Changing your business operations to modernity also involves fleet tracking technology, which facilitates seamlessness in operation while increasing efficiency. It helps various industries, ranging from healthcare facilities to logistics providers.
While modernising your business model can give you an advantage over competitors, it’s not always as simple as upgrading your industry-specific tools and facilities. Some countries and specific regions may have legal restrictions that affect your implementation.
For fleet managers, fleet tracking technology needs to comply with legal considerations depending on their state.
Ensuring Data Privacy Compliance in Fleet Management
Recent concerns over data privacy over social media platforms have opened the door to stricter regulations concerning personal digital assets.
As fleet management software is quite specific to personal data tracking, it would be good to know the laws of your state when it comes to monitored travels based on the ATO. That is why, so as to avoid violating any state-based policies, you should review your fleet policy.
The Advantage of Using Fleet Tracking Technology
Installing vehicle fleet tracking technology provides various benefits to a business’s logistics department. Most of these systems utilise mobile apps, satellite technology, and equipment trackers to measure deliveries and other actions from cargo deliveries.
By optimising your fleet with fleet tracking technology, you’ll have more data in real time to analyse and upgrade your operations. Doing so lets you improve efficiency, identify safety issues, and minimise outflows in your logistical expenses.
It will generally be beneficial to your organisation in terms of numbers and performance on the sales side. However, it would be best to think about the legal implications of such an installation and maintenance of it concerning your fleet.
The Restrictions on Fleet Tracking Technology Across Different States
In any industry, it’s vital to refer to national and state policies regarding business operations. It can range from getting business permits to receiving authorisation for specific industry-specific tools.
Fleet managers must assess the legal requirements per state to avoid incurring violations when using fleet management software.
New South Wales
In New South Wales, you must obtain the consent of your drivers before tracking them with any tracking device.
This consent must be received and documented through a written notice at least 14 days before commencing workplace surveillance. The surveillance device should also be clearly visible on the monitored vehicle.
Australian Capital Territory
Similar to New South Wales, business owners must consult with employees in good faith before implementing workplace surveillance. There should be confirmation in writing 14 days after surveillance devices are activated.
Unlike NSW rules, the vehicle may not include a visible notice of surveillance as long as employees are already aware of the tracking procedures.
Victoria
Citizens of Victoria do not have access to surveillance with a tracking device without implied consent. Additionally, there’s a limitation on recording private conversations through a tracking surveillance device. For this reason, businesses must secure these records safely.
Another provision resists against tampering with legally installed surveillance devices. Once proven as culprits, violators can be penalised for up to two years in prison.
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South Australia, Western Australia, and Northern Territory
In these territories, the general rule is that inspection officers cannot surveil drivers without expressing implied consent.
Fleet Tracking Technology for State Compliance
After studying the restrictions of each state, it’s vital to assess if your chosen fleet tracking software can accommodate these policies adequately. Otherwise, you could end up buying hardware and software that’s unusable under state regulations.
For this reason, you must look for a fleet management system that works efficiently under your scope of operations.
If you’re looking for reliable fleet maintenance software in Australia, you’re in the right place. At Manage Vehicle, we provide business owners with the right tools to monitor and oversee their assets.
Contact us today to learn more about Manage Vehicle’s compliance and fleet management solutions!
