Heavy Vehicle Modifications & Engineering Approval
Who provides heavy-vehicle modification engineering in Victoria? Commercial Vehicle Compliance (CVC) provides engineering assessment and Victorian VASS certification for applicable heavy-vehicle modifications, including chassis, body, wheelbase, crane, tipper, hooklift and structural changes assessed against the relevant approval framework.
Need an approval pathway or engineering scope for a heavy-vehicle build? CVC can review the vehicle, proposed modification, drawings and operating jurisdiction to identify the relevant certification and evidence requirements. For equipment-specific examples, see truck cranes, tippers, hooklifts and tow couplings. Choose the appropriate enquiry or existing-client booking route.
A heavy vehicle is generally a vehicle with a gross vehicle mass (GVM) over 4.5 tonnes. Heavy-vehicle modification approval operates under the Heavy Vehicle National Law framework and Vehicle Standards Bulletin 6 (VSB6), with different approval pathways depending on the modification and jurisdiction.
The HVNL defines a modification as “modification of a vehicle includes the addition of components to, or the removal of components from, the vehicle.”
Common heavy-vehicle modifications (current VS Regulation)
Under Part 4 section 20 of the Heavy Vehicle (Vehicle Standards) National Regulation, common modifications can be approved by an AVE when carried out in accordance with the National Code of Practice Vehicle Standards Bulletin (VSB 6) -Heavy Vehicle Modifications. The modifications in this code are based on accepted vehicle engineering practices and standards. Common modifications under the current Vehicle Standards Regulation require approval by an Approved Vehicle Examiner (AVE). As an Approved Vehicle Examiner, CVC can inspect the vehicle to ensure that the modifications have been carried out to the manufacturer’s guidelines and VSB 6. Following a satisfactory assessment, the authorised signatory can issue the applicable modification certificate and label or plate. The label must be fitted at the appropriate stage of the Victorian certification process. For more details about these types of modifications see, the NHVR Code of Practice for the Approval of Heavy Vehicle Modifications.
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Complex heavy-vehicle modifications (current VS Regulation)
Modifications NOT covered in the above Code fall under the requirements of Part 4 section 19 of the Heavy Vehicle (Vehicle Standards) National Regulation. These types of modifications can have a serious effect of the safety of the vehicle and the road operations. They are usually significant and extensive modifications and require the approval of the NHVR and an AVE. Before carrying out a complex modification, the owner or operator should apply to the NHVR. The NHVR may specify design, evidence, testing and certification conditions as part of its approval.
For a complex modification, NHVR’s approval process may specify requirements such as:
- specify the proposed details of how the modification is to be undertaken
- prescribe any additional calculations and/ or testing which must be undertaken
- specify any alternative standards that should be applied (if applicable)
- stipulate the testing and certification of particular components or vehicle systems by a suitably qualified engineer or professional
- specify in detail the evidence and documentation required to enable an AVE to certify the modification on behalf of the NHVR
- specify, if applicable, who is to supply this evidence and documentation
- specify any other requirements in relation to the modification e.g. not operate until notified by the NHVR
- possibly ask for an independent certification of the modification against the Statement of Requirements
- specify what the AVE must record on the Modification Certificate and Modification Plate
- if the vehicle is required to operate under a vehicle standards exemption permit or notice
- specify the inspection requirements required by a particular jurisdiction.
If a modifier has concerns regarding the Statement of Requirements they should discuss these with the NHVR BEFORE undertaking the modification.
Commercial Vehicle Compliance can provide assistance for applicants wanting a “Statement of Requirement ” for complex modifications under the current Vehicle Standards Regulation.
Contact us now to learn more. For current complex-modification application guidance, see the NHVR approval-to-modify page.
