The extract on the left was written by VicRoads and does apply to tow-bars. The maximum fine in Australia for a protruding tow-bar is $500.
	Did you know that many insurance companies charge extra for coverage of protruding tow-bars? The image to the left is an extract from the RACV insurance policy. If you do not pay the additional premium then no damage caused by your tow-bar will be insured. Your policy may not cover you either.
The following are typed copies of letters sent to BodySafe Products. To see the original letters, click the link at the beginning of each letter. Letter One - Click here to view original Vicroads Office of the Chief Executive Dear Mr Dunn PROTRUDING TOWBARS I refer to your letters of 23 March and 3 July 2000, addressed to the Hon. John Thwaites, in relation to injuries caused by protruding towbars. Your letters have now been referred to me for reply. The matters raised in your letters are referred to by Schedule 8 of the Road Safety (Vehicles) Regulations 1999, which include the following provision:   "30 Protrusions   (1) An object fitted to a vehicle must be designed, built and fitted to the vehicle in     a way that minimises the likelihood of injury to a person making contact with     the vehicle."
A towbar that is constructed such that it is likely to cause inury should be removed when not in use. If the towbar cannot be removed, then it should be constructed or protected in a way that minimises the potential to cuse injury. the offence for failing to comply with this requirement carries a maximum penalty of $500.
Yours sincerely Colin Jordan Chief Executive 3/8/2000 Letter Two - Click here to view original Vicroads Office of the Chief Executive Dear Mr Dunn PROTRUDING TOWBARS I refer to your letter dated 30 September 2000, regarding protruding towbars. There is little that can be added to my earlier correspondence. The existing National regulations are considered adequate to address your concerns, because they effectively require unprotected towbar tongues to be removed when not in use.
I am advised that specifically allowing a towbar protrusion of up to 100mm (as you have suggested) could not be justified because the towbar could still be a dangerous protrusion unless it was constructed or protected in a way that minimised the potential to cause injury.
Yours sincerely Colin Jordan Chief Executive 25/10/2000 Letter Three - Click here to view original Vicroads Office of the Chief Executive Dear Mr Dunn PROTRUDING TOWBARS I refer to your letter of 21 February 2001, addressed to the Minister for Transport, in relation to the laws concerning protruding towbars. Your letter has been referred to me for reply. As previously advised, Victoria's existing regulations are considered adequate to address the safety implications of a protruding towbar. These regulations are consistent with the national regulations which apply in other states and territories. ... Yours sincerely Colin Jordan Chief Executive 17/4/2001 Back to front page