RULES, REGS AND THE STATES OF MIND

THE Australian Design Rules are, to quote the Australian Department of Infrastructure and Transport, “…national standards for vehicle safety, anti-theft and emissions. The ADRS are generally performance-based and cover issues such as occupant protection, structures, lighting, noise, engine exhaust emissions, braking and a range of miscellaneous items.”

So, in short, ADRS do not govern the accessory produced, but rather the original vehicle as it first appears on the showroom floor. To be ‘compliant’ in terms of accessories comes down to how that particular accessory does not affect, compromise or go outside the original vehicle’s ADR.

Even though a product may be badged ‘ADR compliant’, the fitment of accessories and all vehicle mods are subject to state legislation, with not all states ‘on the same page’ when it comes to fitment of aftermarket accessories; most notably – but not exclusively – tyres and suspension.

Ironman 4x4’s Kristian Ristell elaborated: “Vehicle Safety Bulletin (VSB14), National Code of Practice 11. Sec LS-2015 is the key regulation with which we comply (for suspension mods). This is a federally established National Code of Practice. It sounds good except that now some states are introducing their own version. The industry and the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association spent a substantial amount of money testing for compliance. The tests resulted in changes to VSB14 which now allows fitting of a suspension kit with a lift of not more than 50mm without the need for ESC testing, which cost upwards of $20K per vehicle.”

You can see what a minefield this can be for aftermarket manufacturers when states move the goal posts. You also realise just how big regulation adherence is when you see the section of VSB14 that affects suspension mods runs for 80 pages.