Using weigh-in-motion scales and number plate recognition cameras, the safety centres screen all passing traffic for non-compliance and safety concerns. This data is collected and stored in compliance with the Privacy Act 2020.
Heavy vehicles of interest are directed into a commercial vehicle safety centre (CVSC) for inspection. Light vehicles are also assessed but won’t be directed into a CVSC. Light vehicle data is anonymised and used for analysis, insights, and reporting.
If your vehicle is flagged during screening, a road-side electronic sign will instruct you to pull into the centre.
If ‘All heavy vehicles’ or your vehicle number plate is displayed on that sign, you must stop at the CVSC. Not doing so can incur a $1000 fine.
At the CVSC, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Team (CVST) officers will ask you to drive over the weigh bridge. CVST officers may also do further compliance checks, such as checking RUC or logbooks, or completing a vehicle inspection
In the future, driver fatigue will be screened for. For example, a vehicle has passed two or more CVSCs in a time that shows as a work-time breach.
From mid-2024, we'll be able to invoice for unpaid RUC using data collected from weigh-in-motion scales, even when vehicles aren't pulled into CVSCs.
Invoicing for RUC with data from weigh-in-motion scales
Light vehicles will not be directed into a CVSC. Identifying details, such as plate number, are collected and anonymised.