Tighter Regulations Make ELD Compliance Essential for Australian Fleets
Stricter NHVR enforcement makes ELD compliance essential for Australian fleets.
Tighter Regulations Make ELD Compliance Essential for Australian Fleets
With the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) increasing roadside inspections and enforcing stricter Chain of Responsibility (CoR) requirements, electronic logging device (ELD) compliance has become a critical focus for Australian transport operators. Recent data shows that fatigue-related breaches and work-hour violations remain among the most common reasons drivers are issued fines or grounded during compliance blitzes.
For fleets still transitioning to mandatory electronic work diaries (EWDs), the adjustment period is over. Regulators are now actively checking that drivers not only have approved systems installed but are using them correctly—and consistently.
“We're seeing a noticeable shift from education to enforcement,” says Sarah Mitchell, AlwayCare's Compliance Solutions Manager. “Inspectors are no longer just verifying that a device is fitted. They're scrutinising log authenticity, looking for gaps, and cross-referencing vehicle movement data.”
Why ELD Compliance Is Now Under the Microscope
Under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL), drivers and operators share responsibility for ensuring compliance with driving and rest hour limits. Since the full rollout of mandatory EWDs for most regulated vehicles, authorities have been leveraging digital data to identify non-compliance more efficiently.
Common violations observed during recent inspections include:
• Unrecorded work activities: Failing to log time spent loading, unloading, or other non-driving duties.
• Manipulated records: Shortcuts such as omitting breaks or editing logs after the fact.
• Exceeding work hour limits: Driving beyond the maximum 12-hour shift or 72-hour weekly cap.
These aren't just clerical issues. They often point to broader operational pressures that can compromise safety.
The Link Between Compliance and Fatigue Management
At its core, ELD regulation is designed to manage driver fatigue—not create paperwork. When hours are accurately recorded and adhered to, drivers are less likely to push beyond safe limits.
“Fatigue doesn't always mean falling asleep at the wheel,” Mitchell notes. “It can show up as slower reaction times, poor judgement, or inconsistent lane positioning—all of which increase collision risk.”
AlwayCare's integrated platform helps by pairing EWD data with real-time driver behaviour analytics. This allows fleets to spot patterns—like frequent early starts or truncated rest breaks—that may indicate fatigue long before it leads to an incident.
How AlwayCare Simplifies ELD Compliance
Staying compliant doesn't have to mean drowning in data. AlwayCare's Compliance Hub brings together EWD logs, vehicle telematics, and driver coaching tools in one interface, helping fleets:
• Automate log auditing: Flag inconsistencies or edits for review.
• Streamline inspections: Quickly generate standardised reports for authorities.
• Coach proactively: Use data to guide drivers on scheduling and break planning—not just penalise breaches.
“The goal isn't to catch people out,” says Mitchell. “It's to give operators the insights they need to build sustainable schedules and keep drivers fresh and focused.”
Prepare Now—Not During an Inspection
With NHVR continuing to prioritise fatigue and compliance in 2026, transport businesses can't afford to treat ELDs as a set-and-forget system. Regular reviews, driver training, and integrated technology are key to staying on the right side of the law—and the right side of safety.
Simplify compliance and reduce fatigue risk with AlwayCare.
Book a demo with our regulatory specialists today.
