Guide to modification for motor vehicles - VicRoads

Page created by Samuel Carrillo
 
CONTINUE READING
Connecting
our communities

Vehicle Standards Information 8
June 2021              This information sheet supersedes
                       all previous copies of VSI 8.

Guide to modification for motor vehicles

This Vehicle                                  From time to time, vehicles and
                                              vehicle designs change. Accordingly,
                                                                                        Standards for registration
Standards Information                         the modifications that are approved
                                                                                        Victoria’s Standards for Registration
                                                                                        are set out in Schedule 2 of the Road
sheet outlines the                            will change. Modifiers must ensure        Safety (Vehicles) Interim Regulations
requirements when                             that they are working from the most
                                              recent version of this document
                                                                                        2020. To be eligible for registration
modifying a vehicle.                          before they modify a vehicle.
                                                                                        in Victoria, a vehicle must comply
                                                                                        with the Standards for Registration
The vehicle operator                                                                    applicable at its date of manufacture.
                                              However, the requirements of
is responsible                                this Information Sheet are not
                                                                                        Registered vehicles are required
for ensuring the                              retrospective. This means that, in
                                                                                        to continue to comply with the
                                                                                        applicable Standards for Registration.
vehicle is modified                           general, modifications undertaken in
                                              accordance with the version of VSI 8      Vehicle Assessment Signatory
in accordance with                            current at the time the modification      Scheme (VASS) Approval
the standards for                             is carried out will remain acceptable     Certificate
registration.                                 into the future unless a future version
                                                                                        A VASS Approval Certificate is a
                                              of VSI 8 specifically states otherwise.
                                                                                        certificate that can be accepted as
This information sheet applies
                                              VicRoads has approved some of             evidence that a modified vehicle
to vehicles with a Gross Vehicle
                                              the more common and simpler               has been inspected and that all
Mass (GVM) of 4.5 tonne or less.
                                              modifications which generally do          modifications have been carried
For heavy vehicle requirements
                                              not affect a vehicle’s continued          out and completed in accordance
please refer to the National
                                              compliance with the Standards for         with the National Code of Practice
Heavy Vehicle Regulator website
                                              Registration. A list of these approved    for Light Vehicle Construction and
at nhvr.gov.au
                                              modifications is set out below.           Modification (see below) or in a
                                                                                        manner that is otherwise acceptable
                                              Some more complex modifications           to VicRoads. An Approval Certificate
Introduction
                                              to vehicles have also been approved       can only be issued by a Signatory
Modifications to vehicles have                provided those modifications have         authorised under the Vehicle
the potential to adversely affect             been carried out in accordance            Assessment Signatory Scheme (VASS).
a vehicle’s compliance with the               with the National Code of Practice
Standards for Registration, its               for Light Vehicle Construction            The list of VASS signatories is available
structural integrity, the operation           and Modification published on the         from any VicRoads Customer Service
of its safety systems or its handling         Commonwealth Department of                Centre or the VicRoads website.
characteristics. It is for this reason that   Infrastructure, Transport, Regional
Regulation 252 of the Road Safety                                                       In general, an Approval Certificate
                                              Development and Communications
(Vehicles) Interim Regulations 2020                                                     is required for a modification to any
                                              (DITRDC) website as Vehicle
states that a person must not use on a                                                  part of a vehicle that is covered by an
                                              Standards Bulletin 14 (VSB 14).
highway a modified vehicle unless the                                                   Australian Design Rule (ADR) or that
                                              Particulars are set out below. Some
modification has been approved by                                                       has the potential to adversely affect
                                              modifications that are not addressed
VicRoads or has been carried out in                                                     the structural integrity, safety systems
                                              by VSB 14 are also included below.
accordance with guidelines published                                                    or handling characteristics or exhaust
by VicRoads.                                                                            emissions compliance of the vehicle.

