Rear Marking Plates: Which Ones Your Truck or Trailer Needs (VSB 12)

Updated 2026-10-28 · Aurex trade counter, Campbellfield VIC

Short answer: under the NHVR's Vehicle Standards Bulletin 12 (VSB 12), every motor vehicle over 12 tonnes GVM and every trailer over 10 tonnes GTM must carry retroreflective rear marking plates. Use a pair of Category 33 or 34 plates where the rear allows it, strip plates (161, 81 or 41) where it doesn't, and Category 615 strips on prime movers. Vehicles or combinations 7.5m or longer that straddle lanes to turn must also show DO NOT OVERTAKE TURNING VEHICLE.

Which vehicles must have rear marking plates?

VSB 12 says these must be fitted with rear marking plates:

• Motor vehicles with a GVM over 12 tonnes (NC category)
• Trailers with a GTM over 10 tonnes (TD category)
• Buses with a GVM over 12 tonnes (certain ME category), except buses fitted with hand grips for standing passengers, such as urban route buses

Lighter vehicles (motor vehicles under 12 tonnes GVM and trailers under 10 tonnes GTM) may fit rear marking plates voluntarily.

Rear marking plate categories explained

A plate's category comes from its overall width and height. For example, a 300mm × 100mm plate is Category 31. A letter L means a legend-only plate carrying the DO NOT OVERTAKE TURNING VEHICLE message. On strip plates, the letters A, B and C show which way the colour bands slant.

How to choose the right combination

VSB 12 sets an order of preference, depending on how much flat space the rear of the vehicle has:

• If space permits, use Category 33 and 34 plates first, adding strip plates for extra visibility where possible.
• With Category 33 plates, fit them with a 31L or 33L plate in the correct configuration.
• With Category 34 plates, use a 33 on the right and a 34A on the left, or 34 plates on both sides. Category 34 plates can't be used on a vehicle or combination under 7.5m long.
• If the rear can't take Category 33 and 34 plates, use a Category 161 strip, with 31L and 33L plates if required.
• If a single 161 won't fit, use the equivalent combination of 81 and 41 strips. For example, two 41A plates end to end equal an 81A, and a 41A plus a 41B equals an 81C.
• On a prime mover, lead semi-trailer or converter dolly, use 615 plates only, with 31L or 33L plates if required.

When is DO NOT OVERTAKE TURNING VEHICLE required?

VSB 12 notes that this warning is a road rule obligation in each state and territory, applying to heavy and light vehicles alike. Vehicles or combinations 7.5m or longer that have to straddle lanes or turn from an adjacent lane at intersections must display the message. Vehicles or combinations shorter than 7.5m must not. Vehicles driven or registered in NSW may use signs as prescribed in the NSW Road Rules.

Where to mount rear marking plates

Height is measured from the ground to the bottom edge of the plate, with the vehicle unladen on flat ground. The outer edge is measured from the outside edge of the plate to the widest part of the vehicle on that side, not counting mirrors and side lights.

VSB 12 also requires that you:

• Mount plates on a rear, near-vertical surface (no more than 5° from vertical), at 85–95° to the vehicle's length.
• Fit non-strip plates as close as possible to the outside edge of the vehicle.
• Use the same size for plates that pair up on opposite sides.
• Keep plates clean and unobscured by the load, tarps or other parts of the vehicle.
• Make the colour bands on strip plates slope down and outward, away from the centre of the vehicle.
• Use one reflective material on all plates on a vehicle. Don't mix Class 400, Class 1A and UNECE R70 plates.

For Category 615 strips, VSB 12 requires the long edge horizontal, both plates at the same height, on a surface such as the mudflaps. For all plate pairs, it recommends mounting them symmetrically about the vehicle's centre line and at the same height.

Reflective classes, and the end of Class 2

Plates can be made from three classes of retroreflective material: Class 400 (AS/NZS 1906.1), Class 1A (AS/NZS 1906.2) and material complying with UNECE Regulation 70. Class 2 plates have been discontinued. Fitting new Class 2 plates has been prohibited since 1 January 2021, and Class 2 plates already fitted must be replaced with Class 400, Class 1A or UNECE R70 plates once they're damaged, faded or incorrectly fitted.

Aluminium plates or self-adhesive stickers?

• Avoid bending plates to fit a curved surface, as it can damage the reflective material. VSB 12 recommends pressure-sensitive (self-adhesive) plates on curved surfaces.
• Don't cut, drill or punch plates. Strip plates may be cut to fit, but VSB 12 recommends removing no more than 10mm and keeping the overall dimensions.
• For metal-backed plates, put an insulating spacer between dissimilar metals, use compatible fasteners with synthetic washers, and prefer adhesive to welding brackets or drilling the vehicle.

What a compliant plate is marked with

The plate face must show, in text no more than 3mm high, the manufacturer or agent's name, AS4001.1 and the reflective material class. Plates must also show letters indicating their correct orientation. Plates without these markings, or worn so they can't be read, aren't acceptable for road use.

Shop rear marking plates

• All rear marking plates and heavy vehicle signs
• Category 41A zebra plate, 400 × 100mm (left)
• Category 41B zebra plate, 400 × 100mm (right)
• Category 615A strip plate, 600 × 150mm
• Category 615B strip plate, 600 × 150mm
• 300 × 400mm marking plate, left (34A)
• DO NOT OVERTAKE TURNING VEHICLE plate, 300 × 100mm

Source

• NHVR, Vehicle Standards Bulletin 12 (VSB 12): Rear Marking Plates, Version 2.3, November 2025