long for the road it is driving on, including possible license or registration suspension. Driving a heavy vehicle on a non-approved road can lead to accidents, road obstruction, and damage to public amenity.

3. Speeding offences. Heavy vehicle drivers and operators face increased fines and demerit points for going over the speed limit. Employers, contractors, or operators may also be held responsible if a speeding offence is committed by a driver.

4. Unsafe load securement. Improper load securement can cause loads to shift or fall off, creating hazards for other road users. NSW has laws requiring heavy vehicle operators to secure their loads correctly using appropriate tie-downs and ensuring even distribution.

5. Driving an unroadworthy vehicle. Operating a heavy vehicle with faulty brakes, tires, or other safety-critical components poses a serious risk to road safety. NSW has laws requiring heavy vehicle operators to maintain their vehicles in a roadworthy condition and to have them regularly inspected and serviced.

Other acts of heavy vehicle drivers that are considered as traffic offence:

  1. Failing to give way to heavy vehicles can lead to serious accidents. 
  2. Using a mobile phone while driving is illegal for all drivers, including heavy vehicle operators. Distracted driving can lead to impaired judgment and reaction time, increasing the risk of accidents.
  3. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious offence for all drivers, but it is particularly dangerous for heavy vehicle operators due to the size and weight of their vehicles. 

These offences carry substantial fines and penalties, and heavy vehicle drivers and operators need to comply with the Heavy Vehicle National Law to ensure the safety of NSW roads.

Purposes of Heavy Vehicle Regulations

Heavy Vehicle Driver Licensing

In NSW, a person must have a heavy vehicle driver licence to operate a vehicle with a gross vehicle mass (GVM) of over 4.5 tonnes. There are different classes of heavy vehicle licences, each with its own set of requirements.

For example, to obtain a Class C heavy vehicle licence, a person must pass a written test, a practical driving test, and a medical examination. They must also have held a car driver’s licence for at least three years.

Fatigue Management

Heavy vehicle drivers are at risk of fatigue due to long hours behind the wheel. To address this risk, NSW has strict fatigue management laws. These laws require heavy vehicle drivers to take regular breaks and to limit the number of hours they can drive in a day or week.

Vehicle Maintenance

Heavy vehicles must be regularly maintained to ensure they are safe to operate. NSW has laws requiring heavy vehicle operators to keep their vehicles in a roadworthy condition. This includes regular inspections and maintenance of brakes, tyres, and other safety-critical components.

Load Securement

Heavy motor vehicles must be properly loaded to prevent loads from shifting or falling off. NSW has laws requiring heavy vehicle operators to secure their loads correctly. The use of appropriate tie-downs and ensuring loads must be evenly distributed.

traffic offence

What Can A Traffic Offence Lawyer Do?

If you have been charged with a heavy vehicle traffic offence or an infringement notice for a traffic offence in NSW, don’t hesitate to contact a traffic offence lawyer today. We can help with serious offences under traffic law matters such as:

  • Dangerous driving
  • Drink driving offence or drug driving offences
  • Police officer disputes
  • Driving during a licence disqualification period

Our lawyers at JB Solicitors can provide you with the legal support and guidance you need to navigate the legal process in the settlement and resolution of a traffic offence or traffic infringements. We can also help you get a lesser penalty in case you need to plead guilty under the local or magistrates court.

Contact us today for more information about traffic offences.

澳洲离婚步骤

About the author

John Bui

John has over a decade of experience in family law and commercial litigation which often sees John being called to provide expertise in matters that have an international element involving complex company, trust, partnership and valuation issues. He also advises and appears in matters involving the Hague Convention both at first instance and on appeal.

About the author

William Wang

William is a seasoned litigation lawyer with over 15 years of experience. With his extensive knowledge in litigation across various platforms, including appellant, family litigation, commercial litigation, and judicial review at the migration tribunals and federal courts, William has become a trusted expert in his field.

Get in Touch

Call Us Now

1300 287 911

Related Blogs

Fine for Driving Unregistered Vehicle: How Big Is the Fine?

Ever heard of a person receiving a fine for driving an unregistered vehicle? Car registration should be a no-brainer for anyone. Driving a registered vehicle

Read More →

How to Get out of a Parking Fine NSW?

Do you want to know how to get out of a parking fine in NSW? Did you end up parking in a restricted area, or

Read More →

Do You Need Replacement Number Plates NSW?

Do you need replacement number plates NSW? At some point, your current front or rear plate will wear out. It may suffer from damage, or

Read More →

All blogs

Stay Tuned To The Latest JBS News

Upward Arrow jb solicitors
JB Logo jb solicitors family lawyer
WEB PORTAL
Quick LInks
  • Home
  • About
  • Careers
  • For Clients
  • Payments
  • Contact
  • Our Fixed Fees
  • Fact Sheet
  • Events
  • Blog
Family Law
  • Divorce & Separation
  • Parents & Children Matters
  • Mediation & Arbitration
  • Property Settlements & Assets
  • Family Violence AVO's
  • Binding Financial Agreements
  • Wills & Estate Planning
Other Services
  • Conveyancing
  • Commercial Corporate Law
  • Civil Disputes Litigation
  • Criminal Traffic Law
  • Land & Environmental Law
  • Employment Law
  • Immigration Law
CONTACT

Tel: 1300 287 911
Tel: 02 9723 8080

Email: enquiries@jbsolicitors.com.au

Facebook Twitter Youtube Instagram Linkedin
ADDRESS
ADDRESS

Sydney CBD Office:
Suite 1, Level 20, 233 Castlereagh St,
Sydney NSW 2000

Melbourne Office:
The Exchange Tower, Level 1, 530 Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000

Western Sydney Office:
Suite 3, Level 1/203, Canley Vale Rd. NSW 2166

Bondi Junction Office:
103/332-342 Oxford St., Bondi Junction NSW 2022

Languages
  • EN
  • ZH
  • VI
  • EN
  • ZH
  • VI
Quality Policy Statement • Privacy Policy • Terms & Conditions
Copyright © 2025 · Liability Limited By A Scheme Approved Under Professional Standards Legislation
  • Made with
  • by Digital Recipe