Towing mirrors in NSW: when you need them and how to choose

The rule: a clear view behind and to each side

There is no NSW rule that names a particular towing mirror. The requirement comes from the road rules: rule 297 of the NSW Road Rules 2014 says a driver must not drive unless they have a clear view of the road and traffic ahead, behind and to each side. Transport for NSW's caravan guidance adds that if you are towing a large caravan, you may need extra mirrors for the towing vehicle. Put together, the test is practical: sitting in the driver's seat, can you see down both sides of the caravan or trailer and the road behind it? If not, you need towing mirrors before you drive.

When you will need them

A quick check before every trip: with the van hitched and the car parked straight, look in each mirror. You should see the rear corner of the van and a good stretch of road behind it on both sides. If the van fills the mirror, the mirrors are not doing the job.

The main types

Clip-on mirrors are the cheapest way in and suit someone who tows a few times a year. If you tow often, replacement mirrors that fold back in when you are not towing are more stable and save fitting time. Whatever you buy, check it is made for your exact make and model and stays still at 100 km/h: a mirror that shakes is close to useless on the highway.

Setting them up

1. Hitch the van and park on level ground with the car and van in a straight line.
2. Adjust each mirror so the side of the van takes up only a small strip on the inside edge.
3. Make sure you can see the road behind the van, out to the next lane.
4. Check again after a short drive, because clip-on mounts settle.
5. Remove or fold the mirrors when you are not towing; wide mirrors that stick out without a trailer can catch on posts and cyclists.

Our electric brake controller and tare weight guides cover the other set-up jobs before a first trip with a van.

Other NSW towing rules

Who can tow

Speed

In NSW, if your vehicle has a gross vehicle mass over 4.5 tonnes, or the vehicle and trailer together have a gross combination mass over 4.5 tonnes, you must not exceed 100 km/h, whatever the posted limit. Below that, the posted limit applies, but the NSW Government advises driving to the manufacturer's limits and the conditions.

Long combinations

The NSW Government says a vehicle or combination at least 7.5 m long may display a "do not overtake turning vehicle" sign. It is not a blanket instruction to fit one to every long caravan: specific wide-turn rules also require the sign and a safe turn. A combination under 7.5 m must not display it.

Loads on a trailer

Weight on the tow ball

The NSW Government's rule of thumb is that about 5% to 10% of the trailer and load's total mass should sit on the tow ball, with about 60% of the load forward of the axle and the drawbar level or slightly nose-down. Our tare, ATM and GTM guide explains the weights involved.

Number plates and lights

Rear number plates and lights must stay clearly visible. If a trailer, caravan or bike rack covers your rear plate, you need an auxiliary plate, and the towbar itself must not hide the plate or lights when nothing is hitched.

Brakes and chains

The NSW braking thresholds use gross trailer mass (GTM), the load supported through the trailer wheels: up to 750 kg no brakes are required, though any fitted brakes must comply; 751 to 2,000 kg needs efficient brakes on both wheels of at least one axle; above 2,000 kg needs all-wheel brakes and an automatic breakaway system. Safety-chain requirements are separate. Our electric trailer brakes guide sets them out.

If the trailer sways

The NSW Government's advice: do not brake the vehicle except as a last resort. If the trailer brakes can be applied on their own, apply them gently; otherwise hold a steady speed or accelerate slightly until the sway stops.

Common questions