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Towing Rules WA
Towing a trailer or caravan in WA follows the general rules: speed limits, vehicle weight capacity and equipment requirements. A learner may tow while accompanied by their supervisor, and P plate drivers have no WA restriction specific to towing.
Key Rules
- Learner drivers may tow when driving with their supervisor. P1/P2 drivers have no towing-specific ban in WA: the general towing rules apply to everyone.
- Maximum towing speed: 100 km/h (or the signed limit if lower). On some roads, towing vehicles are limited to 90 km/h. Check local signs.
- All trailer lights (brake, indicator, tail) must work. Safety chains are mandatory.
- Stay within your vehicle's rated towing capacity and the trailer's limits: overloading is an offence and makes the vehicle unstable.
Common Mistakes
- Assuming learner or P plate drivers are banned from towing in WA: they are not. The real limits are the speed, weight and equipment rules.
Practical Example
David has a learner licence and wants to tow a small boat trailer to the beach. He can, as long as his supervisor is beside him and the car and trailer meet the general towing rules: within capacity, safety chains attached, all lights working.
Quick Check
- Can a learner driver tow a small trailer? → Yes, when accompanied by their supervisor and following the general towing rules.
- What is the maximum speed when towing in WA? → 100 km/h, or the lower signed limit where posted.
Source: RAC WA (P plate drivers guide): rac.com.au/ignite/tips-info/learn-to-drive/p-plate-drivers-wa + Road Traffic (Vehicles) Act 2012