If you operate a road freight transport business in NSW, you need to comply with the regulations and standards under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL).

Everyone in the supply chain has a responsibility to ensure HVNL and regulations are followed, including all drivers, consignors, and consignees.

Under the HVNL, standards, procedures, and processes must be followed to ensure heavy vehicle drivers meet safety, accreditation and compliance including:

  • Chain of Responsibility, including roles and responsibility within the supply chain
  • handling of freight containers and container weight declarations
  • industry specific codes of practice and accreditation schemes
  • risk-based categorisation of offences
  • reasonable steps defence
  • driver fatigue management and exemptions
  • work and rest requirements, including work diaries and record keeping
  • on-road compliance and enforcement
  • vehicle standards and modifications
  • vehicle mass and dimensions and measurement adjustments, and
  • load restraint.
It's your duty as an employer, prime contractor or operator to ensure: 
  • business practices will not cause a driver to exceed speed limits or drive while fatigued
  • contracts don't breach your duty or obligations under legislation. 

Visit the On-road compliance and enforcement section of the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator's website for more information.

Last updated: 24 January 2024