Jason Scott Collins, aged 34, of Winter Street, Mudgee, pleaded guilty to the charge ‘Solo driver rest less than minimum time – critical risk’.

He was also ordered to pay professional costs of $330 to the Roads and Maritime Service – Prosecutions.

At 8.48am on Wednesday, March 11, 2015, Collins was driving a truck along the Bells Line of Road at Bell when he stopped at the weigh station.

When his log book was checked it was found that a month earlier on Wednesday, February 11, he didn’t take the minimum rest break while transporting rolled turf from Freemans Reach in the Windsor area to Mudgee.

Collins’ solicitor, Alan Hogan, told the court that his client is employed as a mechanic but occasionally drives the trucks if required.

He added that it was an “honest mistake” that he took a five hour break when seven was required but he acknowledges the seriousness of the charge.

Magistrate Darryl Pearce said Collins’ early plea of guilty and his contrition “discounted” his sentence but a conviction needed to be recorded to “send a message”.

“People driving these heavy vehicles need to be well rested for the safety of the community,” he said.