vicroads.vic.gov.au
Note: Any modification not specifically listed as an
approved modification in this Information Sheet will
                                                            ∞ rear vision mirror extensions for                      Vehicle Standards Bulletin 14
require a VASS Approval Certificate or may be prohibited.     towing                                                 (VSB 14)
It is recommended to contact a VASS signatory
before conducting any modification not listed in this       ∞ roof racks                                             National code of practice for
Information Sheet.                                                                                                   light vehicle construction and
                                                            ∞ stabiliser bars, torque rods and                       modification
Approved modifications                                        traction rods, provided the ground
                                                                                                                     VSB 14 is published on the
                                                              clearance requirements are still
For the purposes of Regulation                                                                                       Commonwealth Department of
                                                              met
252 of the Road Safety (Vehicles)                                                                                    Infrastructure, Transport, Regional
Interim Regulations 2020, fitment                           ∞ supplementary mirrors not                              Development and Communications
of, or changes to the following are                           interfering with or significantly                      (DITRDC) website. This code of
approved modifications:                                       reducing the area of the mirrors                       practice has been developed in
                                                              required by the Standards for                          consultation with industry, user
∞ additional lighting, forward and
                                                              Registration                                           groups and government agencies
  rearward facing lamps which
  comply with the Standards for                             ∞ sun visor (exterior) and rear                          with an interest in light vehicle
  Registration                                                window louvres                                         construction and modification.
                                                                                                                     VSB 14 has been endorsed by State
∞ air filter (including pod-type air                        ∞ tow bars, which comply with AS
                                                                                                                     and Territory vehicle registration
  filters) on EFI vehicles if there are                       4177 and designed to fit that make,
                                                                                                                     authorities. Regulation 22(3)(c) of
  no other intake modifications, all                          model and year of vehicle, and
                                                                                                                     the Road Safety (Vehicles) Interim
  sensors remain in place and the                             are supplied with detailed fitment
                                                                                                                     Regulations 2020 requires that any
  filter is a dry (non-oiled) type.                           instructions
                                                                                                                     modification or addition to a light
∞ air horns (single tone only)                              ∞ window tinting, which complies                         vehicle be certified as complying with
                                                              with the requirements in VSI 2                         VSB 14 or be otherwise approved
∞ an alarm and immobiliser as long
                                                              Window Tinting                                         by VicRoads. VSB 14 cannot and
  as this does not have a “remote
  start” feature                                            ∞ equipment or accessories                               does not address every conceivable
                                                              equivalent in quality, performance                     modification. While modifications
∞ bull bars, which comply with the                                                                                   not addressed by VSB 14 are
                                                              and safety to those fitted to
  requirements in VSI 1 Bull Bars                                                                                    generally not permitted, there may
                                                              the vehicle or supplied or
∞ cargo barriers complying with AS/                           recommended by the vehicle                             be some circumstances where
  NZS 4034                                                    manufacturer as original                               these modifications are allowable.
∞ ‘catch can’ in the engine crankcase                         equipment or accessories                               In such cases it is essential that
  ventilation system that is plumbed                                                                                 the vehicle owner consult a VASS
                                                            ∞ modifications to vehicle electrical
  in (atmospheric ventilation is                                                                                     Signatory before commencing any
                                                              systems other than modifications
  prohibited)                                                                                                        work. In all cases it is recommended
                                                              that affect safety systems, vehicle
                                                                                                                     to speak with a VASS Signatory
∞ gas shock absorbers (provided                               dynamic and primary control
                                                                                                                     before commencing any certifiable
  the vehicle maintains its original                          systems, exhaust emissions,
                                                                                                                     modification.
  attitude)                                                   hybrid drive systems, any electrical
                                                              system operating at over 28V or                        Most of the modifications covered
∞ heating, ventilation and air
                                                              compliance with the Standards for                      by VSB 14 require a VASS Approval
  conditioning. If this modification
                                                              Registration.                                          Certificate. However, some
  alters the windscreen demist
  performance, VASS certification is                                                                                 modifications do not require
                                                            In addition to the above,
  required                                                                                                           certification provided that they have
                                                            modifications which do not affect
                                                                                                                     been carried out in accordance with
∞ markings, painting, speed strips                          the structure, suspension, handling,
                                                                                                                     the General Requirements section
  (See VSI 12 Flashing lights, Other                        restraints, safety systems, emissions
                                                                                                                     of the relevant Modification Code
  Lights and Reflectors for reflective                      systems or the compliance with ADRs
                                                                                                                     in VSB 14. More specific information
  (prism pattern) film)                                     or relevant Standards for Registration
                                                                                                                     is set out below. It is strongly
                                                            for the vehicle are also approved
∞ mesh stone shields (windscreens                                                                                    recommended that readers of VSB
                                                            modifications.
