Drivers in the road transport industry are well aware that Police officers have legal authority under the Land Transport Act to demand immediate production of a work time logbook. Failing to produce a logbook on request can carry the same weight as breaching work time limits or making false entries.
What is less well known is that Police generally do not have the power to enter a vehicle, search it or seize a logbook without proper legal authority.
What Drivers Need to Know
This case reinforces three essential principles:
- Police can request to inspect a logbook, and drivers must produce it immediately when asked
- Failure to produce a logbook can result in charges
- Police cannot enter a vehicle and search for a logbook without proper legal authority, even if a driver has failed to produce it
Know Your Rights
Understanding the limits of Police powers is essential for everyone in the transport sector. Drivers should comply with lawful requests to present a logbook, but they are also entitled to expect that their rights around search and entry will be respected.
Need Advice?
At Gibson Sheat, we help drivers and operators across the road transport industry manage compliance and navigate legal challenges. If you have questions about logbooks, inspections or enforcement matters, we are here to support you.
Craig is a Solicitor in our Litigation team, specialising in road transport law. He brings a practical perspective to his work, regularly driving as an urban bus driver in Wellington. He has appeared in both the District Court and High Court and regularly advises on commercial and regulatory issues affecting the passenger transport sector.
