Modification plates and approval?

[Stressball]

Hi all,

I'm wondering what sort of modifications to a car would require a modification plate and approval to be carried out. I know things such as modifications to safety equipment, seat belts etc would need to be approved and have a plate fitted.. But when it comes to engine modification, what sort of things require a mod plate?

The reason I ask is because I am under the impression that current QLD P plate laws DO allow engine modifcation, as long as the power output does not exceed 200kW, and the mods do not require approval and a mod plate. I'm not certain that this is the case, I will be looking into it further. That being said, I'd like to know what engine modifications can be done without getting approval.

I'm currently driving a '96 VSII Berlina, and I'd like to know what sort of minor engine/performance mods could be done to it without needing a mod plate. Even if I do find out that all mods are illegal regardless, I'd still be interested in finding the requirements for a plate.

Thanks in advance.

[fuzzy2308]

im pretty sore you can download a ebook thingie that tells you all u need to know from the main roads/qld transport website.

[Stressball]

Thanks fuzzy, I didn't see it but I'll take another look

[fuzzy2308]

part 1: modifications
Motor vehicles
Please note:
The contents of this publication are a guide only and
cannot be used as a reference to a point of law. For a
detailed explanation, refer to the Transport Operations
(Road Use Management - Vehicle Standards and Safety)
Regulation 1999.
For further information or additional copies of this
brochure please contact your nearest Queensland Transport
Customer Service Centre or phone: (07) 3253 4851 .
all about
QT 3166 June 2004 PBT-0671
Queensland Transport
Queensland Transport, All about modifications to motor vehicles, 2008
Contents
Introduction 2
Section 1 3
Minor modifications
Section 2 23
Complex modifications
Section 3 27
Specific modifications
Section 4 28
Motorbike modifications
all about
modifications to
motor vehicles
Queensland Transport, All about modifications to motor vehicles, 2008
2 3
Introduction
This booklet provides guidelines for
vehicle owners or vehicle modifiers
wishing to modify vehicles with a
gross vehicle mass of not more than
4.5 tonnes from the manufacturer’s
original specifications. Following the
guidelines in this booklet will ensure
that your vehicle meets all applicable
Queensland regulations and its safety
levels are maintained.
Modifications can be
approved in three
ways:
Minor modifications
Many minor modifications can be carried
out with the approval granted by this
booklet. Details of these modifications are
outlined in Section 1.
Complex modifications

[fuzzy2308]

