Can Australian police pull over a caravan just to weigh it?

Yes. State transport inspectors (NSW Transport, VicRoads, TMR, Main Roads WA, SAPOL) have the authority to direct any towing combination to a portable weigh pad or fixed weighbridge for inspection. Combinations over 4.5 t GCM fall under the Heavy Vehicle National Law and can be stopped on suspicion alone.

How is a caravan weighed at the roadside?

Inspectors use portable pads — typically Haenni or Intercomp scales — placed under each tyre. They weigh per axle (tow vehicle front, rear and each van axle) and add the tow ball mass to confirm the rig is within GVM, GCM, ATM and individual axle limits.

What happens if I'm overweight at a police check?

Minor overloads ( 20%) breaches can exceed $5,800 plus court appearance and a vehicle defect notice ordering you off the road until weight is removed and a re-weigh is passed.

Where can I weigh my caravan before a trip?

Use a public weighbridge ($20–$50), book a mobile weighing service ($150–$300), or attend a free caravan industry weighing clinic at supershows and club events. Weigh the rig fully loaded with water, gas and gear — exactly as you'd tow it.

Will my insurance pay out if I have an accident while overweight?

Most Australian comprehensive caravan and tow-vehicle policies exclude claims where the rig was unroadworthy at the time of the incident. Being over GVM, GCM, ATM or axle limits qualifies as unroadworthy and is grounds for the insurer to refuse the claim — including third-party property damage.

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Guide

Caravan Police Checks & Roadside Weighing in Australia (2026)

Portable weigh pads now sit on every major touring route in Australia. Here's exactly what triggers a stop, how the weighing process works, where you can pre-weigh for free or cheap, and what an overweight result actually costs you.