Queensland bus and coach drivers have been reminded that they must comply with lawful directions to enter heavy-vehicle inspection sites, even where roadside signs refer to trucks.
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) issued the clarification on 22 October 2026 following industry questions about signage at some Queensland inspection sites.
What the rule means
Buses and coaches over 4.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass are heavy vehicles under the Heavy Vehicle National Law. The NHVR says their drivers must follow applicable signs and lawful directions from authorised officers, including directions to enter an inspection site. Operators should not assume they are exempt because a sign says “Trucks Must Enter”.
The regulator acknowledges that existing signage can cause uncertainty and says it is working with industry and relevant agencies to improve clarity.
UHF Channel 40 is not compulsory
The NHVR says drivers are not required to routinely monitor UHF Channel 40 to receive lawful directions. Directions may be communicated through signs, signals from authorised officers or approved interception methods; UHF may supplement those methods.
If you miss the entrance
Drivers should never reverse along a highway to return to an inspection site. The NHVR advises proceeding to the next safe exit and returning within a reasonable time to comply with the missed sign. It says alleged failures to enter are assessed according to individual circumstances.
Operators seeking clarification can call the NHVR on 13 64 87.
Primary source: NHVR, “Bus and coach operators: understanding roadside inspection requirements”, 22 October 2026.