part 2: Complex modifications such as engine,
gearbox and rear axle, steering and brake
replacements require approval from an
Approved Person. Details of these
modifications and the Approved Person
Scheme are outlined in Section 2.
Specific modifications
Some owners require approval for
modifications which may be outside the
scope of the Approved Person Scheme.
Details of how to obtain approval for these
modifications are outlined in Section 3.
Section 1
Minor
modifications
Replacement engines
Replacement engines that are offered by the
manufacturer as an optional engine for that model of
vehicle may be fitted. For such conversions, all
components, including suspension and brakes, must be
identical to those of a vehicle originally produced with
the optional engine.
Queensland Transport, All about modifications to motor vehicles, 2008
Exhaust systems
Exhaust systems must comply with Queensland
legislation which includes the following conditions:
• Exhaust headers (extractors) may be fitted to any
motor vehicle, provided:
they do not foul any part of the steering,
suspension, brake or fuel systems
all fittings for emission control equipment
(E.G.R. valve, oxygen sensor, pipes and so on)
are incorporated to ensure the vehicle maintains
compliance with Australian Design Rules for
vehicle emissions
exhaust systems must continue to comply with
relevant legislation or Australian Design Rules for
vehicle noise.
• The exhaust outlet must extend at least 40mm beyond
the furthermost outboard or rearmost joint of the floor
pan that is not continuously welded or permanently
sealed which could permit direct access of exhaust
gases to the passenger compartment, but not beyond
the perimeter of the vehicle when viewed in plan.
• The exhaust outlet, if to the side of the vehicle, must
discharge to the right hand side of
the vehicle and downwards at an
angle to the horizontal of not less
than 15 degrees and not more than
45 degrees.
• The exhaust outlet, if to the rear of
the vehicle, must discharge at not
more than 10 degrees above or 45
degrees below the horizontal.
• All exhaust and muffler systems
must be free of any leaks or
mechanical faults and should
be adequately supported.
4 5
Fuel systems
Powerchips, multiple and/or replacement carburettors
may be fitted to any motor vehicle provided the vehicle
continues to comply with the emission requirements of
the Australian Design Rules applicable at the time of the
vehicle’s manufacture. Air cleaners must be fitted.
The fitting of nitrous oxide injection equipment is
not permitted.
The fuel tank inlet and cap must be located on the
outside of the vehicle unless originally fitted inside
by the manufacturer.
Lowering or raising of vehicles
The road clearance of a fully laden vehicle must not be
less than 100mm measured at any part of the vehicle
other than the wheel rim or brake backing plates.
(This does not apply where a lesser clearance has been
specified by the manufacturer.)
When lowering or raising a vehicle body (front or rear),
the following additional restrictions are based on the
manufacturer's dimensions for the standard unmodified
vehicle while unladen:
• The ride height measured between the rubber bump
stop and the corresponding metal stop may be reduced
by no more than one third.
• The rebound travel measured between the rubber
rebound stop and the corresponding metal stop
(or the extension of the shock absorber for vehicles
without a rebound stop) may be reduced by no
more than one third.
Queensland Transport, All about modifications to motor vehicles, 2008
6 7
• Coil springs are to remain in locating seats on full
suspension droop without forcibly being removed.
In addition, the normal relationship between the front
and rear suspension heights must not be unduly affected.
Replacement springs (shorter or taller) must have the
same or greater load capacity as the original springs.
Suspension coil springs must not be shortened by cutting
or heating. Leaf spring suspensions must not be raised
by the use of extended shackles, adjustable metal plates
or by placing the leaf springs to the opposite side of the
axle. If lowering blocks are used, they must be either
steel or aluminium.
Airbag or air pressurised shock absorber helper springs
may be fitted in addition to the original suspension.
However, replacing some or all of the suspension system
with an air or hydraulic suspension requires specific
approval.
Welding, chrome plating,
heating or bending of
axles,.suspension and
steering components
The welding, chrome plating, heating or bending of
axles, suspension or steering components, as a method
of repair or alteration, is not permitted.
Permanently locking a differential by welding or other
means is not permitted and has a dangerous effect on
the handling of a vehicle.
Sway bars, torque rods and
traction rods
Auxiliary suspension control devices may be fitted
provided they are properly engineered and secured and
do not affect minimum ground clearance.
Glazing
(windscreen and windows)
No material or other object is to be located on the
windscreen or windows which will interfere with the
driver’s vision. Tinted windscreens are permitted subject
to the screen having an optical transmission of not less
than 75 per cent for a motor vehicle built after 1971 and
70 per cent for any other vehicle.
Transparent material used in a windscreen, window or
