4x4 Convoy Rules

Certain rule or procedure need to be practiced when move in big convoy. This is to ensure that your fellow drivers not left behind or lost. These also make your team look well organized.

These rules are crucial to ensuring the safety of participants and members of the public, and to ensure participants arrive at the destination as a group.

Prior to departure

Make sure your vehicle has enough fuel, oil, water well before the run, and is mechanically able to complete the journey. If your four wheel uses excessive fuel, let the Trip Leader know so a fuel stop can be planned.

Convoy Structure: Trip Leader/Convoy Leader

Should be in in front and also as a trip guide. Convoy leader play an essential role to ensure the condition of the convoy.

1. The Trip Leader must obey speed limits at all times, remembering that the rear of the convoy may be a long way back.
2. Constantly view mirrors to ensure the convoy is not spacing out too far.
3. If a lot of traffic lights are encountered, it may be necessary to pull over somewhere safely to reform.
4. A generous use of indicators when changing direction.
5. Inform the group prior to departure of the destination and any stops (perhaps a map).
6. If the convoy is too large to keep together form a couple of groups.

Members' Four Wheel

1. Do not pass other convoy vehicles except in emergency.
2. Watch the leader for passing (use indicators)
3. Maintain a safe distance from the car in front (1 car length for every 16kph/10mph)
4. Do not let the car in front get out of sight.
5. Flash your lights if in trouble.
6. Non-Corvettes at the rear of the convoy, but in front of Tail-end Charlie/Sweeper.

Tail-end Charlie/Sweeper

1. Keep visual contact with the Trip Leader (if possible).
2. Use radios or mobiles to contact Trip Leader when necessary.
3. Contact Trip Leader if there a vehicles at the rear have to travel too fast to keep up.

Type of Convoy

Loose Convoy or Open Convoy

Usually applicable for off roader who has mastered the route or equipped with map or compass and has been detailed brief about the destination.

Close Convoy

All 4x4 members moving within the safe distance and speed depends on the route and trips condition.

On Road Convoy

When in a convoy, we are on display to the public and it is expected that all participants are courteous to all traffic and pedestrians. Burnouts and similar displays are prohibited except during specified events. Speed limits and all traffic rules must be obeyed.

It would be expected that general traffic would at times join or hold up a convoy. It is not essential that all convoy members be strictly together if general traffic has broken the convoy. Provided that members can clearly see and are not excessively behind the next corvette in front, members should continue in that lane and not overtake and risk cutting in front of the car you are overtaking.

Stay aware of the vehicle both in front and behind you. If you find that the vehicles behind you have been split, then slow down or wait safely at any turnoff for those that are following.

When stopping, move off the road as quickly as possible. Do not stop on the roadway.

When approaching RED lights take up as many lanes legally as possible, once past the lights reform into single file again. If you want to go slower than the speed limit or look around let your trip leader know so that you are not holding up the convoy.

Off Road Convoy

1. It is very important during the off road trips to follow these rules to ensure your trips going according as planned and smoothly.
2. Once you're on off road route, your vehicle should be arranged according to the capability of each 4x4 and their recovery equipments.This method is vital for recovery purpose.
3. Ensure you see the vehicle behind you.Don't follow too close and maintained safe distance.
4. The vehicle should take turn one by one when ascending or descending hill or narrow corner.
5. The Trip Leader should guide or inform all team members from time to time on the route condition as a precautionary action.
6. Do not stop or park your four wheel on the middle of the hill, narrow corner,steep hill or route.
7. Do not leave your team member alone in the middle of off road trips.

In case of difficulties or problems:

If a vehicle breaks down or you experience any problems requiring you to pull over and stop, stay with your vehicle and contact the Trip Leader or another member by radio.

Please drive safely and happy off roading!