79SDefences to logbook offences

1. It is a defence to a charge under section 79R(1) or section 79R(2) or section 79R(3) if the defendant proves that the proceedings relate to a motor vehicle or service or individual that has been exempted from the requirement to maintain a logbook under this Act, the rules, or regulations.

2. In the case of a defendant who was not the driver of the vehicle to which the charge relates, it is a defence to a charge under section 79R(1) or section 79R(3)(b) or section 79R(3)(c) if the defendant proves that—

3. reasonable steps were taken by the defendant to prevent the false statement or material omission in the logbook; and
4. as soon as reasonably practicable after the false statement or material omission was drawn to the person's attention by any enforcement officer authorised to demand the production of logbooks under section 30ZH(2), the person produced to the enforcement officer a logbook containing no false statement or material omission.

5. Except as provided in subsection (4), subsection (2) does not apply unless within 7 days after the service of the summons, or within such further time as the court may allow, the defendant has delivered to the prosecutor a written notice—

6. stating that the defendant intends to rely on subsection (2); and
7. specifying the reasonable steps that the defendant will claim to have taken.

8. In any proceedings relating to a charge to which subsection (2) applies, evidence that the defendant took a step not specified in the written notice required by subsection (3) is not, except with the leave of the court, admissible for the purpose of supporting a defence under subsection (2).