interior partition of a motor vehicle manufactured after
June 1953, must have the characteristics required by any
of the following standards:
• Australian Standard AS 2080-1977, AS 2080-1983 or
AS 2080-1995
• Economic Commission for Europe R-43/00
• British Standards Institution BS AU178-1980
• Japanese Industrial Standard JIS R 3211-1979,
JIS R 3211-1985 or JIS R 3211-1992
• American National Standard ANSI Z26.1-1980
• New Zealand NZ 5443-1987.
Tinting of vehicle windows
Vehicles with non-tinted glass
Automotive tinting material which has a light
transmittance factor of not less than 35 per cent (T35)
may be used on any non-tinted side or rear window.
Queensland Transport, All about modifications to motor vehicles, 2008
8 9
Vehicle with factory-tinted
glass
Most new vehicles are fitted with tinted window glass.
This tint is very light and glass may at first appear to be
clear. To check, hold a piece of white paper on the
opposite side of the glass. If it has a slight grey, green or
brown colour when viewed through the glass, the glass
is tinted.
Special grades of film may be applied to factory tinted
windows. When these films are applied to tinted glass,
the combination of tints must still allow 35 per cent
light transmittance.
Windscreens
Tinting may be fitted to the upper portion of a
windscreen of a motor vehicle. The tinting must not
extend lower than a horizontal line connecting the
uppermost points of the arcs swept by the vehicle
manufacturer’s original wiper blades or the upper
10 per cent of the windscreen, whichever is the lesser.
The tinting may be of any shade but must not have
a reflectance of more than 10 per cent.
General requirements
for window tinting
Film which has a reflectance of more that 10 per cent
must not be used on any windscreen or window.
Steering wheels
Altering a steering wheel might affect a vehicle's
compliance with the Australian Design Rules (ADRs)
applicable to occupant impact protection.
Steering wheels fitted to vehicles manufactured to
comply with ADR 10/.. may only be replaced by a
steering wheel which has been tested to comply with
ADR10/... Where these ADRs apply, the vehicle's steering
column and steering wheel are designed to minimise
injury to the driver in the event of a crash.
Vehicles that are required to comply with ADR 69/.. or
ADR 73/.. or where originally fitted with a driver airbag
must not be fitted with a replacement steering wheel
without an airbag, unless it is supplied by the vehicle
manufacturer as an option for that model.
The diameter of any replacement wheel may be up to
25mm smaller than the original wheel but must not
be less than 350mm.
Lighting systems
All additional lighting systems are to be fitted strictly in
accordance with Queensland legislation. Some additional
requirements are explained below.
Additional pairs of headlights, showing a beam of white
light only, may be fitted and must not affect the driver’s
view. The headlights must be mounted symmetrically.
Additional high beam headlights must extinguish
automatically when low beam is selected.
A pair of fog lights, showing a beam of white or yellow
light, may be fitted to the front of a motor vehicle with
the centres no higher than the top of the dipped beam
headlight. The lights must be mounted symmetrically not
less than 600mm apart.
Fog lights must be capable of being switched on and off
independently of any headlights but must only be able
to be switched on when the parking lights are on. Fog
lights must not be used except in fog or mist or under
other atmospheric conditions which restrict visibility.
Blue lights are not allowed on any vehicles except
emergency vehicles (for example police, fire and rescue,
and ambulance). Red lights and reflectors must face to
the rear. White lights and reflectors must face forward.
Yellow lights are not permitted except for clearance
lights on goods vehicles and buses, and indicators and
fog lights on all vehicles.
With the exception of indicators, flashing lights are not
permitted on any vehicle, except special vehicles for use
in hazardous situations (for example tow trucks) and
emergency vehicles (for example police).
Queensland Transport, All about modifications to motor vehicles, 2008
10 11
Some modern ‘blue’ halogen bulbs provide superior
illumination to traditional bulbs. These bulbs contain less
red/yellow and more blue frequencies of light to achieve
a whiter appearance. Replacement head light bulbs must
carry equivalent markings to the original bulb
(e.g. an ‘E’ mark, H4, ADR 51/.. or ECE 37/..).
Vehicle accessories
and equipment
It is the owner’s responsibility to ensure all accessories
and equipment attached to a motor vehicle are designed
and fitted in a manner which reduces the risk of injury
to pedestrians and other road users making contact with
the vehicle when the vehicle is parked or in motion.
Driving lights/brackets must not protrude forward from
the front face of any bumper or above the top of any
bull bar.
Not approved
Fishing rod holders can only be fitted providing they
comply with the following conditions:
• The fitting allows the driver a view of the road and
of traffic to the front and sides of the vehicle.
• They must only be attached to the left side of
the vehicle.
• They must be designed to carry no more than four
fishing rods.
• Rods, hooks and sinkers must be properly secured

