State-by-State Towing Rules in Australia: Quick Reference Guide

Heading interstate with your caravan? Don’t assume the rules are the same everywhere. While Australia has national definitions for towing weights and limits, each state and territory has its own quirks when it comes to licences, speed limits, mirrors, brakes, and enforcement. This quick guide gives you the essentials so you’re not caught out at the border.

Tip: Always check the official transport authority website before you travel. Rules can and do change, and penalties vary by state.

National Rules That Apply Everywhere

You must not exceed any of your vehicle or caravan’s limits (ATM, GTM, GVM, GCM, tow ball load).
All caravans over 750 kg GTM must have brakes. Over 2,000 kg ATM generally requires electric brakes and breakaway systems.
Towing mirrors are required if your caravan obstructs your view behind.
No passengers are allowed in a moving caravan.

State-by-State Essentials

State/Territory	Licence Rules	Speed Limits	Other Key Notes
NSW	Standard licence usually OK; P-platers restricted in what they can tow.	Default 100 km/h, unless signposted otherwise.	Strict enforcement on overweight rigs; towing mirrors mandatory if caravan obstructs rear view.
QLD	Standard licence OK; learners and P1 drivers face limits.	Default 100 km/h, unless otherwise signed.	Regular police blitzes on overweight caravans; mirrors must give full rear vision.
VIC	Car licence covers most caravans under GCM limits.	Default 100 km/h.	Emphasis on safe loading and breakaway systems for heavy vans.
SA	Car licence covers caravans up to capacity.	Default 100 km/h.	Must carry trailer registration papers when travelling.
WA	Car licence usually covers, but heavy combinations may require LR/HR.	100 km/h maximum when towing, even if limit is higher.	One of the stricter states on speed limits when towing.
TAS	Car licence covers most setups.	Default 100 km/h.	Enforces national standards for breakaway systems & load security.
NT	Car licence covers most rigs.	Open speed limits apply on some roads, but safe towing speed should not exceed 100–110 km/h.	Distance between towing vehicle and another long vehicle must be at least 60 m outside built-up areas.
ACT	Car licence covers caravans up to GCM.	Default 100 km/h.	Requires safety chains and appropriate couplings as per national rules.

Detailed State Notes

New South Wales (NSW)

P1 licence holders cannot tow any trailer with a loaded weight over 250 kg.
P2 and open licence holders may tow up to vehicle/van capacity.
Mirrors must give clear vision at least 20 m behind and 4 m either side.
Strict enforcement on overweight caravans; fines and defect notices are common.

Queensland (QLD)

L and P1 licence holders face towing restrictions; open licence holders can tow up to limits.
Police and TMR run caravan weighing blitzes, especially during holiday periods.
Towing mirrors must be fitted if rear vision is obstructed.

Victoria (VIC)

Car licence covers most caravan towing under GCM limits.
Default towing speed = posted speed limit (usually up to 100 km/h).
Vicroads emphasises correct loading and use of breakaway systems for vans over 2,000 kg ATM.

South Australia (SA)

Car licence covers caravans up to vehicle and van limits.
Default towing speed is 100 km/h unless otherwise signed.
Drivers must carry trailer registration papers when travelling.

Western Australia (WA)

Car licence covers most setups, but very heavy rigs may require LR/HR licence.
Maximum speed while towing = 100 km/h, even if the posted limit is higher.
Long vehicles (over 7.5 m) must keep at least 60 m apart outside built-up areas.

Tasmania (TAS)

Car licence covers caravans up to capacity.
Default towing speed = 100 km/h.
National requirements apply: safety chains, load restraint, and breakaway systems if ATM exceeds 2,000 kg.

Northern Territory (NT)

Car licence covers most towing combinations.
Open speed limits exist, but safe towing should stay around 100–110 km/h.
Long vehicles (including caravans) must maintain a 60 m gap outside built-up areas.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

Car licence covers caravans up to manufacturer and legal limits.
Default towing speed = 100 km/h.
Safety chains and compliant couplings required as per national rules.

Quick Tips for Interstate Travellers

Print or save your compliance plate numbers and weighbridge receipts.
Carry your caravan registration papers — required in some states.
Fit quality towing mirrors before leaving; don’t risk a fine mid-trip.
When in doubt, slow down. 90–100 km/h is the sweet spot for safe towing nationwide.

Bottom line: Rules vary, but the basics don’t change — stay within your rig’s limits, use mirrors, fit brakes where required, and drive to the conditions. Check each state’s site before you roll.