Notify VicRoads of changes and modifications

If the description of your vehicle has changed as a result of modifications, VicRoads must be notified before the vehicle can be used on a road*. 

Persons modifying or adding components to vehicles which comply with the standards for registration must ensure that the vehicle continues to comply with the standards for registration and the modification or addition is acceptable to VicRoads prior to performing the addition or modification. Documentation of the changes may be required.

A guide to whether modifications are acceptable or not is contained in Vehicle Standards Information VSI8 - Guide to modifications for motor vehicles. Some modifications, that include structural alterations to a vehicle's body or chassis, braking system, or the fitments of an engine not of a type offered by the vehicle manufacturer as an option for that vehicle may require both a Vehicle Assessment Signatory Scheme (VASS) Approval Certificate from a VicRoads VASS Signatory and a VicRoads inspection. 

Changes or modifications may include:

  • change of vehicle body
  • a different colour
  • a different engine, engine size or type
  • LPG or CNG conversion
  • adding or removing seats
  • change to the vehicle’s recorded tare mass
  • amending the gross vehicle mass (GVM) of the vehicle.

Check the relevant section below for requirements to notify VicRoads.

* Road refers to road or road related area including car parks, access roads and other areas that are open to be driven on by the public.

For information on our vehicle modification guidelines:

 

Heavy vehicles

If a different body type has been fitted to the vehicle (e.g. tray to van, converted to a tow truck the following documents are required:

VicRoads will need to inspect the vehicle when the structural components of the vehicle have been altered and where the vehicle identification numbers (VIN) or chassis numbers has been altered.

Call VicRoads on 13 11 71 to book an inspection appointment (fees apply).

Light vehicles

If :

  • a different body type has been fitted to the vehicle (e.g. tray to van)
  • a replacement frame has been issued for a motorcycle or
  • chassis replacement on a vehicle that has a separate chassis has occurred

the following documents are required:

VicRoads will need to inspect the vehicle. Call us on 13 11 71 to book an inspection appointment (fees apply).

Convertible units

A convertible unit is where a vehicle is modified to allow adaptation from one use to another.

Examples of convertible units include:

  • heavy vehicles fitted with a 'quick release' mechanism that allows the vehicle to be readily changed from a prime mover to a tipper or tray body (and vice versa)
  • light motor vehicles with variable seating capacity
  • motorcycles operated with or without a sidecar.

The following documents are required:

VicRoads will need to inspect the vehicle. Call VicRoads on 13 11 71 to book an inspection appointment (fees apply).

VicRoads will issue a letter to the registered operator detailing each of the vehicles configurations. This letter must be kept in the vehicle at all times.

You must notify VicRoads of a change of colour of the vehicle.

No vehicle inspection is required.

Notify VicRoads by calling 13 11 71.

There are 3 scenarios that could apply when changing an engine.

Change of engine - scenario 1

  • The replacement engine is identical to the original engine.
  • The replacement engine is an option allowed by the manufacturer for the same model vehicle.

Documents required:

  • if the engine is optional to the original, a signed declaration from the registered operator, motor mechanic, or dealer in that make of vehicle or an Automotive Engineer certifying the engine is optional for the vehicle model, and that all modifications made by the manufacturer for the same vehicle model with that optional engine have been completed
  • an original receipt for the purchase of the engine as proof of ownership of the engine
  • a completed Change of vehicle details form [PDF 135 Kb].

You will need to attend a VicRoads Customer Service Centre to have the vehicle's engine inspected to confirm the new engine details. No appointment is required.

Note: The optional engine must be offered in Australia by the vehicle manufacturer as an option for that vehicle (or certified variants).

Change of engine - scenario 2

  • The replacement engine is not of a type offered by the vehicle manufacturer as an option for that vehicle.
  • Where alterations, or changes to the vehicle's frame or structure are made, and/or specially fabricated supports or structures are used.

Documents required:

You will need to attend a VicRoads Customer Service Centre for an inspection of a vehicle to confirm the new engine details. No appointment is required.

Change of engine - scenario 3

  • The replacement engine is not of a type and/or make offered by the vehicle manufacturer as an option for that vehicle, but is equivalent in general configuration, power, mass, and emissions standard to that of the original or optional engine for the vehicle model and can be installed without any structural alterations.