[fuzzy2308]

part 3: • Vehicle lighting must not be obstructed by rods
or holders.
• Rod holders must be either removed when they are
not in use or retracted behind the profile of the
bull bar.
Bicycle/wheelchair/roof racks
Tow bar mounted bicycle and wheelchair carrying racks
must be removed when not in use, unless specifically
approved to remain attached. The bicycle or wheelchair
and the carrying rack must not obscure any compulsory
lighting or the number plate.
Note: To address this problem, an Accessory Number
Plate may be attached to bicycle carriers or other
carrying devices. No other copy of the vehicle number
plate is acceptable. Details are available at Queensland
Transport Customer Service Centres.
Roof racks must not protrude more than 50mm beyond
the drip mould.
Not approved
Ladder racks/external roll
bars and roll cages
Vertical upright supports may be positioned forward
of the windscreen ‘A’ pillar if their diameter does not
exceed 50mm. Supports that are in a position to reflect
the vehicle's lights back to the driver must be a matt
black, non-reflective finish.
Queensland Transport, All about modifications to motor vehicles, 2008
12 13
Ideally, no lights should be obscured by the fitting of
any vertical support. If any light is obscured, an
additional light must be fitted or the original relocated in
accordance with the relevant legislation or Australian
Design Rules.
Supports, braces and brackets must not have any sharp
edges or protrusions and must not interfere with a
person's normal access to the vehicle. They should not
project more than 150mm from each side of the vehicle
or make the vehicle more than 2.5m wide.
Any attachments or modifications to the vehicle's chassis
must be in accordance with the vehicle manufacturer's
recommendations.
Requirements for internal roll bars and roll cages are
covered in Section 2.
Long range radio antennas
Forward mounting should only be undertaken when it is
impossible or impractical to install the antenna to the
rear of the vehicle.
The installation must be attached as low as is practical
to ensure the large diameter section of the antenna
projects above the bonnet line for the minimum distance.
Only one long range antenna (large diameter base) may
be fitted to the front of a vehicle and must be fitted to
the left side. The maximum diameter permitted is 75mm.
All sharp edges or protrusions which could cause injury
to anyone making contact with the device must be
removed or rounded.
Visual display screens
DVD screens, television receivers, visual display units
and so on may be installed in a motor vehicle. No part of
the image on the screen may be visible to the driver
from the normal driving position unless the screen
cannot be operated when the vehicle is moving or it is a
driver’s aid (e.g. in-car navigation). As well, it must not:
• obscure the driver’s view of the road
• impede the movement of anyone in the vehicle
• interfere with occupant restraint systems like head
restraints, seat belts and airbags
• increase the likelihood of injury to anyone in
the vehicle or
• be fitted if any part of the image on the screen is likely
to distract another driver.
Accessory gauges
Any additional internal or external gauges must:
• not interfere with the field of view of the driver
• not produce glare to the driver
• not have the possibility of an oil pressure line, or
similar, breaking with pressurised fluids spraying
onto the windscreen
• be fitted in such a way to reduce the risk of injury to
the vehicle occupants or pedestrians.
Queensland Transport, All about modifications to motor vehicles, 2008
14 15
Bonnet scoops
Bonnet scoops/projections may be fitted to a vehicle
provided the driver’s vision is not restricted under
normal operating conditions with the driver’s seat
located at its lowest and rearmost position.
Bonnet-mounted scoops/projections must meet the
following requirements:
• When a 165mm diameter sphere is placed on the
bonnet in front of the scoop (or bonnet projection)
and rolled backwards until it touches the scoop, no
forward point of the scoop or point of contact between
the sphere and the scoop must lie above a horizontal
plane passing through the centre of the sphere.
• It shall be possible to see either the surface of the
road 11m in front of the driver’s eye or all of the front
edge of the original body when looking across the top
of the bonnet scoop. For the purposes of this
requirement, the driver’s ‘eye’ position can be taken
as being a point 730mm above and 270mm forward
of the junction of the seat cushion and seat back with
the seat in its lowest and rearmost position.
• The edges at the front of a scoop/projection shall be
rounded with a minimum of 10mm radius.
• All other edges and corners shall have a radius of not
less than 5mm and be designed to reduce the risk of
bodily injury to any person to a minimum.
• The scoop/projection must not have reflective surfaces.
• Any holes in the bonnet must not substantially reduce
the strength or impact resistance of the bonnet.
• Air cleaners or carburettors must not protrude
beyond the original bonnet profile unless the bonnet
scoop/projection is manufactured from equivalent
gauge mild steel, compared with that of the original
bonnet.
• Air cleaners and/or carburettors must be covered by
the bonnet scoop.
Side skirts, flares and spoilers
Side skirts, front and rear spoilers may be fitted provided
road clearance and air flow for brake cooling is not
adversely affected.
They must not be fitted so that it is likely to increase
the risk of bodily injury to any person. All material is
to be of a suitable thickness and be free from sharp
edges or corners.
Rear spoilers must be within the body shape/outline of
the mounting surface (for example boot outline).
Minimum thickness of end plates is 4mm and they must
