In this special feature, LCA discusses some key information around vehicle modification in New South Wales

The Licensed Certifiers Association (LCA) was established in mid- 2017 with the Department of Transport for NSW (TfNSW) seeing a need for an organisation for the endorsement of modified vehicles.
“We are all licensed VSCCS certifier members working cooperatively that have a wealth of knowledge in all areas, makes and models in the vehicles or Automotive Industry,” an LCA spokesperson said.
“Together we have more than 1000 years of experience of modified vehicles knowledge with a broad exposure to all aspects of industry.
“This ranges from passenger cars, light commercial vehicles, caravans, light trailers, light buses, to heavy buses, heavy trucks and heavy trailers, motorcycles, hot-rods and individually constructed vehicles (ICV).”

DID YOU KNOW?

• For all modifications beyond those specified as Basic Modifications in VSB 14 National Code of Practice, you require a VSCCS Engineering Compliance Certificate for registration in NSW. A person must not carry out modifications on a registered light vehicle (whether by the addition or removal of components or otherwise) that result in the vehicle failing to comply with the applicable vehicle standards (NSW Government Legislation – Road Transport [Vehicle Registration] Regulation 2017, Part 5 Vehicle Standards, Clause 64 Modifications To Registered Light Vehicles). A person must not use a vehicle on a road or road related area without such a Certificate, and the registered operator or owner of the vehicle must not permit the vehicle to be used in such a way if the vehicle has had a modification to which this Division applies (NSW Government Legislation – Road Transport [Vehicle Registration] Regulation 2017, Part 6 Certification Of Vehicles, Clause 84 Modified Vehicles Not To Be Used Unless Certified.)
• If you remove the seats in the rear most position in your vehicle and fit a drawer system you will require a VSCCS Engineering Compliance Certificate for a modified vehicle for registration in NSW. This comes under ADR 3, 4; VSB 5A or 5B; AS/NZS 2596; VSB 14 Section LK Seating and Occupant Protection and Seatbelt Installation/removal, Modification Code LK1.
• If you put larger wheels over seven percent of the OE tyre sizes detailed on the tyre placard on your vehicle you will require a VSCCS Engineering Compliance Certificate for a modified vehicle for registration in NSW (ADR 20, 23, 42; Tyre And Rim Standards Manual; VSB 14 Section LS Tyres, Rims, Suspension And Steering, Modification Code LS10).
• If you change or modify your exhaust system you will require a VSCCS Engineering Compliance Certificate for a modified vehicle for registration in NSW. Removal of the exhaust silencer/muffler or the catalytic converter is illegal and will incur a defect notice when inspected by the police (ADR 28, 30, 37, 70, 79, 83; VSB 14 Section LA Engine, Modification Code LA5).

• Some Aftermarket Lighting installations require a VSCCS Engineering Compliance Certificate for a modified vehicle for registration in NSW. Most vehicle aftermarket LED lighting sold on eBay or similar are potentially illegal, you must check and ensure the LED Lights are of approved design to the Australian design rules and are marked accordingly. (ADR 1, 13; VSB Section LO Vehicle Standards Compliance, Modification Code LO1).
• All modified NSW vehicles requiring certification also require a new TARE Weight, Weighbridge docket. The vehicle cannot be certified without a current weighbridge certificate with a VSCCS Engineering Compliance Certificate for a modified vehicle for registration in NSW. Vehicle Modifications often change the vehicles Tare Weight once modified. If the vehicle is fitted with aftermarket components – such as, fuel tanks, seats, suspension components and exhaust systems, to name a few items – the vehicle will need to be reweighed for TfNSW Registration purposes if falling outside of the specified Basic Modifications (VSB 14).  
• All vehicles fitted with high lift suspension require a VSCCS Engineering Compliance Certificate for a modified vehicle for registration in NSW.  All late model vehicles fitted with ESC are allowed a 50mm or two-inch suspension lift only, and seven percent tyres diameter increase over the largest option tyre for that vehicle – this is approximately a 25mm or one-inch tyre lift. The total lift of suspension and tyres included must give a total lift of approximately 75mm or three-inches as maximum. If exceeding the total lift as stated above, an ESC performance certificate after testing of the ESC must be provided to prove the vehicle remains safe to operate. The ESC testing requirement often defeats the cost of raised suspensions requiring ESC testing, says LCA. Therefore, the lift is uneconomical to be greater than the allowed approximate 75mm/three-inch total lift. LCA says its members have been quoted figures of $15k to $25k per vehicle for ESC testing to ADR 88/00.
• Pod Style Air Filters are illegal and cannot be certified with a VSCCS Engineering Compliance Certificate for a modified vehicle for registration in NSW. The fitment of open pod style air filters is illegal in NSW. The pod filter can be installed but must be in a cover/enclosure that covers the pod filter. Pod Filter Covers could cover the Pod like a Bell on all sides and top to reduce induction noise (ADR 83/00).
• If you install an aftermarket Turbocharger or a Supercharger to naturally aspirated engine you will require a VSCCS Engineering Compliance Certificate for a modified vehicle for registration in NSW. The installation of a Turbo Charger or a Supercharger to a naturally aspirated engine requires further testing requirements (emission, noise and the brakes) for compliance (ADR 28, 30, 31, 35, 37, 83 and Brake Assessment Manual Ver 3.0) depending on the actual vehicle type or category.

• For aftermarket Brake Calliper and Rotor Upgrades or any modifications to brake systems, such as upgrading to larger brake components like callipers and rotors, you will require a VSCCS Engineering Compliance Certificate for a modified vehicle for registration in NSW. This is because these changes can potentially impact the brake balance and vehicle dynamics, especially under heavy loads or off-road conditions. The certification ensures that the upgraded braking system meets safety standards and performs reliably (VSB 14 Section LG Brakes, ADR 35, ADR31, BM3).
• For any aftermarket Suspension Components and Suspension upgrades outside of the specified Basic Modifications (eg, lifts beyond 50mm), you will require a VSCCS Engineering Compliance Certificate for a modified vehicle for registration in NSW. This is a common modification among off-road enthusiasts. It can significantly alter a vehicle’s suspension geometry and handling characteristics which could potentially affect its stability and safety. The certification ensures the suspension upgrader meets the regulatory standards and maintains safe operation on NSW roads (VSB 14 Section LS Tyres, Rims, Suspension and Steering clause 1.2).
• Extended Rear Shackles are illegal and cannot be certified with a VSCCS Engineering Compliance Certificate for a modified vehicle for registration in NSW.  Extended rear shackles are a popular modification among 4WD enthusiasts as it helps achieve additional ground clearance and accommodate larger tyres. However, this alteration can impact the vehicle’s suspension geometry and load-bearing capacity, potentially affecting its stability and safety (VSB 14 Section LS Tyres, Rims, Suspension and Steering clause 4.11).
• Using Wheel Spacers are illegal and cannot be certified with a VSCCS Engineering Compliance Certificate for a modified vehicle for registration in NSW. Wheel spacers are frequently used in off-road applications to widen the vehicle’s track width, providing better stability and clearance for larger tyres. However, wheel spacers can affect the vehicle’s steering geometry and increase stress on wheel bearings, potentially compromising safety (VSB 14 Section LS Tyres, Rims, Suspension and Steering clause 4.2.2).

For more information, please visit www.licensedcertifiersassociation.com.au