The +2" Myth - Busted

[thewheeldeal com au]

SPECIFICALLY FOR SOUTH AUSTRALIANS!

There is no legislation that limits wheel diameter to +2". There used to be several years ago however and I do believe that SA were the last state to drop the rule.

Without getting too technical here is some reference material for you -
South Australia ROAD TRAFFIC (MISCELLANEOUS) REGULATIONS 1999 - as at 9 July 2001
Link Here

South Australia ROAD TRAFFIC (MISCELLANEOUS) REGULATIONS 1999 - as at 1 July 2010
Link Here

Specifically:

+15mm rule

2001 : 26.5.a.ii
...a motor vehicle that is required to comply with ADR 24 may be — equipped with tyres other than those listed on the tyre placard fitted to the vehicle,
provided that — the overall diameter of a wheel and tyre fitted is not more than 15 millimetres greater than that advised in the Tyre and Rim Standards Manual (issued by the Tyre and Rim Association of Australia) for the largest tyre size listed on the placard and not more than 15 millimetres less than that advised in the Manual for the smallest tyre size listed on the placard
This rule has not changed in the 2010 revision

+2" rule

2001 : 26.5.c
...a motor vehicle that is required to comply with ADR 24 may be — equipped with wheels with a rim diameter other than a rim diameter (if any) listed on the tyre placard, provided that the rim diameter of a wheel fitted is not more than 50 millimetres greater than the largest diameter listed on the placard and not more than 50 millimetres less than the smallest diameter listed on the placard.
THE RULE NOW READS AS FOLLOWS
2010 : 26.5.c
...a motor vehicle that is required to comply with ADR 24 may be — equipped with wheels with a rim diameter other than a rim diameter (if any) listed on the tyre placard.

There are also provisions for load rating, wheel width, track etc etc but you can look that up in the links above.

Hope this clears up the confusion.

[VKCOMMO]

Is this also for NSW or just SA?

[thewheeldeal com au]

It applies to every state, but SA was the last to abolish the rule and plenty of people like to still think it exists. It doesn't and there is no such +2 rule.

[GEN3RATD]

so currently in WA there is no +2 inch rule?
just curious as everyone swears that there is

[thewheeldeal com au]

To the best of my knowledge, WA falls under the National Code of Practice which does not limit wheel diameter. The only limit is constrained by overall tyre diameter and load index. I have confirmed the WA position in regard to the NCOP on the phone.

Certain insurance companies still only allow a +2" diameter increase despite larger increases being perfectly legal and roadworthy. It always pays to check with your local traffic authority and your insurance company if in doubt. If your local traffic authority says there is a +2" limit, please ask them to direct you to the relevant state regulations/guidelines which state as such (then forward me the link...haha...).

[GEN3RATD]

so lets just say in theory i can fit 20s? legally?

[thewheeldeal com au]

so lets just say in theory i can fit 20s? legally?

Yes, provided your outer tyre diameter is no larger than 15mm over the largest diameter specified on your tyre placard AND your load index is no less than the minimum specified on your tyre placard.

[GEN3RATD]

The tyre placard says 235/45/R17, so assuming I get some low profile Tyres on some 20s I'd be fine?

[thewheeldeal com au]

Correct,

we recommend 245/30R20 93W as the correct legal fitment for a VX.

[GEN3RATD]

Awesome thanks man

[james coombes92]

this thread helps heaps i got a vr commodore with 205/65 R15 would i be right to get 20 inch rims under her lagally?

[thewheeldeal com au]

Yes - same as this VVVVVV

Correct,

we recommend 245/30R20 93W as the correct legal fitment for a VX.

[iinsom]

Isnt it about rolling diameter, as it changes your speedo readings if you have too big/small wheels on it?

[thewheeldeal com au]

Isnt it about rolling diameter, as it changes your speedo readings if you have too big/small wheels on it?

That is correct, along with other factors such as braking, acceleration and suspension performance.

[BradZ_VH]

Isn't the speedo reading automatically re-calibrated as it's taken from the ABS sensor? Or does that only apply to diff changes and whatnot?

[philba]

i always thought the +2" was in relation to wheel width, not rolling diameter. and i also always thought that the speedo reading was taken from a small gear located in the gearbox?

[Leigh_G]

Thanks so much for clearing this up once and for all, and providing me with links to documentation.. I just got defected to regency for having 19's on my VR, even though my total rolling diameter is only out by 0.4mm from stock (much less than the allowed 15mm)..
Not like it's gonna change anything, but at least I can print this off for the next *&%@ who wants to try defect my wheels.

This thread should be stickied in the SA section.

[304runner]

NSW has something called the P-50 law....

[Leigh_G]

Really? Is it a 50mm wheel diameter deviation limit? How long have they had this? AFAIK, NSW and VIC were the first states to remove the 50mm rim diameter limit and amend the act (as shown above).. SA just took it's sweet ass time to catch up. This is also exactly what I told the copper on the weekend too.. Who then laughed in my face and told me I had no idea.

[304runner]

Police will still fine you for it.. Its a guild line that they will use every damn day...

[Leigh_G]

That's gay man.. FYI i just got bck from the police station. Printed off all of that legislation, including highlighted all the important sections. Bloke I spoke to checked it with his sargeant, said I was 100% correct and my wheels are completely legal.. Gotta bring the car back tomorrow and they'll remove the wheel defect, change the inspection type to 'local' instead of VIS (regency) and clear my loose battery clamp (if I've tightened it).. Only $25 fee as well (compared to $174 @ regency). SO stoked.

[thewheeldeal com au]

That's gay man.. FYI i just got bck from the police station. Printed off all of that legislation, including highlighted all the important sections. Bloke I spoke to checked it with his sargeant, said I was 100% correct and my wheels are completely legal.. Gotta bring the car back tomorrow and they'll remove the wheel defect, change the inspection type to 'local' instead of VIS (regency) and clear my loose battery clamp (if I've tightened it).. Only $25 fee as well (compared to $174 @ regency). SO stoked.

Gotta say, it's hearing things like this that make me enjoy my job. Glad to hear that the papers I linked above helped you clear a defect for perfectly legal wheels mate. Good Job.