Modifying Vehicles in Western Australia
The Department of Transport serve as the governing authority of the rules, regulations and standards for constructing or modifying vehicles in Western Australia through utilisation of the VSB 14.
The VSB 14 provides the technical requirements that need to be met when modifying or constructing a light vehicle and is utilised in WA as the basis for determining the compliance of any modifications.
Different types of modifications require different levels of approval ranging from no approval needed, through to the undertaking of tests and compilation of a report by a DoT approved Automotive Consultant and DoT Vehicle Safety and Standards (VSS) signed approval.
Modifications to light vehicles are classified within three categories:
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Minor vehicle modifications such as accessory fitments can be carried out without specific approval as long as they comply with applicable legislation.
e.g. alarm systems, additional lighting, like-for-like engine change, etc.
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A modification permit for simple modifications can be issued by an Authorised Inspection Station (AIS) without written pre-approval from the Department of Transport.
e.g. transmission substitution, battery relocation, lowering vehicle height, etc.
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Complex modifications that cannot be assessed by an Authorised Inspection Station (AIS) are required to submit an online application to be approved by an authorised Automotive Consultant and Vehicle Safety and Standards signatory.
e.g. installing a supercharger or turbocharger, increasing engine power by more than 20%, etc.
