Vehicle Engineering & Compliance Resources
Use these resources to plan vehicle modifications, identify approval requirements and prepare engineering information for CVC.
Start with current regulator guidance
- Transport Victoria vehicle standards information (VSI)
- Australian Government Vehicle Standards Bulletins
- NHVR VSB6 heavy-vehicle modification guidance
Use the issuing authority’s current document before a compliance decision: current Australian Design Rules (ADRs), NHVR VSB6 Version 3.2 modification codes and checklists, current NHVR Vehicle Standards Guides, and VSB1 Revision 6 for low ATM trailers (August 2026). The rule applicable to a particular vehicle can depend on its category and date of manufacture or supply.
Planning a VASS modification? Read CVC’s Victorian VASS engineering and certification guide, then send the vehicle and modification details for review.
Popular references and vehicle-specific help
- Mass and dimensions: Use the NHVR’s current mass and dimension guidance for operating limits. For a body or equipment change, CVC can assess axle-load distribution and the modification approval pathway. See axle-load engineering.
- Victorian light-vehicle modifications: Transport Victoria’s VSI 8 page supersedes earlier copies. Modifications beyond the published guidelines may need a VASS assessment. See CVC’s VASS service.
- Heavy-vehicle inspection criteria: Use the NHVR’s current inspection manual (Version 3.2). For a modification, also check VSB6 and CVC’s heavy-vehicle engineering service.
Send CVC your vehicle, modification and documents for a project review.
Reference library below: Links to issuing-authority pages lead to current material. Locally hosted PDF downloads are historical reference copies that may predate amendments or have been superseded or withdrawn. Check the issuing authority’s current version and applicability before relying on any document.
CVC practical guides: SSM vs modification approval, Vehicle Type Approval evidence and our worked axle-load example.
Wheelchair restraint layout planning: Visit Estraints, the separate specialist WTORS calculator and resource platform.
Request a quote for vehicle-specific engineering or approval support.
- National Class 1 Agricultural Vehicle and Combination Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice Operator’s Guide
- Higher Mass Limits (HML)
- Special Purpose Vehicles (SPV)
- Oversize Overmass (OSOM) Vehicles
- Safety & Compliance Alert Trailer Couplings
- Classes and Heavy Vehicles
- 1-Tonne Tri-Axle Mass Transfer Allowance (TMTA) Fact Sheet
NHVR-VEHICLE STANDARD GUIDES
- Industry Guide to In-Principle Support
- Code of Practice for the Approval of Heavy Vehicle Modifications
- NHVIM Fact Sheet – Brake Testing
- Creating Heavy Vehicle Daily Checks
- National Heavy Vehicle Inspection Manual
- PBS Combinations Fitted With Quad-Axle Groups
- NHVR Approved Guidelines for Granting Vehicle Standards
- VSG1 Driving Lamps
- VSG2 Changes to Heavy Vehicle Safety Standards
- VSG3 Semitrailer Rear Bumpers
- VSG4 Inspection of Drawbar Eyes
- VSG5 Converting A Vehicle Into A Motorhome
- VSG6 Modification to Heavy Vehicles NSW.pdf
- VSG7 Modifications to New Vehicles
- VSG8 Film on Bus Emergency Exits
- VSG9 Re-Rating of Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM)
- VSG10 Backlit Badges and Logos
- VSG11 Fitting of Additional Reflectors and Conspicuity Markings
- VSG12 Truck Mounted Attenuators
- VSG13 Rear Loading Waste Collection Vehicles in NSW
- VSG15 Front Underrun Protection Design and Installation Guidance
- VSG16 50mm Ball Couplings
- VSG16 FAQs 50mm Ball Couplings
- VSG17 Implementation of Tip Truck Hoisting System Requirements
- VSG18 Low Friction Plates on Fifth Wheels and Skid Plates
- VSG19 Vehicle Warning Signs
- VSG21 National Roller Brake Testing Procedure
- VSG22 Requirements For Tag Trailers
- VSG23 26m B-Double Car Carriers
- VSG24 Emergency Services Speed Limiting Exemption Notice
- VSG25 Connecting Advanced Braking Systems in Combination
- VSG26 Detainee Transport Vehicle Standards Exemption
- VSG27 Labelling Requirements for Hydrogen and Electric-Powered Vehicles
- VSG28 In-Service Emission Testing – Portable Emissions Measuring System Equipment
- VSG29 Rear Marking Plates and Do Not Overtake Turning Vehicle Signs
- VSG30 Vehicle Mounted Lifting Systems – Width Requirements
- VSG31 Road Trains – Trailer Couplings Requirements
- VSG32 Enhanced Braking Visibility
- VSG33 Implementation of the Road Vehicle Standards Act
- VSG34 Installation of Alternative Fuel Systems
VEHICLE STANDARD BULLETINS
VICROADS- VEHICLE STANDARDS INFORMATION
- VSI1 Bull Bars
- VSI2 Window Tinting and Films
- VSI3 Conditions for Registration of Imported Vehicles in Victoria
- VSI4 Standards for Registration Requirements for Motorcycles and Mopeds
- VSI5 Conversion of Vehicles to Motorhomes
- VSI6 Requirements for A-Frame Towing of Vehicles
- VSI12 Flashing Lights Other Lights and Reflectors
- VSI15 Additional Seat Belts
- VSI16 Tyre Maintenance and Repair
- VSI17 Child Restraint Anchorages
- VSI18 LHD Vehicles and Vehicles Converted to RHD
- VSI19 Modifying Seats or Seating Capacity
- VSI21 Seat Belts and Child Restraint Fitting Requirements
- VSI25 Motor Vehicle Body Repairs
- VSI26 Road Worthiness Requirements
- VSI27 LPG Conversions and Repairs
- VSI29 Fitment of Equipment Within Drivers Field of View
- VSI33 Guidelines for Modifications to CPS Vehicles
- VSI8 Guide to Modifications for Motor Vehicles
- VSI34 Guidelines For The Use of Bicycle Carriers
CVC Engineering & Approval Guides
Use these CVC guides to understand common approval pathways, engineering evidence and commercial-vehicle certification issues before a project is committed.
- Second Stage Manufacture vs State Vehicle Modification Approval
- Vehicle Type Approval Evidence Requirements
- Interstate Vehicle Approval Planning for Victorian Body Builders
- Vehicle Import Approval in Australia
- ADR Testing & Engineering Evidence
- Commercial Vehicle FEA & Structural Verification
- Truck Axle Load Calculation Worked Example
- 25-Year Bus Frame Inspections
- How to Choose a ROVER or ADR Compliance Consultant
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