- What is a Heavy Vehicle Checking Station?
- Why do we have Heavy Vehicle Checking Stations?
- Are all Heavy Vehicle Checking Stations the same?
- How are vehicles selected for inspection at Heavy Vehicle Checking Stations?
- Where are Heavy Vehicle Checking Stations located in NSW?
- Do Heavy Vehicle Checking Stations have set operating hours?
- Why has my vehicle been selected for a Heavy Vehicle Compliance Check?
- How do I know if I have to enter a Heavy Vehicle Checking Station?
- What do I do if I am directed to enter a Heavy Vehicle Checking Station?
- What should I do if I am unsure whether I have been directed to enter a Heavy Vehicle Checking Station?
- What happens during a Heavy Vehicle compliance check?
- What documents do I need for a Heavy Vehicle Checking Station compliance check?
- What happens if my vehicle fails an RTA compliance check?
- What happens if I don’t enter a Heavy Vehicle Checking Station when I am directed to?
- Can I get an exemption from Heavy Vehicle Checking Station inspections?
There are a number of ways the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) intercept heavy vehicles on the roadside for compliance checks.
This Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) provides information on Heavy Vehicle Checking Stations which are located on major trucking routes across NSW.
Heavy vehicles may be directed to stop for compliance checks at the Checking Stations at other locations on the road network.
Heavy Vehicle Checking Stations (HVCS) are permanent RTA facilities, located along major transport routes, where heavy vehicles over 8 tonne Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) (4.5 tonne GVM for Chinderah) may be stopped and inspected to see that they meet safety and roadworthiness standards and that their drivers are complying with road transport laws.
The RTA uses Heavy Vehicle Checking Stations to intercept and inspect heavy vehicles which may be operating illegally or in an unsafe manner on NSW roads and which therefore pose significant risk to road users, the road infrastructure and the environment.
Regulation of drivers and vehicles is crucial in preventing road crashes. By checking that truck loads are within legal dimension and mass limits, damage to NSW roads and bridges is minimised.
Heavy Vehicle Checking Stations are a part of the RTA's comprehensive heavy vehicle enforcement program, which is supported across New South Wales by RTA mobile enforcement and the Safe-T-Cam network.
Heavy Vehicle Checking Stations vary in layout and the level of technology used.
There are two main types of checking stations;
Automated Heavy Vehicle Checking Station:
- Automated sites feature an automated screening lane which uses Weigh in Motion, Safe-T-Cam and Truckscan technology to perform a number of vehicle and road enforcement checks prior to directing the vehicle into the Checking Station or back to the road.
Manual (Non-Automated) Heavy Vehicle Checking Station:
- Manual sites do not use automated screening and require enforcement staff to conduct inspection based on a preliminary visual check of the vehicle, as part of a targeted operation, or by random inspection.
The process for selecting vehicles for inspection depends on the type of Checking Station.
Automated Heavy Vehicle Checking Station:
The RTA has equipped its busiest Heavy Vehicle Checking Stations with automated screening lanes.
Automated screening lanes use Weigh in Motion, Safe-T-Cam and Truckscan technology to perform the following checks:
- Gross mass
- Group axle mass
- Vehicle height
- Speed
- Tailgating
- Registration status
- Defect status
- Valid vehicle configuration for road type
- Safe-T-Cam sightings for driver fatigue
- Non-Compliance history
Vehicles which are identified during screening as requiring further attention are diverted into the Weighbridge for inspection by RTA Officers. Attention is given to issues identified during screening, but other checks will also be completed during the inspection, including driver licence and work diary.
Vehicles which are not selected for inspection are directed to return to the highway without delay.
Manual (Non-Automated) Heavy Vehicle Checking Station:
At Checking Stations where automated screening is not available, RTA officers may select a vehicle for inspection based on preliminary visual check of the vehicle, as part of a targeted operation, or by random selection.
Once the vehicle has been manually selected for inspection, Truckscan software is used to check:
- Registration status
- Defect status
- Safe-T-Cam sightings for driver fatigue
- Driver licence and work diary.
There are seven (7) Heavy Vehicle Checking Stations locations in NSW:
Figure 1: Map of NSW Heavy Vehicle Checking Stations Locations
Heavy Vehicle Checking Station operating hours and staffing levels vary to match road traffic flow patterns. At peak times, including over weekends and public holidays, Heavy Vehicle Checking Stations may operate 24 hours a day.
At automated Heavy Vehicle Checking Stations, screening lanes are operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week (except in periods of maintenance).
The RTA uses a risk based approach to select vehicles for inspection.
At automated checking stations with a screening lane, high risk vehicles with poor compliance history are being targeted and directed to the weighbridge for compliance checks.
Occasionally, vehicles with a good compliance history may also be directed to enter a Heavy Vehicle Checking Station because of speeding or tailgating in a screening lane, random inspection or as part of a targeted operation.
