Low ATM Trailers: VIN Plate and Tyre Placard Requirements

Under the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018 (RVSA), all Low ATM Trailers provided to the Australian market for the first time must be entered into the Register of Approved Vehicles (RAV). Low ATM Trailers are classed as towable recreational vehicles with an Aggregate Trailer Mass of 4.5 tonnes or less. An important part of this process is ensuring a Vehicle Plate, commonly referred to within the industry as a VIN Plate, is affixed to the trailer by the manufacturer or importer.  This plate may also include additional information, such as the Tyre Placard information.

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Plates

ADR 61/03 requires the following items on the VIN Plate:

  • The name of the Manufacturer or the Vehicle Make
  • The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
  • The Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM) in kg
  • The Gross Trailer Mass (GTM) in kg
  • On any trailers up to 4.5 Tonnes ATM, the Tare Mass in kg

All trailers must have a unique 17-character vehicle identification number that meets the requirements outlined in ADR 61/03.

The VIN Plate must be firmly affixed in a readily visible position and in the form of a durable metal plate.  The VIN Plate must be welded, riveted, or otherwise permanently affixed to the vehicle, and all the required information, including any additional information, must be embossed, indented, etched, engraved, or otherwise printed indelibly on the plate.

Examples of how to and how not to attach a VIN Plate are shown below.

Tyre Placard

ADR 42/05 requires trailers to be fitted with a Tyre Placard that, at a minimum, includes the manufacturer’s recommended:

  • Tyre Size,
  • Tyre Load,
  • Tyre Speed, and
  • Cold Inflation Pressure.

Caravan Industry Association of Australia has sought an interpretation of this requirement with the Federal Department.  

As advised, to satisfy the tyre placard information, a fitted tyre would be suitable if it matches the size recommended by the manufacturer on the Vehicle Plate.  The fitted tyre must also either meet or exceed the tyre speed and tyre load ratings recommended by the manufacturer on the VIN Plate.  Furthermore, the fitted tyre’s pressure must not be exceeded by the Tyre Placard’s cold inflation pressure.

Understanding Tyre Markings

The following illustrations will help industry businesses understand more about tyre markings: