Towing Laws You Should Know (apparently)
Submitted: Wednesday, Feb 15, 2017 at 14:43
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Bazooka
Good article on towing rules/req'ts here for people interested. I don't usually tow but the NSW reqt for an in cabin monitor for the breakaway system caught my eye. May have read it wrong but it seems the issue of interstate incompatibility rears its ugly head again.
"Towing Laws You Need To Know"
Btw - feel free to meander as much as you want on this thread
Reply By: Kazza055 - Wednesday, Feb 15, 2017 at 15:11
Wednesday, Feb 15, 2017 at 15:11
Yep, lots of rumours there.
If you read it on facebook it must be true.
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Follow Up By: Bazooka - Wednesday, Feb 15, 2017 at 16:38
Wednesday, Feb 15, 2017 at 16:38
Facebook? Wrong thread/
forum Kazza but feel free to expand.
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Reply By: TomH - Wednesday, Feb 15, 2017 at 15:22
Wednesday, Feb 15, 2017 at 15:22
Yes all very good until they display a non conforming (illegal) do not overtake sign.
It does not have the following on it. From VSB 12
Markings
The front reflective surface of the plate must bear the name of the manufacturer or agent. In addition, Class 2 marking plates must also be marked with the words “AS1906 Class 2” or “AS4001.2
Class 2”. “Class 1” plates also display letters indicating the correct orientation on the vehicle.
When buying plates, make sure that this information is provided on each of them. Plates without this identification will not be accepted.
It is also incorrect about Breakaway Brakes They are required on trailers with a GTM of 2001kg or more. A "Trailer with an ATM of 2200kg and a ballweight of 225 kg doesnt legally need them.
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Reply By: Member - Bruce and Di T (SA) - Wednesday, Feb 15, 2017 at 17:06
Wednesday, Feb 15, 2017 at 17:06
Prescribed height of number plate is incorrect too for SA. In SA it must be 30 cm above the ground and not obscured in any way. That's it. Detailed in Reg 24.
Di
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Follow Up By: Bazooka - Wednesday, Feb 15, 2017 at 18:32
Wednesday, Feb 15, 2017 at 18:32
Nothing would surprise me regarding regulations Di but 30cm is about a foot in old currency, surely that can't be correct? If so you'd never be able to register many off road vans or campers.
Okay just found this:
NRMA Article on Number Plate Heights The important text is "at least" 30cm.
Obviously this has become a bone of contention in caravan forums so it would be interesting to know if SA (and other states) have subsequently adopted a harmonized Australian standard.
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Reply By: Mikee5 - Wednesday, Feb 15, 2017 at 17:20
Wednesday, Feb 15, 2017 at 17:20
That confirms that mirrors are still compulsory, rear view cameras can only be a supplement.
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Follow Up By: Neil & Pauline - Thursday, Feb 16, 2017 at 09:52
Thursday, Feb 16, 2017 at 09:52
The regulation requires a driver has a view of vehicles overtaking on the left or right as
well as a view of vehicles approaching from the rear.
Advice provided to me by the legal authorities is the diagram shown is an example of what is required, and acceptable, when mirrors are used.
Existing side mirrors, in conjunction with a rear view camera, certainly comply with the regulations. In the end it is about personal preference.
Neil
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Reply By: Member - Bruce and Di T (SA) - Wednesday, Feb 15, 2017 at 20:05
Wednesday, Feb 15, 2017 at 20:05
My understanding is still the rule for SA. Apparently the rule for the eastern states has to do with their cameras, can't go beyod 1.5m. Don't know how true this is!
Di
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Follow Up By: TomH - Wednesday, Feb 15, 2017 at 20:29
Wednesday, Feb 15, 2017 at 20:29
Wide Mirrors are compulsory in all states to enable you see as shown in the picture on the site. A camera is a drivers aid in effect.
Have heard of side fitted cameras that can be classed as mirrors but not yet covered by legislation
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Follow Up By: Shaker - Wednesday, Feb 15, 2017 at 20:38
Wednesday, Feb 15, 2017 at 20:38
Extract from VSB01:-
9.1 Registration Plate (Number Plate)
Provision must be made for mounting of a 372 mm x 136 mm registration plate to the rear of every trailer so that no part of the plate is more than 1300 mm above the ground.
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Reply By: Member - shane r1 - Wednesday, Feb 15, 2017 at 22:49
Wednesday, Feb 15, 2017 at 22:49
I find that a lot of these regulations, are very hard to interpret. Even a lot of the police , traffic officers etc probably aren't up on all of it . You nearly need a good lawyer to decifer it all.
So whether it be a magazine or a
forum or bookface, it may not be correct.
Cheers all
Robbo
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Follow Up By: Shaker - Wednesday, Feb 15, 2017 at 23:17
Wednesday, Feb 15, 2017 at 23:17
Any laws, regulations or standards for the building of small trailers can be easily interpreted in VSB-01.
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Reply By: The Bantam - Thursday, Feb 16, 2017 at 22:46
Thursday, Feb 16, 2017 at 22:46
The articulated vehicle thing is interesting ........ the national road rules no longer have articulation as an issue in licencing ...... it's all about Weights and combinations ...... regradless of how they are coupled.
Back in the day you could drive a truck and dog on a truck licence, but a articulated licence was required for a semi- trailer ........ both no require a heavy combination.
SO .... is the ACT not compliant with the national legesaltion?
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Reply By: 9900Eagle - Friday, Feb 17, 2017 at 09:14
Friday, Feb 17, 2017 at 09:14
Just to follow up on Bantams reply. He is correct in what he says and rightly so questions the ACT legislation.
The information in the link about having to have an MC or HC licence to tow a 5th wheeler is incorrect.
You may tow a fifth wheeler with a normal car licence as long as you keep under the maximum gcm for that licence.
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