Interstate border law checker
What changes when you cross
Pick where you're starting and where you're headed. We'll flag the towing rules that change at each border, so nothing surprises you.
What are you towing?
Use your rig's RATED combined mass (GCM) - the manufacturer's rating, not what you actually weigh. Most 4WD-and-caravan combos rate over 4.5t.
Trip Itinerary
Add the states in the order you plan to travel through them.
Trip Health Status
Caution: 3 minor rule variations along this route.
Border Crossing: VIC → NSW
Entering New South WalesMaximum Towing Speed
Standard signposted speed limits apply.
Standard signposted limits apply (Heavy vehicle restrictions do not apply to your rig).
Breakaway Brakes
National rule (VSB1): breakaway brakes required over 2,000kg GTM. No in-cab monitor needed if the breakaway battery charges from the car while hitched, which is how most modern vans are wired.
NSW law requires an automatic breakaway system on vans over 2 tonnes GTM that holds the brakes for 15 minutes. It does not require an in-cab monitor - that is a sensible add-on, not a legal requirement.
L & P Platers
Learners cannot tow, no exceptions. P1 (red) cannot tow unless it is for their employer's work, for primary-industry use, or a full-licence holder is seated beside them. P2 (green) can tow.
Learners cannot tow. P1 (red) can only tow a trailer under 250kg unloaded, which rules out every caravan. P2 (green) can tow.
Towing Mirrors
You must have a clear view of the road behind (Road Rule 297) - if you cannot see down the length of the van, fit towing mirrors. Folding or removing extended mirrors when the van is off is recommended practice (Victorian and WA guidance says to), but mirrors do not count toward vehicle width, so leaving them on is not an over-width offence.
GVM Upgrades
Victoria requires a VASS (Vehicle Assessment Signatory Scheme) certificate for major modifications. An interstate post-rego GVM upgrade generally needs VASS re-certification if you transfer registration to Victoria. Driving through on your home-state rego is fine.
Interstate post-rego GVM/GCM certificates are not recognised if you transfer registration to NSW - a NSW signatory must re-certify the upgrade. Driving through on your home-state rego is fine; carry the paperwork.
Lift Kits
Off-road 4WDs only: up to 75mm total lift (50mm suspension plus 25mm tyre) without VASS certification, using a commercial kit designed and tested for your exact model, fitted to instructions. Passenger cars stay on the 50mm national baseline. Kits must not compromise electronic stability control.
Maximum 50mm suspension lift plus 25mm from tyres (75mm total) without certification, cumulative from factory height. A one-third-of-suspension-travel rule can cap you below 50mm on cars with short travel - most 4WDs and utes are unaffected.
Bullbars & Rod Holders
Bull bars must follow the vehicle's shape with no forward protrusions or sharp edges. Fittings like rod holders and light bars must sit rearward of the bar's front face.
Bull bars must meet the TfNSW specification: no sharp edges, brackets behind the bar's front face, nothing projecting forward of it, width within 2.5m and not beyond the mirrors. Non-compliance risks a defect notice.
Thinking about a bigger tow vehicle?
Struggling on hills or pushing your payload? A heavier-duty tow vehicle is the safest way to tackle the Big Lap. Jade Finance can quote against your circumstances.
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