Heavy Vehicle Law & NHVR Defence Lawyer
Experienced legal representation for truck drivers, operators and transport companies in NSW.
Facing a heavy vehicle or NHVR charge?
Get clear legal defence from an experienced NHVR Defence Lawyer.
Eric Navea, former NHVR senior prosecutor, represents truck drivers, operators and transport companies across NSW.
Early legal advice can make a critical difference to the outcome of NHVR proceedings.
Why Heavy Vehicle Offences Require Experience
Heavy vehicle offences carry complex legal and evidentiary challenges. Strategic legal representation can influence charges, penalties and licence outcomes.
For truck drivers, operators and company directors, these charges can affect your ability to work, your accreditation, and the reputation of your business. The risks extend well beyond a single fine.
As a former Senior Prosecutor with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR), I understand how these matters are investigated, charged and run in court. I now use that experience to give drivers and businesses clear advice to help them understand real world outcomes
For Quick Guides and general information on Heavy Vehicle National Law go to our Blog page.
Common Heavy Vehicle Offences in NSW
We regularly defend clients charged with offences under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) and NSW Road Transport legislation.
Here are the most common charges:
Fatigue and Logbook Offences
Exceeding maximum work hours
Failing to rest
False or misleading entries in work diary
Not carrying or producing a logbook on demand
Mass, Dimension & Load Restraint Offences
Exceeding gross or axle mass limits
Overlength, overwidth, or overheight loads
Unsafe or improperly secured loads
Speeding & Camera Detected Offences
Speeding in heavy vehicles (detected by cameras or mobile enforcement)
Breaching speed limiter requirements
Chain of Responsibility (CoR) Breaches
Failing to manage risks related to fatigue, mass, dimension, or load restraint
Employers, schedulers, loaders and consignors held accountable
Failing to Comply with NHVR or Police
Refusing to stop at a HVSS (Heavy Vehicle Safety Station)
Not producing required documents or identification
Ignoring notices to provide information
Penalties for Heavy Vehicle Offences in NSW
Heavy vehicle offences carry higher penalties than most drivers expect. Here’s an overview:
Solo Driver work more than stnd hours – Critical Breach
Maximum Fine: $20,590+
Demerit Points: Up to 4
Speeding 30km/h+
Maximum Fine: $2,200
Disqualification: Yes 3 months
False & Misleading entry in Logbook
Maximum Fine: $13,730+
Chain of Responsibility (CoR) Breach –Cat 1 (section 26F)
Maximum penalty: 5 years imprisonment or $424,794 (over $4M for pty Ltd)
Mass Breach – Critical Risk
Maximum Fine: $13730+ $570 for every 1% exceeds 120% overload.
The right defence strategy can reduce fines, avoid licence disqualification, and protect employment and business interests.
How We Defend Heavy Vehicle Charges
We build targeted defence strategies — from evidence analysis to negotiation, licence-saving submissions and court representation.
Challenging the Evidence
Analysing fatigue records, GPS data, weighbridge reports, and NHVR procedures
Identifying unlawful police or NHVR conduct
Negotiation with NHVR or Police Prosecutors
Using our insight into NHVR prosecution tactics to push for charge withdrawal or downgrade
Early intervention to avoid court altogether
Licence-Saving Strategies
Seeking Section 10 outcomes (no conviction)
Submissions to avoid suspension or disqualification
Referrals to traffic offender programs where appropriate
Defending Transport Companies & Operators
Advising on compliance systems and safety procedures
Representing CoR parties facing corporate or executive liability
Why Choose Eric Navea Legal for Heavy Vehicle Offences?
Heavy vehicle matters carry real consequences for drivers, operators and business owners.
You need a lawyer who understands not only the law, but how the transport industry is regulated and prosecuted.
Clients choose Eric Navea Legal because of our focused experience in heavy vehicle and NHVR matters:
Former Senior Prosecutor with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR)
Deep experience defending logbook, fatigue, load restraint and CoR charges
Defence strategies informed by first-hand prosecutorial experience
Direct access to your lawyer — no delegation to junior staff
Clear, transparent fixed-fee arrangements
Whether you are facing your first court appearance or responding to a serious Chain of Responsibility investigation, we provide considered, strategic defence tailored to your circumstances.
FAQs
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Penalties range from fines of $1,500 to $11,000+ depending on the severity. Critical breaches may include demerits and licence loss.
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As early as possible. NHVR notices involve strict timeframes, and early legal representation can protect your position before charges are laid and influence how the matter is handled.
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Absolutely. We defend operators, managers, and companies facing all heavy vehicle law prosecutions.
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Yes. Many offences carry automatic disqualification periods. A good defence can help you avoid this.
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CoR laws hold multiple parties accountable (employers, schedulers, consignors) for offences involving mass, fatigue, and safety breaches.
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Some heavy vehicle offences are recorded convictions. Others may be eligible for Section 10 (no conviction) depending on the case.
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We offer fixed-fee representation and can provide quotes after reviewing your case.
Keeping You & Your Trucks on the Road.
On Your Side, From the Highway to the Courtroom.
Facing an NHVR notice, a court date, or a serious fine? Don’t leave it to chance.
Contact Eric Navea Legal for expert legal advice from a former NHVR prosecutor. We represent clients across Sydney and all NSW courts.
Call us now or book your consultation online to get started.
Talk directly to Eric Navea:
0401 937 269