All vehicles with a GVM or a gross combination mass (GCM) greater than 8 tonnes must enter a Heavy Vehicle Checking Station (signposted OPEN). Some Checking Stations require vehicles with a GVM or GCM greater that 4.5 tonne, and vehicles must enter these sites. Drivers who fail to enter may be fined.
Signs along a highway notify drivers that they are approaching a Heavy Vehicle Checking Station.
As the driver gets closer to the Heavy Vehicle Checking Station, signs indicate which lane the heavy vehicle needs to be in to access the Checking Station.
At automated Checking Stations, drivers are directed to enter a Screening Lane where the heavy vehicle is monitored and assessed to determine whether a compliance check is required. Electronic sensors check and instantly analyse the vehicles weight in motion, vehicle dimensions, registration status, inspection history, and whether the vehicle has been involved in a fatigue incident detected by Safe-T-Cam.
If the vehicle is not selected for inspection, the driver will be directed to return to the highway without delay.
At manual checking stations, RTA Inspectors will decide whether a vehicle warrants a compliance check based on visual assessment, random selection, or a targeted operation.
If a compliance check is required, the driver will be signalled, via an arrow or equivalent direction sign, to divert to the checking station for a detailed compliance check.
If directed to enter a Heavy Vehicle Checking Station, drivers should pay close attention to the road conditions and signage. The approach and entrance route is different for each checking station. Drivers should pay particular attention to signage to ensure that they are in the correct lane to access the Checking Station.
Where there is only one checking station servicing both directions of traffic, (eg: Mount Boyce, Bell and Kankool) heavy vehicle drivers may be directed to cross the highway, via a designated lane, to access the Checking Station.
When travelling in the screening lane, drivers must maintain a safe speed and distance from the vehicle ahead of them. Tailgating vehicles will be automatically diverted into the Checking Station.
When directed to enter the Checking Station, a road sign or an RTA staff member will direct the driver when they can enter the weigh plate area.
If a driver is unsure whether they have been directed to enter the Checking Station, it is best to err on the side of caution and enter the checking station. Checking Station cameras record the details of any heavy vehicle that fails to obey a direction to divert to the Checking Station. Drivers must obey signs and directions and can incur significant financial penalties for non compliance.
Drivers who have missed entering the checking station should not reverse on the highway and attempt to re-enter the checking station. Reversing the vehicle along the highway poses an extreme safety risk to the heavy vehicle driver and other road users.
Drivers will be directed to where they should stop their vehicle. In most instances, the driver will be directed to the weigh plate. It is important that the driver co-operates fully with RTA Inspectors and follows all instructions, as this will reduce the time required for the inspection process.
RTA Inspectors will ask the driver to produce their driver’s licence and any necessary documents such as work diaries and vehicle operating permits.
The vehicle will be visually inspected, and may be directed for a detailed roadworthiness test, including brake and suspension tests.
Normally, drivers will be asked to stay in the vehicle’s cab as the RTA Inspector examines the vehicle.
During a vehicle compliance check, RTA Inspectors may check any or all of the following:
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- Outstanding defect notices
| - Roadworthiness, including brakes, steering & suspension
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Drivers must ensure that they are carrying appropriate documentation, including: relevant permits, work diaries, driver licence and any other paperwork (e.g. Container Weight Declaration).
Permits must be obtained prior to commencing a journey. Details on how to apply for a permit are available here.
The RTA Inspector will discuss any vehicle defects or breaches with the driver, and may issue notices or directions, depending on the nature of the problem.
If vehicle defects are found, a defect notice will be issued. Other offences can result in the issue of a Penalty Notice. If a vehicle is found to have serious breaches of road transport laws, both the owner and driver of the vehicle may be prosecuted.
If the vehicle exceeds mass (weight) limits, a weight breach report will be issued. Depending on how much the weight limits have been exceeded, the driver may be given a written direction to adjust the load or issued with a weight infringement notice penalty (fine), or a summons to appear in court may be posted to the registered operator of the vehicle.
For serious offences, a vehicle and/or driver may be grounded. The driver may be required to make other arrangements for the continuation of their journey.
It is a serious offence to fail to enter a Heavy Vehicle Checking Station when directed to do so and may result in a maximum $2,200 fine.
Safe-T-Cam cameras on gantries along the highway record the details of vehicles that fail to enter Heavy Vehicle Screening Lanes. Avoidance cameras in the screening lanes record vehicles that do not obey directions to divert to Heavy Vehicle Checking Stations.
If a vehicle fails to enter the screening lane or stop as directed, the vehicle’s registration number is recorded and a letter is issued to the registered owner, requesting the driver’s details, vehicle movement records if applicable, and/or a written explanation within a set period of time. Responses are considered by the RTA and a decision made as to what action should be taken.
Only emergency vehicles on route to an emergency, or vehicles with special compliance conditions approved by the RTA, are exempt from the requirement to enter a Heavy Vehicle Checking Station.
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