Regulations regarding caravan and trailer towing are the responsibility of the Transport authority in each state and territory.

Recent initiatives have attempted to ensure that these individual stated-based regulations and legislation are as consistent as possible across the whole country. However you should always be aware of the regulations regarding caravan and trailer towing in your state and in any other area in which you intend to travel.

Trailer registration and roadworthiness

There are four broad categories for registration for vehicles, one of which is for trailers (including caravans). Any vehicle that fits within the trailer and caravan category must be registered if it is to be operated on a public road. The definition of a trailer or caravan is: any vehicle or trailer used for commercial use or designed or converted to be towed by a motor vehicle on public roads. This includes caravans, semi-trailers, boat trailers, horse floats and box trailers. In some states small, private trailers may be exempt from the registration requirement, however definitions of "small" may vary between jurisdictions. Additionally, in order to be registered the trailer or caravan must also meet the appropriate standards of roadworthiness and must pass a roadworthiness inspection.

Maximum dimensions for trailer registrations are:

• Height 4.0 metres (4.3 metres on specified highways – 4.6 metres for livestock, car carriers and some low profile semi trailers)
• Length 12.5 metres (13.7 metres for semi trailers)
• Width 2.5 metres
• Any trailer that exceeds these measurements cannot be registered.

Caravan regulations

As well as having a properly registered and roadworthy caravan or towing vehicle, drivers need to be aware of load limits for the total mass of the caravan and its load. Exceeding these load limits is illegal and could also void both mechanical warranties on vehicles and any insurance policy coverage.

Under no circumstances should the total mass of the loaded caravan exceed the lesser of:

• the maximum mass as specified by the caravan manufacturer; or
• the towing limits recommended by the towing vehicle’s manufacturer; or
• the rating of the towbar.

Who can tow?

You only need a standard driver’s licence to tow a caravan and some upper levels of probationary licenced drivers can also tow caravans. Some lower levels of probationary licences cannot tow caravans or trailers unless it is for work and at the request of an employer; or if an experienced driver is sitting beside him/her and a ‘driver under instruction’ plate is attached to the front and rear of the vehicle. In all states and territories learner drivers are not permitted to tow either caravans or trailers.

Further regulations also prevent:

• anything additional being towed behind the caravan;
• anyone riding in the caravan while it’s in motion;
• towbar equipment obstructing the vehicle number plate when the caravan has been disconnected.

If you are travelling interstate with your caravan or trailer remember to check individual State or jurisdiction regulations with the relevant authority, before you leave.