Heavy Vehicle National Law Amendment Bill 2018
Bill Journey
Referred to Transport and Public Works Committee
Referred to Transport and Public Works Committee
Became Act 18 of 201811 Sept 2018
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Plain English Summary
Overview
This bill strengthens the national framework for regulating heavy vehicles (trucks and buses over 4.5 tonnes) by giving enforcement officers better investigation powers, allowing certain high-performance trucks easier road access, and streamlining court processes for driver fatigue offences.
Who it affects
Mainly affects the heavy vehicle transport industry, including truck drivers, transport companies, and road managers. Enforcement officers gain stronger powers to address safety issues.
Key changes
- Authorised officers can now issue prohibition notices to immediately stop dangerous heavy vehicle activities
- Inspection timeframe extended from 30 to 60 days, and officers can now require whole vehicle fleets to be produced for inspection
- PBS level 1 vehicles at or below general mass limits can access the general road network without special permits
- Driver fatigue offences committed across multiple court districts can now be heard in one location
- Load restraint performance standards moved from guidance into legally enforceable regulations
- Courts can grant injunctions to stop ongoing non-compliance with heavy vehicle laws