  and lamps) which comply with                                                                                       14 familiarise themselves with the
  VSI 29 Drivers Field of View                              Note: This approval does not apply to a modification     Important Information for Users
                                                            that has been carried out in a manner that does not
  Requirements                                              comply or would cause the vehicle not to comply with a
                                                                                                                     and the General Requirements
                                                            Standard for Registration.                               sections of each of the relevant
∞ mudflaps, spats and pebble guards
                                                                                                                     VSB 14 modification codes before
∞ radio and sound systems including                                                                                  commencing work on a vehicle.
  aerials, speakers and fittings where
  no structural modification takes                                                                                   The following approved modifications
  place                                                                                                              are identified using the applicable VSB
                                                                                                                     14 Modification Code. Also included
are guidelines for other related                          ∞ the exhaust system fitted to a motor   ∞ describing how the extractors
modifications that are not specifically                     vehicle must be constructed to           should be fitted.
addressed by VSB 14. Where                                  ensure that exhaust gases are only     ∞ There must be no escape path
indicated, a VASS Approval Certificate                      emitted from a place designed by         for exhaust gases other than the
is required.                                                the manufacturer to emit such gases      exhaust outlet
Persons contemplating a modification                      ∞ no part of the exhaust system          ∞ The vehicle must continue to
that will require a VASS Approval                           may pass through the passenger           comply with the noise emission
Certificate are strongly advised to                         compartment                              standards applicable to it. For
consult a VASS Signatory before                           ∞ for vehicles fitted with one or          further details, refer to the EPA
commencing any work.                                        more catalytic converters as             website.
                                                            original equipment, the catalytic
Engines                                                     converter(s) must be retained          Transmission
VSB 14 Modification Code LA                                 in their original location and all     VSB 14 Modification Code LB
Modifications listed under section                          exhaust gas must flow through the      Modifications listed under section
1.1 and 4 of VSB 14 section LA                              converters at all times. Similarly,    1.1 and 4 of VSB 14 section LB
are considered to be approved                               any sensors and particulate filters    are considered to be approved
modifications when conducted in                             positioned in the exhaust system       modifications when conducted in
accordance with instructions and                            as original equipment must be          accordance with instructions and
compliance with Standards for                               retained in their original locations   compliance with Standards for
Registration are maintained.                                and operational                        Registration are maintained.
                                                          ∞ no exhaust system whether it be
In all cases, if the engine is modified                                                            The following transmission
                                                            functional or ornamental is to be
such that the resulting power increase                                                             modifications are prohibited:
                                                            mounted in such a manner as
is greater than 20% it must be                                                                     ∞ “re-flashing” of transmission
                                                            to create a hazardous situation
certified by a VASS Signatory under                                                                  control units other than as
                                                            particularly from hot surfaces or
the relevant Code of Section LA.                                                                     approved by the vehicle
                                                            projections
Off Road and Passenger Vehicles                                                                      manufacturer
                                                          ∞ all piping and muffler systems must
manufactured on or after January                            be adequately supported                ∞ permanent locking of a differential
1986 and Commercial vehicles below                                                                   or fitting a “spool”.
                                                          ∞ the vehicle must continue to
2.7 tonnes GVM manufactured on
                                                            comply with the ground clearance       Note: It is a requirement that vehicles manufactured
or after July 1988 must not have                                                                   after June 1988 have a functioning and accurate
                                                            requirement                            speedometer. The speedometer of a vehicle that has
any modification that significantly
                                                                                                   had a transmission or final drive change may need to
increases engine performance or                           ∞ exhaust extractors may be fitted       be recalibrated to maintain its pre-modification accuracy.
