Australian Car Enthusiast Community Calls for Change

Tens of thousands of Australians have signed a petition calling on authorities to reform rules around vehicle modifications.

More than 65,000 enthusiasts have signed the petition on change.org at the time of writing, claiming the laws allowing modifications to cars and four-wheel-drives are too restrictive – and the penalties too harsh.

“As someone personally affected, the current defect laws around modified cars and 4x4s in Australia have negatively impacted my life and the lives of many others in profound ways,” writes Jacob Walker, the author of the petition.

“We're constantly living in fear, thinking we'll get defected, fined heavily, or even have our cars towed for being slightly too low to the ground.”

The petition has gained widespread support from the car community, amassing 50,000 signatures within two days of launching.

“I’m signing this petition as a qualified mechanic and in my opinion 80 per cent of modified vehicles are safer then most other vehicles on the road,” said Jeremy Moore, a supporter of the petition.

However, according to a spokesperson from Transport for NSW, the National Transport Commission – the federal agency responsible for vehicle standards – is currently conducting a review of VSB14 which covers the technical requirements for vehicle modifications.

“All motor vehicles that travel on NSW roads are required to meet strict design and registration standards to ensure the safety of the driver, as well as other users of the roads,” the spokesperson from Transport for NSW told CarSauce.

“Modifications to increase ride height and accommodate oversize tyres can affect braking performance, change handling behaviour, affect steering response, create directional instability, and increase chances of rollover.

“The National Transport Commission (NTC) is reviewing Vehicle Standards Bulletin 14 which relates to light vehicle modifications.

“While there are currently no plans to consider easing laws for car modifications in NSW, the NTC is proposing an approach that is safety focused and that maximises the national harmonisation of light vehicle modification standards across Australia,” the spokesperson explained.

“Transport for NSW continues to work closely with stakeholders including NSW Police in relation to enforcement of car modifications.”

While Transport for NSW is responsible for implementing the standards set by the NTC in that state, it’s New South Wales Police that enforce the laws there.

“Modified vehicles must follow the standard and guidelines set by Transport for NSW to ensure the modifications are safe and compliant,” a spokesperson for NSW Police told CarSauce.

“[NSW Police Force] have a number of strategies regarding road safety including education and enforcement of current road rules and legislation.”

Victoria Police avoided responding to accusations its members targeted car enthusiasts, with a spokesperson telling CarSauce: “All vehicles in Victoria are required to conform to standards to ensure that drivers, passengers, and all other road users are safe. Any changes to legislation are a matter for government.”

In 2012, the car enthusiast community voiced its anger after an officer from Victoria Police issued a defect for a brand-new Toyota 86 due to the vehicle having daytime-running lights – despite the lights being factory-fitted by Toyota and approved under Australian Design Rules.

While the defect notice was eventually retracted, many enthusiasts stepped forward to tell their stories about being targeted by the same Highway Patrol officer who issued the invalid defect.

Others have taken to social media to complain about having their unmodified performance cars called in for a noise test by the EPA, under the threat of having their registrations cancelled if they didn’t comply with the notice.

Many supporters of the petition have voiced their own individual concerns, from both the modified car community as well as off-road enthusiasts.

“I am an avid 4x4 enjoyer, it’s my whole life,” wrote Ben Lewis.

“The current laws make it near impossible to enjoy my hobby, while I do agree with certain aspects such as hoon laws, but the current rules are far too strict.

“Most of us 4x4 people take pride in our cars, we spend thousands making them RIGHT, making them drive nicely, working the math on e.g shock absorber strokes and countless other things… while a Mazda 3 that’s falling apart and has bald [tyres] for example is fine to keep driving as far as the police are concerned.”