It’s common to see light vehicles being ‘put to work’ across our cities and towns. But operating vans, cars and other light vehicles can become a legal minefield for organisations – consider issues of liability when something goes wrong, responsibility for vehicle condition, and the blurring of lines when grey fleet is used for business purposes.

Muddying the waters further, regulations governing light vehicle use – and what is even considered a light vehicle in the eyes of the law – differ across state borders.

Light Vehicles – Legal Implications For Businesses investigates legal issues around using light vehicles in the workplace, including considering legal questions arising from scenarios light vehicle fleet operators commonly face ‘on-the-ground.’

The report aims to help organisations and vehicle owners understand the challenges and considerations of light vehicle operation for business, review their practices and focus on possible risks to ensure the safety of workers and protection against liability.

It investigates, for example:
• Road trauma, the ageing light vehicle fleet, and legal responsibility to eliminate or minimise risk, particularly given light commercials are older on average and therefore ‘less safe’ than newer vehicles.
• Driver monitoring, vehicle safety and maintenance, how they help identify safety risks, who’s responsible for vehicle condition, how aftermarket modifications affect safety, and privacy concerns around grey fleet.
• Light vehicles transporting loads and towing trailers, including issues around ensuring materials are properly loaded and secured, meeting mass limits, and correctly connecting and maintaining trailers.
• Where vehicles are provided as part of an employment and remuneration package, issues around liability for damage, obligations under contracts of employment and unfair dismissal claims.