Trailer Compliance & Inspection
We often receive enquiries regarding the registering of homemade trailers or re-registering trailers with missing VIN plates or number plates. We have made this page to be used as a guide to help you with the basics of registering a home made trailer.
This trailer compliance and inspection page is to be used as a guide only as trailer rules and regulations change. Below are some common points that we have encountered when complying trailers over the years.
For full rules and requirements for trailers less than 4.5 tonnes ATM, visit: Vehicle Standards Bulletin (VSB1) https://infrastructure.gov.au/roads/vehicle_regulation/bulletin/vsb1/vsb_01_b.aspx
New Trailer Compliance Rules Take Affect 1st of November 2017
As of the 1st of November 2017, all trailers requiring registration that have a make of Homemade or Unknown must be submitted for a DPTI inspection at Regency or Lonsdale Department of Transport Sheds.
There is also a large focus on stamped draw bars. (Manufacturers must ensure that the VIN is stamped on the A-frame of the trailer as well as on the VIN plate).
What About Small Trailer Manufacturers?
Registered DPTI delegates such as Adelaide Trailer Centre can only register and comply new trailers made by a recognised trailer manufacturers with a registered make code in the TRUMPS system.
What do I need to do before I Organise an Inspection?
Below are a few tips to help you prepare for a trailer inspection.
GET A VIN FOR YOUR TRAILER All trailers must be identified by means of a 17 character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) You can get a Trailer VIN by calling SERVICE SA on 13 10 84.
6T9T2000SH01FC001 (EXAMPLE)
For more information on trailer VIN's visit: Vehicle identification number (VIN) Vehicle Standards Bulletin (VSB1)GET A VIN PLATE FOR YOUR TRAILER
Before any trailer is allowed to be registered, a VIN plate must be affixed to the trailer.
The vehicle plate must be permanently affixed by pop rivets, hammer drive screws or welding. Affixing plates with adhesives is not acceptable.
An identification/compliance plate must be fitted to issue an unregistered vehicle permit.
We can supply and stamp a trailer compliance vin plates at Adelaide Trailer Centre (Burton & Glengowrie)
For more information on trailer VIN's visit: Vehicle plate Vehicle Standards Bulletin (VSB1)
APPLY FOR AN UNREGISTERED VEHICLE PERMIT
You will need an Unregistered Vehicle Permit to weigh your trailer and to take your trailer for inspection.
You can apply for a permit online or in person.
Online: Apply through your EzyReg account.
In Person: Complete an MR2 application form and take it to a Service SA customer service centre.
Unregistered vehicle permits Fee: Trailer inspection - Issued for one day $7.00 (Prices subject to change)
You will require a VIN to apply for a permit.
For more information on trailer permits visit: Trailer permits EzyReg
WEIGH YOUR TRAILER
The weight of your trailer (MASS or TARE) must be recorded on the trailers registration papers.
DO NOT GUESS THE WEIGHT!
To get an accurate weight, weigh your TRAILER ONLY (disconnected from your vehicle) on a REGISTERED public weigh bridge, and collect an official weight notice.
Most dumps or sand & metal places have weigh bridges.
Knowing the tare weight of your trailer is vital to know how much weight you can legally carry in your trailer.
For more information on trailer weights visit: Trailer weigh stations South Australia Weighbridge Locations
VIN STAMPING (TRAILER A-FRAME)
All trailers must have the VIN stamped in the draw bar.
stamping should be to a depth of 0.8mm with each letter or number at least 2.5mm in height.
We can stamp your draw bar using a specialised dot peen metal stamping machine. (Burton only)
Stamping must be directly onto the trailers draw bar (not on a welded plate). This is so that the VIN can be seen under x-ray if the numbers are ground off.
For more information on trailer draw bars visit: Drawbars Vehicle Standards Bulletin (VSB1)
REFLECTORS
It is a legal requirement that all trailers must have reflectors to be compliant.
Standard trailers require at least 2 amber side reflectors, 2 white front reflectors and 2 red rear reflectors.
