Apollo RV Blog

Caravan Towing Laws in Australia: Everything You Need to Know

Caravan towing laws in Australia differ by state, particularly with speed limits and regulations. New caravan towing laws are also regularly introduced, so it’s essential you consult the relevant state government page for more details (website links are below). Adhering to these rules is vital for maintaining road safety.

Do I need a caravan towing licence in Australia?

In most cases, no. All you need is a full driving licence for the tow vehicle you are driving. A learner or P1 probationary driver is not usually allowed to tow a caravan except under particular conditions. Exceptions are for tow vehicles with a gross vehicle mass (GVM) of 4500 kg or more that require a light truck licence or equivalent to legally drive. What it means is that a person in Australia with a car licence can tow anything from a light camper behind a small SUV to a big braked caravan weighing up to 7000 kg, hitched up to a light truck with a GVM of 4495 kg, without any special training or qualifications.

An overview of Australian towing regulations

Some of the key responsibilities of towing a caravan or trailer in Australia include:

Vehicle towing capacity. Knowing this will help ensure a safe towing experience, as overloading your vehicle can lead to severe damage and safety hazards for you and other drivers.
Tow bars. It’s recommended you have a certified technician install a tow bar. Before hitting the road, you should also verify the tow bar’s load rating and trailer weight and inspect bolts, attachment points, and wiring connections.
Legal weight limits. Overloading vehicles can jeopardise your safety and that of others on the road. Take the necessary time to weigh your trailer to ensure compliance with weight limits.
Vehicle lighting. Lights, indicators, brakes and reflectors should all be functioning correctly.
Trailer attachment. Your caravan’s owner’s manual should contain a step-by-step guide to properly attaching it to your tow vehicle. It will outline the necessary equipment, such as the correct safety chains and hitch, and provide detailed instructions on their installation.

New caravan towing laws by state

State government websites are the best place to start when reviewing specific laws regarding caravan towing. If you don’t comply with these, in most cases, you’ll be fined and may also lose demerit points. These sites can give you more information about:
Maximum weight limits. One of the main things you need to get right is not to exceed your van’s maximum allowed trailer weight (Aggregate Trailer Mass), which you’ll find on the van’s compliance plate.
Towing mirror laws in Australia. Towing mirrors are a legal requirement in Australia. The Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 14/02 – Rear Vision Mirrors) addresses this regulation implemented in 2006.
Caravan breakaway cable law. The brakes are required for a towable load depend on its Gross Trailer Mass (GTM). This is divided into three simple rules: No brakes are required for a loaded weight of 0 to 750 kg, electric or override braking on both wheels or at least one axle for a loaded weight of 750 – 2000 kg, and an automatic breakaway system and electric braking on all wheels for a loaded weight of 2001 to 4500 kg.
Towing speed limits. In most states, you can drive at the same posted speed limit as cars. However, in others, the maximum towing speed limit for any light towing combination is 100km/h.
Number plate height. According to Section 9.1.1.1 of ADR 61/02 Vehicle Markings, a number plate fitted to the rear of the vehicle must not be more than 1300mm from the ground.
Tow bar obstructing rego plate. Australian Design Rules state that your tow bar must not obscure the number plate when the van is not attached.
Unregistered van. When you own a few vehicles, it’s easy to forget to re-register your caravan. But if you get caught out, you’ll be up for a fine.