When Do I Need A Truck Log Book?
No. A log book is only required if you drive a fatigue-regulated heavy vehicle. Under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL), that means:
- Trucks with a gross vehicle mass (GVM) over 12 tonnes
- Buses over 4.5 tonnes that carry 12 or more passengers
If your vehicle falls into either of those categories, you need a log book for any trip over 100km from your home base. Under 100km? You’re exempt from keeping records for that trip.
Motor homes and off-road equipment with similar GVM are excluded from this category.
What is a log book (work diary)?
A log book – officially called a work diary – is the record you keep of your work and rest hours. It’s proof that you’re complying with HVNL fatigue management requirements.
The law sets maximum work hours and minimum rest hours for drivers of fatigue-regulated vehicles. Your log book is how you demonstrate compliance.
You must keep records for the last 28 working days and carry them with you on any trip that requires a log book.
How long do you need to keep a work diary?
You must retain work diary records for a minimum of 28 days. Inspectors can request to see your records at any time. If you lose your diary or it’s stolen, you must keep supplementary records immediately – you cannot simply wait until you buy a replacement.
NHVR log book requirements
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) sets the following requirements:
- Record your odometer reading at the start and end of every work period
- Log all work time, rest time, and location information accurately
- Entries must be made within the correct timeframes – backdating is not permitted
- Carry your work diary with you on all trips that require it
- If your diary is lost or stolen, apply for a supplementary work diary through the NHVR website – this covers you for up to 7 business days
A new work diary costs $25 and is available through the NHVR.
Fatigue management rules in NSW
NSW follows the HVNL national fatigue management framework. There are two options available to operators and drivers:
Standard hours – the default option. Sets maximum work hours and minimum rest periods without requiring additional documentation beyond the work diary.
Basic fatigue management (BFM) – allows some flexibility on hours in exchange for additional management practices and record-keeping.
The key limits under standard hours are:
- Maximum 12 hours work in any 24-hour period
- Minimum 7 consecutive hours rest after each work period
- Maximum 72 hours work in any 7-day period
Breaching these limits is a serious offence under the HVNL.
What are the penalties for not keeping a log book?
Not keeping or carrying your work diary carries real consequences:
- Failing to keep records for the last 28 days: infringement penalty of $630, maximum court penalty of $6,300
- Inaccurate or late odometer recordings: infringement penalty of $158, maximum court penalty of $1,580
- Failing to carry your diary on a required trip: infringement penalty applies
If you have the option to pay the infringement and avoid court, do it. Court-imposed penalties are up to 10 times higher.
Valid exceptions
The HVNL does make allowances for certain situations:
Lost or destroyed diary: You can apply for a supplementary work diary through the NHVR website. This covers you for up to 7 business days while you obtain a replacement.
Disability or illiteracy: You may apply for a special permit exempting you from the written record requirement. If approved, you must nominate another person to complete the entries on your behalf and carry the permit at all times.
Getting your heavy vehicle licence
Before you need to worry about log books, you need the right licence. ALLTRUCK Driver Training offers TfNSW-approved training and assessment for:
All courses run from our Horsley Park facility in Sydney. Single-day assessments available.