Australia's NHVR flags surge in heavy‑vehicle defects and imposes $100,000 fines

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has warned that major defects in heavy vehicles and buses operating in New South Wales’ alpine ski regions have risen sharply. Data show major brake, wheel and tyre defects almost doubled from 107 in the 2024 winter season to 195 in 2025, with 650 individual defects recorded in June 2026 alone. The regulator urged operators, especially smaller seasonal coaches, to conduct daily pre‑trip checks and adhere to fatigue‑management rules as heavier snowfalls and increased visitor numbers heighten safety risks.

In a separate enforcement action, the NHVR secured a landmark prosecution that fined a transport company $80,000 and its director $20,000 for breaching three prohibition notices issued earlier this year. The case marks the regulator’s first use of court injunction powers to stop non‑compliant activity and underscores its commitment to hold high‑risk operators accountable. The NHVR reported issuing 23 prohibition notices to companies and individuals during the past financial year as part of its intensified focus on road‑safety compliance.