Vehicle standards

Western Australian standards

We administer the State's vehicle standards, regulations and rules, including:

• Road Traffic (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 2002:
  These provide for compliance notices, exemptions, permits and notices for heavy restricted access vehicles. They also contain provisions for mass and loading, load restraints, vehicle modifications and vehicle maintenance.
  
  
• Road Traffic (Vehicle Standards) Rules 2002.
  These detail specific requirements for vehicles, including dimensions, braking, lighting and emissions - all of which must conform to the Australian Design Rules (as at the date of manufacture of the vehicle).
  
  
• Road Traffic (Tow Truck) Regulations 1975.
  
  
• Road Traffic (Towed Agricultural Implements) Regulations 1995.
  
  
• Road Traffic (Animal Drawn Vehicles) Regulations 2002.
  
  
• Road Traffic (Bicycles) Regulations 2002.

National standards

The Australian Design Rules (ADR)

The ADRs provide the information required for manufacturers of new vehicles, including passenger cars, buses, trucks and trailers.

The Australian Government's Department of Transport and Regional Services (DOTARS) administers these rules under the Motor Vehicles Standards Act 1989 in consultation with State and Territory jurisdictions, principal industry organisations, and user groups.

For a brief summary of these ADRs go to the DOTARS website.

The Australian Vehicle Standards Rules are based on the Australian Design Rules and provide the framework for in-service standards. The National Transport Commission developed this model legislation in consultation with the states and territories, which have all implemented these regulations.

Australian Standards

Various Australian and International Standards are also covered in the Australian Design Rules and Australian Vehicle Standards Rules.