Here you'll find information about Australian Design Rules (ADRs) and Commonwealth Vehicle Standards Bulletins (VSB).
Australian Design Rules (ADRs)
ADRs provide the information required for manufacturers of new vehicles, including passenger cars, buses, trucks and trailers.
The Australian Government's Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, and the Arts administer these rules under the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018 in consultation with other Australian jurisdictions, principal industry organisations, and user groups.
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 Australian Jurisdictions, which have all implemented these regulations. Although based on a nationally developed framework, requirements may vary between jurisdictions where local legislative amendments have been adopted. Always refer to the relevant jurisdiction’s regulations for specific requirements.
Various Australian and International Standards are also covered in the Australian Design Rules and Australian Vehicle Standards Rules.
Vehicle Standards Bulletins (VSB): Commonwealth
The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, and the Arts Vehicle Standards Bulletins series provide information on the design, manufacture, sale, modification, maintenance, import and repair of road vehicles.
- VSB 1 - Building small trailers.
- VSB 3 - Vehicle safety recalls.
- VSB 4 - Steering conversions for left hand drive vehicles.
- VSB 5A - Commercial manufacture and installation of additional seats.
- VSB 5B - Construction and installation of additional seats by individuals.
- VSB 6 - Heavy vehicle modifications.
- VSB 7A - Design parameters necessary for compliance with ADR 59/00 Part A.
- VSB 7B - Design parameters necessary for compliance with ADR 59/00 Part B.
- VSB 10 - Importing vehicles to Australia.
- VSB 11 - Certification of road-friendly suspensions.
- VSB 12 - Rear marking plates.
- VSB 14 - National code of practice for light vehicle construction and modification (NCOP).
You can download the Vehicle Standards Bulletins from the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, and the Arts website.