be free of sharp edges or corners.
Queensland Transport, All about modifications to motor vehicles, 2008
Bull bars
Bull bars must be designed and fitted so that the safety
of the vehicle is not adversely affected. They must be
firmly and securely mounted and supported, and must
not constitute a danger to other road users. Bull bars
must not obstruct the vision of the driver and should not
project further from the front of the vehicle than is
necessary for its attachment. Bull bars should not add a
significant load to the front suspension.
Bull bars must be free of sharp protrusions and all
exposed sections of the bull bar and fittings must be
radiused and deburred. Forward and side members
should be designed to reduce the risk of injury to any
person who may come into contact with the bull bar.
Bull bars must not obscure the driver's view or any light.
In particular, the visibility of indicator lights at all
viewing angles must not be reduced, and if so, additional
lights must be fitted or the original relocated in
accordance with the relevant legislation or Australian
Design Rules. Surfaces of the bar that could reflect light
from the vehicle's headlights must be matt black.
Vehicles fitted with an airbag or manufactured to comply
with ADR 69 - Full Frontal Impact Occupant Protection
or both ADR 69 and ADR 73 – Offset
Frontal Impact Protection, can only be fitted with a bull
bar which:
• has been certified by the vehicle manufacturer as
suitable for that vehicle or
• has been demonstrated by the bull bar manufacturer
to not adversely affect compliance with the ADRs or
interfere with the critical airbag timing mechanism,
as the case may be.
Bull bars that comply with AS 4876.1-2002 provide a
higher level of pedestrian protection.
16 STANDARD TYRE LOW PROFILE TYRE 17
Alternative rims and tyres
Many vehicle owners like to replace the vehicle’s original
rims and tyres with alternatives of different width,
diameter and profile.
The following sub-sections outline the legal requirements
for replacement rims and tyres fitted to a passenger car
or derivative, or an off-road passenger car (but not light
commercial), which will ensure your vehicle continues to
comply with Queensland legislation while allowing for
your individual preferences.
Low profile tyres
It is common practice for manufacturers to fit low
profile tyres to high performance motor vehicles as
standard equipment.
Low profile tyres (e.g. 50 series), replacing standard
profile tyres (e.g. 70 series or above), are normally fitted
in combination with rims of larger than standard
diameter to maintain the correct overall diameter of
the wheel.
A diagram of this concept appears below.
Queensland Transport, All about modifications to motor vehicles, 2008
18 19
The rim diameter may be varied from the standard size
but the overall diameter of the tyre must not vary by
more than +15mm or -26mm.
These limits have been set for a number of reasons.
Varying the overall diameter of tyres affects ground
clearance, centre of gravity, brake effectiveness, steering
geometry, performance and speedometer accuracy.
Generally, to meet these limits, 60 series tyres are fitted
to rims with a diameter 26mm larger than standard and
50 series tyres are fitted to rims with a diameter 50mm
larger than standard.
General conditions for
alternative rims and tyres
The rims and tyres must not protrude beyond the
bodywork of the vehicle, including flares, when viewed
from above with the wheels facing straight ahead. If the
vehicle was originally constructed with a portion of the
wheel protruding, the wheels must not protrude further
than originally constructed.
The tyre to rim fitting and the tyre to rim combination
must be in accordance with the Tyre and Rim Standards
Manual published by the Tyre and Rim Association of
Australia. Reputable tyre retailers should have this
information and be able to advise on the correct
combinations.
All rims fitted to an axle must be of the same diameter,
width and offset. They must not have a circumferential
weld other than that which attaches the outer rim to
the centre. All rims must have stud hole pitch circle
diameters suitable to the hub. Wheel nut tapers must
be appropriate to the wheel and must engage the thread
of the wheel studs for at least the same length as the
nuts provided by the vehicle manufacturer.
Slotted and elongated stud holes are not permitted.
The fitting of spacers or adaptors between wheels and
hubs, additional to those provided by the vehicle
manufacturer, is not permitted. The tyre and rim must
not foul wheel arches or suspension components under
any conditions. Steering limit stops must not be adjusted
to reduce the turning circle in order to allow the fitting
of the alternative rims and tyres.
The tyres must have a tread depth of at least 1.5mm on
every part of the tyre that touches the road and not have
any apparent defect that is likely to make the vehicle to
which they are fitted unsafe. It is not permitted to fit
tyres that have been treated by recutting or regrooving
unless the tyre has been marked by the original
manufacturer as ‘suitable for recutting or regrooving’.
Tyres
The maximum tyre width for a car or car derivative must
not be more than 1.3 times the vehicle manufacturer’s
widest optional tyre.
However, for an off-road passenger vehicle fitted with
front and rear beam axles, the maximum tyre width
must not be more than 1.5 times the vehicle
manufacturer’s widest optional tyre.
The nominal width of the narrowest tyre fitted to a
vehicle must not be less than 70 per cent of the nominal
width of the largest tyre fitted and never less than the
vehicle manufacturer’s narrowest optional tyre as
indicated on the manufacturer’s tyre placard.
Queensland Transport, All about modifications to motor vehicles, 2008

