Do All States Use the Same Signs?
One national standard, a few state notes
RoadRanger's standard LONG VEHICLE and ROAD TRAIN signs are made for the national requirements. They're the signs used across the eastern states and the ACT, and standard signs are recognised in WA too.
The short version
- QLD, NSW, VIC, SA, TAS and the ACT all use the Heavy Vehicle National Law, so the same sign rules apply in all six.
- WA and the NT have their own heavy vehicle laws. Standard LONG VEHICLE and ROAD TRAIN signs are still used and recognised in WA.
- WA also allows pictorial length signs (for example a road train with its length shown). These are optional, so you don't need a different sign just because you run in WA.
- Your permit, notice or order can add conditions. If it does, those conditions apply.
The national rules in brief
The NHVR's guide VSG-19 Vehicle warning signs sets out the national requirements for combinations longer than 22 m:
| Combination length | Sign | Where it goes |
|---|---|---|
| Over 22 m, up to 30 m | LONG VEHICLE | Rear |
| Over 30 m | ROAD TRAIN | Front and rear |
- Size: at least 1020 mm long and 250 mm high, with black capital letters at least 180 mm high and a border.
- Material: reflective yellow, Class 400 (formerly Class 1) or Class 2 to AS 1906.
- Mounting: bottom edge at least 500 mm off the ground, top edge no higher than 1.8 m. Mount it level, fully visible and secure. Both halves of a two-piece sign go at the same height.
State by state
| Where you run | Rules | What it means for signs |
|---|---|---|
| QLD, NSW, VIC, SA, TAS, ACT | Heavy Vehicle National Law (NHVR) | Standard Long Vehicle and Road Train signs |
| Western Australia | Road Traffic (Vehicles) Regulations 2014 and Main Roads WA orders and permits | Standard Long Vehicle and Road Train signs, with WA's pictorial length signs as an option |
| Northern Territory | NT heavy vehicle laws | Check any NT permit or notice conditions that apply to your run |
What's different in WA
WA sets its own heavy vehicle rules through Main Roads WA, so a few details work differently there. For most operators the sign itself doesn't change.
- Pictorial length signs are optional. Main Roads WA says they can be used in place of, or alongside, the standard Long Vehicle or Road Train warning signs.
- Coming in from interstate? When WA introduced the new signs, Main Roads said existing warning signs on interstate vehicles would still be recognised.
- Pictorial signs mount differently. If you choose one, it goes on the rear only, between 500 mm and 2.75 m off the ground. A standard sign mounted to the national heights (500 mm to 1.8 m) sits inside that range.
- Your order or permit comes first. WA orders and permits set the signage conditions for each vehicle type, so check yours if you're unsure.
Choosing a sign: for most operators a standard LONG VEHICLE or ROAD TRAIN sign is the right choice in any state. Pick by the length of your combination using the national table above, then check your permit or order for any extra conditions.
Oversize loads
OVERSIZE signs and any flags or lights are set by the notice or permit for your load, and these can vary between states. Follow the signage conditions on your notice or permit. Our sizes guide covers the sign sizes we stock.
Sources: NHVR Vehicle Standards Guides (VSG-19 Vehicle warning signs) · NHVR Heavy Vehicle National Law · Main Roads WA signage requirements · Main Roads WA, new road train signage (2024)
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.