{"id":"F2006L02737","name":"Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 18/01 – Instrumentation) 2006","slug":"vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-18-01-instrumentation-2006","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":59992,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2006L02737-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-02","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 18/01 – Instrumentation) 2006","content":"![Commonwealth Coat of Arms of Australia](image.001.png)\n\nVehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 18/01 – Instrumentation) 2006\n\nI, JAMES ERIC LLOYD, Minister for Local Government, Territories and Roads, determine this vehicle standard under subsection 7 (1) of the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989.\n\nDated 10 August 2006\n\n\\[SIGNED\\]\n\nJames Eric Lloyd\n\nMinister for Local Government, Territories and Roads\n\nCONTENTS\n\n18.0. legislative provisions.............................................3\n\nPurpose and SCOPE.....................................................3\n\nAPPLICABILITY......................................................3\n\n18.1. DEFINITIONS..................................................4\n\n18.2. ‘VISUAL INDICATORS’ FOR MA and LEP VEHICLES ONLY..........5\n\n18.3. LOCATION OF ‘VISUAL INDICATORS’ FOR MA and LEP VEHICLES ONLY 5\n\n18.4. VISIBILITY OF ‘VISUAL INDICATORS’ FOR MA and LEP VEHICLES ONLY 6\n\n18.5. SPEEDOMETERS AND ODOMETERS (ALL VEHICLES).............7\n\n  \n\n1.  legislative provisions\n    1.  NAME OF STANDARD\n        1.  This Standard is the Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 18/01 – Instrumentation) 2006.\n        2.  This Standard may also be cited as Australian Design Rule 18/01 — Instrumentation.\n    2.  COMMENCEMENT\n        1.  This Standard commences on the day after it is registered.\n    3.  REPEAL\n        1.  This Standard repeals each vehicle standard with the name Australian Design Rule 18/01 — Instrumentation that is:\n\n(a) made under section 7 of the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989; and\n\n(b) in force at the commencement of this Standard.\n\n1.  This Standard also repeals each instrument made under section 7 of the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 that creates a vehicle standard with the name Australian Design Rule 18/01 — Instrumentation, if there are no other vehicle standards created by that instrument, or amendments to vehicle standards made by that instrument, that are still in force at the commencement of this Standard.\n\nPurpose and SCOPE\n\nThis Australian Design Rule (ADR) is part of the Australian motor vehicle standards system and is a national standard for the purposes of the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989.\n\nThe function of this Australian Design Rule is to specify requirements for the provision and location of certain ‘Visual Indicators’.\n\nIt also specifies requirements for speedometers and odometers.\n\nAPPLICABILITY\n\nThis ADR applies to the design and construction of vehicles as set out in the table hereunder.\n\nThe /01 Rule differs from the /00 Rule in that it changes the requirements for LEP and LEG vehicles.\n\n  \n\n| Vehicle Category                              | ADR Category Code [*] | UNECE Category Code * | Manufactured on or After | Acceptable Prior Rules |\n| --------------------------------------------- | --------------------- | --------------------- | ------------------------ | ---------------------- |\n| Moped 2 wheels                                | LA                    | L1                    | Not Applicable           |                        |\n| Moped 3 wheels                                | LB                    | L2                    | Not Applicable           |                        |\n| Motor cycle                                   | LC                    | L3                    | 1 March 1993             | Nil                    |\n| Motor cycle and sidecar                       | LD                    | L4                    | 1 March 1993             | Nil                    |\n| Motor tricycle                                | LE                    | L5                    |                          |                        |\n|                                               | LEM                   |                       | 1 March 1993             | Nil                    |\n|                                               | LEP                   |                       | 1 July 1992              | Nil                    |\n|                                               | LEG                   |                       | 1 July 1992              | Nil                    |\n| Passenger car                                 | MA                    | M1                    | 1 Jan 1993               | Nil                    |\n| Forward-control passenger vehicle             | MB                    | M1                    | 1 Jan 1993               | Nil                    |\n| Off-road passenger vehicle                    | MC                    | M1                    | 1 Jan 1993               | Nil                    |\n| Light omnibus                                 | MD                    | M2                    |                          |                        |\n| up to 3.5 tonnes ‘GVM’ and up to 12 seats     | MD1                   |                       | 1 July 1992              | Nil                    |\n| up to 3.5 tonnes ‘GVM’ and more than 12 seats | MD2                   |                       | 1 July 1992              | Nil                    |\n| over 3.5 tonnes and up to 4.5 tonnes ‘GVM’    | MD3                   |                       | 1 July 1992              | Nil                    |\n| over 4.5 tonnes and up to 5 tonnes ‘GVM’      | MD4                   |                       | 1 July 1992              | Nil                    |\n| Heavy omnibus                                 | ME                    | M3                    | 1 July 1992              | Nil                    |\n| Light goods vehicle                           | NA                    | N1                    | 1 July 1992              | Nil                    |\n| Medium goods vehicle                          | NB                    | N2                    |                          |                        |\n| over 3.5 tonnes up to 4.5 tonnes ‘GVM’        | NB1                   |                       | 1 July 1992              | Nil                    |\n| over 4.5 tonnes up to 12 tonnes ‘GVM’         | NB2                   |                       | 1 July 1992              | Nil                    |\n| Heavy goods vehicle                           | NC                    | N3                    | 1 July 1992              | Nil                    |\n| Very light trailer                            | TA                    | O1                    | Not Applicable           |                        |\n| Light trailer                                 | TB                    | O2                    | Not Applicable           |                        |\n| Medium trailer                                | TC                    | O3                    | Not Applicable           |                        |\n| Heavy trailer                                 | TD                    | O4                    | Not Applicable           |                        |\n\n1.  DEFINITIONS\n    1.  Refer to Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule Definitions and Vehicle Categories) 2005.\n    2.  ‘Visual Indicator’ - that part of an instrument or device intended to display information for the driver and includes any specified label.\n    3.  ‘Totally Visible’ - means that the sum of the view from each of the 2 eyes includes all the ‘Visual Indicators’.\n2.  ‘VISUAL INDICATORS’ FOR MA and LEP VEHICLES ONLY\n    1.  The display of information presented by the following ‘Visual Indicators’, if fitted, shall be subject to control under this Rule:\n\nGroup I\n\n(a) Speedometer\n\n(b) Direction indicator \"tell-tale\" lamp or lamps\n\n(c) High beam indicator\n\nGroup II\n\n(d) Tachometer\n\n(e) Odometer\n\n(f) Service brake failure indicator lamp\n\n(g) Parking brake indicator lamp\n\n(h) Stop lamp failure indicator\n\n(i) Oil temperature indicator\n\n(j) Pressure indicator\n\n(k) Water temperature indicator\n\n(l) Battery charge failure indicator\n\n(m) Fuel level indicator.\n\n1.  In cases where more than one ‘Visual Indicator’ are provided for any one of the functions covered by (h) to (m) above, and are not located as specified in clause 18.3.2 a common indicator which could be either visual or an audible signal may be used to draw attention to the need to refer to a group of indicators located elsewhere.\n    1.  In such cases the common indicator, if visual, shall be totally located within the area specified in clause 18.3.2.\n\n1.  LOCATION OF ‘VISUAL INDICATORS’ FOR MA and LEP VEHICLES ONLY\n    1.  All ‘Visual Indicators’ specified as Group I in clause 18.2 shall be totally located between 2 vertical planes inclined at 20° left and 20° right of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and passing through the foremost points of the left and right ‘95th Percentile Eye Ellipses’ respectively. Such indicators shall be totally located above a plane inclined downwards at 35° from the horizontal and including a horizontal transverse line through the foremost points of each of the ‘95th Percentile Eye Ellipses’ and below a plane tangential to the bottom of the ‘95th Percentile Eye Ellipses’ which includes a line at ground level transverse to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 11 m forward of the rearmost eye ellipse point.\n    2.  