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Heavy Vehicle Work Diaries Across State Borders

A single run can take a driver out of one set of fatigue rules and into another. Here's how work diary obligations change between the states and territories that run under the HVNL and Western Australia or the Northern Territory.
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One National Law, Two Exceptions

The Heavy Vehicle National Law applies in the ACT, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria. In those jurisdictions, the same work diary rules apply on either side of a border.

Western Australia and the Northern Territory sit outside the HVNL and have their own fatigue rules. WA manages fatigue for commercial vehicle drivers under its work health and safety laws, administered by WorkSafe WA.

That means the diary question depends on where the vehicle is being driven, not only where the business is based.
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What Changes for the Driver at the Border

These are the points that catch drivers out on interstate work.
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Leaving WA or the NT

WA's Department of Transport says the National Driver Work Diary is needed for vehicles over 12 tonnes, or buses built for more than 12 adults, when they're driven outside WA and the NT.
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Inside WA

A work diary isn't required for work within WA, but the operator still has to keep a record of each driver's work time, breaks and non-work time.
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Base time zone

Under the HVNL, time is counted and recorded in the time zone of the driver's base, even when the local clock says something different.
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Daylight saving

When clocks change, a driver can appear to be an hour over or under on local time, so the NHVR suggests noting the change in the diary.
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The right plan for the road

A driver moving between WA and an HVNL state needs to be working to the hours that apply where they are.
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What Operators Running Interstate Should Set Up

Fleets that cross into or out of WA and the NT carry two sets of obligations at once.

A WA fatigue management plan

WA businesses need a driver fatigue management plan, and drivers must work within the operating standard.

Medical certificates

WA drivers have to hold a current medical certificate, which is worth tracking alongside licence expiries.

Work diaries for HVNL legs

Drivers heading east need a written diary or an approved EWD for the part of the trip that falls under the HVNL.

Correct base details

Each driver's base and its time zone should be set correctly, because every count depends on it.

Records kept for both regimes

HVNL work diary records are kept for three years, and WA records of work and non-work time are kept as WA requires.

Fatigue plans for each side

Logmaster includes WA plans (14 Day Solo, 28 Day Solo, 7 Day 2-Up and 48hr 2-Up) as well as the HVNL plans, so drivers select the one that fits the leg they're on.

Electronic Work Diary vs Paper Logbook

Paper and electronic diaries both work across borders. The difference is how much of the time zone and plan juggling the driver does by hand.
Electronic Work Diary
Paper Logbook
One minute accuracy
Fifteen minute blocks
Automatic syncing
Manual entries
Easy to read and access
Handwriting varies
Real time operator visibility
No live oversight
Secure cloud storage
Can be lost or damaged
Faster audits and reporting
Time consuming
On long interstate runs, an EWD that adjusts to the base time zone removes one of the easiest mistakes to make.
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How It Works

A simple routine keeps cross-border drivers on the right rules.
Step 1

Map the routes

List which regular runs cross between WA or the NT and an HVNL state.
Step 2

Set the base

Record each driver's base and confirm its time zone before the first trip.
Step 3

Pick the hours

Decide which WA plan and which HVNL hours option each driver will use.
Step 4

Equip the driver

Give every driver who crosses the border a written diary or an approved EWD.
Step 5

Brief on switching

Show drivers when and how to switch plans as they cross.
Step 6

Check after each run

Review records from both sides of the border together, not in separate systems.

Features at a Glance

1. Accurate one minute recording
2. Offline functionality for uninterrupted use
3. Live visibility for fleet managers
4. Fatigue reminders and breach alerts
5. Driver declarations and vehicle checks
6. Secure cloud storage
7. Multi company support for contractors
8. Fast export for audits and reporting
9. Fatigue rule sets including Standard Hours, BFM, AFM, WA plans and bus rules
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Who It's Built For

Linehaul, livestock and bus operators running between the west and the eastern states deal with these rules most often.
User Type
Benefit
Truck drivers
Easier logging and clear alerts
Transport operators
Real time visibility and compliance
Compliance managers
Reliable logs for inspections
Owner drivers
No paperwork and simple routines
Subcontractors
Easy switching between employers
Drivers and record keepers see one record for the whole trip, whichever side of the border it covers.

One App for Both Sides of the Border

Logmaster's NHVR approved EWD holds HVNL and WA fatigue plans in the same app, so a driver changes plan rather than changing systems. The NHVR notes that EWDs adjust automatically to the base time entered, which takes the daylight saving and time zone arithmetic off the driver.
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Hear from Our Users

Ray A.

First day with Logmaster was to my surprise was user friendly. Josh was very thorough in taking me through all the steps in setting up the Logmaster app. I would recommend Logmaster to all drivers regardless of age. Never have to worry about making a mistake as it tells you if you are. Great customer service after hours support is second to none.

Mike H.

Have started using Logmaster after trying 3 other models. I actually enjoy using it. Very easy to use and follow and the help if you need it is top notch by the developer. Does everything by the minute and works when no service is available. My system is customised for me and fits well with my system (I’m WA). Cost is on par with two of the other ones looked at.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Simplify Interstate Records?

Book a demo and see how Logmaster handles a driver's plan change at the border, with one record for the whole trip.

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