Convoy Rules

  • Appoint a Trip Leader and a Tail End Charlie for the duration of the activity.
  • Agree on a suitable radio channel. Adopt and use correct radio procedure.
  • Convoy procedure becomes applicable when the convoy moves off from the starting point.
  • When travelling on sealed roads, leave sufficient distance between vehicles to allow other road traffic to overtake safely.
  • Always wait at intersections to ensure that the following vehicle has identified the correct route to be taken. Indicate the direction to be taken and wait until the following vehicle acknowledges direction by using his own indicator.
  • Always keep the vehicle behind you in sight.
  • Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front at all times, especially in dusty or muddy conditions, in hilly country or when brakes are wet.
  • When ascending or descending steep hills, or crossing obstacles, wait until the preceding vehicle has cleared the obstacle or has advised that it is clear to continue. Only one vehicle in the obstacle at a time.
  • No vehicle is to leave the convoy without first informing the trip leader.
  • Wait at open gates until the following vehicle has arrived to prevent stock passing through. All gates are to be left as found.
  • In the interests of conservation, vehicles must keep to formed tracks while in the bush area. The trip leader will decide if it is necessary to leave the track in order to bypass a hazard.
  • River crossings - no two vehicles to be in the water at anyone time. When you have crossed the river, stop, and allow the vehicle to drain off excess water to save excessive erosion of the exit point.
  • In the event of a recovery or accident, vehicles and spectators will keep well clear of all operations. The trip leader is responsible for all recovery operations – or for delegating a recovery supervisor.
  • Tail end Charlie is responsible for:
  • Knowing the route the trip leader will be taking.
  • Keeping the trip leader informed of the convoy’s progress.
  • Leaving gates as found by trip leader.
  • Stopping and organising assistance in case of breakdown or delay.
  • Should the convoy become separated, use radio or mobile phone to contact the Trip Leader. If unable to contact the convoy, go back to the last place of visual contact - Stop and Wait.

Four Wheel Drive Code of Ethics

THIS CODE SUPPORTS THE NATIONAL RECREATIONAL VEHICLE POLICY AND IS VALUABLE ONLY IF YOU OBSERVE IT.
  • Obey the laws and regulations for Recreational Vehicles that apply to public lands.
  • Respect the cultural, heritage and environmental values of public/private land, by obeying restrictions that may apply.
  • Respect our flora and fauna. Stop and look, but never disturb.
  • Keep to formed vehicle tracks.
  • Keep the environment clean. Carry your own, and any other, rubbish out.
  • Keep your vehicle mechanically sound and clean to reduce the environmental impact.
  • Adopt minimal impact camping and driving practices.
  • Seek permission before driving on private land. Do not disturb livestock or watering points, leave gates as found.
  • Take adequate water, food, fuel, basic spares and a first aid kit on trips. In remote areas travel with another vehicle and have Royal Flying Doctor Service, or equivalent, radio contact.
  • Enjoy your recreation and respect the rights of others.
  • Plan ahead and lodge trip details with a responsible person.
  • Support four-wheel drive touring as a responsible and legitimate family recreational activity. Consider joining an affiliated Four Wheel Drive Club.
Produced by the Australian National Four Wheel Drive Council Inc in the interest of promoting responsible recreational vehicle use.