New Road Train Safety Signage requirements announced from July 1 2024 in WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Starting July 1, 2024, Western Australia is pioneering a significant road safety initiative
Introducing new pictorial-length signage requirements for road trains over 22 meters long. This innovative measure, announced by the state government and Main Roads Australia, is designed to enhance road safety by providing safer and more visual communication to other road users.
Pictorial signage was introduced approximately 7 years ago for the 60 metre PBS road trains. Positive feedback was received in relation to these signs, as they are more informative to the general public when deciding whether to overtake a road train. More recently, some road managers asked to expand the use of this type of signage.
As a result, Main Roads looked at developing signs to replace the existing ‘Long Vehicle’ and ‘Road Train’ signs, which currently are not very meaningful to the general public. The ‘Long Vehicle’ and ‘Road Train’ signs cover all heavy vehicle combinations from 22 metres through to 60 metres in length, so they do not differentiate the length of that particular restricted access vehicle to other road users. The new signage is much more significant in comparison.
New Safety Signage for Road Trains
Newly introduced signage will be displayed on the rear of restricted access vehicles, including road trains and other heavy vehicles. The signage will show:
- The number of trailers.
- The vehicle’s total length is depicted as an equivalent number of car lengths on these new signs.
This visual representation will help drivers make safer overtaking decisions and improve their awareness of the length of road trains they encounter.
Please take note of the following information regarding signage requirements:
Signage requirements are outlined in the applicable order or permit operating conditions for the specific vehicle combination. The details below provide an overview of signage requirements for various vehicle combinations. It’s essential for transport operators to refer to the current operating conditions for complete signage specifications.
Rigid Truck & Trailer Combinations Signage
Rigid truck and trailer combinations ≤2.5 metres in width and ≤22 metres in length do not require any signage.
Rigid truck and trailer combinations >22 metres in length and ≤25 metres in length, must display the following sign on the rear of the combination:
Standard Road Train & B-double Signage
Prime mover and trailer combinations ≤2.5 metres in width and ≤22 metres in length do not require any signage.
B-doubles and Road Trains >22 metres in length and ≤27.5 metres in length, must display the following sign on the rear of the combination:
Road Trains >27.5 metres in length and ≤36.5 metres in length, must display the following sign on the rear of the combination:
Road Trains >36.5 metres in length and ≤53.5 metres in length, must display the following sign on the rear of the combination:
PBS Vehicle Signage
Performance Based Standards (PBS) vehicles ≤2.5 metres in width and ≤22 metres in length do not require any signage.
Level 2, 3 and 4 PBS vehicles that fit within the standard road train length limits, must display signage specified under “Standard Road Train & B-double Signage”.
PBS Level 2B vehicles >27.5 metres in length and ≤30 metres in length, must display the following sign on the rear of the combination:
PBS Level 2B vehicles >30 metres in length and ≤36.5 metres in length, must display the following sign on the rear of the combination with the actual combination length, rounded up to the nearest metre and car equivalent based on a 5-metre-long car rounded up, as per the following example:
PBS Level 3B vehicles >36.5 metres in length and ≤42 metres in length, must display the following sign on the rear of the combination:
PBS Level 4B vehicles >53.5 metres in length and ≤60 metres in length, must display the following sign on the rear of the combination:
Oversize Road Train & B-double Signage
An oversize road train or B-double must display signage specified under “Standard Road Train & B-double Signage”, as well as an “Oversize” warning sign complying with the Oversize Vehicle & Pilot Vehicle General Requirements, available on the Oversize Overmass (OSOM) page on this website, as per the following example:
Class 1 Oversize RAV Signage
A Class 1 RAV exceeding 2.5 metres in width and/or 25 metres in length must clearly display:
(a) An “Oversize” warning sign on the front of the vehicle; and
(b) An “Oversize” warning sign on the rear of the vehicle or if carrying a rear projecting load, the “Oversize” warning sign is to be mounted as close to the rear of the load as practical.