NOTE: Rear red reflectors are often integrated into the tail light on most ADR approved lights.
For more information on trailer reflectors visit: Lighting Vehicle Standards Bulletin (VSB1)
RATED DRAW BAR CHAIN
All trailer safety chain must be rated with a stamp every few links.
If your chain is not stamped, the trailer will fail the inspection.
Trailer chain ratings come in 1600KG, 2500KG, 3500KG & 4500KG.
When attaching the draw bar safety chain, the weld must cover at least 50% of the chain link.
Trailers only require 2 safety chains if the trailers GVM is over 2500kg.
trailers over 3.5 tonnes ATM must have two safety chains made from steel of a minimum 800 MPa breaking stress that conforms to the mechanical properties of Grade T chain.
Trailer chain must be attached to the draw bar in such a way that the chain should not make contact with the ground if the trailer disconnects.
For more information on trailer chains visit: safety chains and safety chain attachments Vehicle Standards Bulletin (VSB1)
MUD FLAPS
All trailers require mud flaps if the rear of the guard does not pass lower than the center of the wheel hub.
For more information on trailer mud flaps visit: Wheel guards (mudguards) Vehicle Standards Bulletin (VSB1)
COUPLING PLATE
We see many home made trailers rolling in without coupling plates (the plate between the draw bar and coupling. These are required on most trailers if the draw bar material is not thick enough.
The average coupling plate is 8mm - 10mm thick.
For more information on trailer draw bars visit: Drawbars Vehicle Standards Bulletin (VSB1)
NUMBER PLATE LIGHT
It is a legal requirement that all trailers have white a number plate light.
NOTE: Some rear trailer lights may have a built in number plate light.
For more information on trailer lights visit: Lighting Vehicle Standards Bulletin (VSB1)
FRONT MARKER LIGHTS (WHITE)
Front Markers (white) must be fitted if a trailer is:
more than 1600 mm wide and over 4 metres long,
or over 1800 mm wide. (including guards)
For trailers 2100 mm wide or less, the front lights may be combined with 2 side-marker lamps that have been fitted, this being in accordance with Option 1 or Option 2.
Front & side marker lights must operate with your normal night time lights (not indicators).
For more information on trailer lights visit: Lighting Vehicle Standards Bulletin (VSB1)
END-OUTLINE MARKER LIGHTS
Must be fitted if a trailer is more than 2100 mm wide.
2 to the front (white) and 2 to the rear (red). (Highest and outer most points)
If a trailer has no structure at the front and at the rear to which lamps can be attached (such as a boat trailer), then one combination amber/red end-outline marker lamp midway on each side may be fitted instead.
For more information on trailer lights visit: Lighting Vehicle Standards Bulletin (VSB1)
SIDE MARKER LIGHTS (AMBER / RED)
These lamps indicate the presence and length of a trailer when viewed from the side.
Either Option 1 or Option 2 must be met.
For more information on trailer lights visit: Lighting Vehicle Standards Bulletin (VSB1)
AXLE PLACEMENT
(A) MUST BE EQUAL TO OR GREATER THAN (B)
The center of the axle group must be centre or rearward from dead center of the chassis.
This will ensure the correct ball weight and prevent trailer sway.
For more information on trailer axles visit: Axles and suspensions Vehicle Standards Bulletin (VSB1)
WELDING ACROSS THE DRAW BAR
Welding across the top of the draw bar can create a weak point in the RHS.
This is for trailers with steel RHS only and is subject to steel thickness.
For more information on trailer draw bars visit: Drawbars Vehicle Standards Bulletin (VSB1)
REMEMBER: *This page is to be used as a guide only. Adelaide Trailer Centre accepts no responsibility for trailers not passing inspection. For full requirements for trailers less than 4.5 tonnes ATM, visit: Vehicle Standards Bulletin (VSB1) https://infrastructure.gov.au/roads/vehicle_regulation/bulletin/vsb1/vsb_01_b.aspx