All ‘Visual Indicators’ specified as Group II in clause 18.2 shall be totally located between 2 vertical planes inclined at 40° left and 25° right of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and passing through the foremost points of the left and right ‘95th Percentile Eye Ellipses’ respectively. Such indicators shall be totally located above a plane inclined downwards at 35° from the horizontal and including a horizontal transverse line through the foremost points of each of the ‘95th Percentile Eye Ellipses’ and below a plane tangential to the bottom of the ‘95th Percentile Eye Ellipses’ which includes a line at ground level transverse to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 11 m forward of the rearmost eye ellipse point.\n2.  VISIBILITY OF ‘VISUAL INDICATORS’ FOR MA and LEP VEHICLES ONLY\n    1.  The requirements of clauses 18.4.1.1 and 18.4.1.2 shall be met when:\n\n(a) the steering wheel is in the straight ahead position;\n\n(b) the direction indicator lever is in the \"Neutral\" position;\n\n(c) in the case of column change automatic transmission vehicles the gear selector is in the \"Drive\" position;\n\n(d) in the case of column change manual transmission vehicles with 2 or 3 forward gear ratios, the gear selector is in \"Top\" gear position;\n\n(e) in the case of column change manual transmission vehicles with more than 3 forward gear ratios, the gear selector is in \"Top\" gear position or the next lower gear position whichever is the more critical in terms of obscuration of ‘Visual Indicators’.\n\n1.  All ‘Visual Indicators’ other than indicator lamps shall be ‘Totally Visible’ when viewed from each pair of eye positions located by the ‘95th Percentile Eye Ellipses’ except that:\n    1.  in the case of Group I ‘Visual Indicators’, the portion of the steering wheel rim including its supporting arms that is below a plane tangential to the top of the ‘95th Percentile Eye Ellipses’ and the underside of the highest rim cross-section cut normal to the rim, shall not constitute an obstruction;\n    2.  in the case of Group II ‘Visual Indicators’ the steering wheel rim and its supporting arms and attachments thereto shall not constitute obstructions.\n2.  Any object which represents an obstruction to any single eye position within the terms of clause 18.4.1.1 shall have no surfaces, in the line of sight to the ‘Visual Indicator’, which present a metal finish with a ‘Specular Gloss’ exceeding 40 units when measured by the 20 degree geometry method of ASTM Standard D523-62T-\"Specular Gloss\" June 1962 or ASTM Standard D523-85T-\"Specular Gloss\", September 1985.\n3.  All indicator lamp ‘Visual Indicators’ shall either be ‘Totally Visible’, or an area of not less than 18 square millimetres with dimensions such that a 2 mm diameter circle is totally enclosed within the area, shall be ‘Totally Visible’ when viewed from each single eye position located by the ‘95th Percentile Eye Ellipses’. The obstruction exemptions provided for in clause 18.4.1.1 shall also be applicable to this clause.\n4.  In the case of a motor vehicle provided with a steering wheel capable of axial and vertical adjustments, it shall be demonstrated that for any eye position located by the ‘95th Percentile Eye Ellipses’, there is at least one steering wheel position where the requirements of clauses 18.4.1.1 to 18.4.1.3 are complied with.\n\n1.  The vehicle speed indicating element shall be of such colour or contrast as to differentiate it from the viewed background.\n2.  All ‘Visual Indicators’ other than indicator lamps shall be provided with variable intensity when illuminated.\n\nNote: A switch which provides a means of varying the illumination to ‘Visual Indicators’, but is not integral with the on/off control for the illumination of ‘Visual Indicators’ is acceptable as a means of providing variable intensity illumination to ‘Visual Indicators’. It shall be acceptable for the intensity control to have not less than 2 levels of adjustment other than an \"off\" position provided that each position results in a substantially different level of illumination to ‘Visual Indicators’.\n\n1.  SPEEDOMETERS AND ODOMETERS (ALL VEHICLES)\n    1.  Speedometers\n        1.  Unless otherwise ‘Approved’, every vehicle shall be fitted with a speedometer which shall:\n            1.  indicate vehicle speed only in kilometres per hour; and\n            2.  indicate the actual vehicle speed, for all speeds above 40 km/h, to an accuracy of + 10 per cent.\n        2.  The speedometer shall be installed so that its indication is readily visible to the driver when seated in the normal driving position.\n    2.  Odometers\n        1.  Every vehicle other than LA; LB and LEM group vehicles shall be fitted with an odometer which shall:\n            1.  indicate distance travelled in one kilometre units (or less) from 1 to 999,999 kilometres; and\n            2.  indicate the actual distance travelled by the vehicle to an accuracy of + 4 per cent.\n        2.  Every vehicle of category LC, LD and LEM shall be fitted with an odometer which shall:\n            1.  indicate distance travelled in one kilometre units from 1 to 99,999 kilometres; and\n            2.  