Towing a caravan is more than just a lifestyle—it comes with serious responsibilities. Whether you’re cruising down the Pacific Highway or winding through the Great Ocean Road, you’re not the only one on the move. One of the most critical parts of caravan towing etiquette is knowing how to help other vehicles overtake safely.
Many drivers get frustrated when stuck behind a slow-moving caravan, especially on single-lane roads or steep inclines. As a responsible caravaner, it’s up to you to minimise that frustration—and more importantly, avoid creating dangerous situations.
If you’re considering purchasing caravans in Heatherbrae, understanding overtaking etiquette isn’t just polite—it’s part of being a safe road user. In this blog, we’ll walk through the legal obligations, practical strategies and common sense tips to help other vehicles pass safely when you’re towing.
Why Overtaking Matters More When You’re Towing
Caravans, by nature, take longer to accelerate, slow down, and turn. This makes them harder to overtake—especially for smaller vehicles or during peak traffic. When you’re towing:
- Your vehicle is usually longer and heavier
- You’re often travelling below the speed limit, especially uphill
- You may create a queue of frustrated drivers behind you
These factors increase the risk of dangerous overtaking attempts. The longer someone is stuck behind you, the more likely they are to make a rash move—particularly on blind bends or crests. That’s why it’s essential to help them pass safely and legally.
Your Legal Obligations When Being Overtaken
Australian road rules make it clear: if another driver wants to overtake you, you must not increase your speed and you should help facilitate the move where safe. This applies even more so when you’re towing.
In NSW and many other states, the key laws are:
- Do not speed up while being overtaken
- Stay left on multi-lane roads
- Keep as far to the left as safely possible on single-lane roads
- Use slow vehicle turnouts or overtaking lanes when available
- Do not cross double white lines unless permitted by signage
- Use your indicators appropriately when changing position or pulling over
You’re not expected to pull off the road at every opportunity—but if there’s a wide shoulder, layby or overtaking lane, use it.
Signs You’re Holding Up Traffic
Sometimes it’s hard to tell whether you’re the cause of a traffic queue—especially with long mirrors and limited rear visibility. Here’s how to spot the signs:
- A line of vehicles consistently forming behind you
- Cars tailgating or flashing lights
- Motorists attempting risky overtakes
- CB radio chatter (if you’re tuned in) from truck drivers frustrated by slow traffic
If you see more than 2–3 vehicles behind you, it’s time to consider pulling over and letting them pass. It’s not a race. Safety—and keeping the peace—should come first.
How To Use Overtaking Lanes Properly
Most highways across Australia include overtaking lanes every 5–20 kilometres, depending on terrain. These are your best friend as a caravaner. Here’s how to use them:
- Keep left as soon as the lane starts—don’t wait until other vehicles are right behind you
- Maintain your speed—don’t slow down too much or you may cause issues
- Avoid accelerating, especially uphill
- Let everyone behind you pass, even if it means delaying your own journey by a few minutes
- Merge back safely once the overtaking lane ends, ensuring there’s enough gap
Remember: overtaking lanes are not just for others—they’re for you to let the pressure off your mirrors and drive more comfortably.
When and How To Pull Over Safely
There are plenty of scenarios where it’s safer to pull over and let others pass:
- On winding coastal or mountain roads with few overtaking zones
- When towing uphill at reduced speed
- When approaching a town or turning point where others may want to go faster
Safe places to pull over include:
- Emergency lanes or rest bays
- Gravel shoulders with clear visibility
- Wide entrances to service roads or picnic spots
Before pulling over:
- Check mirrors and blind spots
- Signal early and clearly
- Gradually reduce speed
- Avoid braking suddenly, especially on loose surfaces
- Wave vehicles past only if it’s safe and legal to do so
Once everyone’s passed, take a deep breath and get back on the road when ready. You’ll feel better for it—and so will the folks behind you.
Communicating with Other Drivers (The Right Way)
While it may seem old-school, communication still plays a big role in keeping the road safe. Some caravaners use:
- Hand signals or headlight flashes to indicate it’s safe to pass (not legally recommended)
- CB radios to coordinate with trucks or fellow travellers
- Brake tapping to indicate slowdowns ahead
That said, avoid confusing or misleading signals. Flashing headlights to let someone pass can backfire if another hazard is ahead. Let other drivers make their own decisions—your job is to create space, not to direct traffic.
