Registration of trailers remains the responsibility of the State and Territory registration authorities. Trailer manufacturers or importers should consult the relevant authority for the necessary registration procedures, such as inspection. – (Vehicle Standards Bulletin 1, Sec 9, Rev 5, 2009)
Vehicle Plate (Manufacturer’s Plate)
Before registering a trailer, the manufacturer must affix a vehicle plate to the trailer. The vehicle plate provides a clear indication to the State and Territory registering authority – and to owners and the general public – that the trailer is ready for road use. The vehicle plate also provides useful information about the specifications of the trailer. The vehicle plate must be durable, non-corrosive metal and must be affixed to the vehicle in a position where it may be readily examined. The vehicle plate must be permanently affixed by pop rivets, hammer drive screws or welding. Affixing plates with adhesives is not acceptable. (VSB1, Sec 7)
Below is an example of a Queensland Vehicle Plate as issued by Queensland Transport. Note that all the information is engraved onto the plate by the manufacturer of the trailer.
- MANUFACTURER – enter your name, the name of your business or “home made”.
- VIN – This is the Vehicle Identification Number and is issued by the registration authority – after completeting the relevant form and paying a small fee.
- DATE OF MANUFACTURE – completion date of the trailer build.
- TARE (kg) – total mass of trailer without any load, including “ball or drawbar weight”
- AGGREGATE TRAILER MASS (kg) – total mass of trailer including maximum load
- TYRE SIZE/PLY – the tyre size as noted on the side walls of the trailer’s tyres – ensure that the combined tyre load rating is above the ATM of the trailer
- RIM PROFILE – as noted on the rim – usually stamped on the inside of the rim
- RECOMD. COLD TYRE PRESSURE (kPa) – this information may be be written on the side wall of thetyre, or consult the tyre supplier/manufacturer
- LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY OF AXLE OR AXLE GROUP (kg) – the capacity of the trailer suspension
- MAXIMUM VEHICLE OPERATING SPEED (km/h) – 120km/h
For further information contact your registration authority or follow the suggested links below
NEW SOUTH WALES
- The NSW Transport – Roads & Traffic Authority home page
- A comprehensive Light Trailer and Caravan Pre-Delivery Checklist in PDF format that is also applicable in other states.
VICTORIA
- VIC Roads home page
- Detailed Caravan and Trailer Registration information on just about anything you need to know.
QUEENSLAND
- Queensland Transport home page
- Everything you need to know about registering a Light Trailer in Queensland with stacks of links to the relevant forms and other resources
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
- SA Transport home page
- A handy summary of trailer regulations in this 4 page guide entitled Light Vehicle Towing & Trailer Regulations
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
- WA Department of Transport home page
TASMANIA
- Tasmanian Department of Infrastructure, Energy & Resources home page
NORTHERN TERRITORY
- NT Government home page