Interstate border law checker
Speed limits, learner and P-plate rules and modification limits change at the border
Pick where you are starting and where you are headed, and each border lists the rule you leave beside the rule you enter.
What are you towing?
Use your rig's rated combined mass, the GCM (Gross Combination Mass) the manufacturer gives it, rather than what it actually weighs. Most 4WD-and-caravan combinations are rated over 4.5 tonnes.
Your trip
Add the states in the order you plan to travel through them.
What changes on this route
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 (Vehicle Standards Bulletin 1): breakaway brakes are required over 2,000kg GTM (Gross Trailer Mass). No in-cab monitor is 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.
Learner and P-plate drivers
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. Victorian and WA guidance recommends folding or removing extended mirrors when the van is off. Mirrors do not count toward vehicle width, so leaving them on is not an over-width offence.
GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass) 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.
Bull bars and 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. A bar that does not meet it risks a defect notice.
A bigger tow vehicle changes these numbers
Struggling on hills, or close to your payload limit? A heavier tow vehicle raises those limits. If you are thinking about one, you can ask Jade Finance what they are able to arrange.
A quote is not a loan application. Free, no obligation, no credit check to get a quote, about 2 minutes. If you want to go further, Jade handles the next step.
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