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Cars, utes and light trailers
A trip home from the garden centre, a furniture move or a kayak outing can change how your vehicle handles. Before you set off, make sure everything you carry is restrained and within the vehicle's limits. Even a short trip needs a properly secured load.
This article began with Coastwide's contribution to ABC Brisbane Afternoons with Kat Feeney and the team. The practical checks below complement the everyday safety habits we teach through Coastwide driving lessons.
Start with the vehicle and the restraint
- Choose a suitable vehicle. Check its payload and, if towing, the relevant towing and trailer limits.
- Secure the whole load. Items must not fall, come loose or make the vehicle unsafe or unstable.
- Keep essential equipment visible. Your load must not cover the lights, indicators, reflectors or number plate.
- Check the effect on driving. Consider your view, steering, braking and the space the loaded vehicle needs.
Queensland's light-vehicle loading guidance explains how vehicle choice, load position and restraint work together. Separate requirements apply to heavy vehicles.
Measure the load before driving
For ordinary light vehicles, the general maximum total width is 2.5 m and total height is 4.3 m, including the load. These are legal outer limits, not a statement that your vehicle, roof rack or trailer can safely carry a load that large. Check the limits for your particular vehicle and load.
At the sides and front
A load must not project more than 150 mm beyond either side of the vehicle or trailer. For a light vehicle other than a motorbike, it must not extend more than 1.2 m in front of the headlights.
At the rear
A projection beyond 1.2 m needs a warning device. A shorter projection also needs a warning if it is not readily visible. A flag does not let you exceed the vehicle's total length or rear-overhang limit.
Measure side projection from the body, not the mirrors, lights or reflectors; for a trailer with mudguards, use their outer edge. Rear-overhang limits depend on the vehicle or trailer configuration. Use TMR's projecting-load diagrams and requirements and projecting-load guide (PDF) to check your arrangement.
Different loads need different restraint
- Garden waste: secure a tarp or net over light material that could blow away. Restrain waste that sits above the sides.
- Furniture and appliances: restrain tall items against a suitable headboard. Pack gaps and use appropriate straps or rope so items cannot shift and loosen the restraint.
- Tools: secure smaller tools inside a restrained toolbox. Tie down larger tools or use a suitable cargo net.
- Boats: use a safety chain at the bow in addition to the winch connection, with suitable restraint at the stern. Roof-mounted kayaks and canoes still need secure restraint and compliant dimensions.
Follow the vehicle, rack, trailer and restraint manufacturers' instructions. If the load cannot be carried safely with your equipment, arrange a more suitable vehicle or delivery service.
Keep dogs safe in the vehicle
You must not drive with an animal on your lap. Dogs travelling on a tray or trailer must be secured against falling, moving off or being injured by the vehicle's movement. The working-dog exception applies when the dog is helping move livestock.
Queensland's animal-welfare guidance recommends a suitably sized, sheltered cage behind the cabin for an open vehicle. If using a tether, it should attach securely to a collar or fitted harness, allow comfortable movement without letting the dog reach the tray's side, and have swivels to reduce tangling. Protect your dog from hot metal, weather and dust, and provide water on longer trips.
Read the official guidance on transporting dogs and road rules for animals in vehicles for the full requirements.
One final check before you leave
Walk around the loaded vehicle. Check restraint, projections, visibility and passenger space. If something could move, fall or obstruct your view, fix it before driving. A small delivery is still part of driving safely around other people.