otherwise affects exhaust emissions                         to a motor vehicle manufactured
unless certified by a VASS Signatory.                       before July 1976, provided             Brakes
                                                            they do not foul any part of the       VSB 14 Modification Code LG
Fitting replacement original                                steering, suspension, braking or       Modifications listed under section
equipment, equivalent or better                             fuel systems. In all other cases,      1.1 and 4 of VSB 14 section LG
components that have no influence                           evidence either in the form of an      are considered to be approved
on engine performance or exhaust                            Approval Certificate or acceptable     modifications when conducted in
emissions (e.g. higher volume oil                           evidence from the extractor            accordance with instructions and
pump than original, fitment of an                           manufacturer to show that the          compliance with Standards for
aftermarket intercooler, intake filters)                    vehicle continues to comply with       Registration are maintained.
is allowed.                                                 all applicable emission regulations
Note: It is the registered operator’s responsibility to     will be required                       Body and chassis
notify VicRoads of any change of engine number within                                              VSB 14 Modification Code LH
seven days.
                                                          Evidence from the extractor
                                                                                                   Modifications listed under section
                                                          manufacturer is acceptable if it
Exhaust systems                                                                                    1.1 and 4 of VSB 14 section LH
                                                          includes information:
The following applies instead of                                                                   are considered to be approved
Section 2.7 of VSB 14 Modification                        ∞ identifying the extractors as          modifications when conducted
Code LA. Modified and alternative                           appropriate for the particular         in accordance with instructions
exhaust systems are permitted if they                       vehicle make and model                 and compliance with Standards of
satisfy the following requirements:                       ∞ certifying that the extractors         Registration are maintained.

∞ the exhaust system must not allow                         have all the features and fittings
                                                                                                   VicRoads VSI 2 must be referred to
  direct entry of exhaust gases into                        necessary to allow the vehicle’s
                                                                                                   for information on window tinting and
  the occupant compartment                                  emission control system to be
                                                                                                   films in place of VSB 14 section LH.
                                                            reconnected and work properly
External gauges                             approved material and must comply                         Sidecars
Gauges may be mounted externally            with the Standards for Registration.                      The fitting, or removal, of a sidecar is
forward of the windscreen in a                                                                        permitted provided the motorcycle
                                            The luminous transmittance of all
position visible to the driver provided                                                               frame is not cut, drilled or welded.
                                            glazing material including any applied
the gauge and gauge mounting                                                                          Sidecars must only be fitted to the
                                            tinting must also comply with the
structure complies with the                                                                           left-hand side of a motorcycle.
                                            Standards for Registration.
requirements for bonnet scoops and
                                                                                                      Other modifications
projections in VSB 14 Section LH.           Refer to VSI 2 Window tinting and
                                                                                                      Other modifications to motorcycles
                                            films for further information on
If the gauges have instrument lighting                                                                that affect the structure, suspension,
                                            glazing and window tinting.
then the intensity of the light must                                                                  handling safety systems, emissions
not be greater than that of the interior    Seating and occupant protection                           systems (including the fitment of
instrument panel.                                                                                     alternative engines) or compliance
                                            Modifying seats or seating capacity
                                                                                                      with ADRs must be approved by a
It is recommended that pressure             Refer to VSI 19 Additional or
                                                                                                      VASS Signatory.
gauges are of a type that are               Replacement Seats for guidelines
electrically controlled, however if         regarding the modification of seats or                    Fuel systems
pressure lines are required to operate      seating capacity of a vehicle.
                                                                                                      Note – Nitrous oxide injection
the gauges then the lines must              Note: It is the Registered Operator’s responsibility to   systems must not be fitted. This
be suitable for the pressures and           notify VicRoads of any change to the number of adult
                                                                                                      prohibition includes a partial
                                            seating positions.
temperatures involved, braided type                                                                   installation or a disconnectable
lines are preferred. The lines must be      Child restraint anchorages                                nitrous oxide system that is fitted to
appropriately supported and routed          Refer to VSI 17 Child restraint                           the vehicle ready for use.
so that they are not likely to fail or be   anchorages for guidelines on the
damaged during normal use.                                                                            VSB 14 Modification Code LM
                                            fitment of child restraint anchorages.
