Signage requirements
Signage requirements are specified in the relevant order or permit operating conditions applicable to the vehicle combination.
The below outlines the signage requirements for different vehicle combinations. Transport operators should always refer to the current operating conditions for full signage specifications.
Rigid truck and trailer combinations ≤2.5 metres in width and ≤22 metres in length do not require any signage.
Rigid truck and trailer combinations >22 metres in length and ≤25 metres in length, must display the following sign on the rear of the combination:
Prime mover and trailer combinations ≤2.5 metres in width and ≤22 metres in length do not require any signage.
B-doubles and Road Trains >22 metres in length and ≤27.5 metres in length, must display the following sign on the rear of the combination:
Road Trains >27.5 metres in length and ≤36.5 metres in length, must display the following sign on the rear of the combination:
Road Trains >36.5 metres in length and ≤53.5 metres in length, must display the following sign on the rear of the combination:
Performance Based Standards (PBS) vehicles ≤2.5 metres in width and ≤22 metres in length do not require any signage.
Level 2, 3 and 4 PBS vehicles that fit within the standard road train length limits, must display signage specified under “Standard Road Train & B-double Signage”.
PBS Level 2B vehicles >27.5 metres in length and ≤30 metres in length, must display the following sign on the rear of the combination:
PBS Level 2B vehicles >30 metres in length and ≤36.5 metres in length, must display the following sign on the rear of the combination with the actual combination length, rounded up to the nearest metre and car equivalent based on a 5-metre-long car rounded up, as per the following example:
PBS Level 3B vehicles >36.5 metres in length and ≤42 metres in length, must display the following sign on the rear of the combination:
PBS Level 4B vehicles >53.5 metres in length and ≤60 metres in length, must display the following sign on the rear of the combination:
A Class 1 RAV exceeding 2.5 metres in width and/or 25 metres in length must clearly display:
(a) An “Oversize” warning sign on the front of the vehicle; and
(b) An “Oversize” warning sign on the rear of the vehicle or if carrying a rear projecting load, the “Oversize” warning sign is to be mounted as close to the rear of the load as practical.
A RAV with a length exceeding 22 metres, up to 25 metres, and with a width not exceeding 2.5 metres, must only display an “Oversize” warning sign on the rear of the vehicle, or if carrying a rear projecting load, as close to the rear of the load as practical.
An “Oversize” warning sign must comply with the requirements set out in the Oversize Vehicle & Pilot Vehicle General Requirements, available on the Oversize Overmass (OSOM) page on this website.
All warning signs, other than “Oversize” warning signs, must comply with the following specifications:
1. The RAV warning sign must be manufactured in one or 2 parts from:
2. The RAV warning sign must be the minimum dimensions shown below.
3. The RAV warning sign must display the words specified in in the below images, in black capital letters, in typeface Helvetica Neue Bold Condensed, and the size shown below.
4. If the RAV warning sign is in 2 parts, it must be split through the centre as shown below.
5. The RAV warning sign must have a black border. A black border is not required on the inside of a RAV warning sign split in 2 parts.
6. The RAV warning sign must display the sign manufacturer’s name or logo, and the brand and class of retro reflective material used, in block letters not over 10 mm high.
7. The RAV warning sign must be coated with yellow retro reflective material that complies with class 100 or 400 of AS1906.1 – 2017 Retroreflective Materials and Devices for Road Traffic Control Purposes – Retroreflective Sheeting.
8. The RAV warning sign must only be fitted on the rear of the RAV and so:
Note: The 60m RAV Warning Size cannot be split into 2 parts.
Sizing for all signs other than the 60 metre Road Train Warning Sign:
Sizing for the 60 metre Road Train Warning Sign:
Example of Split RAV Warning Sign
Operators engaged in interstate operations are not required to change their signage before entering another jurisdiction.
In Western Australia, Main Roads WA will continue to allow “Long Vehicle” and “Road Train” warning signs on vehicles entering WA from South Australia or the Northern Territory, provided the vehicle is complying with the signage requirements applicable to the State of origin and the vehicle remains in Western Australia for a maximum period of 7 days.
Similarly, the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator will recognise the WA road train signage for vehicles entering into South Australia. The Northern Territory Government will also recognise the WA road train signage on the rear of vehicles entering the Northern Territory, however a “Road Train” warning sign must still be displayed on the front of the prime mover, in accordance with their standard requirements.