NSW Trailer Registration Requirements: Everything You Need to Know

Trailer Design

Certain design requirements must be considered when buying a trailer in New South Wales (NSW). These requirements ensure that trailers comply with the applicable vehicle standards. Compliance with these standards is important to ensure the safety and roadworthiness of the trailer.

Trailers manufactured on or after 1 July 2023, or those with a Registered Automotive Workshop (RAV) entry, must adhere to the guidelines specified in VSB1 Revision 6.

The relevant standard for trailers manufactured between 1 July 1990 and 1 July 2023 is VSB1 Revision 5.

Lastly, the applicable standards for trailers manufactured before 1 July 1990 can be found in the Road Transport (Vehicle Registration) Regulation 2017, Schedule 2 Light Vehicle Standards Rules.

These regulations ensure that trailers meet Transport for NSW’s safety and quality standards.

Trailer Identification

When purchasing a trailer, it’s important to check for the presence of certain identification markers. All trailers registered in NSW must have a primary identifier, either a chassis or a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), depending on the trailer’s build date.

In addition to the primary identifier, trailers must also have a vehicle plate, often called a “trailer plate.” This plate contains critical information about the trailer’s specifications and compliance.

The specific requirements for trailer identification vary depending on the trailer’s date of manufacture. Here is a breakdown of the requirements for different manufacturing periods:

Trailers manufactured before 1 January 1989

• Must have a chassis number (can be any length or combination of characters)
• Not required to be fitted with a vehicle plate

Trailers manufactured between 1 January 1989 and 30 June 1990

• Must have a 17-character VIN
• Not required to be fitted with a vehicle plate

Trailers manufactured between 1 July 1990 and 30 June 2021

• Must have a 17-character VIN
• Must be fitted with a vehicle plate displaying the following information:
  • Manufacturer’s or importer’s name (whichever party takes responsibility for the certification statement)
  • Trailer model
  • Vehicle Identification Number
  • Date of Manufacture (month/year)
  • Aggregate Trailer Mass (kg)
  • Certification Statement: “This trailer was manufactured to comply with the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989” (for new trailers) or “This trailer is an imported used trailer. It has been modified and assessed as complying with the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989” (for used imported trailers)

Trailers manufactured between 1 July 2021 and 30 June 2023

Trailers could be manufactured and supplied under both provisions during this transitional period between the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 (MSVA) and the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018 (RVSA). They may either bear the certification statement of the MVSA 1989 or be issued with an RAV entry.

Trailers with a vehicle plate bearing the certification statement must comply with the abovementioned requirements. Trailers issued with an entry on the RAV must comply with the requirements for RVSA trailers.

Trailers manufactured after 1 July 2023 or complied with the RVSA.

• Must have a 17-character VIN
• Must be fitted with a vehicle plate displaying the following information:
  • Manufacturer’s Name
  • Trailer Model
  • Vehicle Identification Number
  • Date of Manufacture (month/year)
  • Aggregate Trailer Mass (kg)
  • Gross Trailer Mass (GTM)
  • Tare Mass
• Must have an entry on the Register of Approved Vehicles (the RAV)

It’s important to note that there has been a change regarding using “homemade” as a manufacturer. Before 13 December 2021, it was common practice in NSW for one-off trailer manufacturers to record the manufacturer on the compliance plate as “homemade” or a generic name. However, this practice did not comply with the requirements of VSB1 Revisions 1-5, which required that the manufacturer be shown as the person taking responsibility for the certification statement on the trailer’s vehicle plate.

If a trailer is presented for inspection and the manufacturer is listed as “homemade” or any other generic name that is not compliant with the provisions of VSB1, it may be rejected. However, evidence of registration in NSW before 13 December 2021 under that manufacturer name or previous registration in another state or territory of Australia may be considered.

Inspections Required for Registration

Certain inspections are required to register a trailer in NSW to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. These inspections vary depending on the circumstances and type of trailer being registered.

For more information on what inspections are required to register an unregistered trailer in NSW, you can visit the Unregistered Trailer Inspections page.

Additionally, if a trailer does not have primary identifiers such as a chassis number or VIN, further information can be found on the Trailers without VINs page.

These inspections ensure that all trailers on NSW roads meet the necessary safety and compliance standards.

Apply to Register a Camper Trailer or Caravan – Service NSW

If you plan to tow a caravan or camper trailer on NSW roads, it is mandatory to register it at a Service NSW Centre. Registering your caravan or camper trailer has multiple benefits, including a 40% vehicle tax reduction for trailers weighing 255kg up to 4.5 tonnes.

To apply for registration, you will need the following:

• The PDF form is titled “Application for Registration (TfNSW).”
• Proof of identity
• Previous registration receipt or other proof of registration entitlement
• An inspection report issued no more than 42 days prior, such as an Authorised Unregistered Vehicle Inspection Scheme (blue slip) or a Heavy Vehicle Authorised Inspection Scheme report (for trailers with an aggregate trailer mass over 2 tonnes)
• A Vehicle Safety Compliance Certificate (if the vehicle has been significantly modified)
• A weighbridge ticket (if required)
• Concession card details (if applicable)
• Payment for the registration fees

To apply, you can download and complete the Application for Registration (TfNSW) – PDF, gather all the required documentation, and visit a Service NSW Centre to lodge your application with payment.

For more detailed information, including when a weighbridge ticket is required and exemption from stamp duty for caravans and camper trailers, refer to the Apply to Register a Camper Trailer or Caravan – Service NSW page.

Box Trailer and Custom Trailer Registration – Bold Trailer And Caravan Repair Centre

You can rely on NSW Roads and Maritime qualified Examiners at the Bold Trailer And Caravan Repair Centre for registration inspections of box trailers and custom trailers. They offer various inspections required for registration, including e-safety checks (Pink Slip), AUVIS (Blue Slip), and HVAIS (Brown Slip).

The Pink Slip inspection is an annual safety check for trailers required for NSW registration. Blue Slips (AUVIS Inspection) are necessary for unregistered trailers weighing under 1999kg. This could be due to expired registration, a new trailer that has never been registered, or a trailer purchased from interstate in NSW. Brown Slips (HVAIS Inspection) is required for unregistered trailers with a GTM over 2000kg. This inspection may be necessary if the trailer registration expired more than three months ago or you must register a trailer in NSW purchased from interstate or overseas.

Suppose you need a weighbridge ticket to register an unregistered trailer that has never been registered in NSW. In that case, the Bold Trailer And Caravan Repair Centre has a certified weighbridge available.

Please note that inspections for trailer registration are by appointment only. For assistance or to schedule an inspection, call (02) 8544-8114.

FAQs

To provide further clarity, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions related to trailer registration in NSW:

I’ve bought a trailer interstate. Do I need a weighbridge ticket?

If your trailer has never been registered in NSW, it will require a weighbridge ticket as part of the registration requirements.

My registration expired more than 90 days ago. What do I have to do to get it registered?

If your trailer registration expired over 90 days ago, you need an unregistered vehicle inspection. This could be a Blue Slip (AUVIS) Inspection or a Brown Slip (HVAIS) Inspection, depending on the trailer’s weight.

I’ve got rust in my trailer. Will it pass, rego?

Regarding rust in trailers, there are two types to consider: surface rust and cancerous rust. Surface rust, which is common and often doesn’t affect the trailer’s safety, is generally acceptable. However, if the rust has caused structural damage or has gone through the thickness of the trailer’s frame, it may not pass the registration inspection.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please speak to our team. You can reach us at (+61) 0472999100.

By following these guidelines and fulfilling the requirements, you can ensure a smooth registration process for your trailer in NSW. Safe travels!