The Role of Towing Mirrors in Overtaking Situations
Towing mirrors aren’t just about compliance—they give you a wider field of vision. That makes it easier to:
- See how many vehicles are behind you
- Anticipate overtaking attempts
- Change lanes safely
- Pull over with confidence
Legally, if your caravan is wider than your car’s rear-view field, towing mirrors are mandatory. You can be fined for not having them, but more importantly, you’re driving blind to what’s happening behind you.
What Experienced Caravaners Do Differently
Long-time caravaners develop a sixth sense on the road. Here’s what many of them do:
- Check mirrors every 10–15 seconds
- Plan overtaking opportunities well in advance
- Avoid peak traffic times whenever possible
- Stick to a comfortable speed—usually around 90–95 km/h
- Always assume there’s a car or two behind them
Their motto? “Be the driver you’d want to follow.”
By being predictable, considerate and calm, they reduce stress for everyone—including themselves.
Real-World Example: Keeping the Convoy Calm
A family travelling through the Victorian High Country in 2023 found themselves leading a small convoy. After 10 minutes, they noticed four cars behind them. Instead of waiting for the next overtaking lane 15km away, they pulled into a rest bay with full visibility.
Every car passed with a wave. The family took a short break, then rejoined the road in a better position—with less pressure and more peace of mind.
This is the gold standard of overtaking etiquette. Simple, safe and effective.
FAQs
Is it illegal to speed up while someone is overtaking me?
Yes, it’s illegal—and dangerous. Increasing your speed while someone overtakes can lead to side-swipes, head-ons or off-road crashes. Every state’s road rules state clearly that you must maintain or reduce speed while being overtaken. Even a small acceleration can throw off the timing of a safe overtake, especially on rural roads or during windy conditions. If police observe you doing this, you could be fined or even charged with dangerous driving.
Do I have to pull over every time a vehicle is behind me?
Not every time, but if there’s a queue of vehicles, you should look for a safe place to pull over. The general rule of thumb? If you see 2–3 or more cars tailing you, it’s time to let them pass. This helps reduce road rage, prevent risky overtaking and shows courtesy to fellow road users. Use rest bays, gravel shoulders or overtaking lanes—whatever’s safest and most convenient. It’s not about rushing—it’s about keeping the flow moving.
Can I signal to other drivers that it’s safe to overtake?
Technically, no—you shouldn’t signal other drivers to overtake. Flashing headlights, waving hands or turning on indicators can send mixed messages or cause confusion. In the event of a crash, the overtaking driver may blame your signal. Legally, you’re not authorised to direct traffic unless you’re a traffic controller or police officer. Instead, focus on maintaining a consistent line, staying left, and creating space. Let other drivers make their own decisions with full visibility.
Are there penalties for not helping other vehicles overtake?
While there’s no fine specifically for “not helping,” you can be penalised for:
- Driving too slow without pulling over
- Obstructing traffic flow
- Speeding up while being overtaken
- Failing to stay left on overtaking lanes or multi-lane roads
These offences can attract fines, demerit points and complaints from other road users. In extreme cases, especially if an accident occurs, police may consider it negligent driving. The takeaway? Be proactive. Help when you can. Pull over when it’s safe.
What’s the best way to avoid holding people up when towing?
Plan ahead. Start by choosing less busy travel times, such as weekdays or early mornings. Drive at a consistent speed (ideally 90–95 km/h) and keep a close eye on your mirrors. Use overtaking lanes or rest stops to let traffic clear. Make sure your rig is well-balanced and legal, so you’re not slowing down due to poor performance. And most importantly, don’t take it personally. Letting others pass is not about weakness—it’s about wisdom.
Every Trip Is Safer When You Share the Road
Helping other vehicles overtake when you’re towing a caravan isn’t just a courtesy—it’s a responsibility. From maintaining speed to pulling over at the right time, these simple actions make Australian roads safer for everyone.
Start your journey with confidence — visit 7th Street Caravans or give our team a call on 02 4012 6009 for friendly, local advice.