[fuzzy2308]

part 4 i think: 20 21
Speed and load ratings
The speed rating of all tyres must be:
• a speed of at least:
for an off-road passenger vehicle – 140km/h
for another car (sedan, station wagon etc.)
up to nine adult seating positions or a car
derivative – 180km/h
for another motor vehicle – 120km/h
• the vehicle’s top speed, if lower.
Load ratings of tyres must be at least equal to those
specified by the manufacturer on the tyre placard fitted
to vehicles made after 1972. For other vehicles, the load
rating of a tyre must be capable of carrying the part of
the vehicle’s gross mass carried by the tyre.
Tyre construction
Tyre tread compounds, patterns, ply ratings and
performance characteristics vary. Tyre construction
(e.g. radial) and size must be the same on the same
axle. Although it is recommended that the tyres are
identical (e.g. same brand and tread pattern), this is
not mandatory.
Vehicle track
Track is measured at ground level from the centre of the
tyre on one side to the centre of the corresponding tyre
on the opposite side of the vehicle. Front and rear track
differs on many vehicles.
The wheel track must not be reduced to less than the
standard track specified by the vehicle manufacturer
for the particular model of vehicle.
The track of a car or car derivative may be increased
by up to 26mm beyond the maximum specified by
the vehicle manufacturer for the particular model of
vehicle. Off-road passenger vehicles fitted with front
and rear beam axles, may have an increase in track
up to 50mm beyond the maximum specified by
the vehicle manufacturer for the particular model
of vehicle.
Wheel marking
Vehicles built on or after 1 July 1985 must be fitted with
original wheels or replacement wheels which
are indelibly marked in accordance with approved
standards.
These standards include:
• Standards Australia
• Wheel Industries Association (Australia)
• Technischer Uberwachungen Verein
• Japanese Industrial Standards.
Markings must include diameter, width, offset and the
manufacturer’s trade mark or logo and be located so
that they are readily visible when the wheel is correctly
installed on the vehicle.
Composite wheels
The use of composite wheels (two or three-piece) is
permitted. They must be manufactured and marked in
accordance with the standards described above if fitted
to vehicles manufactured on or after 1 July 1985.
Front
Track
Rear
Track
Queensland Transport, All about modifications to motor vehicles, 2008
22 23
Repairs to tubeless tyres
Permanent repairs can only be made when the tyre is
removed from the rim. The tyre must be examined to
ensure it is structurally sound. The damaged area must
be prepared on the inside for a patch or mushroom
headed plug to be fitted and vulcanised into position.
Any repairs to a tyre must be sealed to prevent moisture
or contaminants from entering the tyre casing or
structure.
Caution: Plug repairs can only be made in the tread area
of the tyre and not in sidewalls or where the tread and
sidewall meet.
Punctures in tubeless tyres must not be repaired from the
outside or without removing the tyre from the rim as
this method is prone to failure.
Vehicle owners with doubts on tyre repairs should
contact a reputable tyre dealer for proper repairs.
Section 2
Complex
modifications
More complex modifications than those types already
listed in Section1must have approval. Such modifications
include replacement non-standard engines, gearboxes and
left to right hand steering conversions.
A simplified method for
obtaining approvals
While there are some modifications which still require
approval from Queensland Transport, most approvals can
be obtained through the Approved Person Scheme which
operates throughout Queensland. This scheme allows
quick and convenient evaluations and approvals.
What can Approved
Persons approve?
Many modifications can be approved by Approved
Persons, and include:
• Engine Substitution
• Turbocharger and Supercharger Installation
• Transmission Substitution
• Rear Axle Replacement
• Differential Substitution
• Brake System Substitution
• Convertible and Cabriolet Conversion
• Passenger Vehicle Extended Wheelbase Conversion
• Individual and Low Volume Vehicles
• Panel Van to Utility Conversion
• Roll Bar and Roll Cage Installation
Queensland Transport, All about modifications to motor vehicles, 2008
24 25
• Street Rod Certification
• Seating Capacity Alteration and Seat Belt Installation
• Child Restraint Anchorage Installation
• Motorbike Seating Capacity Alteration
• Fuel Tank Alteration
• Australian Design Rule (ADR) Compliance
• Pre 1972 Imported Vehicle Safety Compliance
• Personally Imported Vehicle Compliance
• Steering Conversion
• Beaming and Torsional Testing
The minimum standards for all of these modifications
are contained in the Code of Practice – Light Motor
Vehicle Modifications.
What is the Code of Practice?
The Code of Practice is a detailed manual which
prescribes the standards for vehicle modifications.
Check this Code for the standards relating to the
modifications you are thinking about.
All Approved Persons have the Code of Practice. Copies
of the Code of Practice are also available through
GoPrint retail outlets.
How do Approved Persons
approve modifications?
They inspect the modified vehicle to ensure it complies
with the Code of Practice. The Approved Person will give
you a Certificate of Modification and fit a modification
plate to the vehicle if the changes meet the required
standards.
How much do approvals cost?
A fee will normally be charged by Approved Persons for
