Navigating Australia's Fatigue Management Laws: A Modern Approach to Safer Trucking

In Australia's transport sector, managing driver fatigue isn’t just good practice—it's a legal obligation. With vast distances and varied terrain, the risk of fatigue is a constant concern. Under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL), drivers and operators must follow strict work and rest requirements designed to keep everyone safe on the road.

At AlwayCare, we understand that compliance isn’t just about avoiding fines—it's about protecting lives. In this article, we break down how Australia's fatigue management system works and how technology can help build a safer, more productive fleet.

Australian regulations provide a flexible yet structured framework based on the principle of shared responsibility. Unlike more rigid systems elsewhere, the HVNL allows operators to follow one of three pathways:

• Standard Hours – sets clear limits on driving and work time, ideal for local or short-haul operations.

• Basic Fatigue Management (BFM) – offers extra flexibility for operators with accredited safety and management practices.

• Advanced Fatigue Management (AFM) – a performance-based option for operators with advanced risk-control systems.

There's no single “reset” period like the 34-hour rule found in other countries. Instead, the system focuses on continuous risk management through regulated breaks, shift lengths, and rest days.

Most drivers operating under Standard Hours must adhere to the following core requirements:

• Work Limit: No more than 12 hours of work in a 24-hour period.

• Rest Breaks: A minimum break of 7 consecutive hours of stationary rest in each 24-hour period, plus regular breaks during shifts.

• Weekly Cap: A maximum of 72 hours of work over 7 days.

All drivers must record their hours in a National Driver Work Diary—whether in paper or electronic form. These diaries help demonstrate compliance during roadside checks or audits.

Quality rest is essential. Short breaks should allow drivers to refresh, while longer rest periods must be taken in conditions that support genuine recovery—such as a sleeper berth or suitable accommodation. Time spent resting in the cab but not asleep may not count toward required breaks if the conditions are unsuitable for sleep.

Manual record-keeping is not only time-consuming—it's prone to errors. AlwayCare's integrated safety platform helps automate fatigue management by synchronising with Electronic Work Diaries (EWDs) and providing real-time visibility into driver hours and fatigue risk.

Key features include:

• Automated tracking of work/rest hours aligned with HVNL requirements

• Alerts when drivers approach shift limits

• Digital logbooks for easy auditing and reporting

• AI-driven insights into fatigue-related driving behaviour

By using AlwayCare, fleets move from reactive compliance to proactive fatigue prevention.

A key aspect of the Australian system is Chain of Responsibility (COR). Fatigue management isn’t just the driver's duty—it extends to everyone involved in the supply chain, including operators, schedulers, loaders, and consignees. Each party has a role in ensuring that operational demands don’t compromise safety.

As we move through 2025, several developments are influencing how fleets approach fatigue:

• Electronic Compliance: The shift from paper diaries to EWDs continues to accelerate, improving accuracy and efficiency.

• Proactive Analytics: Platforms like AlwayCare use data to predict and mitigate fatigue risks before they lead to incidents.

• Remote Operations: For fleets operating in remote Australia, technology provides a critical link to monitor safety and support drivers.

AlwayCare helps transport businesses turn compliance into a competitive advantage. Our platform not only keeps you within the law but also builds a culture where safety comes first. From AI-assisted alerts to driver coaching tools, we provide an all-in-one solution for modern fleets.

  Ready to simplify fatigue management and protect your team?

  Speak with AlwayCare today and see how our platform supports HVNL compliance.