indicate the actual distance travelled by the vehicle to an accuracy of + 4 per cent\n\n---\n\n[\\[\\*\\]](#_ftnref1) The category code may also be in the format L1, LA etc.","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"Unauthenticated. Configure AI_GATEWAY_API_KEY or use a provider module. Learn more: https://ai-sdk.dev/unauthenticated-ai-gateway","source":"analysis-cron"},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":7,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The instrument states that the /01 Rule \"differs from the /00 Rule in that it changes the requirements for LEP and LEG vehicles,\" and it repeals prior ADR 18/01 instruments in force at commencement (commencement and repeal provisions). Therefore the scope was altered relative to the prior /00 rule specifically for LEP and LEG categories, while maintaining the ADR’s national applicability to the enumerated vehicle categories."},"complexity_factors":["Detailed geometric placement rules using '95th Percentile Eye Ellipses' and multiple inclined planes (clauses 18.3.1–18.3.2).","Different visibility envelopes and obstruction rules for Group I and Group II indicators (clauses 18.2, 18.3, 18.4).","Operational condition matrix for visibility testing (steering wheel, indicator lever, gear selector positions) (clause 18.4.1.1).","Exemptions and special rules for indicator lamps vs other visual indicators, including minimum visible area requirements (clause 18.4.1.3).","Surface finish limitation for obstructing objects tied to ASTM specular gloss measurement methods (clause 18.4.1.2).","Requirements for variable illumination levels and acceptable intensity control arrangements (clause 18.4.2.2).","Quantitative accuracy and unit requirements for speedometers and odometers, and category-specific odometer ranges (clauses 18.5.1–18.5.2).","Cross-references to ADR Definitions and approval processes and a repeal/commencement regime (opening provisions and Definitions).","Multiple vehicle categories with differing commencement dates and acceptable prior rules, increasing regulatory applicability analysis (Applicability table)."],"plain_english_summary":"This national vehicle standard prescribes which dashboard indicators must be provided, where they must be located within a driver’s field of view, how visible they must be, and required accuracy and units for speedometers and odometers. It applies to the enumerated ADR vehicle categories and explicitly changes prior /00 requirements for certain LEP and LEG vehicle types. Manufacturers and importers must design instrument panels to meet precise geometric, visibility and accuracy rules, creating measurable design and compliance obligations."},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":4,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The legislation remains focused on its original purpose of standardising vehicle instrumentation and dashboard layout. The /01 revision specifically updates requirements for LEP and LEG vehicles (motor tricycles) compared to the previous /00 version, but this represents a targeted technical amendment rather than scope creep."},"complexity_factors":["Extensive use of technical engineering terminology ('95th Percentile Eye Ellipses', 'Specular Gloss', 'longitudinal axis') without plain English equivalents","Precise geometric positioning requirements using multiple intersecting planes and angles (20° left/right, 35° downward, 11m forward reference lines)","Multiple conditional clauses for different vehicle transmission types (column change automatic vs manual with varying gear ratios)","Cross-reference to separate Definitions standard (ADR Definitions and Vehicle Categories 2005) for key terms","Nested exceptions within visibility requirements (steering wheel rim exemptions that differ between Group I and Group II indicators)","Dual measurement standard references (ASTM D523-62T and D523-85T) for gloss measurement","Complex applicability table with 20+ vehicle categories, multiple date thresholds, and UNECE/ADR code crosswalks"],"plain_english_summary":"This law sets mandatory requirements for vehicle dashboard instruments sold in Australia, requiring speedometers, odometers and key visual indicators (fuel, oil, battery, brakes, high beam) to be accurate, visible, and adjustable. It applies to manufacturers and importers of passenger cars, motorcycles, trucks, buses and similar vehicles.\n\nIt matters because it ensures drivers can reliably see speed and get clear warnings of mechanical or safety issues, with instruments positioned so steering controls don’t block them."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-18-01-instrumentation-2006","history":"/api/acts/vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-18-01-instrumentation-2006/history","analysis":"/api/acts/vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-18-01-instrumentation-2006/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-18-01-instrumentation-2006/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-18-01-instrumentation-2006/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-18-01-instrumentation-2006/documents"}}