Sign Size and Legibility Guide
Heavy vehicle guide
Sign sizes and load width
Load width and length decide whether you need a sign. The rules then set the minimum size, letter height and reflective grade.
Quick answer
- LONG VEHICLE and ROAD TRAIN: at least 1020 x 250 mm, 180 mm letters
- OVERSIZE: at least 1200 x 450 mm, 200 mm letters
- Both can be one piece or two pieces, yellow reflective with black letters
Does my load width or length need a sign?
| Vehicle with its load | What’s required |
|---|---|
| Up to 2.5 m wide and up to 22 m long | No oversize or length sign |
| Up to 2.5 m wide, over 22 m and up to 25 m long (oversize) | OVERSIZE sign at the rear |
| Over 2.5 m wide, or over 25 m long | OVERSIZE front and rear, plus four 450 x 450 mm flags |
| Over 3 m wide | Plus a yellow warning light in daytime |
| Over 3.1 m wide or over 22 m long | Night travel restrictions apply |
| Load sticks out over 150 mm at the side (under 500 mm thick) | Warning light plus front and rear yellow delineators |
Minimum specifications
| LONG VEHICLE / ROAD TRAIN | OVERSIZE | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 1020 x 250 mm | 1200 x 450 mm |
| Letters | Series B(N), 180 mm high | Series C(N), 200 mm high |
| Reflective | Class 400 or Class 100 (AS 1906) | Class 1 or 2 (AS 1906) |
| Two parts | LONG | VEHICLE or ROAD | TRAIN | OVER | SIZE, no border between |
| Height | 500 mm to 1.8 m off the ground | Above the bumper, or 500 mm minimum |
| Banner allowed | Yes | Yes, if held taut |
Our sizes
| Sign | Options | Shop |
|---|---|---|
| Long Vehicle | 1020 x 250 one piece · 2 x 510 x 250 equal · 615 + 405 unequal · hinged · banner | Long Vehicle |
| Road Train | 1020 x 250 one piece · 2 x 510 x 250 · hinged · banner | Road Train |
| Oversize | 1200 x 450 one piece · 2 x 600 x 450 · hinged · banner | Oversize |
| Oversize (WA) | 1020 x 250 and 2 x 510 x 250, marked WA ONLY | WA range |
| Rear markers | Class 400, VSB12 categories 33, 34, 31L, 33L, 161, 81, 41, 615 | Rear markers |
Keeping signs legible
- Keep signs clean and replace faded or damaged sheeting.
- Don’t let the load cover any part of the sign.
- Don’t cut or drill rear marker plates. Strip plates can be trimmed by 10 mm at most.
Sources: NHVR VSG-19 · NHVR Schedule 8 · RoadRanger catalogue
General information to help you choose signs, not legal advice. Your notice, permit or order conditions take priority. Not sure? Ask Randy or contact the team.