Heavy vehicle modifications

This was necessary to ensure that the modifications were completed to an acceptable standard, and to ensure that the modified vehicle continued to operate safely.

The approval process for heavy vehicle modifications has since been simplified with the introduction of the Authorised Modification Scheme for Heavy Vehicles.

Vehicle owners not wishing to use this scheme can still go through the process of seeking approval from the Vehicle Safety Branch before commencing a modification, and having a more stringent approval process applied.

Authorised Modification Scheme for Heavy Vehicles

Under this scheme, by reducing paperwork and simplifying the process, heavy vehicles can be modified and certified more efficiently without affecting the quality of workmanship.

This scheme allows most modifications to heavy vehicles to be certified by qualified people in the industry without reference to the Vehicle Safety Branch. It is based on Vehicle Standards Bulletin 6, a national code of practice for modifying heavy vehicles. You can find this Bulletin at the Department of Transport and Regional Services web site.

Vehicles modified under the Heavy Vehicle Modification Scheme must be plated by an Authorised Modifier. He or she must provide information including the VSB 6 modifying codes and the modifier's identity on the "modification plate".

The success of this scheme has led to it being applied to certain modifications of light chassis-based vehicles.

IB-104A Modifying Heavy Vehicles (pdf 205kb)