Caravan / Motorhome Signage Do I need to attach "Do not overtake turning vehicle" signs to my caravan / motorhome. If your motorhome or tow vehicle and caravan / campertrailer is 7.5m or longer and has a "DO NOT OVERTAKE TURNING VEHICLE" sign on the back, you are allowed to turn left from (or partially from) the lane on the right of the far left lane.

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Intersection markings are generally too tight for large vehicles and you have to swing wide to make a left turn. Try to position your rig so that vehicles behind you cannot pass on your left and make sure you have the best view possible of the road you are turning into.

Right hand turns

If you are turning right from a one way street, your motorhome or tow vehicle and caravan / campertrailer is 7.5 m or longer and you have a “DO NOT OVERTAKE TURNING VEHICLE” sign displayed on the back of the motorhome or tow vehicle and caravan / campertrailer, you can turn right from the lane on the immediate left of the far right lane.  When making a right turn, make sure you have reached far enough into the intersection before starting to turn into the street. If you turn too soon, the side of your rig may hit vehicles on your right as the back of your vehicle cuts-in to the turn.

Signs or Marking Plates

The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government (Standards Bulletin VSB 12 Rear Marking Plates) website states:-

‘Rear marking plates may also be fitted to light vehicles. However, in certain jurisdictions if the vehicle is less than 7.5 metres long, the plates must not have the words “DO NOT OVERTAKE TURNING VEHICLE”.

Australian Standards AS 4001 – 2003 Motor Vehicles – Rear Marker Plates Parts 1 and 3 (Manufacturing requirements) and Part 2 (Fitting requirements) provides for plates made from Class 1, Class 1A and Class 2 retroreflective material.

Class 1 retroreflective material is more durable and because of its improved retroreflective performance, when compared to the older Class 2 plates, the plates can be smaller and yet reflect more light. Class 1A pressure sensitive plates have been developed so that these plates can be affixed directly to the vehicle without a metal backing plate. You may use either style provided that both plates on any one vehicle are of the same size and material. Plates complying with AS 4001 are available in either rectangular or strip configuration as illustrated in the Figures 1 and 2 respectively.

Class 1 plates are preferred because they outperform and outlast Class 2 plates.’