Car modifications in SA - Whats legal?

[MWP]

Below is a list of questions and answers as to what common car modifications are legal in South Australia.

Please make note:
There is NO guarantee that these answers are correct.
They were correct as of the day they were asked, but laws change regularly.
If you are defected or fined for something this list says is ok, we cannot be held responsible.
If you need clarification on any modifications, call the Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure (DTEI).

Are these modifications allowed without engineering approval / DTEI approval?:
- Recirculating blow-off-valves
Standard OEM blow off valves only-must be plumbed back into the system. (contravenes emissions)

- Aftermarket ECU's or piggyback computers
Not normally recommended. Though the requirement will be to have a full drive cycle test and must meet the emission standards for the make model year of car. And full roadworthy req'd.

- Aftermarket boost controllers
No. Being able to adjust will contravene emissions.

- Turbo timers
No. ADR25 states if key is not in the ignition the motor must be off.

- Pod type type air filters
Yes. Must be secure and mounted correctly. Note: Police can defect you regardless.

- Extra aftermarket gauges on dash pad
Depending on location. Must not be in the crash zone area. Eg down low between windscreen and dash ok. Mounted on A pillar near head- Not ok.

- Extra aftermarket gauges on A pillar
See above.

- Aftermarket steering wheels (requirements?)
Must have markings on wheel to comply eg E markings or ADR marking. Known complying steering wheels are MOMO, Boss Enzo. Issotta.

- HID headlight kits
Must be ADR complying which includes self levelling light with washer facilities.

- Bolt on wheel spacers
No. Only vehicles that were manufactured with them eg Porsche.

- LED brake, indicator, parking lights
Must be ADR compliant. Not many are known ones are VT Monaro, VR-VS commmodore and Mitsi Lancer. Lots of these lights do not have a built in rear red reflector. They do have white reflector built in which is non complying.

- Bolt on aftermarket suspension coil-over shock/spring kits
Yes Provided there is a 'recognised' engineers report. Vehicle must retain 2/3rds of OEM suspension travel. 100mm ground clearance.

- Brake caliper / rotor upgrades
No probs - generally. Only required for large engine upgrades.

- Change of factory dash gauges (ie, speedo) to aftermarket or other model cars
Fine - must be mounted secure. Vehicle must have Odometer.

- Moving of number plates to non-factory locations (ie, move lower, higher, off centre, etc)
Must be visible to the rear. 300mm off the ground. Not on any angle.

- Non-factory aftermarket or DIY strut braces (both front & rear)
No problems.

- Battery relocation (conditions?)
If battery in boot must be secure in a box and if not a gel type battery that emits gases the battery box must be able to be vented to the atmosphere.

Misc Questions:
- What is the maximum power increase allowed without inspection?
Only engines that were OEM option for make / model.

- What is the maximum power increase allowed with inspection but without engineer approval?
Up to 20 percent on the largest engine option for make/model.

- What is the minimum road height clearance? Does this minimum height apply to all cars of all ages?
100mm clearance for all vehicles. Items inc bodykits/spoilers, exhaust, suspension components.

- What is the maximum increase in wheel (rim) diameter over factory size?
The old 2inch rule is deleted from September 09
The overall diameter of a wheel and tyre fitted is not more than 15mm greater than that advised in the Tyre Rim standards manual for the largest tyre size listed on the placard and not more than 15 mm less than that advised in the manual for the smallest tyre size listed.
Must also meet load rating that is on the vehicle tyre placard.

- What is the darkest window tint allowed?
New regs from 1/1/10.
Windscreen must be 70%
All other windows 35%

- What is the maximum track width increase allowed without engineer approval?
+26 mm from factory specs.

- Are added turbo/super chargers allowed on a factory naturally aspirated vehicle without DTEI/engineer approval?
Aftermarket turbo/super chargers are not normally accepted. Though vehicle will require full drive cycle test ($575) and possibly engineers report depends on actual mod.

- Are non-factory turbo/super chargers (ie those allowing for more power) allowed on factory turbo/super charged vehicles without DTEI/engineer approval?
Same as above.

- Is flaring of wheel guards allowed? If so, what are the limits?
Yes ok. The guards eyebrow must be in the same location. This makes it easy to measure vehicle eyebrow height.

- Are mesh headlight covers/protectors allowed?
Technically no. Though some manufactures had these things as options. Generally tinted headlight covers do not comply. They change the light emmitted.

- What is the maximum allowed volume for car exhaust? Does it change depending on vehicle year of manufacture?
Pre 1982 96db
After jan 1982 90db.

- If defected for rust, how must it be repaired? Does allowed repair method change depending on the area of the car? Does proof need to be shown of the correct repair method?
If rust is deemed non structural then just normal trade practices apply for repair.
If structural the inspector may as for an engineers report on damage/repair work.

- What is the current DTEI inspection cost, and how long is the waiting list normally?
Modified vehicles $214
Defected vehicles $143
Waiting list is down to a couple of weeks only if that.

- Is a record kept of a cars history of defects, inspections, etc? Are cars with a "bad" history targeted?
Records must be keep for all vehicles that visit Regency for up to seven years. Normal government policy.
Cars are only targeted if a member of SAPOL or if a written complaint is lodged.
Vehicle standards does not go out to car shows to take pictures or make notes of non-complying cars.
Sometimes Vehicle standards is notified of cars that are being sold eg on ebay and if the vehicle is non-complying then Vehicle standards will send out a letter.

- What makes a defect a police station inspection or DTEI regency inspection?
Depends on the police officer. There is no such inspection as a MINOR or MAJOR inspection. If the officer has decided to tick the box that directs the car to have a inspection at VIS Vehicle inspection station then its off to Regency.

Notes:
Be aware of shops that sell stuff that is advertised as being ADR complying. Sometimes its not. Always call Vehicle Standards to verify.
The Police can also use section 145 of the Road Traffic Act. ...if in the police officers opinion that the vehicle has deficiencies and reasonably believes that further use of the vehicle on roads would give rise to a saftey risk, the police officer may issue a defect notice.

[damian]

good work Mark - some interesting stuff in there

thats an excellent read!

[Tandanusman]

Very intresting read, clears a few things up, if they are true. Thanks Mark.

[MWP]

Yup, that info is correct, it came from a very good source

- What is the minimum road height clearance? Does this minimum height apply to all cars of all ages?
100mm clearance for all vehicles. Items inc bodykits/spoilers, exhaust, suspension components.

If this is the case, would my celica me road legal with no springs as it is still above 100mm?

[MWP]

I doubt, with both front and rear at that height, no part of your car is lower than 100mm.

But, anyway, no its not legal.
You cant ride on the bumpstops.

[damian]

- Bolt on aftermarket suspension coil-over shock/spring kits
Yes Provided there is a 'recognised' engineers report. Vehicle must retain 2/3rds of OEM suspension travel. 100mm ground clearance.

yeah running on bump stops no good. need to retain 2/3 of original suspension travel

from memory the minimum length for a TA22 between the guard and the centre of the wheel is
- 350mm at the front and
- 335 at the rear