any vehicle inspection and approval. This fee is not set
by Queensland Transport. Approved Persons set their
own fees, which may vary depending on the
modifications and the time involved in the inspection.
Who are Approved Persons
and where do I find one?
Approved Persons are employed by private industry and
authorised by Queensland Transport to approve vehicle
modifications.
Automotive businesses throughout Queensland, including
most service stations which issue Safety Certificates,
have Approved Persons. The names and addresses of
Approved Persons are available at Queensland Transport
Customer Service Centres.
Do Approved Persons have to
modify my car?
No. You can still do the modifications yourself or
have them done for you. However, it is strongly
suggested that an Approved Person is consulted prior
to commencement of any modification to find out the
relevant standards for approval.
The scheme allows Approved Persons to approve
modifications done by others provided the modifications
meet the standards set by the Code of Practice.
Queensland Transport, All about modifications to motor vehicles, 2008
26 27
Why do I need proof of a
modification?
Driving a vehicle with non-approved modifications is
illegal. A non-approved modified vehicle can be put off
the road immediately by Police or Queensland Transport
Inspectors. Drivers may also find that they are not
covered by insurance.
The Approved Person Scheme provides a quick and easy
way to have most modifications approved and reduces
the chance of a costly traffic fine or having your vehicle
ordered off the road.
Before you start
Before you modify your vehicle, contact an Approved
Person and make sure the modifications can be
approved. Don’t risk disappointment by spending a lot of
valuable time and money altering your vehicle only to
find it cannot be approved and driven on the road.
Section 3
Specific
modifications
Modifications which are not covered by this booklet or
the Approved Persons Scheme, or modifications which
involve substantial structural changes to the body or
chassis of a vehicle, require a written submission. A fee
is payable for the evaluation of plans. Send submissions
prior to commencing any modifications or alterations to:
Policy Advice
PO Box 673
Fortitude Valley, Qld 4006.
Applicants should supply as much detail as possible.
Incomplete submissions, insufficient details or poor
drawings will delay processing of submissions. As a
guide, submissions should contain:
• a completed ‘Motor Vehicle Modification Application’
(Form No. F1854 available at Queensland Transport
Customer Service Centres) and
• drafted plans for any modifications or alterations
involving structural changes. Plans, on A3 size
drafting paper, should include dimensions, plan,
elevation, end elevation and sections (where
necessary), material description, and welding and
machining details.
A word of caution
Modifying a vehicle for use on a road without obtaining
prior approval, or permitting the use of a modified vehicle
without approval, is a breach of Queensland legislation.
If you modify a vehicle without the necessary approval,
you could void your vehicle insurance and may be liable
for prosecution.
The permissible modifications outlined in this brochure
have been developed in consultation with the vehicle
manufacturers and industry.
Queensland Transport, All about modifications to motor vehicles, 2008
28 29
Engine replacements
Many manufacturers produce a series of models with the
same basic frame fitted with engines of differing
capacity. No approval is required if the smaller capacity
engine is replaced by a larger capacity engine from the
same series provided the brakes and suspension from the
larger capacity motorbike are fitted and no modification
is required to the frame.
The fitting of any other alternative replacement engine,
superchargers or turbochargers will require individual
approval in accordance with Section 3.
Steering gear and handle bars
The handle bars of a motorbike must extend at least
250mm, but not over 450mm, on each side of the
longitudinal axis of the motorbike. This measurement
does not include mirrors and lights.
The lowest part of the hand grip on the handle bars
must not be higher than 380mm above the attachment
point of the handle bars to the motorbike. Hand grips on
the handle bars must be fitted symmetrically.
If the motorbike has the head stem as the steering pivot
point, the horizontal distance from the midpoint between
the head stem bearings to the centre of the front wheel
must not be over 550mm.
Offset triple clamps are often fitted to provide the
motorbike with ‘a raked out’ appearance without the
need to modify the frame. These are acceptable provided
the trail measurement is not less than 75mm.
Section 4
Motorbike
modifications
Frame and suspension
alterations
Motorbike design is a complex task. Before modifications
are made to a motorbike’s frame or suspension, you
should be aware that structural changes to the frame,
steering head, front forks, suspension, brakes or wheels
may load vital components well beyond the limits for
which they were originally designed. This may increase
the probability of failure and may be a danger to the
rider and other road users.
Motorbikes with properly designed custom frames,
extended forks, hard tail conversions and structural
modifications are acceptable, but require specific
approval as explained in Section 3. A report will be
required from a Registered Professional Engineer
detailing the changes and certifying that the motorbike
is safe.
Queensland Transport, All about modifications to motor vehicles, 2008
