TowSmart TOWING SAFETY & GUIDANCE · Assist Platform
TowSmart rules & compliance

Check the rule behind every safer towing decision.

Official towing, trailer, loading, braking, coupling and mass resources — organised by jurisdiction and linked to the authority that issued them.

Build a guided check Search all rules How updates work
AUS 6 sources ACT 1 sources NSW 1 sources VIC 2 sources QLD 2 sources SA 1 sources WA 1 sources TAS 1 sources NT 2 sources
Official regulatory sources

Find the official rule that applies.

Choose a jurisdiction first. National technical codes do not replace state and territory approval, inspection or registration requirements.

6 official resources

Downloads open on the issuing authority’s website.

AUS Current

Design rules

Australian Design Rules

National standards for vehicle safety, anti-theft and emissions for new vehicles supplied to Australia.

Cars Utes & light trucks Heavy vehicles Motorcycle Trailers 4WDs & off-road vehicles
Issued by
Australian Government Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts
Version
Current series
Source check
28 Jul 2026
View official rules
AUS Current

Load restraint

Load Restraint Guide 2025

Official best-practice load restraint guidance covering loading performance standards, systems and worked examples for road vehicles.

Utes & light trucks Heavy vehicles Trailers 4WDs & off-road vehicles
Issued by
National Heavy Vehicle Regulator
Version
2025 edition
Source check
28 Jul 2026
View official rules
AUS Current

Inspection manuals

National Heavy Vehicle Inspection Manual

Inspection criteria for heavy vehicles. Version 3.1 remains current until 1 August 2026.

Heavy vehicles Heavy Truck Bus Heavy Trailer
Issued by
National Heavy Vehicle Regulator
Version
Version 3.1
Source check
First check queued
View official rules
AUS Current

Codes of practice

Vehicle Standards Bulletin 14 — National Code of Practice for Light Vehicle Construction and Modification

National technical code for construction and modification of light vehicles up to 4.5 tonnes. State and territory approval and registration processes still apply.

Cars Utes & light trucks Motorcycle Trailers Individually Constructed 4WDs & off-road vehicles
Issued by
Australian Government Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts
Version
Live document collection
Source check
28 Jul 2026
View official rules
AUS Current

Codes of practice

Vehicle Standards Bulletin 6 — National Code of Practice for Heavy Vehicle Modifications

National modification code and certification guidance for heavy vehicles.

Heavy vehicles Heavy Truck Bus Heavy Trailer
Issued by
National Heavy Vehicle Regulator
Version
Version 3.2
Source check
28 Jul 2026
View official rules
AUS Upcoming

Inspection manuals

National Heavy Vehicle Inspection Manual — upcoming edition

Version 3.2 becomes effective on 1 August 2026 and is shown in advance so operators can prepare.

Heavy vehicles Heavy Truck Bus Heavy Trailer
Issued by
National Heavy Vehicle Regulator
Version
Version 3.2
Effective
1 Aug 2026
Source check
First check queued
View official rules
Current means checked

A living source register, not a forgotten links page.

TowSmart fingerprints each official page or document on a schedule. When its bytes change, the affected record leaves the public library until the new version, effective date and plain-language description have been reviewed.

  1. 01
    Monitor

    Check official authority pages and downloads daily.

  2. 02
    Detect

    Compare source fingerprints, versions and effective dates.

  3. 03
    Review

    Hold changed material back until a person verifies it.

  4. 04
    Publish

    Restore the verified official link with a clear current status.

Important:

TowSmart provides access to official sources and general navigation help. It does not provide legal advice, engineering certification, a roadworthy certificate or approval to modify a vehicle. Requirements depend on the vehicle, manufacture date, intended modification and jurisdiction. The issuing authority’s current material always governs.