Stricter measures will be implemented to ensure that heavy-vehicle drivers obey traffic rules. Hence, a new traffic fine of $1,784 will be in place for the year 2025. As per the enforcement authorities, this is in the wake of heightened road safety following various reports of heavy vehicle involvement incidents on highways.
New policy implementations.
All offending drivers of heavy-vehicles more than 4.5 tonnes pay a fine of $1,784 for failing to follow rules, such as ignoring the rest load and rest road rules, fatigue management, and restricted road use laws. Depending on the severity of the road laws breached, offenders will be issued demerit points and, in egregious cases, a suspended license.
Load and fatigue management rules.
One of the root causes supporting the new fine of $1,784 is the recently reported incidents of fatigue as a result of heavy, long-haul driving. Regulator bodies within Australia have reported the ease of which long-haul heavy vehicles and rest vehicles are able to cross, is contributing to increased road fatalities. In addition, uncontrolled heavy-vehicles have been a contributing factor to various road incidents, thus enforcement compliance have been heightened.
All Avon heavy vehicle compliance vehicles have been in use as of the 1st of July 2023. The working of various state roadside authorities is reported as a result of increased traffic vehicle compliance and regulation occurrence throughout rest areas and parking. Legal policies and road laws compliance are reported to have shown great improvements in the year 2023. Patrols have started in places like New South Wales and Victoria where trucks move the most.
Reaction from the Industry
Transport unions have sadly highlighted the possibility of more road restrictions and the negative consequences of more penalties. Some in the industry say that more rest stops and scheduling changes are the most fair and comprehensive solutions. Personal in road safety argue almost universally that fines need to be increased and are the best first action.
Government federal road safety action plans have highlighted that new rules and punishments stem from the government’s 2025 road action plan. The plan outlines new expenditures in highways, compliance technologies, a 30% reduction in heavy vehicle deaths, and other road safety technologies over five years.
Dotted line driving restrictions
Witnesses report that this fine should be a warning for drivers of heavy vehicles if for no other reason, then to rest and sleep. There are no more heavy vehicle risks that are unstopped with heavy vehicles. No more vehicles that are unaccounted for and a check is to be made in the former.