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Unrestrained Load Fines

Did you know? A load on a heavy vehicle must: not be placed in a way that makes the vehicle unstable or unsafe; be secured so it is unlikely to fall or be dislodged. Safeguard Cargo Nets help secure your loads no matter the size and be restrained.

Australian laws require you to meet a certain standard when restraining your load. Failure to meet this standard will result in penalties and fines, perhaps loss of license depending on your state.
 
 
 

Offence

Fine

Demerit points

Sources for Fines

  

NSW

 

 

  
Drive/tow vehicle with unsecured load $439 3 https://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/roads/safety-rules/demerits-offences/uncovered-loads.html  
Drive/tow vehicle with load causing instability $439 3 https://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/roads/safety-rules/demerits-offences/uncovered-loads.html  
Drive/tow vehicle with overhanging load $439 3 https://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/roads/safety-rules/demerits-offences/uncovered-loads.html  
Not remove/have removed any thing fallen/put on road $439 3 https://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/roads/safety-rules/demerits-offences/uncovered-loads.html  

ACT

  
On the spot fines unsecured load $500 0 https://www.cmtedd.act.gov.au/open_government/inform/act_government_media_releases/tamsd/2015/residents-urged-to-cover-their-load-when-on-the-road#:~:text=%E2%80%9CIn%20the%20ACT%20travelling%20with,Securing%20a%20load%20is%20easy.  

VIC

  
Minor risk breach – no risk to people/property $242 0 https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/safety-and-road-rules/vehicle-safety/securing-your-load#:~:text=An%20unsecured%20load%20that%20poses,%2D%20RSA%20%2D%20light%20vehicle).  
Substantial risk breach – poses risk people/property $645 0 https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/safety-and-road-rules/vehicle-safety/securing-your-load#:~:text=An%20unsecured%20load%20that%20poses,%2D%20RSA%20%2D%20light%20vehicle).  
Severe risk breach – people Harmed or prop damage Court Loss of Licence https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/safety-and-road-rules/vehicle-safety/securing-your-load#:~:text=An%20unsecured%20load%20that%20poses,%2D%20RSA%20%2D%20light%20vehicle).  
Failure to properly secure a load. $266 0 https://mypolice.qld.gov.au/mackay/2020/12/08/unsecured-vehicle-load-west-mackay/  

SA

  
Driving or towing a vehicle carrying insecure or overhanging load
 $472 3 https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/safety-and-road-rules/vehicle-safety/securing-your-load#:~:text=An%20unsecured%20load%20that%20poses,%2D%20RSA%20%2D%20light%20vehicle).  

QLD

  
Driving or towing vehicle carrying load without required load restraint system
 $472 3 https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/safety-and-road-rules/vehicle-safety/securing-your-load#:~:text=An%20unsecured%20load%20that%20poses,%2D%20RSA%20%2D%20light%20vehicle).  

WA

  
Failure to properly secure a load. $150 0 https://www.rsc.wa.gov.au/Rules-Penalties/Browse/Securing-Loads-Towing  
Higher Fines – severe breach $5000 +   https://transafewa.com.au/training-resources/  

Tas

  
Unsecured load $382-$520 0 https://www.transport.tas.gov.au/licensing/demerits_and_offences/find_a_traffic_offence/lister_full  
Load Restraint Guide