What do the VicRoads Transport Safety Service (TSS) vehicles look like?
TSS vehicles, pictured below, are distinctive with their prominent VicRoads logo and branding. The vehicles have reflective checkerboard markings for high visibility and will display magenta coloured lighting when required for use in their enforcement and overdimensional escort role. Please be aware that VicRoads Officers also operate in unmarked vehicles as well, those these are generally specialist roles such as investigations or targeted enforcement operations.
What authority do VicRoads TSS officers have on Victoria’s roads?
TSS officers are authorised to carry out their duties under the provisions of the Road Safety Act 1986, Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) Act, Road Management Act, Heavy Vehicle National Law, Environment Protection Act, the Road Rules and Regulations, and have a similar role to Victoria Police on Victorian roads. For road users this means that if instructed to do so, you must pull over and obey their directions. Whilst heavy vehicle compliance is the primary role of TSS, officers can issue infringement notices and defect notices to light motor vehicle drivers if required.
The Road Safety Act authorises TSS officers to fine offending drivers. While their main focus is on heavy vehicle regulations, TSS officers can and will also exercise judgement in issuing fines for offences by any road user.
Why do TSS vehicles pull over heavy vehicles on Victoria’s roads?
TSS officers intercept heavy vehicles to check them primarily for compliance with weight, load security, dimensions, roadworthiness, registration standards, impaired driving and other safety related issues such as speed and fatigue. Drivers will also be checked for licence category and to make sure they are compliant with heavy vehicle work and rest requirements.
How does TSS help keep the roads safer?
Road Safety operations are conducted regularly within Victoria, particularly at high road usage times such as major holidays. TSS work with Victoria Police and the TAC in their efforts to minimise fatalities and road trauma on the Victorian road network. While their key focus during those operations is on heavy vehicle compliance, TSS assists Victoria Police by exercising judgement in road safety compliance for all road users.
Do I need to pull over if instructed to by a TSS officer?
All vehicles, when requested to, must pull over for a TSS officer. TSS have the same interception powers on Victorian roads as Victoria Police, therefore you must follow their direct instructions.