A RAV with a length exceeding 22 metres, up to 25 metres, and with a width not exceeding 2.5 metres, must only display an “Oversize” warning sign on the rear of the vehicle, or if carrying a rear projecting load, as close to the rear of the load as practical.
An “Oversize” warning sign must comply with the requirements set out in the Oversize Vehicle & Pilot Vehicle General Requirements, available on the Oversize Overmass (OSOM) page on this website.
Signage Specifications
All warning signs, other than “Oversize” warning signs, must comply with the following specifications:
1. The RAV warning sign must be manufactured from sheet steel with a minimum thickness of 0.8 mm thick, or a sticker attached to an equivalent rigid surface. Vinyl signs may be used, provided they are attached to the vehicle in such a manner that ensures they remain taut and clearly visible.
2. The RAV warning sign must be the minimum dimensions shown below.
3. The RAV warning sign must display the words specified in the below images in black capital letters, in typeface Helvetica Neue Bold Condensed (or equivalent font), and the size shown below.
4. If the RAV warning sign is in 2 parts, it must be split vertically through the centre.
5. The RAV warning sign must display the sign manufacturer’s name or logo, and the brand and class of retro reflective material used, in block letters not over 10 mm high.
6. The RAV warning sign must have a black border.
7. The RAV warning sign must be coated with yellow retro reflective material that complies with class 100 or 400 of AS1906.1 – 2017 Retroreflective Materials and Devices for Road Traffic Control Purposes – Retroreflective Sheeting.
8. The RAV warning sign must only be fitted on the rear and so:
(a) no part of the sign is —
(i) over 2.75 m above ground level; or
(ii) under 500 mm above ground level;
and
(b) if the sign is in 2 parts, the parts are fitted at the same height above ground level.
Sizing for all signs other than the 60 metre Road Train Warning Sign:
Sizing for the 60 metre Road Train Warning Sign:
Cross Border Operations
Interstate operators are not required to change their signage before entering another jurisdiction. Main Roads WA will continue to allow “Long Vehicle” and “Road Train” warning signs on vehicles entering WA from South Australia or the Northern Territory.
Similarly, the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator will recognise the WA road train signage for vehicles entering into South Australia. The Northern Territory Government will also recognise the WA road train signage on the rear of vehicles entering the Northern Territory, however a “Road Train” warning sign must be displayed on the front of the prime mover, in accordance with their standard requirements.
Enhancing Road Safety
- Increased Awareness: The new signage aims to help drivers better understand the length of road trains, thereby improving safety for all road users.
- Positive Feedback: During trials conducted in 2022 and 2023, approximately 90% of respondents supported the new signage, indicating its effectiveness and public approval.
- State-Wide Implementation: Western Australia is the only state currently implementing this type of signage, although there is interest from interstate road authorities.
Transition Period
To ensure a smooth transition, the WA transport industry will have six months from July 1, 2024, to comply with the new regulatory signs. Interstate heavy vehicle operators travelling into WA will not face penalties under the new regulations, as existing warning signage will still be recognised and accepted.
Government Support
Acting Transport Minister John Carey has emphasised the importance of this initiative, stating:
“This initiative is all about making roads easier to navigate and safer for all drivers by giving motorists the length of larger vehicles they may be sharing the road with. There was great feedback following the successful trial last year, and I look forward to the rollout in the coming months.”
Industry Information Session
Main Roads Heavy Vehicle Services is holding an Industry Information Session about the new road train signage on July 24 in Kalgoorlie to support the transition further. Interested parties can register here.
Curo’s Commitment to Road Safety
As a long-standing and trusted supplier of road train safety signage and bus/truck markings, Curo Brand Application is dedicated to supporting this crucial road safety initiative. Our products are manufactured to meet the highest safety standards and state government signage specifications.
As a business based in Western Australia, we fully understand the unique needs of our local transport industry. Our team is dedicated to delivering the new signage requirements and ensuring a seamless transition to meet the new safety standards. We are committed to providing quality products and excellent customer service.
Contact our sales team today to see how we can help you update your truck markings to meet the newly announced signage specifications.