                                                                                                      Modifications listed under section
Protrusions                                 Wheelchair accessible vehicles                            1.1 and 4 of VSB 14 section LM
A modification to a vehicle must not        Wheelchair accessible vehicles must                       are considered to be approved
result in:                                  be certified by a VASS Signatory.                         modifications when conducted in
∞ any object or fitting, protruding                                                                   accordance with instructions and
  from any part of the vehicle in a         Internal rollcages                                        compliance with Standards for
  manner likely to create the risk of       Internal rollcages must be certified                      Registration are maintained.
  bodily injury to any person               by a VASS Signatory as complying
                                            with either VSB 14 Modification Code                      Replacement fuel tanks
∞ any component, feature object or
                                            LK8 or with Codes LK9 and LK10 (as                        Replacement fuel tanks must meet
  fitting on the vehicle whose design,
                                            applicable).                                              the following requirements:
  construction and/or condition and
  the manner in which it is affixed,                                                                  ∞ The vehicle must have a minimum
                                            Motorcycles and three wheeled
  is likely to create the risk of bodily                                                                loaded ground clearance of
                                            vehicles
  injury to any person                                                                                  100mm and meet the minimum
                                            VSB 14 Modification Code LL
                                                                                                        ground clearance requirements
∞ any bumper bar which does not             Modifications listed under section                          as defined in ADR 43 Vehicle
  have its ends turned towards the          1.1 and 4 of VSB 14 section LL                              Configuration and Dimensions.
  body of the vehicle to a sufficient       are considered to be approved
  extent to avoid any risk of hooking       modifications when conducted in                           ∞ No part of any fuel tank or fuel
  or grazing any person.                    accordance with instructions and                            system component must lie below
                                            compliance with Standards for                               a plane created as a component
Vertical supports forward of the                                                                        of that vehicle’s Departure Angle
                                            Registration are maintained.
windscreen for use in conjunction                                                                       (Departure Angle is the greatest
with overhead carriers must not             Seat conversions                                            angle between the horizontal
adversely affect the vehicle driver’s       Conversion of a two-seat motorcycle                         plane and the plane from the static
forward field of view (see VSI 29           to a single seater or conversion of a                       loaded rear tyres to the lowest,
Drivers Field of View Requirements for      modified motorcycle to its original                         rearmost extremity of the Original
more information).                          seating configuration does not require                      Equipment Manufacturer’s (OEM)
                                            certification providing the motorcycle                      permanent body work).
Glazing (windscreen and windows)            frame is not cut, drilled or welded and                   ∞ Any fuel tank or fuel system
All replacement or modified                 the modifications are carried out in                        component must be at least
windscreens, windows, glazed                accordance with section 5 of VSB 14                         100mm inboard of the OEM
partitions, etc. must be of appropriate     section LL Specific Requirements for                        permanent body work (excluding
automotive safety glass or other            Seat Conversions.                                           the filler neck and assembly).
∞ Any fuel tank or fuel system              ∞ Vehicles originally fitted with fuel                           Manufacturers usually specify ride
  component with a ground                     tanks with expansion / vapour                                  height as the vertical distance from
  clearance of 200mm or less must             spaces must continue to provide                                the centre of a wheel to the centre
  be adequately protected by shields          these facilities (e.g. modified fuel                           of the wheel arch immediately
  or adjacent vehicle components.             tanks must have expansion /                                    above it. Changes in ride height due
∞ In the event of any tyre being              vapour spaces proportional to their                            to modified suspension or body
  deflated, no parts of the fuel tank         new capacity).                                                 mounting is measured using this
  or fuel system may touch the road         ∞ Vehicles originally equipped                                   method. Changes in ride height due
  surface.                                    with independent liquid / vapour                               to the fitment of different wheels
                                              separators must have either                                    and tyres must also be factored
∞ If a replacement tank of a 125% or                                                                         when measuring the total change in
  larger capacity than the original           an additional separator or that
                                              provision built into the new tank.                             ride height. Ride height is measured
  uses the original mountings, their                                                                         unladen with the vehicle sitting on a
  strength must be checked and              Other fuel system modifications                                  level surface.
  shown to be adequate by a VASS
                                            The following modifications may
  Signatory.                                                                                                 Increases in ride height resulting
                                            be carried out without certification
∞ Replacement fuel tanks must not                                                                            from replacing or resetting springs
                                            provided they do not affect
  adversely affect the suspension                                                                            that have sagged in service to restore
                                            compliance with the Standards
  travel, controllability, handling or                                                                       the original ride height are not
                                            for Registration and provided they
  road holding of the vehicle.                                                                               considered a modification but rather
                                            meet the following general safety
                                                                                                             as maintenance.
