Trailer driving may be an excellent method of getting things or equipment delivered, but you should understand if your license permits it. If you own a trailer company in Australia, you could learn about towing legislation so that you can guide your clients or employees and assist them in maintaining road law compliance.
Understanding Australian Driver’s License Classes
There are several classes of Australian driver’s licenses, and they determine the cars and trailers one can operate. Car license, or Class C license, qualifies drivers to operate cars with a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) capacity of up to 4.5 tonnes and carry a total of 12 passengers and the driver. Amazingly, Class C license allows towing a trailer, but not necessarily under all situations.
To tow larger or heavier trailers, a specific license, a Light Rigid (LR), Medium Rigid (MR), or Heavy Combination (HC), may be necessary. Driver license class restrictions are something that businesses should be familiar with to be able to operate certain vehicles and certain equipment, such as a car transporter trailer.
Weight and Size Limitations
In towing a trailer under Class C license, there is stringent weight and size restriction. The weight of the trailer plus the load cannot exceed 750 kilograms under Aggregate Trailer Mass, unless the individual is driving a vehicle where the car-trailer combination does not exceed the tow capacity of the car manufacturer.
For trailers with a weight exceeding 750 kilograms of ATM, the trailer has to be equipped with brakes and satisfy safety criteria. Even if equipped with brakes, however, the combined weight of car and trailer is not to exceed 4.5 tonnes GCM (Gross Combination Mass) under a Class C license, as prescribed by Australian road authorities.
In addition, the width and height of the trailer need to be within the sizes governed. Trailers over 2.5 meters wide or above 4.3 meters high can violate compliance standards for a Class C license. For larger loads or trailers, contacting the applicable state or territory road authority is an important step in evading violations.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Driving a trailer beyond the Class C license permit can be expensive. Penalties for non-compliance are state-specific but can be hefty. For example, driving a trailer beyond your license class can attract penalties of over $1,000 and demerit points against your license. Repeated offences can even lead to suspension of your driving license.
Apart from legal consequences, driving with a trailer without fulfilling requirements exposes you to higher risk of accidents, liability suits, and even to trailer or car damage. Informing employees on the importance of compliance not only guarantees their safety but also ensures your business compliance.
Knowing the Rules Keeps You on the Right Track
A general vehicle license (Class C) does include towing trailers in Australia, but within their specified weight and size. Towing greater weights or sizes may have other licensing needs or equipment to ensure as not to exceed conformity. Being aware of such a regulation as a setup of trailers can help serve customers better and prevent more issues.
For further information regarding towing laws, search your state or territory transport site to stay safe and legal on the road.
