Heavy vehicle drivers are banned from driving on a road if they are too tired, impaired by fatigue, or unfit to drive. The maximum fine is $20,000. This ban applies to all heavy vehicles regulated under the Heavy Vehicle National Law.

People cannot pressure, ask, or contract a driver to drive a heavy vehicle if they know the driver is too tired or unfit to drive. Fines for doing this rise to $20,000.

Heavy vehicle operators must use and keep an audited Safety Management System to get and maintain accreditation.

Authorised officers can now issue an improvement notice and start a prosecution at the same time.

Authorised officers can give a formal caution instead of a fine for some breaches.

Ministers can direct the Regulator to investigate or act when there is a serious public risk.

Heavy vehicle drivers can no longer be required to produce their driver licence.

Executives of companies or other legal entities must take reasonable steps to ensure the entity meets its safety duties. If they fail to do this, they can be fined.

Drivers using a fatigue alternative compliance accreditation must follow the maximum work and minimum rest times. Fines for breaking these rules range from $3,000 for minor risks to $15,000 for critical risks.

Heavy vehicle operators must tell their drivers about the work and rest hours that apply under a fatigue alternative compliance accreditation. Operators who fail to do this can be fined up to $6,000.

The Regulator cannot give an operator alternative compliance accreditation unless the operator already has general safety accreditation.

Fines for providing false or misleading statements or documents rise to $20,000.