Product Overview

Summary: This Traffic Laws Compliance Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, practical framework for ensuring that all work-related driving and vehicle movements comply with Australian road rules and WHS obligations. It helps organisations manage the risks associated with driving for work, protect workers and the public, and demonstrate due diligence to regulators and insurers.

Any worker who drives a vehicle for work is exposed to one of the most significant safety risks in Australia: road traffic incidents. This Traffic Laws Compliance Safe Operating Procedure sets out a structured, organisation-wide approach to ensuring that every journey undertaken for work purposes complies with current Australian road rules, heavy vehicle requirements (where applicable), and your WHS duties to provide a safe system of work. It translates complex legal obligations into clear, actionable steps for planning trips, operating vehicles, managing driver fatigue, and responding to incidents.

The procedure addresses common gaps such as inconsistent licence checks, poorly controlled mobile phone use, inadequate journey planning, and a lack of documentation to prove compliance in the event of an incident or regulator enquiry. By implementing this SOP, your business can reduce crash risk, standardise expectations for all drivers and supervisors, and create a defensible record of compliance with both road traffic legislation and WHS laws. It is suitable for organisations of all sizes, from small service businesses with a few utes on the road through to councils and large fleets operating light and heavy vehicles across multiple states and territories.

Key Benefits

• Ensure consistent compliance with Australian road rules and WHS duties for all work-related driving.
• Reduce the likelihood and severity of motor vehicle incidents, injuries, and property damage.
• Demonstrate due diligence to regulators, insurers, and clients through clear, documented procedures.
• Standardise driver behaviour, licence checks, and vehicle use across sites, branches, and teams.
• Support safer journey planning by addressing fatigue, speed, distraction, and environmental conditions.

Who is this for?

• Business Owners and Directors
• Fleet Managers
• WHS Managers and Advisors
• Operations Managers
• Logistics and Transport Coordinators
• Site Supervisors and Leading Hands
• Company Drivers and Delivery Personnel
• Field Service Technicians
• Construction Project Managers
• Local Government Works Supervisors

Hazards Addressed

• Vehicle collisions with other road users or pedestrians
• Driver fatigue and reduced alertness during work-related travel
• Speeding and loss of vehicle control
• Distraction from mobile phones, in-vehicle technology, or paperwork
• Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or certain medications
• Inadequate vehicle maintenance leading to mechanical failure
• Poor route planning resulting in unsafe roads or conditions
• Reversing and low-speed manoeuvring incidents in depots, yards, and work sites
• Weather-related driving hazards such as rain, fog, and bushfire smoke
• Psychosocial stress and time pressure contributing to unsafe driving decisions

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Applicable Road Rules
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (PCBU, Officers, Managers, Supervisors, Drivers)
• 4.0 Legal and WHS Compliance Requirements for Work-Related Driving
• 5.0 Driver Competency, Licensing and Induction Requirements
• 6.0 Vehicle Selection, Roadworthiness and Maintenance Controls
• 7.0 Journey Planning, Route Selection and Scheduling
• 8.0 Fatigue Management and Work Scheduling for Drivers
• 9.0 Safe Driving Practices (Speed, Following Distance, Seatbelts, Adverse Conditions)
• 10.0 Use of Mobile Phones, GPS and In-Vehicle Technology
• 11.0 Substance Use, Medications and Fitness for Duty
• 12.0 Site-Specific Traffic Management and Interaction with Public Roads
• 13.0 Incident, Near Miss and Infringement Reporting and Investigation
• 14.0 Training, Communication and Consultation with Workers
• 15.0 Record Keeping, Auditing and Continuous Improvement
• 16.0 References, Related Documents and Revision History

Legislation & References

• Model Work Health and Safety Act and Regulations (as implemented in relevant Australian jurisdictions)
• Safe Work Australia – Guide: Work-related driving
• National Road Rules and State/Territory Road Traffic Acts and Regulations (e.g. Road Rules 2014 (NSW))
• Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) and Chain of Responsibility requirements (where applicable)
• AS/NZS ISO 45001:2018 Occupational health and safety management systems
• National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) – Fatigue Management and Chain of Responsibility guidance (where applicable)
• Austroads guidelines relating to safe road use and heavy vehicle operations