The Heavy Vehicle National Law requires the rear of certain heavy vehicles to be fitted with retroreflective markings to improve their visibility. One way this can be achieved is by fitting Rear Marking Plates, which have been made to comply with Australian Standard (AS) 4001 Vehicles - Rear marker plates - Reflective rear marker plates.
A review of AS4001 was completed in 2017 and found that Class 2 plates do not perform as well, and were not as durable, as newer style of plates. On these grounds it was previously decided to that over a three-year period, the NHVR would phase out the use of Class 2 plates in favour of the newer style plates.
As the end of that three-year period draws closer, it has become apparent that a large number of vehicles continue to be fitted with Class 2 plates.
While there is a definite safety benefit from using these newer, better performing plates, the continued use of Class 2 plates that are in good order does not pose a significant safety risk. However, to assist operators better manage the cost of transitioning from Class 2 plates the NHVR has decided to adopt an alternate approach to transition.
This means that instead of all vehicles displaying the new style of plate by the end of 2020, operators that have Class 2 plates fitted prior to 31 December 2020 are not required to upgrade their rear marking plates until they are next replaced. Operators may choose to upgrade sooner if desired. From 1 January 2021 the fitting of new Class 2 plates to vehicle will be prohibited.
Note: The following information is an overview only. You should check the Code of Practice yourself if operating a large vehicle.
What vehicles MUST be fitted with ‘Do Not Overtake’ signs:
- Vehicles or combinations 7.5 metres or more in length that have to straddle lanes or turn from an adjacent lane in order to turn left or right at intersections.
What vehicles MAY be fitted with ‘Do Not Overtake’ signs:
- Any motor vehicle less than 12 tonnes GVM
- Any trailer less than 10 Tonnes GTM
If space permits on the rear of the vehicle:
- Use Category 33 and 34 plates as first choice.
- Use additional strip plates if possible for added visibility.
If Category 33 plates are selected:
- Use them in correct configuration with either 31L or 33L plates.
- Use additional strip plates if possible for added vehicle visibility.
If Category 34 plates are selected:
- Use a 33 plate on the right with a 34A plate on the left, or use 34 plates on both sides.
- Use additional strip plates if possible for added vehicle visibility.
- Category 34 plates cannot be used on a vehicle/combination that is less than 7.5m in length.
If rear of the vehicle cannot support Category 33 and 34 plates:
- Use the Category 161 strip plate as space permits.
- Use them in conjunction with 31L and 33L plates if required.
If a single 161 plate cannot be used:
- Use the correct combination of 81 and 41 plates.
- Use these in conjunction with 31L and 33L plates if required.
Installation of Do Not Overtake signs:
- Maximum of 500mm space from each side of vehicle
- Maximum of 2000mm gap from ground to bottom of sign
The easiest way to tell the difference between the newer style of plates and Class 2 plates at a glance is that the newer classes of plates have a honeycomb or diamond pattern that sits behind the print, whereas Class 2 plates have a flat appearance.
In addition to the visual differences between the plates, compliant rear marking plates must be printed with certain information. This is limited to:
- the approved text and graphics,
- the name of the manufacturer or agent,
- letters indicating the correct orientation on the vehicle, and
- AS4001.1 and the class of retroreflective material (see notes on correct format below)
Class 1A and Class 400 plates
The words printed on the plate must state 'AS 4001.1 Class X', where 'X' is, this is the class of retroreflective sheeting material used.
UNECE Regulation 70 plates
The words printed on the plate must state 'AS 4001.1 UN R70’ (an approval mark as required by UNECE R70 may also be printed on the plate).
