Are common D Shackles illegal and receive on-the-spot fines? Fact Check

ByCraig Haley

An image of a poster that claims police are issuing on-the-spot fines for motorists using the “common D shackle” is spreading. The poster claims the common D shackle is illegal and motorists must now use a shackle with a special load rating pin.

The text of the image reads as follows –

The common D Shackle as we know it, used on every trailer is now ILLEGAL, as of the 1st February
All D Shackles now have to have a load rating pin and design as per picture.
Cops in Gympie have been pulling over everyone towing a boat or box trailer and issuing a $235 on the spot fine. No questions asked.
SO DON’T GET CAUGHT OUT

The rumours are false, and this legend has been debunked before. The claim that the standard D Shackle that most motorists are familiar with has been deemed illegal originally spread in 2014, primarily in Australia. The 2018 resurgence of this rumour has also spread primarily in Australia (it quotes Gympie, a town and locality in Queensland.)


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As previously stated, this was debunked when it first spread on Facebook back in 2014. Bundaberg Sergeant Marty Arnold busted the myth, stating the standard D Shackle is fine providing the load rating for the shackle you have is suitable for what you are towing. His response is here –

This is a false rumour that was started on Facebook.
Conventional D shackles are okay as long as the shackle itself is suitable to prevent complete trailer detachment should your trailer come off its tow ball.
Most auto stores or retailers will be able to tell you what load rating the shackle is rated for.

As such, any claims that D Shackles are illegal or that you can get an on the spot fine just for using one are false and have been debunked by the authorities themselves. Outside of Australia we are not aware of any countries that prohibit the standard D Shackle, providing it is of a suitable load rating.

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