Vehicle modifications

Owners sometimes modify their vehicles to give them a distinctive appearance, to improve their performance, to add desired features, change the engine (alternate or replacement engines), suspension, or to add a long-range fuel tank. Others modify their vehicles so that they are better suited to a specialised purpose.

Vehicle owners who wish to modify their vehicles need to follow the vehicle standards guidelines and relevant approved codes of practice that apply to the modification of vehicles.

Modification plans may need to be reviewed and approved before the modification is made. If this is needed, a fee may be payable.

Vehicle owners may need to have the modifications to their vehicle inspected and certified to ensure the modifications have been performed in accordance with the Queensland Road Vehicle Modification Handbook.

The Vehicle standards instructions (VSI) page provides publications with extra guidance including a VSI on Minor Modifications about the most commonly performed modifications.

Queensland Road Vehicle Modification Handbook

The Queensland Road Vehicle Modification Handbook provides information for vehicle owners or vehicle modifiers wishing to modify light vehicles (gross vehicle mass of not more than 4.5t) from the manufacturer's original specifications. Following these requirements and extra guidance will ensure that your vehicle meets all applicable Queensland regulations and its safety levels are maintained.

Download the Queensland Road Vehicle Modification Handbook.

Young drivers

Research shows a greater crash risk for young drivers when driving high-powered and performance vehicles. Before modifying or purchasing a modified vehicle, check the eligibility of the vehicle for young drivers—Provisional licence holders (P1 and P2) and high-powered and performance vehicles.

Fee increase

On 1 July 2022 our fees and charges increased by 2.5% in line with the government's indexation policy.