The loading zone signage is one sign of contention for Aussie drivers.   

It wouldn’t be a typical urban driving experience without you having to carefully decipher poorly labelled street signs before deciding if it’s safe to stop or park there. Road signs are used to bring order to our roads. However, they are often quite confusing and poorly labelled.  

While ‘No Stopping’, ‘Bus Lane’, and ‘No Parking’ are signs that are straightforward to understand, loading zones are usually without instruction or clarification. However, one positive thing is that they do look the same in every state.  

As an expert Perth towing company, Specialized Tilt Tray and Towing have your guide to loading zones in Western Australia.  

So, what exactly do loading zone signs mean, who can park in them, and what else do you need to know so you don’t have your car towed away in Perth.  

What is a loading zone?  

A loading zone is an area that allows commercial vehicles to temporarily unload or load goods. There is no use resenting your local loading zones, as many commercial operators depend on these zones to legally stop and make deliveries in densely built areas.  

There are two types. The first type is the 24-hour loading zones. It simply bears the words “Loading Zone” on it and an arrow pointing toward the spot. The other version has the same elements, with the exception that it includes exact days and times.  

What’s the Purpose of Loading Zones?  

Vehicles can load or unload goods in loading zones. These signs are in many urban centres. These signs allow vehicles to use this area of the road for up to 30 minutes. Parking time may be subject to certain rules. It depends on whether goods are being dropped off or taken away.  

Who Can Use a Loading Zone?   

Loading zone regulations apply to Western Australia’s local council areas. If in doubt, it is probably best not to use any loading zone in the state.  

The law says that only commercial vehicles may park in a loading area if the person is constantly loading or unloading items into the vehicle. A commercial vehicle can be defined as one that has been “constructed and adapted for the conveyance or use to primarily transport goods”.  

In Perth, however, the definition of “commercial vehicle” excludes vehicles “for the transport of materials used in any trade or business, industry, or other work”-that is, no utes, wagons, or other vehicles other than delivery vans or light trucks.  

It is forbidden for disability permit drivers to park in WA loading zones. If you do, your car can be towed away in Perth.  

Loading areas have a maximum stay of 30 minutes unless stated otherwise in the sign. A fine of $100 for illegally parking or stopping within a loading zone is assessed. The local government can issue permits for non-commercial vehicles for a cost.  

Who Can’t Use a Loading Zone?  

AWD and 4WD vehicles cannot park in loading zones. This includes SUVs and people movers. The loading zone is not allowed to be used by commercial vehicles, even if you intend to load or unload passengers or goods.  

In all Australian states, motorcycles are considered non-commercial vehicles. They are prohibited from parking in loading areas unless a permit is obtained. This applies to motorcycles with delivery-service branding.  

As a Perth 24-hour towing service, we recommend you contact your local council for information on permit costs or restrictions.  

How is the Authorised Vehicle in the Loading Zone Identified?  

Signs must be displayed on parcel delivery and courier vehicles. They should comply with the specifications below, no matter if they are sedans, bikes, station wagons, or other similar vehicles.  

The company name or business name is displayed on the sign. You may add symbols or words.  

For maximum readability, the above-mentioned letters and symbols should be at a minimum of 50mm high.  

Signs must be legible and easily readable at five metres.  

They should be clearly contrasted with the background.  

Permanent signs must be posted on both sides of your vehicle. It is prohibited to use magnetic signs or those that can be placed on roof racks and windows. Permanent adhesives are the only exception. You can place the sign on motorcycles from both the front and back.  

What Happens if you Don’t Display Signage?  

Here’s a friendly reminder to commercial sedan drivers and station waggon owners, signage is a must if you want to avoid being booked. If you do have signage, but not the proper sizing, it is the same.  

To avoid any problems, you can use only a quarter of the time allowed in the loading zone. To make sure you are safe, park in a regular parking space that allows you to pick up or deliver your goods. While it might not be as convenient as parking in loading zones, it will reduce the likelihood of you getting into trouble. You don’t want the heavy fine that comes with being caught.  

Important Guidelines to Adhere To  

Anyone who desires to park in loading zones should know that replacing an expired ticket is against the law. If you have a ticket from the past few days, you can’t use it again on another day.  

You can be fined for violating this rule. However, some people will use the loading areas even when they aren’t allowed to. If an officer finds a car in the loading zones and it doesn’t comply with any of the above requirements, they can be penalised.   

Other than the above-mentioned guidelines, there are other rules that you should follow about loading zones in many states, including Western Australia. The following amendments were made:  

According to the road rules, only drivers who are operating hire cars may use loading zones. It can be confusing because of the inconsistent loading zone guidelines and road rules. To ensure consistency, the rules may be modified in this instance.  

Unlawful parking was one of the major changes to the regulations. Between 2007 and 2008, the penalty for illegal parking was $110.12, or one unit. It remains unchanged to this day.  

In 2004, the Government Gazette ordered that the Treasurer determine the parking fees and other regulations once per financial year. Apart from parking fees, the penalty unit was addressed.  

The Transport Integration Act allows commercial passenger vehicles to park and rest in designated loading zones. They can then drop off or pick up passengers. They can also pick up and deliver goods from these areas.  

The road rules have been updated significantly since July 1, 2017. The only exception to this rule is when couriers or delivery cars need to stop in a loading area.  

Loading zones can be a real pain to comprehend. We hope this post has provided some insight into Western Australian rules.  

For an emergency, Perth’s 24-hour towing services are a great choice.  

You may need a tow if your car has broken down or been in an accident. Contact your local Perth car towing experts, Specialized Tilt Tray and Towing, today and get the help you need.