Heavy vehicle fatigue offences increase by almost 16 per cent

By Jessica Dempster

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator is urging the transport industry to strengthen fatigue management this National Safe Work Month, following an almost 16 per cent increase in fatigue-related offences in the past financial year.

The NHVR recorded 5,835 fatigue-related offences across 2025–26, while calls to its Heavy Vehicle Confidential Reporting Line about fatigue concerns reportedly increased from 326 to 365.

The regulator says reports have included drivers being pressured to work through rest breaks, undertake excessive hours or continue driving while tired.

NHVR Chief Operations Officer Paul Salvati says drivers should keep in mind changes to the Heavy Vehicle National Law that came into effect earlier this year, giving them more power to speak up if they feel unfit to drive.

He says the updated law extends fitness-to-drive duties beyond fatigue to include illness, injuries, stress and mental illness, and requires employers to support drivers who stop work when unfit to drive.

The NHVR is encouraging anyone with concerns about heavy vehicle safety to contact its confidential reporting line on 1800 931 785.