The “100km rule” or "160 km rule for primary production" is one of the most misunderstood concepts in the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL).
Many operators assume that if a driver stays within 100km of base, fatigue laws don’t apply.
That assumption is wrong — and risky.
Under HVNL, drivers operating a Fatigue-Regulated Heavy Vehicle (FRHV) must comply with fatigue laws at all times. What changes within a local area is not the obligation — it’s the method of recording work and rest.
The Actual Rule
Drivers operating under standard hours may not need to complete a work diary if they remain within:
- 100km radius from base (general operations)
- 160km radius from base (primary production concession)
This is a radius, not total distance travelled. A driver may travel significant distances during the day and still remain within the defined radius. They must still conform to the FRHV Work and Rest requirements.
The Critical Requirement
Even within the local area:
- Drivers must carry a National Driver Work Diary (NDWD)
- Drivers must comply with work/rest limits
- Operators must ensure records are kept
The exemption is from writing entries, not from compliance.
Why This Matters
The absence of a structured diary often leads to:
- Inconsistent record keeping
- Lack of visibility
- Increased audit risk
In many cases, local operations are less compliant, not more.
Key Takeaway
The 100km/160km rule does not remove fatigue obligations — it changes how they must be managed.