30 31
Seat reduction
Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance premiums on
motorbikes are determined by the seating capacity of the
motorbike. Conversion of a motorbike from a
two-seater to a single-seater, or vice versa, can be
certified by an Approved Person as detailed in Section 2.
For two-seats to single-seat conversion the maximum
length of the upholstered section of the seat must be
500mm or less, and the pillion foot pegs must be
removed with any associated brackets and threaded
holes drilled out. You are not permitted to use a
removable cowl or other structure fitted over the seat
to reduce the length of the seat. You should seek advice
from an Approved Person before performing a seat
reduction modification.
Wheels and tyres
On all wheels (including any side-car wheel), the tyre
size must be suitable for the rim. Each tyre and rim must
be strong enough to support the machine when it is fully
loaded. Most major motorbike tyre specialists can tell
you the right tyre and rim for your motorbike and the
appropriate tyre speed rating.
Chain guards
If the motorbike has a chain drive, the driver and any
passenger must be protected from the front sprocket
and at least the upper part of the chain by the frame
or equipment of the motorbike, or by a chain guard.
A chain guard must cover the chain to a point at least
300mm to the rear of the rearmost foot rest or above the
centre of the rear drive sprocket.
Motorbikes must be fitted with footrests for the rider,
and for any passenger for whom a seating position is
provided.
Exhausts
Motorbikes manufactured from 1 July 1975 are subject
to ADR requirements for noise.
Any replacement exhaust system must be as near as
practicable to the original component specification
and/or comply with ADR noise requirements.
If you modify or replace an exhaust system on a
pre-1975 motorbike, you must remember that the
law prohibits all motor vehicles from causing excessive
noise due to the condition or construction of the vehicle,
or the manner in which it is operated.
Motorbikes manufactured from 1 July 1988 have all
components of the silencing system marked with the
name or trade name of the manufacturer.
These motorbikes carry information of the Stationary
Noise Test in the following format:
STATIONARY NOISE TEST INFORMATION
Tested at............. dB(A) at........... r/min
Silencing System: (manufacturer’s name)
Identification: (trade description)
Any replacement part of the silencing system must show
the trademark or the name of the original manufacturer
of the system.
Queensland Transport, All about modifications to motor vehicles, 2008
Mudguards
Mudguards must be fitted to all wheels (including the
sidecar wheel). Each mudguard must be at least as wide,
over its entire length, as its respective tyre.
A front mudguard must cover the rearward section of
the wheel through the area between two lines, one
vertical and the other horizontal, both drawn through
the centre of the wheel. If suitable protection is afforded
by the frame or construction of the motorbike, the front
guard need only cover the unprotected area.
The mudguard provided for the rear wheel and for the
wheel of any sidecar must extend not less than from a
point vertically above the foremost part of the wheel
rearward to a point not higher than the intersection of
the arc of the wheel guard with a line through the centre
of the wheel at 45 degrees to a horizontal plane through
the centre of the wheel.
Indicators
Indicators are required on all motorbikes manufactured
after 30 June 1975.
Sidecars
Sidecars must be fitted to the left hand side of a
motorbike. This does not apply to a motorbike and
sidecar combination greater than 30 years of age.
When a sidecar or side-box is attached to a motorbike
manufactured after February 1976, a mechanical parking
brake must be fitted.
The maximum width of the combination, including any
load and equipment, must not exceed 1.85m.
Motortrikes
Motortrikes that are constructed by removing the rear
swing arm and substituting a suitable after market or
self-constructed rear axle assembly and body work are
considered to be a modified motorbike, if the motorbike is
substantially unmodified forward of the swing arm pivot.
The vehicle does not need to be updated to comply
with current ADRs apart from those required as part
of the trike conversion. For example, if the motorbike
was not required to operate on unleaded fuel when
manufactured, then it would not be required to be
converted to run on unleaded fuel as part of the
trike modification.
The kit or owner designed and/or constructed assembly
must be examined by an Approved Person with code
LO1 to ensure it is suitable for the motorbike.
You should contact an Approved Person as detailed in
Section 2 about obtaining approval for this modification.
32 33
Queensland Transport, All about modifications to motor vehicles, 2008





hope this helps mate

[fuzzy2308]

Thanks fuzzy, I didn't see it but I'll take another look

no worrys mate ...... it took me like 1hour to find it

[Stressball]

Thanks muchly for that, I found it 2 minutes after you first suggested it, had a look through.. As far as I can gather from that, the only thing I can see fairly clearly is that extractors can be replaced. Performance-wise there's not a lot else in there.. The whole section on Engines, requiring a plate, isn't very specific. For example, things like say, a new K&N panel filter. Not exactly an engine part.. But doesn't fit anywhere else.

If anybody is able to clear this up further that'd be great