Heavy vehicle modifications
This page provides information for vehicle owners or vehicle modifiers wishing to modify vehicles with a gross vehicle mass exceeding 4.5t from the manufacturer’s original specifications. Following these requirements will ensure that your vehicle meets all applicable Queensland regulations and its safety levels are maintained.
Modifications to heavy vehicles can be generally classified in 3 ways:
Modifications that do not require approval
Many minor modifications can be carried out without obtaining written approval.
Commonly, minor modifications involve the installation of an accessory (e.g. long range aerial, CB Radio) and provided the vehicle continues to meet the vehicle standards, do not require approval.
The vehicle standards requires that any modification that does not require approval must not affect the safe operation of a vehicle. If a modifier or vehicle owner is unsure if a modification will affect the safe operation, please contact the Vehicle Standards and Modification Advice team.
Modifications under a Code of Practice
Complex modifications to heavy vehicles and trailers over 4.5t GVM/ATM (Gross Vehicle Mass/Aggregate Trailer Mass) can be certified by approved persons, providing the modifications have been performed in accordance with an approved code of practice.
In Queensland, there are 2 codes of practice that apply to heavy vehicles. These are:
The National Code of Practice for Heavy Vehicle Modifications — Vehicle Standards Bulletin 6* and specific sections of the Queensland Code of Practice – Vehicle Modifications (PDF, 1.72 MB).
The heavy vehicle ratings and modifications covered by the Queensland Code of Practice are:
- Child Restraint Anchorage Installation (K6)
- Gross Vehicle Mass Rating - Rigid Omnibus (S4)
- Gross Vehicle Mass Rating - Articulated Omnibus (S5)
- Omnibus Licencing Evaluation (S6)
- Concessional Livestock Loading Vehicle Rating (S10)
- Bus Life Vehicle Rating (S13).
Specific modifications
Some owners require approval for vehicle modifications which may be outside the scope of the approved codes of practice and approval by an Approved Person and must be approved by the department.
The Motor Vehicle Modification Application form (F1854) must be used when applying to the Department of Transport and Main Roads for a specific modification. A fee is payable for the evaluation of plans. Gaining approval before commencing any specific modifications is strongly recommended. Please send the application form and your submission to:
Vehicle Standards
Department of Transport and Main Roads
GPO Box 1412
Brisbane, QLD 4001
Applicants should supply as much vehicle and engineering detail as possible to allow the modification to be assessed and avoid delays in processing of submissions.
Please note: Applications to modify a vehicle outside the requirements of an approved code of practice will only be considered by Transport and Main Roads if there is a genuine operational need for the modification.
For further advice regarding vehicle modifications, call the Vehicle Standards and Modifications Advice Team on (07) 3114 5844.
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