AAAA News

The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) has launched a new national ADAS Industry Code of Conduct, providing the automotive industry with practical, sector-specific guidance on how to manage one of the most critical safety issues in modern vehicle repair: calibration of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).

Developed by the Automotive Repairers Council of Australia (ARCA), the Code was officially released at Autocare 2025 and is the first of its kind in the country—designed by and for the aftermarket to bring clarity and consistency to ADAS calibration practices across workshops, windscreen services, collision repairers, and tyre specialists.

ADAS features such as Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), lane-keeping assist, blind spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control are becoming standard in new vehicles. These systems are not just driver aids—they are safety-critical technologies that will play a pivotal role in reducing road fatalities and serious injuries.

By 2030, it’s estimated that 43% of the Australian car parc will be fitted with ADAS. Yet until now, the aftermarket has operated without consistent guidelines and an agreed national framework to assess whether calibration is required following service or repair. This gap could lead to ongoing confusion, inconsistency, and—at times—uncertainty about legal and safety responsibilities.

Lesley Yates, AAAA Director of Government Relations and Advocacy, said the Code is a vital step in ensuring vehicle safety systems continue to function as intended throughout a vehicle’s life.

“ADAS isn’t just a feature or an optional extra—it’s the foundation of future automotive technology. It’s the beginning of the next technological revolution,” said Yates.

“The road safety regulators are right to put their faith in technologies like AEB. These systems will save lives. That’s why AEB is now mandatory under ADR 98/00 for all new vehicles. But that regulation only governs what happens when a vehicle enters the market.”

“What happens after that—when the vehicle is repaired, a windscreen is replaced, or when the suspension is modified—is just as important. Until now, there’s been no shared national approach to when and how calibration should occur.”

“This Code gives us the tools to fix that. It empowers workshops with clear steps, real-world examples, and sector-specific guidance. And it shows that our industry is willing to lead from the front—not wait for someone else to impose rules on us.”

The Code introduces a decision model to help technicians determine whether ADAS calibration is required. It also includes checklists and recommendations around documentation and communication with customers. It is designed to complement existing OEM procedures while also addressing gaps where no guidance exists.

Craig Baills, ARCA Chair and owner of Highfields Mechanical, said the Code reflects the kind of collaboration the aftermarket is capable of when the stakes are high.

“We’ve had to bring together a lot of perspectives—mechanical, collision, tyre, windscreen, tool suppliers, trainers, and more. And we’ve done it,” said Baills. “This is a practical document. It doesn’t live in theory—it lives in the workshop. And it’s something that every business, regardless of size or specialty, can use to lift their game and protect their customers.”

The ADAS Code also acknowledges a deeper industry transition: from assisted to automated driving. ADAS is widely recognised as the precursor to autonomy—the building blocks on which self-driving capability will be built.

“If we don’t get ADAS right, we don’t get autonomy at all,” said Yates. “Public trust in autonomous vehicles will depend on our ability to maintain and service these systems accurately and consistently. Calibration isn’t just a workshop procedure—it’s a national safety issue.”

AAAA CEO Stuart Charity said the Code demonstrates what AAAA is uniquely positioned to do.

“This is exactly what a leading national industry association should be doing—bringing people together, fostering collaboration, and producing practical solutions to real-world problems,” said Charity.

“It’s a clear signal to government and to the broader industry that we take our responsibilities seriously—and that we can lead from within.”

What’s Next?

The ADAS Code is not a one-off document. It has been developed as a living standard, with regular review and refinement planned as vehicle technology continues to evolve.

The AAAA will reconvene the ADAS Technical Working Group in six months to evaluate industry feedback, explore any new technical developments, and determine whether refinements are needed.

The AAAA also plans to brief government regulators on the Code, making the case that voluntary, industry-led frameworks can deliver both safety outcomes and business certainty—without the need for blunt regulatory intervention.

“We’ve built a national ADAS Code because we know where the future is heading,” said Yates. “We’ve done the work. And we’ll keep doing the work—because that’s what leadership looks like.”

The ADAS Industry Code of Conduct is available now via the AAAA and ARCA websites HERE