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Guide

4WD convoy and track etiquette: UHF, spacing and giving way

How to drive in a 4WD convoy and share tracks politely: UHF CB radio basics and channel conventions, the corner-marker system, spacing, who gives way on hills and single-lane tracks, overtaking, dust, campsites, gates and leaving no trace.

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Good 4WD convoy and track etiquette comes down to a few habits: agree on a UHF channel and use it clearly, keep a safe gap and make sure the vehicle behind you sees every turn, give way to vehicles climbing hills, leave gates as you found them, and leave campsites cleaner than you found them. The aim is to keep everyone safe and keep tracks open.

This guide is part of our 4WD beginner's guide. For radio hardware, see our comms gear page.

Before you leave

A short briefing prevents most convoy problems. Agree on:

  • The route, including fuel stops, lunch and the night's camp
  • The convoy order, with the most experienced drivers at the front and back
  • A UHF channel for the trip
  • What happens if someone breaks down or loses contact
  • A trip plan left with someone at home, especially for remote trips (see remote area safety)

UHF CB radio basics

UHF CB radio is the standard way for 4WD groups to communicate. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) sets the rules for the citizen band radio service.

Key points:

  • Emergency channels. Channel 5 (with Channel 35 as its repeater input) is reserved for emergencies. Do not chat on them.
  • Telemetry channels. Channels 22 and 23 are for telemetry; voice is not permitted.
  • Conventions. Channel 10 is widely used by 4WD clubs and in many parks, and Channel 40 is commonly used by trucks on highways. These are conventions, not law; check local signage.
  • Repeaters. Some channels can be used with repeaters to extend range. Use a repeater only when you need it.

Radio etiquette:

  • Listen before you talk.
  • Keep messages short and clear.
  • Identify yourself and who you are calling.
  • Remember that anyone can hear you: no personal details, and keep it polite.

Convoy driving

Spacing

Keep enough distance to stay out of the dust, stop safely and let each vehicle clear an obstacle before you start it. On dusty roads, that gap can be large. Never tailgate on corrugations or descents.

Keeping the group together

Use the corner-marker system: at every turn, the leader calls the turn on UHF and the next vehicle waits at the turn until the vehicle behind sees it. Then it moves on. Count vehicles regularly. If you lose contact with the vehicle behind, stop at a safe place and wait.

Obstacles

Only one vehicle tackles an obstacle at a time. The next waits at a safe distance until the obstacle is clear and the driver calls "clear" on the radio. Spotters stand where they can be seen, never in the line of travel or near recovery gear under load.

Sharing the track

Giving way

  • Uphill traffic has right of way on steep single-lane hills, by convention. Vehicles going downhill pull over if it is safe.
  • On single-lane tracks, the vehicle nearest a passing bay pulls in.
  • Call your position on UHF at blind corners and crests if you know others are on the track.

Overtaking

On dirt roads, dust can make overtaking dangerous. Call the vehicle ahead on UHF (Channel 40 for trucks), wait for a clear stretch and a signal to pass. If someone wants to pass you, slow down and move left.

Dust and stones

Slow down when passing oncoming vehicles, campsites or walkers. Dust and flying stones damage windscreens and annoy people.

Gates, stock and private property

  • Leave gates as you found them. Open stays open; closed stays closed.
  • Stay on formed tracks. Many tracks pass through pastoral leases or private land with access only on the track.
  • Give stock and wildlife space. Slow down and let them move.

Campsites

  • Camp only in permitted areas and book where required. Check the land manager, such as NSW National Parks.
  • Use existing fire pits and observe fire bans.
  • Take all rubbish out.
  • Use toilets where provided; otherwise follow land-manager guidance on human waste.
  • Keep noise down, especially generators, after dark.

Joining a club or tag-along

If you are new, travelling with a 4WD club or a commercial tag-along tour is one of the best ways to learn convoy habits. Experienced leaders run briefings, set the channel, position experienced drivers at the back and explain each obstacle before the group tackles it. Many clubs also run driver training days. Ask questions: experienced drivers are usually happy to explain why they do things a certain way. Members often post upcoming trips and look for trip partners on the forum, and our 4WD beginner's guide explains how convoy skills fit into the wider learning path.

Leave no trace

Staying on tracks, avoiding wet tracks and taking rubbish out keeps tracks open. Our Tread Lightly guide explains the principles.

Where to go next

Frequently asked questions

What UHF channel do 4WDers use?

There is no single official 4WD channel. Channel 10 is widely used by convention by 4WD clubs and in many parks, and Channel 40 is commonly used by trucks on highways. Groups agree on a convoy channel before departure and check local signage.

Which UHF channels are for emergencies?

Under ACMA rules, Channel 5 (and Channel 35, its repeater input) is reserved for emergency use. Channels 22 and 23 are for telemetry and must not be used for voice. Check ACMA for current rules.

Who gives way on a hill?

By convention, vehicles going downhill give way to vehicles climbing, because restarting on a steep climb is harder and riskier. Use common sense and communicate by UHF where possible.

How far apart should convoy vehicles be?

Far enough to stay out of each other's dust and to stop safely, and to let each vehicle clear an obstacle before the next starts, but close enough to keep the vehicle behind in sight at turns. Conditions dictate the gap.

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