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The table below shows some of the requirements for various trailer parts that are inspected as part of a pre-registration inspection.

The requirements for trailer parts are determined by the Australian Design Rules (ADRS).

Using this guide can assist you to prepare your trailer for a pre-registration inspection.

If you notice any issues with these components, you should have them repaired or replaced before presenting the trailer for a pre-registration inspection.

If you require more technical information relating to building a new trailer, please refer to the Building small trailers document (VSB1).

Please note this guide is not an exhaustive list of every requirement and is a general guide only.

ComponentRequirements Additional notes/Images
Couplings

Must meet either option 1 or option 2		Option 1

A coupling manufactured to Australian Standards must be marked with specific information including:
  • Australian Standards (AS) number,
  • Manufacturers name or trademark,
  • 50 for a 50mm ball coupling,
  • Maximum load rating of the coupling. This must be equal to or greater than the trailer’s ATM.
 
Option 2

European style couplings that are marked in accordance with ECE R 55 must be marked with:
  • The manufacturer’s name or trademark,
  • B or B50-x
  • The maximum D-Value (shown in table)
  • ‘S’ followed by the permissible vertical load.
ATMD-Value
750KG6.4 or more
2000kg14 or more
3500kg20 or more
All couplings must have an operating secondary locking mechanism to make sure they stay connected while you are on the move.Examples of these are:
  • Spring-loaded mechanism (Left)
  • Trigger and key mechanism (Right)
 
Safety chainsMake sure safety chains are permanently fixed to the drawbar of the trailer.The chain should be fixed to prevent the chain mounting point from hitting the ground if the trailer is dislodged from the vehicle. 
Also check that safety chains are not worn, stretched or cracked. 
BrakesThere are different braking requirements depending on the trailer’s GTM.
  • If the GTM is 750kg or less and the trailer has one axle (or two axles less than 1.0m apart)
    • There are no braking requirements. However where brakes are fitted they must be operational.
  • If the GTM is above 750kg or the trailer has more than one axle:
    • It must have an efficient braking system on at least one axle.
  • If the GTM is above 2000kg
    • It must have an efficient braking system of the breakaway type on all axles.
 
 For a trailer with a GTM above 2000kg the braking system must apply the trailers brakes for at least 15 minutes in the event the trailer becomes detached from the towing motor vehicle.
Rear lightsLights must be fitted to the rear of the trailer and be in working condition.

Trailer light boards are to only be used to supplement existing trailer lights.		Lights that are required on the rear:
  • A Number plate light
  • Brake lights
  • Taillights
  • Indicators
 
Side marker lights

Must meet either option 1 or option 2		Option 1

Trailers more than 6000 mm in length:
  • Between 250 mm and 1500 mm above the ground
  • At least one side marker light in the middle third of the trailers length
  • Additional side marker lights maybe required so that:
    • The distance from the rear of the trailer to a side marker light does not exceed 1000 mm
    • The distance from the front of the trailer coupling to a side marker light does not exceed 3000 mm
    • The distance between any side marker light does not exceed 3000 mmm
Option 2

Trailers more than 2100 mm in width or 7500 mm in length.
  • More than 2100 mm in width – two lights no more than 300 mm from the rear of the trailer.
  • More than 7500 mm in length – two lights no more than 300 mm from the rear of the trailer, plus two no more than 300 mm from the front of the trailer (excluding drawbar), plus two midway between the front and rear lights.
  • A semi-trailer equal or less than 7500 mm long – two lights no more than 300 mm from the rear of the trailer, plus two no more than 300 mm from the front of the trailer.
 
ReflectorsThe following table sets the requirements that must be followed in regards to the placement of reflectors.LocationNumberShape Colour 

Rear

(may be incorporated in the lights)

2Triangular or non-triangularRed
Both sidesAt least 1 on each sideNon-triangularOrange
Front2Non-triangularWhite/Colourless
TyresCheck that tyres:
  • Have a minimum of 1.5mm of tread across the surface of the tyre,
  • Are of the same size,
  • Are not perished, cut or cracked,
  • Are suitable for road use.
 
WheelsCheck that wheels are secure, with:
  • No missing studs,
  • No missing nuts.
Check that rims are not:
  • Cracked,
  • Buckled,
  • Corroded,
  • Missing pieces of casting (Minor scratches or marks are ok).
 
Suspension Check that suspension…
  • Is correctly aligned,
  • Springs and spring mountings are secure and not excessively worn,
  • Springs are not broken or damaged.
 
BodyCheck that:
  • Mudguards cover the full tyre width
  • All tailgates, doors and body panels are secured
  
DrawbarCan be a maximum of 8.5 metres from the centre line of the axle group or single axle of the trailer Ensure the drawbar is fit for purpose and its mounting points are not cracked, loose, bent or deformed. 
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