Main Roads Heavy Vehicle Services (HVS) would like to advise of the implementation of new road train warning signage in WA.

HVS ran a trial during 2022 and 2023 with new road train warning signage that provides general road users with a better visual cue as to the length of the truck in front of them. The safety initiative is designed to assist motorists in making more informed decisions when sharing the road with road trains, particularly regarding safe overtaking.

Pictorial signage was introduced approximately 7 years ago for the 60 metre PBS road trains. Positive feedback was received in relation to these signs, as they are more informative to the general public when deciding whether to overtake a road train. More recently, some road managers asked to expand the use of this type of signage.

As a result, Main Roads looked at developing signs to replace the existing ‘Long Vehicle’ and ‘Road Train’ signs, which currently are not very meaningful to the general public. The ‘Long Vehicle’ and ‘Road Train’ signs cover all heavy vehicle combinations from 22 metres through to 60 metres in length, so they do not differentiate the length of that particular restricted access vehicle to other road users. The new signage is much more significant in comparison.


The new signs we have developed are aligned to existing signage used on the road network that the general public are familiar with, particularly those who drive on regional roads, such as the ‘Road Train Route’ and ‘Road Trains Entering’ signs.




During the trial, we received positive feedback from the general public, supporting that the signs were more informative and assisted with deciding whether it was safe to overtake a road train.

There are 3 new signs to replace the existing ‘Long Vehicle’ and ‘Road Train’ signs. The intention is to only require these new signs on the rear of the vehicle combination, which is in line with how ‘Long Vehicle’ signs are currently displayed. Similar signage is available for PBS vehicles, applicable to PBS length categories. The new signs are the same size as existing ‘Long Vehicle’ and ‘Road Train’ signs.


HVS has liaised with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) and the Northern Territory (NT) Department of Infrastructure, Planning & Logistics to ensure interstate operators will not be disadvantaged or penalised. NHVR and the NT have agreed to recognise the WA signage and HVS will continue to recognise and accept 'Long Vehicle' and 'Road Train' warning signage requirements when RAVs are travelling across the border.

NT advised that there will still be a requirement to display a ‘Road Train’ warning sign on the front of a prime mover when travelling in the NT.

HVS will implement the new signage for all Class 2 and 3 Restricted Access Vehicles (RAVs) in WA, including B-doubles, road trains and rigid truck and trailer combinations. A transition period will be provided until the end of 2024 to allow ample time for operators to change signs over.

From 1 July 2024 all relevant Order and Permit operating conditions will be updated to include the following (except PBS permits, which will include PBS specific signage requirements):



All WA operators will be required to display the new signage from 1 January 2025.

For further information please visit the Signage Requirements page on our website, or contact the HVS Help Desk on 138 486 or email hvsnetworkaccess@mainroads.wa.gov.au.

Heavy Vehicle Services
1 July 2024

Please note: This HVS Update will be published until 31 December 2024.