∞ The fuel filler inlet and cap should      requirements:
  be located on the outside of the          ∞ Replacement carburettors may                                   Lowering or raising the ride height of
  vehicle. Where an inlet is located          be fitted to any motor vehicle                                 a vehicle by altering its suspension
  inside a vehicle, it must not be inside     provided the vehicle continues to                              will alter the amount of suspension
  the passenger compartment and the           comply with the exhaust emission                               travel. For example, lowering a vehicle
  inlet must be separately sealed from        requirements applicable to it.                                 by fitting shorter springs will reduce
  the rest of the vehicle to ensure                                                                          the amount of available suspension
                                            ∞ Any drip tray positioned under the
  fumes do not enter the passenger                                                                           travel in the “bump” or upward
                                              carburettor must be constructed
  cabin and that provisions are made                                                                         direction. Similarly raising a vehicle
                                              so that any overflow of fuel will
  to ensure any fuel spills are localized                                                                    by fitting longer springs will reduce
                                              not remain in the tray nor flow
  and drain outside the vehicle.                                                                             the amount of available travel in a
                                              onto any exhaust pipe, starter
∞ The fuel tank and filler shall be                                                                          downwards or “droop” direction.
                                              motor, alternator or other potential
  so arranged that any overflow or            ignition source.                                               VSB 14 Modification Code LS
  leakage of fuel cannot accumulate
                                            All LPG, LNG and CNG installations                               Modifications listed under section
  or contact the exhaust or electrical
                                            must be conducted in accordance                                  1.1 and 4 of VSB 14 section LS
  systems.
                                            with VSI 27 LPG/LNG/CNG                                          are considered to be approved
∞ Any apertures created to allow for                                                                         modifications when conducted in
                                            conversions and repairs.
  the installation of the fuel tanks                                                                         accordance with instructions and
  must be suitably sealed to prevent        Note: It is the registered operator’s responsibility to notify
                                                                                                             compliance with Standards for
                                            VicRoads of a change to operate on LPG, LNG or CNG
  the entry of exhaust, road or fumes       using the conversion report in VSI 27.                           Registration are maintained.
  into the cabin of the vehicle.
                                            Tyres, rims, suspension and                                      Raising of four wheel drive vehicles
In addition, the following apply            steering                                                         – alternative to VSB 14 Modification
to vehicles fitted with Evaporative                                                                          Code LS
                                            Introduction
Emission Control Systems:                                                                                    In the case of raising the height of an
                                            Vehicle manufacturers design the
∞ All of the original fitment fuel                                                                           off road type 4WD of ADR Category NA,
                                            suspension systems of their vehicles
  tank evaporative controls for                                                                              NB1, MC or MD, and only in this case,
                                            to have appropriate stiffness and
  ventilation of the tank must be                                                                            the following applies as an alternative
                                            damping, combined with sufficient
  retained and operational to prevent                                                                        to meeting the suspension lift
                                            travel to provide acceptable handling
  hydrocarbon emissions entering                                                                             requirements of Section LS of VSB 14:
                                            characteristics and an acceptable
  the atmosphere.                           level of comfort for the occupants                               ∞ A combination of suspension lift
∞ Where a replacement fuel tank is          on all road surfaces likely to be                                  and the fitting of larger diameter
  fitted that has a greater capacity        encountered during operation.                                      tyres that results in a total lift of up
  than the largest optional fuel                                                                               to 75mm without the need for the
                                            In the following, references to vehicle                            testing and certification normally
  tank available for the vehicle, an
                                            ride height relate to the vehicle                                  required by VSB 14 for lifts above
  additional or larger carbon canister
                                            manufacturer’s original specifications.                            50mm
  of sufficient capacity must be fitted.
