Modify a heavy vehicle

If you want to undertake a modification to a heavy vehicle you have two options (see below).

A 'heavy vehicle' is defined as:

• A motor vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) greater than 4,500 kg or,
• A trailer with an Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM) greater than 4,500 kg.

The Authorised Modification Scheme for Heavy Vehicles reduces paperwork and simplifies the modification approval process so that heavy vehicles can be modified and certified more efficiently. 

This scheme allows most modifications to heavy vehicles to be certified by qualified people in the industry without the need for a modification permit to be issued by the Department.

It is based on the national code of practice for modifying heavy vehicles.

Note:

Vehicles modified under the Heavy Vehicle Modification Scheme must be plated by an authorised modifier.

States and Territories have developed procedures to control modifications through a single, national code of practice that serves the requirements of both Federal and State/Territory authorities.

The authorised modifier is responsible for ensuring your truck is modified in accordance with provisions and standards.

These are specified in the publication, Vehicle Standards Bulletin No 6: National Code of Practice: Heavy Vehicle Modifications (VSB6), available on the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, and the Arts website.

If you need an authorised modifier (heavy vehicles), refer to IB-102: Automotive Consultants (Information Bulletin) below, as some of consultants listed are also authorised modifiers for heavy vehicles.

The information bulletin below IB-104C: Modifying heavy vehicles (Information Bulletin) which provides advice on the benefits and limitations of choosing this option.

Vehicle owners not wishing to use an Authorised Modifier can still go through the process of seeking approval from the Department before commencing a modification, however a more stringent approval process is applied.

Please call 13 11 56.

Note:

Generally, modifications are subject to a vehicle inspection prior to final approval.

About modification permits

Before making any modifications, you must check whether Department of Transport (DoT) approval is required.
If you modify your vehicle without the necessary approval, you may be issued with a defect notice (yellow sticker) and may void your vehicle insurance.

• You must pre-pay for the modification permit before you present the vehicle for inspection.
• You must present your receipt at the time of the inspection.
• You must present all documents, engineering certification and approval letter at the time of the inspection.

If your vehicle passes an inspection and you have paid the required fee, a modification permit will be issued by the AIS approving the modification. It is a requirement that you keep these documents inside the vehicle, with copies in a safe place.