Any alteration to a vehicle that makes it different from when it was originally manufactured and registered will usually need approval from the Vehicle Safety Branch.

Whatever the reason for modification, the vehicle must conform to the Road Traffic (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 2002, Road Traffic (Vehicle Standards) Rules 2002 and the Australian Design Rules (for date of manufacture and vehicle category).

Many minor vehicle modifications can be carried out without our approval. However, they must still comply with the regulations.

Modification approvals

Before making any modifications, you should check whether our approval is required. There is a published list of Modifications that don't require approval.

If what you want to do is not on this list, you must notify the Vehicle Safety Branch.

Contacting us first will ensure that:

• You don't waste time and money on a project that subsequently proves to be illegal.
• You avoid the inconvenience and expense of removing a yellow sticker (compliance defect notice).
• The vehicle's insurance remains valid.
• The modified vehicle will be safe. This is the over-riding factor.

Before you can commence any vehicle modifications you need to complete a Vehicle Modification Application pdf (92kb). We will assess your application and advise you whether you have been granted approval in principle to proceed.

After your modifications have been finalised, examined, and passed by our Vehicle Examiners, and you have paid the required fee, we will issue a modification permit or provide another form of approval guaranteeing that the modification conforms to the regulations.

We recommend you keep these documents inside the vehicle, with copies in a safe place. These documents are proof that the vehicle is safe when used as the conditions on the permit dictate. When your vehicle is sold they must be given to the new owner.

It is also recommended that you discuss with your insurer any modifications you have carried out or intend to make, including those listed as "modifications not requiring approval". Failure to do this could result in a subsequent insurance claim being denied.

Note: Generally no modification may be carried out if it:

• reduces the strength of the vehicle body
• reduces the controllability of the vehicle
• otherwise reduces the safety of the vehicle
• causes a nuisance or danger to other people.