The National Code of Practice for Light Vehicle Construction and Modification (NCOP) was created by the Australian Motor Vehicle Certification Board (AMVCB). All State Transport Departments have indicated intention to install the NCOP, however no State has Legislated, yet. The AAAA, submitted suggested changes to the draft, some of which were incorporated. The NCOP was published in February 2006 as Vehicle Standards Bulletin 14 (http://www.dotars.gov.au/roads/safety/bulletin/vsb_ncop.aspx). The AAAA continues to meet with State Regulators, promoting changes, and stressing the importance of a nationally implimented Code of Practice.
In July, the 4WD Council with a specialist team from the 4WD industry, presented to the AMVCB, on Vehicle Lifts and the necessity for engineering certification. Under VSB 14, modifications that lift a 4WD/offroad vehicle more than 50mm from standard height, require engineering certification. VSB 14 permits an increase in tyre overall diameter of up to 50mm, or suspension lift up to 50mm, without engineering certification – BUT where overall lift exceeds 50mm, certification is required.
The 4WD Council has recommended that a combination upgrade of tyre diameter up to 50mm and suspension up to 50mm (maximum lift of 75mm) can be a safe upgrade and should be exempt from certification. Significant improvements available in vehicle handling and safety through moderate upgrades to 4WD Suspension and Tyres, have proven benefit on tarmac, or gravel roads and particularly in off-road conditions. Standard tyres and suspension limit the off-tarmac ability of most showroom offroad 4WDs, and a moderate lift and tyre uupgrade is a very common modification for private, business fleet, government fleet and construction/mining industry vehicles..
The 4WD Council stressed their readiness to work with the AMVCB to gather credible research to establish the safety and roadworthiness of moderate upgrades to off-road vehicles, involving up to 50mm suspension lift and an increase in tyre diameter of up to 50mm.
We will keep information posted on this review process.
