
Heavy Vehicle Offence Lawyers in NSW
Your Roads. Your Rights. Your Lawyer.
Facing a heavy vehicle charge? Receive instant advice and powerful defence from a former NHVR Senior Prosecutor.
Eric Navea, former NHVR senior prosecutor, defends drivers & companies across NSW.
Get help now with fixed fees & expert advice.
Why Heavy Vehicle Offences Require a Specialist Lawyer
Heavy vehicle offences aren’t your average traffic matters. They come with serious penalties, including large fines, disqualification periods, and even criminal records. Whether you’re a truck driver, operator, or company director, your career, licence, and business reputation could be on the line.
As a former Senior Prosecutor for the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR), I understand how these offences are investigated, charged, and prosecuted. Now, I use that insight to defend drivers and businesses throughout NSW.
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:
Fatigue – Critical Breach
Maximum Fine: $17,000+
Demerit Points: Up to 6
Disqualification: Yes (up to 6 months)
Speeding 30km/h+
Maximum Fine: $3,700
Demerit Points: 5–6
Disqualification: Yes
False Logbook Entry
Maximum Fine: $11,000+
Demerit Points: 3–6
Disqualification: Yes
Chain of Responsibility (CoR) Breach – Executive Liability
Maximum Fine: $50,000+
Demerit Points: Not Applicable
Disqualification: Yes (court prosecution)
Mass Breach – Critical Risk
Maximum Fine: $17,000+
Demerit Points: Up to 6
Disqualification: Yes (up to 6 months)
Many of these offences are strict liability, meaning intent doesn’t need to be proven. That makes strategic legal defence essential.
How We Defend Heavy Vehicle Charges
We don’t just show up in court. We fight for your licence, your livelihood, and your future.
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?
We know what’s at stake for drivers, owners, and operators. You need a lawyer who understands the transport industry and the law behind it.
Here’s why clients trust us:
Over 2 years as a Senior Prosecutor with NHVR
Deep understanding of fatigue, logbook, CoR and mass/dimension systems
Strategic defence grounded in insider knowledge
Personal, direct communication — no junior handoffs
Transparent, fixed fees
Whether it’s your first court appearance or a critical CoR investigation, we’re ready to defend you.
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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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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Yes. 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