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All about data-plates

A data-plate is a small but powerful source of information, providing a quick reference to details concerning your trailer

A data-plate is a small but powerful source of information, providing a quick reference to details concerning your trailer.

The National Road Traffic Act (NRTA Reg 245) states that all trailers above 3 500 KG and those first registered from 1 January 1998 (irrespective of capacity) must have a metal data-plate securely fixed to the body.

The information must be imprinted or stamped onto the plate using Roman Letters and Numerals preferably 7mm high.

Where should the data-plate be placed?

The plate should be easily accessible and fixed securely to the curb side of the trailer preferably to the drawbar or as far forward on the body or chassis as possible. The information has to be clearly legible.

What size is a data-plate?

The standard data-plate used is 165mm x 75mm (w x h).

Most incorrectly stamped data on the information plate is –

  • For the maximum permissible (or legally allowed) vehicle mass load V; and
  • The maximum axle mass load A (or AU in case of a tandem axle).

Permissible maximum vehicle mass V:

The permissible maximum vehicle mass, denoted as V, is not the maximum payload. It can never be less than the Tare of the vehicle, nor can it be more than the Gross Vehicle Mass GVM.

Permissible maximum axle mass load A (or AU):

The permissible axle mass load, denoted as A (or AU), cannot be higher than the permissible maximum vehicle mass V.

About Information Plates on a light-trailer:

Two sets of information are shown on the information plate –

  • The manufacturers data T, GVM and GA/GAU. These are the masses for which the trailer is designed for in order to be able to carry a certain load; and
  • The legally permissible data V and A/AU. These are the masses which limit the trailer due to legal restrictions. A light trailer will often have an identical information for GVM and V, or GA/GAU and A/AU.

Important to note; the permissible masses can never be greater than the manufacturer’s design masses.