What Is a Fatigue‑Regulated Heavy Vehicle?

Whether a vehicle is fatigue-regulated decides which work and rest rules its driver follows and whether a work diary is needed. The definition turns on mass, and for buses, seating.

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The Definition in Plain Terms

Under the HVNL, a truck with a gross vehicle mass (GVM) over 12 tonnes is fatigue-regulated. So is a combination whose total GVM is over 12 tonnes, even if the prime mover or towing vehicle is under that on its own.

A bus is fatigue-regulated when its GVM is over 4.5 tonnes and it's built to carry more than 12 adults, including the driver.

Some vehicles fall outside the definition. The NHVR's work diary lists a motorhome, and a vehicle built or modified to operate as machinery or equipment off-road, as exclusions.

Vehicles the Definition Covers

These are the common cases where the fatigue rules apply to the driver.

Rigid trucks over 12 tonnes

A rigid truck with a GVM above 12 tonnes is fatigue-regulated on its own.

Combinations over 12 tonnes

A truck and trailer, or prime mover and semitrailer, counts when the combined GVM is over 12 tonnes.

Larger buses

A bus over 4.5 tonnes GVM built to carry more than 12 adults, including the driver.

Two‑up trucks

When two drivers share a fatigue-regulated truck, they work to the two-up tables rather than the solo ones.

Hire and borrowed vehicles

The definition follows the vehicle, so a hired truck over the threshold brings the same rules.

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What the Definition Triggers

Once a vehicle is fatigue-regulated, a set of obligations follows the driver and the business.

Work and rest limits

The driver works under Standard Hours, an accreditation or an exemption, and must stay inside its limits.

A work diary beyond 100km

Under Standard Hours, a work diary is needed for work 100km or more from base.

Local area records

Within 100km under Standard Hours, the operator keeps local area records instead.

A record keeper

Each driver has a record keeper who holds the records for at least three years.

Chain of Responsibility

Schedulers, loaders and others who influence the vehicle's use take reasonable steps to prevent fatigue.

The Unfit to Drive duty

This applies to all heavy vehicles over 4.5 tonnes, a wider group than fatigue-regulated vehicles.

Electronic Work Diary vs Paper Logbook

For drivers of fatigue-regulated vehicles, here's how an electronic work diary compares with paper.

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

Either diary meets the requirement. An NHVR approved EWD does the counting the definition makes necessary.

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How It Works

If your vehicles are fatigue-regulated, getting drivers onto Logmaster looks like this.

Check each vehicle's GVM

Look at the GVM, or the combined GVM for combinations, and the seating for buses.

Note the exclusions

Set aside motorhomes and vehicles built to operate as off-road machinery or equipment.

Confirm the hours option

Decide which work and rest option each driver uses.

Identify which drivers need a diary

Drivers beyond 100km or on alternative hours need one, others need local area records.

Set drivers up

Drivers install Logmaster and pick their fatigue plan.

Assign a record keeper

Nominate who will review and hold each driver's records.

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

Drivers of trucks, combinations and buses that meet the definition, and the businesses that run them, all have parts to play.

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

Logmaster covers truck, two-up and bus plans in the same app.

Why Operators of Regulated Vehicles Use Logmaster

Logmaster is an NHVR approved EWD with plans for trucks, two-up driving and buses, including Standard Bus hours. It's used by operators from food distribution to coach travel, with Greyhound Australia and PFD Food Services among its customers.

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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

Is a truck under 12 tonnes fatigue‑regulated?

Not on its own. A rigid truck needs a GVM over 12 tonnes, but it becomes part of a fatigue-regulated combination if it tows a trailer and the combined GVM passes 12 tonnes. Drivers of heavy vehicles over 4.5 tonnes are still covered by the Unfit to Drive duty.

Which buses are fatigue‑regulated heavy vehicles?

Buses with a GVM over 4.5 tonnes that are built to carry more than 12 adults, including the driver. Their drivers follow bus work and rest tables, which differ from the truck tables.

Are motorhomes fatigue‑regulated?

No. The NHVR lists motorhomes as excluded, along with vehicles built or modified to operate as machinery or equipment off-road. If you're unsure about a particular vehicle, check with the NHVR before relying on an exclusion.

Do fatigue rules apply to fatigue‑regulated vehicles in WA?

WA isn't under the HVNL, so its own work health and safety rules apply to commercial drivers there. Once a WA truck over 12 tonnes, or a bus built for more than 12 adults, is driven outside WA and the NT, the National Driver Work Diary is needed.

Does every driver of a fatigue‑regulated vehicle need a work diary?

No. Under Standard Hours, drivers working within 100km of base are covered by local area records kept by the operator. A work diary is needed 100km or more from base, or at any distance under BFM, AFM, ACA-Fatigue or exemption hours.

Ready to Set Up Your Fatigue‑Regulated Fleet?

Book a demo and see how Logmaster applies the right work and rest plan to each truck, combination and bus driver.

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TRUSTED BY MORE THAN 10,000 DRIVERS

Rigid trucks over 12 tonnes

Combinations over 12 tonnes

Larger buses

Two‑up trucks

Hire and borrowed vehicles

Electronic Work Diary vs Paper Logbook

Ray A.

Mike H.

Is a truck under 12 tonnes fatigue‑regulated?

Which buses are fatigue‑regulated heavy vehicles?

Are motorhomes fatigue‑regulated?

Do fatigue rules apply to fatigue‑regulated vehicles in WA?

Does every driver of a fatigue‑regulated vehicle need a work diary?

Policy

Resources

Contact us

Level 1/63-73 Ann St, Surry Hills NSW 2010