VSB 14, which regulates chassis modifications and in particular 4X4 suspension platforms, has recently been the subject of a workplace because they have been identified as “too expensive, restrictive, impracticable or simply dangerous”. Modifications to the vehicle with a suspension travel greater than 50 mm or due to a combination of other lifting devices (tyres or body blocks) shall comply with this Directive and, where appropriate, with code LS7 or LS8. There are also restrictions on what you can do with your bike path. While a 50-foot wheel set and a big wide tire may look good, it may not be legal. Widening lanes is illegal for road traffic, so stay away from them. Current state and territory legislation and COD14 prohibit the use of spacers between the wheel attachment area and the road wheel unless provided by the original vehicle manufacturer. Modifications to disc brake calipers, hubs and suspension, as well as steering components to allow the installation of spare wheels, are also not permitted. In addition, laws will be introduced to limit tire sizes, wheel track modifications and suspension lifts to ensure people drive safe and roadworthy vehicles. You are responsible for driving a safe and roadworthy vehicle. Some modifications, especially if not done correctly, have a serious impact on your vehicle`s ability to brake, steer and operate safely.
Is it worth putting your passengers and environment at risk for a few modifications? Many 4×4 owners buy cars or utens with a capacity of five to eight people, with the aim of removing the rear seats and using the back seat for travel and camping. There is some uncertainty in the 4×4 community as to the legality of such “conversions,” so we have sought answers from some road authorities in the state. If you`re not sure if your 4×4 is legal or not, call your local transportation service and inquire. Don`t rely on information you`ve heard from others or read online. Much of it isn`t right, and it`s not something you want to mess up. A copy of the VSB14 can be downloaded from the following link: www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Safety/Vehicle-standards-and-modifications/Vehicle-modifications/Light-vehicle-modifications.aspx you can go to most 4×4 stores and order a 5-inch lifting kit, have it installed and leave without questions asked. Your 4×4 would be completely illegal and you might not be smarter until the local police officer shoots you up. There is a huge lack of knowledge about 4×4 modifications and people will be surprised. New South Wales Minister for Roads, Sea and Freight Duncan Gay has announced changes to New South Wales` Light Vehicle Modification Acts, allowing 75mm vehicle lifts without certification. This amendment brings New South Wales into line with Victoria and is entitled “Light Vehicle Modifications Manual – Suspension and Ride Height”. We asked to see a copy and were told that we could not because the notice in the Official Journal had not been published.
Modifications that require technical certification include: conversion from left-hand to right-hand drive; changes to steering and suspension design; non-optional conversion of power steering; Rack and pinion steering modification; support leg or vertical replacement; replacement of the rear axle; and lift the vehicle above 50 mm but not more than 150 mm. It`s already legal in QLD and has been for years. It is not necessary to design a combination of 50 mm tire elevation (diameter) and 50 mm suspension stroke increase. Anything over 75 mm to 125 mm is the only one that requires engineering. So a combination of 50 mm increase in tire size (25 mm in total) plus a 50 mm increase in suspension plus 50 mm body = 125 mm. Everything that is finished is illegal and cannot be built “legally”. It`s on TMR`s website. Anyone who tells you otherwise is a liar and denies. However, the agreement between the Commonwealth and the state government on changes to the suspension of the GVM upgrade is threatened by a recently published proposal. In August 2017, the Commonwealth government quietly released a document entitled: “Reform of the Motor Vehicles Standards Act 1989 – Registered Automotive Workshop Scheme”.
Nowadays, we are spoilt for choice when it comes to modifying a 4×4. Whether you want something custom or a standard item, you have more options than ever. However, there are many accessories available that can make your 4×4 illegal, so it`s important to shop around and do some smart research. It`s a shame that stores can install illegal hardware on your 4×4. However, not all will; Some will let you know, others will even refuse to do so. The advice given here is based on my own experience modifying my personal 4×4 in Western Australia. Transport South Australia believes that rear seats are removed where no tools or only simple tools are needed; if they are not structural changes; no change in vehicle category and no commercial benefit is sought; does not require authorisation and therefore does not commit a criminal offence. If you have changed the size of your tires, the height of the suspension or the path of the wheels, your vehicle could be considered illegal. It`s worth taking the time to make sure it`s within the limits as soon as possible. In November 2012, Queensland also adopted the 75mm lift concept, but specifically excluded vehicles equipped with ESC unless the original vehicle manufacturer approved such modifications. Duncan Gay, New South Wales Highways Secretary, has announced (via Facebook) changes to New South Wales` laws that will make a 75mm lift legal without technical certification.
They are now able to mount 95% of suspension kits without having to solve any technical or legal problems. Most provide that basic 50mm (2-inch) stroke, something the respective sellers should be able to sort you through. If not, take your money somewhere else. VSB14 contains a list of modifications that do not require technical certification: specified replacement of tires and rims; increase the suspension by no more than one-third of the initial stroke; replacement of shock absorbers; replacement of springs and stabilizers; installation of tie rods and struts; and power steering conversion using optional components from the manufacturer. In QLD, provided you drive a vehicle with the MC or NC classification. If you drive an MA rated vehicle (Ford Everest, current Jeep vehicles), you must not allow the exempt modifications to which you refer. New South Wales` announcement differs in that it allows all light vehicles (regardless of the classification recorded) to benefit from this new rule. The new 75mm racing rules allow a vehicle to be fitted with a 50mm suspension kit and 50mm tyres 50mm larger than standard parts (only half of the increase in tyre diameter affects vehicle height).
In general, your average 4X4 Ute could legally use 50mm suspension and 32-inch tires, although this of course depends on the make/model of the vehicle and standard approved tire size(s). Minister Gay`s announcement on Facebook (see below this article) is a breath of fresh air, as it introduces, some would say, for the first time a clear and practical approach to legal change for light-duty vehicles. DVD screens for rear passengers attract attention in certain legislative periods. Australian Road Rule (299) points out that it is illegal to display a DVD screen in front of a driver`s eyes. It does not specify which driver. Some pilots have been reserved for the screen to work in a position where it can be seen by a passing or following driver! This is one of the most serious problems of driving a vehicle that is not roadworthy. If you take a look at your insurance policy, any worthwhile PDS (policy disclosure statement) clearly states that you must inform the insurance company of any non-standard changes and that you must drive a roadworthy vehicle. So what did NSW do? They told us: “The manual also states that in all cases, modifications to a vehicle`s suspension must ensure the integrity of the system and must not affect the ride quality.