Documents required:

  • a signed declaration from the registered operator, motor mechanic, or dealer in that make of vehicle or an Automotive Engineer certifying that all modifications made by the manufacturer for the same vehicle model with that engine have been completed. A VASS Approval certificate from a VicRoads’ Vehicle Assessment Signatory can be provided instead of a signed declaration.
  • an original receipt for the purchase of the engine must be provided as proof of ownership of the engine
  • a completed Change of vehicle details form [PDF 135 Kb] providing new engine details

You will need to attend a VicRoads Customer Service Centre to have the vehicle's engine inspected to confirm the new engine details*. No appointment is required.

*If presenting with a Certificate of Roadworthiness or VASS Approval Certificate including the new engine number the vehicle's engine will not be inspected (This only applys for a currently registered Victorian vehicles).  

Note: When a VASS Approval Certificate has been supplied for a replacement engine, then an equivalent replacement engine can be fitted without another VASS Approval Certificate being presented (e.g. 350 c.i. V8 engine replaced with 350 c.i. V8 engine).

All Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) installations must comply with the relevant technical requirements of the Australian Standard current at the time of conversion.

The structural integrity of the vehicle and its continued compliance with standards of registration must not be adversely affected by the installation. This is then considered an approved modification and the vehicle does not require an inspection by VicRoads.

LPG conversions

If the vehicle was converted on or after 1 February 1993, an approved AS 1425 LPG compliance plate must be fitted to the vehicle at the time of the conversion. Vehicles fitted with LPG systems are required to have an "LP Gas" plate attached to the vehicle number plates, including bike rack number plates.

CNG conversions

All Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) installations must comply with the technical requirements of the Australian Standards AS 2739 current at the time of conversion. If the vehicle was converted to CNG after 1 August 2000, an approved AS 2739 CNG compliance plate must be fitted to the vehicle at the time of the conversion.

Notifying VicRoads

Documents required:

  • an LPG/CNG conversion report [PDF 230 Kb] signed by a converter registered with the Automotive Alternative Fuels Registration Board, or other recognised state and territory authorities or approved volume manufacturers, such as Holden, Ford etc.
  • a VASS Approval certificate *.

Submit these form(s) to VicRoads by:

No inspection of the vehicle by VicRoads is required.

* Note - If significant alterations are made to the structure of the vehicle, an engineering assessment of the effects is required. If the installation of the tank affects one or more of the existing mandatory child restraint anchorage points, acceptable replacements must be installed. An VASS report will be required for any replacement child restraint anchorage points. 

View our removing, adding and replacing seats page for further information.

If major modifications have been performed to the vehicle that has altered its tare mass, a weighbridge certificate must be provided to VicRoads so that the correct tare mass of the vehicle can be recorded.

 

Higher Gross vehicle mass

If a higher Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) is to be recorded, a VASS Approval Certificate from a VicRoads’ Vehicle Assessment Signatory* or an original letter from the vehicle's manufacturer is required.

The letter must identify the vehicle by the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). A Change of vehicle details form [PDF 135 Kb] must be completed. A higher registration fee may apply when the change is recorded on VicRoads register.

Lower Gross vehicle mass

A lower GVM can only be recorded if a change is made to vehicle specification. Downgrading of vehicle specifications in order to establish a lower GVM is acceptable in circumstances where:

  • the manufacturer offers the identical vehicle at the lower GVM (original letter or data sheet provided by the vehicle manufacturer)
  • a vehicle is fitted with a compliance plate showing several GVM's, or
  • a current VASS Approval Certificate from a VicRoads’ Vehicle Assessment Signatory* approving the specification changes is supplied.

Vehicle operators must not alter vehicle specifications that make the vehicle unroadworthy or result in the vehicle no longer complying with standards for registration. For example, fitting tyres with lower play ratings. In this example, tyres may not be fitted that are less than the minimum specification required by the vehicle manufacturer and specified on the vehicle's tyre placard.

VicRoads will not record a lower GVM if the vehicle no longer meets the standards for registration or is believed to be unroadworthy.

A Change of vehicle details form [PDF 135 Kb] must be completed. A lower registration fee may apply for heavy vehicles if GVM is lowered.

* Note: If the vehicle’s modified GMV is greater than 4.5 tonne either a VASS Approval Certificate or an approval certificate from an Approved Vehicle Examiner (AVE) (External link) can be provided.

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