4.4.2 Legal framework for modifying heavy vehicles

Legal Requirements for Modification of Heavy Vehicles

Under the Heavy Vehicle National Law any addition or removal of a component or any change from the manufacturer’s specification is considered a modification.

It is illegal to modify a heavy vehicle unless you get the modification approved under section 86 or 87 of the HVNL.

It is also illegal to use a modified vehicle if the modification has not been approved.

If the modification to the vehicle is in accordance with the National Code of Practice for Heavy Vehicle Modifications (VSB6) the modifications will need to be inspected and a modification plate (Mod plate) fitted to the vehicle to demonstrate that the modification has been approved

The inspection of the vehicle and the fitment of the mod plate must be done by an Approved Vehicle Examiner appointed under the NVNL.

See this page on the NHVR website to find out to contact an AVE in your state https://www.nhvr.gov.au/safety-accreditation-compliance/vehicle-standards-and-modifications/approved-vehicle-examiners

If you want to modify the vehicle beyond what is allowed by VSB 6, you need to discuss the modification with the NHVR and the modified vehicle will need to be approved by the NHVR.

Modification plates

If your vehicle is approved by the AVE under section 86 or the NHVR under Section 87 a modification plate will be attached to the vehicle to show that approved modifications have been made to the vehicle.

The modification plate demonstrates to any person that inspects the vehicle that the modifications have been approved. If you use a vehicle on the road that has been modified but does not have a modification plate that lists those modifications you may be prosecuted.