Road rules and safety

Securing loads

When carrying a load, secure it properly or you may be fined.

Loose loads can be dangerous, even fatal, to you and other road users.

It is an offence to carry a load that is not properly restrained and could fall from your vehicle or trailer.

Secure your load

Each type of load needs to be transported differently. It is your responsibility to work out the best way to restrain it. You can do some basic checks, but the way you restrain and carry a load will depend on the load itself.

TopicDetail
Choose a safe way to transport your equipment.
  • Choose a suitable vehicle for your load. Consult the owner's manual to check your vehicle's mass limits. Make sure you follow them. Your load must not affect the vehicle's stability.
  • Choose a suitable method to transport your load such as the vehicle tray, roof racks or in a trailer. For heavy loads, the trailer headboards and racks must be strong enough to fully restrain them.
Use suitable restraints.
  • Choose suitable restraint equipment for your load such as webbing straps, ropes, chains, cargo nets or tarpaulins. Where possible, use rated equipment, which shows a maximum 'lashing capacity'. Webbing straps that meet Australian Standard AS/NZS 4380:2001 are more effective than ropes, and they are simpler to use.
  • Chains are best suited for heavy loads. They don't stretch as much as webbing straps or ropes.
  • Tarpaulins, cargo nets and ropes are only suited for light loads.
  • Ensure that the equipment is in good order. Don't use equipment that is broken, damaged or worn.
  • If necessary, use multiple restraints, particularly on high and narrow items.
Pack your load carefully.
  • Position the load securely so it's stable and evenly distributed across the width and length of the vehicle or trailer.
  • Bundle similar items together, in a more stable single unit.
  • Keep heavy items underneath lighter items.
  • Anti-slip matting can prevent items from sliding, especially long items.
  • Fit loose sheets of building materials tightly in trays, then secure them properly with restraints.
  • Fill spaces and gaps between piles with other items. Make sure these are also restrained.
  • Ensure your load doesn't protrude from the vehicle as it could injure others.

Driving with a load

Once loaded, drive carefully and regularly check your restraints.

In case your load falls off, pick it up when it's safe to do so. Call 13 11 70 if:

  • it's too unsafe for you to pick up a load that's fallen off
  • you can't pick up the load
  • you want to report a road hazard

The weight and distribution of your load may affect the direction of your headlights, causing them to point higher. This misalignment can result in decreased visibility for the driver and increased glare for oncoming traffic. Only some modern vehicles are equipped with automatic headlight leveling systems.

Check your load's weight and distribution does not cause headlight misalignment.

For more advice on how to securely restrain your load, view these load restraint guides:

Fines for unsecured loads

If you don't properly secure your load you may be fined. You can be fined even if your load doesn't come loose. The penalties can be large and are significantly higher for companies.

There are three risk categories with varying fines.

The penalty units are specified in the Road Safety Act 1986

Risk categoryDescription
Minor risk breachAn unsecured load that does not involve danger to a person, or the risk of damage to property or the environment.
Substantial risk breachAn unsecured load that poses a danger to people, property or the environment.
Severe risk breachAn unsecured load that causes harm to people, or damage to property or the environment.