∞ The vehicle’s suspension may be        Aluminium alloy wheels                              valve is incorporated to ensure
  raised by up to 50mm, provided         Aluminium alloy wheels (mags) are                   continued inflation of the airbags in
  that sufficient suspension travel in   acceptable provided they have a load                the vent of compressor failure. The
  either direction is retained.          rating of at least that stipulated on the           air tank is required to have a valve
∞ Only commercially available            vehicle’s tyre placard, meet the rim                so water vapour can be drained
  suspension kits may be used.           width requirements of VSB 14 and are                periodically
                                         legibly and durably marked to show               ∞ air supply and control airline must
∞ Such kits must be:
                                         compliance with one of the following               be manufactured to an appropriate
  - manufactured and supplied by a       standards:                                         automotive standard such as SAE
    Corporation;                                                                            J844
                                         ∞ AS 1638 Australian Standard
  - specifically designed and                                                             ∞ storage reservoirs or tanks must be
                                         ∞ DOT Department of Transport USA
    tested by the suspension lift                                                           manufactured to an appropriate
    kit manufacturer for the make/       ∞ JWLT Japanese Light Alloy Wheel
                                                                                            automotive standard such as SAE
    model/variant of the vehicle           Truck and Bus
                                                                                            J10
    being modified to ensure no          ∞ JWLT Japanese Light Alloy Wheel
    adverse effect on the modified                                                        ∞ an audible or visual indicator visible
                                         ∞ JIS Japanese Industry Standard                   to the driver in their normal seated
    vehicle’s propensity for rollover,
    handling characteristics, braking    ∞ KBA German TUV Certification                     position is fitted to alert the driver
    performance and structural                                                              of any height or pressure change
                                         ∞ VIA Vehicle Inspection Association
    integrity when assessed at the                                                          or compressor failure.
                                           Japan.
    combined suspension lift (up to                                                       Modifications to vehicles equipped
                                         Note: Repaired or damaged alloy wheels are not
    50mm) and tyre radius increase       acceptable.                                      with Electronic Stability Control
    (up to 25mm), i.e. a total                                                            (ESC)
    increase in ride height of up to     Airbag suspension                                Modification to the tyres, rims,
    75mm; and                            The replacement of conventional                  suspension and steering of a vehicle
  - fitted in accordance with the        coil and/or leaf springs by airbags is           fitted with Electronic Stability Control
    kit manufacturer’s instructions,     acceptable provided that:                        (ESC) can affect the operation of this
    abiding by any conditions                                                             important safety system.
                                         ∞ a VASS Approval Certificate has
    or limitations advised by the
                                           been issued in respect of the                  For modification codes contained in
    suspension kit manufacturer
                                           modification                                   Tyres, rims, suspension and steering
    and include a written statement
                                         ∞ the ride height of an individual               of this document and Section 4 of
    (to be retained by the vehicle
                                           wheel or axle cannot be altered                Section LS in VSB14, evidence should
    owner) of the suitability of the
                                           while the vehicle is in motion                 be obtained either from the vehicle
    suspension lift kit for the make/
                                                                                          manufacturer, kit manufacturer or
    model/variant of the vehicle         ∞ at least two thirds of the original
                                                                                          through testing to determine the
    being modified whether or not          suspension travel in either direction
                                                                                          impact on the ESC system. To remain
    installed in combination with          is retained at all selectable ride
                                                                                          within the scope of this section, a
    the permissible tyre diameter          heights while the vehicle is in motion
                                                                                          vehicle fitted with ESC must not
    increase.
                                         ∞ the original attitude of the vehicle           be modified if the operation of the
∞ Tyres up to 50mm larger in               is maintained at all selectable ride           ESC is adversely affected unless the
  diameter than that specified by the      heights while the vehicle is in                ESC system is adjusted to restore its
  vehicle manufacturer may be fitted       motion                                         original operational parameters.
