Legal 4Wd Modifications Nsw

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. 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. 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. 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 ride quality. At least two-thirds of the initial stroke must be retained in both directions – bounce (i.e. extension) and bump (i.e.

compression). Bounce shall be limited by the same method used by the vehicle manufacturer or, if this is not possible due to the nature of the modification, by an equivalent method. Where another method is used, it shall be demonstrated that its functional performance is equivalent to that of the original. Pit inspections are often very painful because they look at every aspect of your 4×4 to make sure it`s 100% good, not just the reason you were pulled up in the first place. Oil leaks, other modifications that are not legal, and other damage can result in multiple trips to the garage to have your car recertified, with expensive repairs or changes in between. A copy of VSB14 can be downloaded from the following link: www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Safety/Vehicle-standards-and-modifications/Vehicle-modifications/Light-vehicle-modifications.aspx While the Australian 4WD Industry Council is an organisation for industry companies, the www.4wdcouncil.com.au website provides an opportunity for vehicle owners to express their views, with a focus on modification and accessory issues. of the vehicle. So there you have it. Finally, 75mm pneumatic lifts/suspensions are legal – at least in New South Wales and Victoria – but we have two different `standards`, both different from the agreed national code of conduct. 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.

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 November 2012, Queensland also adopted the 75mm lift concept, but specifically excluded vehicles equipped with ESC unless the original vehicle manufacturer approved such modifications. 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. 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. 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. 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”. 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! 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.

As with most vehicle modifications, there is always some degree of compromise in what is achieved.