Different countries have different requirements for towing services. While towing is abroad subject of discussion, the piece focuses on the aspect of removing broken down or illegally parked vehicle. Understanding the demand of the states and the federal government is essential for full compliance. From the citizen's perspective, it is a simple act of pulling a broken down vehicle to another place. However, regarding the law, it is a complex matter with special considerations on each class of towing machines and what is to be towed. Road authorities are in place to ensure the roads are kept well. The roads are not supposed to carry weight beyond a particular expected limit. Many considerations make towing complex.
States Agreement
Australia comprises of different states. In most of the countries, states follow the federal government regulations; however, some bylaws govern in each state. The same applies to Australia. Because of the complexity of towing service, the states had to agree on various requirements that will facilitate easy towing within and outside the states.
It is notable that not all states agree on a universal law about towing, but on few safety ones like the total mass of the trailer should not exceed weight determined by the manufacturer and the trailer cannot be extremely heavy that the driver cannot control it perfectly. The towing vehicle has to be proper to ensure easy weight combination.
Small vehicle towing and tax collecting agencies on the illegal-parked vehicles are not as complex and apply to all states in equal measure.
Weight Consideration
Weight is a crucial consideration in towing services. Violating the requirements can lead the towing business or personnel in a potential problem. The maximum weight recorded by the manufacturer should not be exceeded unless with special documentation stating properly the reason for the exception from the authorities. Failure to do so is chargeable in a court of law. The allowed weight is the Towbar capacity. If it does not have brakes, it is only allowed to tow weight equivalent to its unloaded weight. Owners should always be careful not to exceed the gross combined mass (GCM).
The Speed Limit
Each vehicle has its own speed limit. While towing, it is allowed to go to the extent of the speed limit bearing in mind the type of road in use and the regulation as per the road signs. The speed reduces as you increase the weight. Speed and weight are inversely proportional. Businesses in towing industry should make provisions for the employees to learn the speed limits. West Australia has a different approach and it is essential for towing service providers to know.
