In June 2012 two road rules that apply to heavy vehicles were changed across Australia.
Portable warning triangles
If you drive a heavy vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) over 12 tonnes, you must carry at least three approved portable warning traingles in your vehicle at all times.
Two way roads
If you have to stop your vehicle or if any part of your load falls onto the road (including the shoulder), at least three portable warning triangles must be placed on the road. On roads with a speed limit of 80km/h or more, if the vehicle is not visible for 300 metres in all directions:
- one triangle must be placed 200-250 metres behind the vehicle or fallen load,
- one triangle must be placed 200-250 metres in front of the vehicle or fallen load, and
- one triangle must be placed by the side of the vehicle or fallen load.
On roads with a speed limit of less than 80km/h, if the vehicle is not visible for 200 metres in all directions:
- one triangle must be placed 50-150 metres behind the vehicle or fallen load,
- one triangle must be placed 50-150 metres in front of the vehicle or fallen load, and
- one triangle must be placed by the side of the vehicle or fallen load.
Divided roads
If the road is a one-way road or divided road (this does not include a road with a painted median), at least three triangles are still needed, but there is no requirement to place a triangle in front of the vehicle. A triangle should instead be placed between the vehicle or fallen load and the triangle behind the vehicle.
Minimum following distance
Except on a multi-lane road, or any road in a built up area, or when overtaking:
- A road train must keep a distance of 200 metres or more when following a long vehicle, and
- A long vehicle other than a road train must keep a distance of 60 metres or more when following another long vehicle
For more information visit vicroads.vic.gov.au/roadrules