What Car Modifications Are Illegal in Australia

We all love tweaking our cars, whether it’s for better performance, aesthetics, or getting ready for a weekend off-road adventure.

But before you go nuts with those mods, it’s crucial to know that not all car modifications are legal. Australia has pretty strict laws when it comes to vehicle changes, mainly to keep things safe for you and other drivers on the road. Some mods can get you fined, void your insurance, or even make your car unroadworthy.

Common Illegal Car Modifications

One of the big questions car owners ask is: what modifications are illegal on cars? The laws can vary depending on where you are in Australia, but a few general rules apply nationwide. If a modification messes with your car’s safety, it’s probably illegal. 

• Window Tinting

You might like your windows dark and private, but the law says otherwise. Most states in Australia limit window tints to around 35% visible light transmission (VLT). Go darker, and you could get slapped with a fine.

• Exhaust Systems

Sure, you might want your car to sound tough, but too loud is too much. The law says your exhaust can’t exceed 90 decibels, and tampering with emissions systems like catalytic converters is also a no-go.

• Nitrous Oxide (NOS)

Movies like Fast and Furious make NOS look cool, but using it on Aussie roads is illegal. You don’t want to get caught with that setup when you’re out for a Sunday drive.

• Wheel Spacers

Want to widen your car’s stance for that cool, aggressive look? Wheel spacers are illegal in most Australian states unless they’re factory-fitted. They can mess with your car’s structural integrity, making it unsafe.

• Headlight Mods

Ultra-bright HID or LED headlight kits might seem like a good idea, but they can blind other drivers and are often illegal unless they’re factory-fitted.

• Underglow Lights

Remember when neon lights under the car were a thing? They might look flashy, but underglow lights are illegal in most places because they can distract other drivers.

• Oversized Tyres

Fitting bigger tyres to your car without making sure they’re the right size can throw off your speedometer and affect your handling, making it unsafe and illegal. For many four-wheel drive vehicles, 31-inch tyres are the standard size. In NSW, you’re allowed a tyre lift of 1 inch, assuming you have a 2-inch suspension lift. This means the largest legal tyre size you can fit is 33 inches, resulting in an actual height increase of 1 inch from the ground. Always check your local regulations to ensure compliance.

• EGR Components Removal

Some car owners think that removing the EGR components (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) can improve performance, but tampering with your emissions systems is illegal. These components help reduce harmful emissions, and taking them out can get you fined and your car off the road.

• No Mud Guards

It might seem small, but mudguards are essential if you want to stay legal. They help keep rocks, mud, and debris from flying up and hitting other cars. If your vehicle doesn’t have the right mudguards, especially if it’s got wider tyres or a lift kit, you could get fined.

• Exceeding Suspension Lift Kits

Lifting your car’s suspension is a popular mod for 4WDs, especially for off-roading. But if you lift it too high without the proper approvals, it’s illegal. In most parts of Australia, you can’t raise your vehicle more than 50mm without certification. Anything higher could make your car unstable and dangerous on the road. If you’re thinking about lifting your rig, check out these suspension lift kits that are legal and certified.

• Lowering Kits

Sure, lowering your car makes it look sleek and sporty, but go too low and you’re in trouble. If your car doesn’t have enough ground clearance, it could be illegal, and it might even scrape on speed bumps and curbs.

• Non-ADR Approved Bull Bars

Bull bars are a must-have for off-roaders and people driving in rural areas where kangaroos and other animals are a risk. But not all bull bars are legal. In Australia, they need to meet ADR(Australian Design Rules) standards to be roadworthy. Installing a non-compliant bull bar could get you fined, and worse, it could put you and other road users at risk. Always go for ADR-approved bull bars to stay safe and legal.

• Roof Racks

Roof racks are great for when you need to pack extra gear for a trip, but if you don’t fit them properly or overload them, you could be breaking the law. Each car has limits for how much weight it can carry on the roof, and going over that can make your car unsafe to drive. Plus, your roof rack shouldn’t make your car taller than the legal height limit. Make sure you’re using roof racks that are legal and suited to your car.

Can Illegal Mods Void My Insurance?

One thing people often forget is that illegal car modifications can mess with your insurance. If you’ve made illegal changes to your car, your insurance company might refuse to cover you if you’re in an accident. Imagine getting into a crash and finding out that your policy won’t pay because you installed an illegal exhaust system or lowered your car too much. Always check with your insurer before making any modifications to make sure you’re covered.

How to Make Sure Your Mods Are Legal

If you want to stay on the right side of the law, here are some tips:

• Do your research: Before making any changes, check the legal requirements in your state or territory. You can usually find this info on your local roads and traffic authority’s website.
• Get professional advice: It’s always a good idea to talk to a mechanic or specialist who knows the rules. They can help you figure out if the mods you want to do are legal and safe.
• Buy from reputable stores: Don’t just buy parts from anywhere. Use trusted suppliers, like this 4×4 online store, to make sure you’re getting legal, roadworthy products.
• Get a professional inspection: If you’re unsure about a mod, have a professional take a look at your car. They can tell you if everything is up to scratch.

Make Your Ride Safe and Legal with Unity4wd

Modifying your car is a great way to make it your own, but it’s important to know what modifications are illegal on cars before you dive in. From suspension lifts and bull bars to exhaust systems and window tints, there are plenty of rules that can trip you up. Stay informed, use reputable parts, and check out ADR-approved gear to keep your ride legal and safe.

And if you’re looking to mod your car with legal parts, be sure to explore these suspension lift kits, bull bars, and other top-quality accessories from a trusted 4×4 online store.

Stay safe, stay legal, and enjoy the ride!