Vehicle mods in ACT

[timbar32]

Hey boys and girls,

Does anyone know of a website or anywhere else I can get a list of what is and isn't allowed on our cars in Canberra? Just a bit worried that if I do have a prang, insurance may not pay out if there are any "illegal" mods. Thanks

[Aurora]

You can ask the Dickson Motor Registry for a list or compliant and non-compliant modifications. I don't believe there is anywhere on the Internet you can find this list though, sorry.

[Veilside R33]

what are you worried wont be legal?

[timbar32]

Well, been told by a mate that's a copper, that EVERYTHING I can do is illegal, from my pod, to future turbo upgrades, to my cars height. Apparently all aftermarket computers are illegal as well. As I said, it's not the cops I'm worried about, it's paying 2k a year for insurance that may be usless. Anyway, cheers, I'll check with Dickson registry and if I can score a full list, I'll let you guys know.

[Amaru]

Insurance will insure you with an aftermarket ecu, however they are illegal now unless you get the car emission tested to see if the new ecu complies with emission standards. This comes at a pricey cost (of last time I asked) $4500 and is carried out by Ford.

You can order a set of the Australian Design Rules, as long as you keep to those you should be ok, just tell your insurance company everything you do, and if they dont like it, dont do it.

[gtir_94]

ACT Roads brings out a manual you can purchase, [its the same manual used by the inspectors] its called 'ACT Guide to Light Vehicle Modifications' or something similar.

But yes, anything that isnt stock can be defected.

[NJR 34GTT]

One thing they really need is consistency. I don't think it's fair for exactly the same things to be considered legal by some and not by others.

[SkyGTRline]

No offence mate, but cops dotn know whats the dif between whats ilegal and whats not.

best to check through your insurance company. Get them to send you something on what you can and cant have.... well at least ask if they have anything so.

[Nismo_R33]

If you want to mod your car and concern about illegal. Then you better get a engineer cert for all of your mods. The engineer will tell you what can do and what can't do. He will write a report to comply your mods with ADR. Better ask before mod. There is a very nice engineer can do the cert. in ACT, John Wilson. I did mine with him... very good bloke.

[timbar32]

Yeah, engineering is the best way to go. Found out from a mate whos a cop that there is a defect notice known as "does not comply with standard", meaning any of us could get booked for just about anything. Prob get it cleared quick, but still a hassle...

[LTSJayce]

Cops mightn't know what's legal and what isn't,but ANYTHING changed from the factory is enough for you to get sent "over the pits"-and THAT'S what you should fear most!Be nice to the Police-98% of them are top blokes that are just doing their jobs-I know I've been let off numerous times for not being a smarta**e/admitting that I was doing wrong...

Seriously,you can get sent a defect for simple things like:non-standard fittment tyres,a tissue box on the rear parcel shelf(THAT ticks even me off...),an aftermarket stereo installation,a seat cover...and the list goes on!SO:see an engineer,don't try and slide anything past them OR the Constabulary if you get ''yanked'',and just be happy that we're all driving nicer cars than most...

I've seen some pretty full-on rides that have been 100% certified.My l'il beastie is already well engineered;when it's fully done,it'll be a MUCH harder hitter,AND it'll be legal!!