Sunday, Apr 22, 2018 at 10:02
Idler Chris: Nothing is missing from my post. VSB14 is a National (DIRD&C) document and as such does not cover any additional requirements imposed by individual jurisdictions. See insert below. "Certification" refers to Engineering Certification and as the document states: "No certification is required for 4WD height increases up to 50mm"
In WA however separate State legislation requires that certain vehicle modifications require an examination by a DOT/AIS Authorised Vehicle Examiner who subsequent to a satisfactory result will then issue a Modification Permit for that modification. See insert below. The details covered by the Modification Permit would then be entered in to the WA Licensing database (TRELIS) This shows that the DOT has approved the modification and should the person be stopped by the
Police the Mod Permit can be shown to the Officers as evidence that the particular modification has been examined and approved for use on roads. This however does not preclude the
Police from issuing a Defect Notice should they feel the modification is not compliant. For example if, subsequent to the Mod Permit being issued the vehicle owner, as often happens, has raised the vehicle further than 50mm by either
suspension lift, body lift, larger diameter tyres or the use of extended spring shackles which are non-compliant. I agree VSB14 does not state insurers have to be notified however I can assure you they do want to be told about
suspension height increases due to the additional roll over risk resulting from the vehicles higher centre of gravity. Most will not insure a modified vehicle in WA unless a DOT Mod permit has been issued due to the increased risk and it is the law. After an accident, as
well as checking that the vehicle is roadworthy insurance assessors (always ready to find a reason to deny a claim) will
check for any vehicle modifications. The following is from the DIRD&C webpage re VSB14.
Information re VSB14 from DIRD&C webpage
WA Road Traffic (Vehicles) Regulations Reg. 235 Alteration to Vehicles
Road Traffic (Vehicles) Regulations 2014 Reg. 235 Alterations to Vehicles
Road Traffic (Vehicles) Regulations 2014 Reg. 235 Alterations to Vehicles (cont)
Road Traffic (Vehicles) Regulations 2014 Reg. 235 Alterations to Vehicles (cont)
If you want to read more this is the link to the WA DOT Licensing webpage re Modification Permits being required.
WA Department of Transport Licensing webpage re Modification Permits
I hope this information fulfills the apparent 'missing link'. Pun intended:-)
FollowupID:
890480