What is the RAV?

The RVSA introduces a Register of Approved Vehicles, an online, publicly searchable database of trailers approved for use on Australian roads. The details of each and every trailer approved for road use will be entered on the RAV. The RAV replaces the need to fit motor vehicles with physical compliance plates. Trailers, however, are still required to be fitted with physical compliance plates, trailer plates.

The RAV is searchable using the vehicle’s permanently marked Vehicle Identification Number. Search the vehicle’s details through the RAV search site. For a demonstration of how the RAV works, see the Videos section.

RAV identification

An organisation ID, a submitter ID number and an email address are required to create a submission. These unique ID numbers are validations for access to the RAV and should be kept confidential. IDs are in the format:

• an organisation ID: RAV00000X
• a submitter ID: RS000000X.

In ROVER, you can use the Authority to Act function to self-serve, looking up identifications and changing submitters for the RAV. To set up, refer to the RAV Identification Details Available via ROVER section of the RAV guide. This ROVER guide shows the steps to follow to add a person as an authorised RAV submitter, to allow them to enter vehicle details on the RAV on behalf of a vehicle type approval holder.

RAV data file format

The RAV can receive data files in one of two formats: XML, recommended for type approval holders, or CSV.

The RAV validation process happens automatically upon receipt of a submission, and an automated email response is provided with the validation status of each record. Successfully validated records will appear on the public search the day after the RAV submission at the latest, subject to payment of the RAV levy. The public search data is updated twice a day, at approximately 12 noon and 12 midnight.

Up to 20,000 RAV records may be provided in a single submission data file. Further information is in the RAV guide.

When can a low ATM trailer be added to the RAV?

A RAV submission can only occur when the:

• low ATM trailer’s manufacturing is complete
• low ATM trailer is covered by a type approval
• low ATM trailer is in Australia, except when the type approval specifically allows the trailer to be outside Australia, and
• low ATM trailer complies with the requirements of the RVS legislation.

Once added to the RAV, the electronic record can be searched using the VIN only, through the RAV public search.

Adding a low ATM trailer to the RAV

For low ATM trailers, the RAV entry requires the following information:

• Entry pathway sub-category
  The method through which the trailer was approved to be provided for the first time in Australia, for example Type Approval, Standard. Trailers covered by a type approval with minor and inconsequential non-compliance are to be added on the RAV as Type Approval, Standard.
• VIN
  Vehicle Identification Number consisting of 17 alphanumeric characters.
• Approval number
  The type approval number for trailers supplied under the type approval entry pathway, for example VTA-000001.
• Vehicle Category Code
  The code defined in the ADRs.
• Approval holder
  The name of the entity who accepts responsibility for the trailer’s compliance with the relevant ADRs.
• Make
  The name by which the range of trailer type is popularly known, or the trading name or business name of the manufacturing company.
• Model
  The name or code number by which the trailers are identified.
• ATM rating, in kg
  Aggregate Trailer Mass, recorded in kilograms, as defined in the ADR definitions and vehicle categories.
• GTM rating, in kg
  Gross Trailer Mass, recorded in kilograms, as defined in the ADR definitions and vehicle categories.
• Tare mass, in kg
  Tare Mass, recorded in kilograms, as defined in the ADR definitions and vehicle categories.
• Build date
  The month and year, MM/YYYY, on which the trailer was completed and moved from the production line.
• Authorised by number
  The number of the entity or authority authorised to add the trailer, the organisation ID, for example RAV000001.
• Authorised by name
  The name of the entity or authority authorised to add the trailer, the type approval holder name.

Adding vehicles to the RAV in ROVER

ROVER allows users to submit vehicles to the RAV via the ROVER portal. To submit RAV entries via ROVER, submitters must have a ROVER account and hold an Authority to Act for the approval holder. Read the ROVER guide to Authority to Act for detailed instructions on how to request and give an authority to act.

In the ROVER home page Authority to Act tab, the submitter must ensure that the RAV Submission function is listed under Functions. If it is not listed, the submitter will need to request the entity to grant permission.

There are two ways to submit vehicles, by uploading a file in CSV or XML, or by completing a mini-form. To learn more, watch this video.

Payment of type approval RAV entry charges

The Road Vehicle Standards Rules 2019 require the RAV entry charge to be paid before a trailer is entered on the RAV.

A vehicle type approval holder can request to enter into an agreement with the Department to pay RAV entry charges after trailers have been entered on the RAV. A separate agreement is required for each RAV organisation, which may hold one or more type approvals. For more information about the payment agreement and to download the template written agreement, see the Department’s RAV page.

You may apply for this written agreement any time after your organisation has created an account in ROVER, even if you have not yet had your vehicle type application approved. You only require one agreement per organisation, no matter how many vehicle type approvals the organisation holds.

Correcting or notifying an error on the RAV

Where there is an error relating to a record on the RAV, the approval holder or another person must amend the record by notifying the Department. Notification of an error on the RAV is done through ROVER. See our Correcting Information on the RAV page.

More information can also be found on the Department’s ROVER resources page. For questions or assistance, see the contact us page.