National Transport Commission (Road Transport Legislation – Vehicle Standards) Regulations 2006
10Vehicles and trailers to be properly maintained
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10 Vehicles and trailers to be properly maintained
(1) This regulation applies to a motor vehicle or trailer, whether or not part of a combination, that is on a road or road‑related area, but does not apply to a vehicle mentioned in rule [1A.4] of the Vehicle Standards.
Note: Rule [1A.4] provides that the Vehicle Standards do not apply to the vehicles mentioned in the rule.
(2) A person must not drive a motor vehicle unless the vehicle is maintained in a condition that ensures: (a) its safe operation; and (b) the safety of the person, anyone else in the vehicle and other road users.
Penalty: $2,000
(3) A person must not drive the first or only motor vehicle forming part of a combination unless each vehicle forming part of the combination is maintained in a condition that ensures: (a) its safe operation; and (b) the safety of the person, anyone else in the combination and other road users.
Penalty: $2,000
(4) The operator of a motor vehicle or trailer must maintain the vehicle in a condition that ensures: (a) its safe operation; and (b) the safety of the driver, anyone else in the vehicle and other road users.
Penalty: $2,000
(5) Subregulation (4) does not apply to the person in whose name the vehicle is registered, or otherwise authorised to be driven or towed on a road or road‑related area, by a vehicle registration authority if the person proves that, at the relevant time: (a) the person was not responsible for maintenance of the vehicle; and (b) someone else was responsible for maintenance of the vehicle. (6) For this regulation, the condition of a vehicle includes the condition of: (a) its steering, brakes, suspension, wheels, tyres, towing equipment and the means of transmitting engine power to the driven wheels; and (b) the lights and reflectors that it is required to have under the Vehicle Standards; and (c) the strength of its structure; and (d) the driver’s view of the road; and (e) its exhaust system; and (f) its fuel system.
Note: The Roadworthiness Guidelines, published by the National Road Transport Commission and available from AusInfo Bookshops, provide information to help people meet the requirements of this regulation.