You will need this approval to modify a heavy vehicle. This approval is needed for modifications that can affect the safety of the heavy vehicle.
Minor modifications that do not cause the vehicle to become non-compliant with vehicle standards do not need this approval. Examples include:
- additional lighting
- aerials
- air conditioning system
- alarm systems.
The two categories of heavy vehicle modifications that need approval are:
- modifications that are outlined in the attached code of practice. These include complex modifications that can affect the safety of a vehicle if not performed property. The modifications are based on accepted vehicle engineering practices and the requirements. If your modification falls under the code of practice, then you will need approval from an approved vehicle examiner to modify your vehicle.
- modifications that are outside the scope of the code of practice that may cause the vehicle to be non-compliant with a heavy vehicle standard. These modifications are usually significant or extensive modifications that have the potential to seriously affect the safety of the vehicle and its operation on the road. They may affect the vehicle design, strength, structural integrity and handling characteristics. These modifications need both the approval of an approved vehicle examiner and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator.
A heavy vehicle is a vehicle with a gross vehicle mass (GVM) or an aggregate trailer mass (ATM) of more than 4.5 tonnes.
