Queensland leads nation on towing regulations

The introduction of new regulatory codes designed to make it easier for vehicle owners to increase their vehicle’s payload and maximum towing mass have been welcomed by the RACQ and Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association.

The new Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) modification codes will also mean more options are available for drivers looking to tow heavier caravans.

The codes were introduced after industry and stakeholder consultation by TMR.

They outline engineering and regulatory requirements for safe modification of light vehicles and 4WDs to carry heavier loads and tow heavier trailers (including caravans) than specified by the original vehicle manufacturer.

RACQ’s Public Policy Department prepared a comprehensive submission on the draft codes after being consulted by TMR in 2021 and late 2022.

“We noted in our submission that a clearly drafted, nationally consistent and holistic approach that is well-considered from an engineering, vehicle safety and certification perspective was vital,” RACQ’s Principal Technical Researcher John Ewing said.

“We are pleased to see that TMR has incorporated many of our suggested improvements into these robust new codes.

“This has ensured that Queensland motorists who wish to have their vehicles modified can benefit from them and still be confident the engineering, safety and value of their vehicles is preserved.”

TMR said the new gross combination mass (GCM) modification code and amended existing gross vehicle mass (GVM) modification code would allow an increase in mass ratings of light vehicles in Queensland.

The new code addresses modification requirements relating to GCM (gross combination mass) re-rating, which is the sum of the maximum weight a vehicle can both carry and tow.

The new GCM code has also resulted in updates to the existing requirements for re-rating the GVM, which refers to the weight of the vehicle when fully loaded.

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TMR Deputy Director General, Customer Services, Safety and Regulation Geoff Magoffin said there had been continued calls from both industry and the wider recreational motoring community to allow for the mass re-ratings of light vehicles.

"I am pleased to announce we have listened to the needs of industry and the towing community and have developed safe and robust modification codes which we believe will be welcomed by those wishing to undertake these type of vehicle modifications,” Mr Magoffin said.

"Transport and Main Roads (TMR) engineers have worked with their counterparts in New South Wales and Victoria and alongside industry to develop the new GCM code.

"While the codes will be available within Queensland initially, TMR will continue to work closely with their jurisdictional counterparts and the Commonwealth to introduce the codes nationally.”

Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association Chief Executive Officer Stuart Charity said Queensland now had the best GCM and GVM regulations in the country.

“This means all road users will be safer and our vibrant home-grown Queensland 4WD modification industry can continue to thrive and drive innovation in the automotive industry,” Mr Charity said.

For more information about the new GVM and GCM modification codes, contact an ‘approved person’ authorised to undertake these modifications.

Details of approved persons in your area can be found here.