Vehicle modifications

Light vehicles (up to 4.5t GVM)

The MVR inspectors will assess your vehicle in line with the National Code of Practice for Light Vehicle Construction and Modification, which applies to both the modification of production vehicles and individually constructed vehicles (ICV).

For more information about the code, go to the Australian Government's Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications website.

Minor modifications

Minor modifications may be carried out without obtaining approval.

Generally these modifications may include fitment of optional equipment for the vehicle concerned and would not affect the level of safety, strength or reliability of vital systems such as brakes and steering.

Examples include fitting a car audio, bullbar, towbar, additional lighting, manufacturer wheel or tyre options.

Basic modifications

Basic modifications are modifications that do not affect the level of safety, strength and reliability of vehicle systems, and may be assessed and approved at a government inspection facility.

In most cases you don't need to submit a written application or apply to the technical advisory committee.

Some modifications that require certification under the code may also be assessed as a basic modification. Common examples of this can include:

• engine substitution
• fitment of approved child restraint anchorages
• fitment of super/turbo chargers and other engine modifications
• fitment of roll bars/cages
• transmission and rear axle modification and substitution
• motorcycle modifications
• substitute seating
• replacement fuel tanks/cells
• fitment of approved seat belts
• suspension modifications.

Significant modifications and extensive modifications

These modifications include all modifications not classed as a basic modification or a minor modification.

They have the potential to seriously affect the safety of your vehicle and may affect its strength, structural integrity and handling characteristics.

These modifications must be assessed by the technical advisory committee.

In some instances, engineering certification may also be required.

Individually constructed vehicles (ICVs) and street rods

Applications to build an ICV or street rod are assessed by the technical advisory committee.

ICVs will require engineering certification.

For street rods, the technical advisory committee will assess your vehicle according to the National Guidelines for the Construction and Modification of Street Rods in Australia. This includes technical specifications for the construction and modification of street rods.

For more information about the guidelines, go to the Australian Government's Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications website.

More information

Read more about light vehicle modifications PDF (1.4 MB).