  to an off-road type 4WD provided:      ∞ a minimum running clearance
                                                                                          Any modification to these
  - The entire tyre cross section          of 100mm is maintained at all
                                                                                          components outside the
    is covered by the vehicles             selectable ride heights while the
                                                                                          requirements as set out in the above
    bodywork in plan view with             vehicle is in motion and when
                                                                                          or outside vehicle manufacturer’s
    the front wheels in the straight       parked. While servicing and
                                                                                          specifications will require a VASS
    ahead position                         diagnostics mode are permitted,
                                                                                          Approval Certificate. The VASS
                                           the option cannot be used on
  - The tyres do not foul the                                                             Signatory will need to confirm the
                                           public roads
    bodywork, braking system or                                                           ongoing operation of the ESC system
    any suspension or steering           ∞ air supply must be of suitable                 through appropriate evidence or
    component under any                    capacity to supply the system and              testing in accordance with the ADR.
    combination of suspension and          re-plenish the system sufficient to
                                                                                          Note: vehicles equipped with ESC must not have the ESC
    steering movement.                     maintain vehicle height under all              control unit disconnected.
                                           operating conditions. A non-return
Additional lamps and lamp covers           level. Pairs of lights must also project   Advanced vehicle safety
Introduction                               approximately the same amount of           technologies
                                           light of the same colour.                  Many vehicles are now being
Clause 118 (4) of the Standards for
Registration (Schedule 2 of the Road                                                  equipped with advanced vehicle
                                           A maximum of four additional
Safety (Vehicles) Interim Regulations                                                 safety technologies that offer
                                           headlights (Including LED light bars)
2020) requires that a vehicle must not                                                potentially life-saving crash
                                           may be fitted to a vehicle in addition
be fitted with a light or reflector not                                               avoidance assistance to the driver.
                                           to the vehicle main beam headlights
mentioned in the Vehicle Standards                                                    These technologies, such as Auto
without the written approval of            Where a singular LED light bar is fitted   Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise
VicRoads.                                  it must be mounted on the vehicle          Control, Lane Support Systems
                                           centreline.                                and Blind Spot Monitoring, rely on
The Standards for Registration                                                        an array of sensors and cameras.
specify colour and performance             Driving lamps may be fitted above the      Modifications to a vehicle in a manner
requirements for lamps on a vehicle.       roof line. The driving lamps must be       that interferes or renders the sensors
To ensure continued compliance             fitted to the front half of the vehicle,   and safety systems inoperable are not
with these requirements, any lamp          when measured from the front to the        acceptable.
cover fitted to a vehicle must be clear,   rearmost point of the vehicle.
untinted, uncoloured and clean.                                                       Modifications to Vehicle Primary
                                           Driving lamps and LED light bars must      Controls
Refer to VSI 12 for information            only be able to be activated by switch     Modifications to the control systems
regarding the fitment of any lamps         when the high beam headlamps are           of vehicles to automate fundamental
or lighting systems that are not of        on and must turn off when the high         vehicle control functions that
a type required or permitted by the        beam headlamps are turned off.             contribute to the dynamic driving task
Standards for Registration such as                                                    (e.g. steering, brakes, acceleration) are
flashing or rotating warning lamps.        Additional lights must not be
                                                                                      prohibited.
                                           mounted in a manner that may
Lamps designed for marine or aircraft      increase risk of injury to pedestrians.    This requirement does not apply
applications are not permitted.                                                       to vehicles operating under an
                                           Other modifications
                                                                                      Automated Driving System (ADS)
Additional forward lighting                Motorhomes and vehicles with gas           permit issued by VicRoads for
Additional forward lights must be          or electrical installations
                                                                                      controlled research and development
white in colour and project their main     VicRoads VSI 5 Conversion of Vehicles      purposes.
beam of light ahead of the vehicle.        to Motor Homes provides guidance on
The light must not reflect off the         the requirements when converting a         For further information
vehicle into the driver’s eyes.            vehicle to a motorhome or campervan,       Further information is available
                                           or when incorporating gas or mains-        on the VicRoads website:
Lights fitted in pairs must be
                                           style electrical systems into a vehicle    vicroads.vic.gov.au or by calling
symmetrical about the vehicle centre

                                                                                                                                  PTVH5189 STU02895 06.21   Authorised by the Department of Transport, 1 Spring Street, Melbourne
                                           such as for food service vehicles.         VicRoads on 13 11 71 (TTY 13 36 77,
and at the same height above ground                                                   Speak and Listen 1300 555 727).

vicroads.vic.gov.au
You can also read