Here ’ s a selection of the laws you need to know about , including a few state differences .
NUMBER PLATE HEIGHT
Three years ago , caravanner Steve Laws discovered the hard way there was a maximum height limit for the placement of number plates on all vehicles , including caravans . It cost him a fine of over $ 400 and three demerit points .
Australian Design Rule 61 / 02 states , “ Provision must be made for mounting a registration plate to be affixed to the rear of the vehicle so that no part of such plate is more than 1300mm from the ground .”
Given the increasing use of number plate recognition systems in law enforcement , you can expect police to be on the lookout for noncompliant number plate placement . Tape measures at the ready .
Make sure aftermaket accessories , such as this toolbox , don ' t obscure the number plate .
DO NOT OVERTAKE TURNING VEHICLE
If the combined length of your towing vehicle and attached trailer is at least 7.5m , you can attach a ‘ Do Not Overtake Turning Vehicle ” sign at the rear of your caravan .
The Australian Road Rules – REG 143 states , “ When passing or overtaking a vehicle
displaying a ‘ Do Not Overtake Turning Vehicle sign , a driver must not drive past , or overtake , to the left or right of a vehicle displaying a Do Not Overtake Turning Vehicle sign if the vehicle is turning left and is giving a left change of direction signal , unless it is safe to do so .”
For a caravan , a single sign is all that is required and it must be attached to the lefthand side of the rear of the vehicle at a height of between 400mm and 1500mm off the ground . It must be made of an approved retroreflective material and not be visually obscured by spare tyres or other items mounted on the rear of the vehicle .
Interestingly , if you display the sign on a vehicle less than 7.5m long , it can earn you a fine and , in New South Wales , it ’ s $ 191 !
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