When your loading zone is busy and the morning tradies or weekend warriors are in full swing at your store, it can be easy to forget the importance of loading trailers safely and securely while adhering to overhang limits as well.

The varying load restraint guidelines throughout Australian state and territory were implemented to ensure the safety of those customers using trailers, and the safety of all road users once a loaded trailer leaves your store.

It is for this reason it is vital that you and your staff are well educated on the overhang limits and loading requirements when loading trailers in and around your store.

The following is a short breakdown of legal overhang limits and loading requirements:

1. Load restraint requirements

To prevent movement during transit all trailer loads must be securely restrained as per the Load Restraint Guide (National Transport Commission). The guide suggests that:

• Straps, ropes, or chains must be in good condition and strong enough to secure the load.
• Overhanging loads must be flagged with a red, orange, or yellow high-visibility marker during the day and a red light at night.
• Loads must not fall off, shift, or become unstable while driving.

2. Legal overhang limits

While each state and territory have varying overhang limits, the following is a general guide on what is required:

Utes and vehicles (Light Vehicles - under 4.5t GVM):

• Front overhang: Maximum of 1.2 metres forward from the front of the vehicle.
• Rear overhang: Maximum of 60 per cent of the wheelbase or 1.2 metres from the rear of the vehicle, whichever is less.
• Side overhang: Cannot extend beyond the vehicle’s width (typically 2.5 metres maximum width).

Trailers:

• Rear overhang: Typically, 1.2 metres max beyond the trailer’s rear end unless specifically allowed.
• Side overhang: The load must not exceed the trailer’s width (maximum 2.5 metres total vehicle width, including load).
• Flagging requirement: Any rear overhang beyond 1.2 metres must have a red flag attached to the rear of the load during the day or a red light attached to the rear of the load at night. It would make sense to ensure red rags and battery-operated red hazard lights are available for sale near your store’s loading bay.

3. Maximum height and width limits

• The general maximum width of a vehicle/trailer is 2.5 metres. This width includes any load on the trailer.
• The general maximum vehicle height is 4.3 metres from the ground.

4. Penalties for non-compliance

• Overloaded or improperly restrained loads can result in substantial fines of up to $242 for individuals and $1200 for companies or light vehicles in some states and loss of four demerit points under state road rules.
• Unsafe loads not only affect the steering, braking and manoeuvrability of the vehicle that is towing the trailer, but can also lead to serious accidents where the driver of the overloaded trailer is liable.

For more information, you can source updated load restraint guides online at: www.ntc.gov.au

Download this overhang limits poster.

To seek advice on trailer load restraints and to ensure your staff are well-educated on the restrictions within your state reach out directly to NTHA WHS/HR Manager Vicki Stableford or WHS Specialist Graeme Burchall. Let us work together to build safer workplaces in 2025.

Contact NTHA on 1800 822 621