General Guidelines and Regulations For Car Modification in NSW: A Summary
Are you a light vehicle enthusiast in New South Wales (NSW)?
If so, you should be well-informed about the regulations outlined in the Vehicle Standards Information (VSI) No.6.
This comprehensive guide is intended “to help vehicle owners and modifiers determine what modifications to vehicles up to and including 4.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass require certification.”
In this article, we’ve provided a general summary of these rules for you to consider.
Disclaimer: this is not a comprehensive explanation, nor should it be taken as legal advice.
Engine Modifications
When it comes to modifying your vehicle’s engine, it’s important to note that changes affecting the engine’s capacity, type, or number of cylinders will require certification. This includes engine swaps that result in a significant change in performance, emissions, or compatibility with the original vehicle.
Transmission and Driveline
In short, modifications to the transmission and driveline of your vehicle are subject to certification if they involve fitting a non-original transmission or transaxle that requires altering the vehicle’s structure.
Additionally, any alterations that affect speedometer accuracy need certification. However, changes within original specifications or the addition of aftermarket internal components generally don’t require certification.
Steering
When it comes to steering, any modifications that involve fabrication, altering mountings, or fitting non-original components require certification in NSW.
While this includes conversions from steering box to steering rack, minor upgrades like fitting bolt-on steering dampers generally don’t need certification.
Suspension
In NSW, when altering a vehicle’s ride height, if the change exceeds one-third of the manufacturer’s suspension travel, certification is required. Other major suspension modifications such as changing suspension configuration or using different designs will also need certification. Yet, installing uprated roll bars, shock absorbers, springs, and struts typically don’t need certification if they meet or exceed the manufacturer’s minimum specifications.
Wheels and Tyres
Replacing tyres that change the overall diameter by more than 7% requires certification in NSW. Similarly, fitting wheels where the rim width exceeds the manufacturer’s specification by more than 25 mm needs certification.
That said, using alternative wheels and tyres that comply with load-carrying capacity specifications generally doesn’t require certification.
Brakes
Modifying brakes that deviate from the manufacturer’s options requires certification. This includes substituting brake components with non-equivalent ones or altering brake balance and pressure limiting devices. Alternatively, replacing brakes with equivalent components doesn’t usually need certification.
Body and Chassis
In NSW, structural modifications to the chassis, altering body style, or changing seating capacity may require certification. Fitting body mountings, lift kits, and other mountings not designed by the manufacturer generally don’t need certification unless they impact structural integrity.
Seat and Occupant Protection
Similar to structural modifications, changes to seat anchorages, seat belts, and occupant restraint systems require certification. This includes modifications to seat belt location or replacing original seat belts with non-compliant ones.
Fuel System
In NSW, fuel system modifications affecting emission standards will require certification. This encompasses changes to the fuel system’s design or components. However, conversion to alternative fuels by an approved gas installer typically doesn’t need certification.
Motorbike Modifications
Motorcycle modifications also fall under the VSI light vehicle guidelines. Changes such as altering front forks, adding side-cars, or modifying frames may require certification. That said, attachments like tow couplings and non-original fittings may or may not require certification based on specific circumstances, so it’s important to seek out professional guidance.
Still need assistance?
Understanding the Vehicle Standards Information is crucial for anyone considering vehicle modifications in NSW to ensure your safety, that you comply with regulations, and that you maintain the integrity of the vehicle.
Always remember to seek professional guidance when undertaking any modifications to your vehicle.
So, if you have further about these standards, simply reach out to us for a chat.
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