{"id":"F2006L01280","name":"Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 30/01 – Smoke Emission Control for Diesel Vehicles) 2006","slug":"vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-30-01-smoke-emission-control-for-diesel-vehicles-2006","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":58751,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2006L01280-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-02","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"part","heading":"SCOPE","content":"# 1 SCOPE\n\n1.1 This vehicle standard prescribes the smoke emission requirements for diesel fuelled vehicles in order to reduce air pollution.","sortOrder":0},{"sectionNumber":"2","sectionType":"part","heading":"APPLICABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION","content":"# 2 APPLICABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION\n\n2.1 This vehicle standard applies to all M and N category vehicles with an engine that operates on diesel as provided in clause 2.2.\n\n2.2 This vehicle standard applies:\n\n2.2.1 from 1 January 2002 in relation to new model vehicles produced on or after 1 January 2002; and\n\n2.2.2 from 1 January 2003 in relation to all vehicles produced on or after 1 January 2003, other than new model vehicles specified in clause 2.2.1.\n\n2.3 For the purpose of clause 2.2.1, a “new model vehicle” is a vehicle of a model first produced with a date of manufacture on or after 1 January 2002.\n\n2.4 To the extent of any inconsistency, the applicability dates specified in clause 2.2 apply in lieu of any dates specified in Appendix A.\n\n2.5 This standard is not applicable to:\n\n2.5.1 M and N category vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Mass less than or equal to 3.5 tonnes, which comply with the technical requirements of Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 79/04 — Emission Control for Light Vehicles) 2011, or a later series of this vehicle standard, or,\n\n2.5.2 M and N category vehicles, with a Gross Vehicle Mass greater than 3.5 tonnes, which comply with the technical requirements of Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 80/03 — Emission Control for Heavy Vehicles) 2006, or a later series of this vehicle standard.\n\n.","sortOrder":1},{"sectionNumber":"3","sectionType":"part","heading":"DEFINITIONS","content":"# 3 DEFINITIONS\n\n3.1 For the purposes of clause 2.3, “date of manufacture” means the date the vehicle is available in Australia in a condition which will enable an identification plate to be lawfully affixed to the vehicle.","sortOrder":2},{"sectionNumber":"4","sectionType":"part","heading":"REQUIREMENTS","content":"# 4 REQUIREMENTS\n\n4.1 Vehicles complying with the technical requirements of Appendix A of this vehicle standard, as varied by Part 5 of this vehicle standard, will be accepted as complying with this vehicle standard.","sortOrder":3},{"sectionNumber":"5","sectionType":"part","heading":"EXEMPTIONS AND ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURES","content":"# 5 EXEMPTIONS AND ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURES\n\n5.1 Any provision related to the administrative processes for obtaining a UN ECE or US EPA approval do not apply to this vehicle standard.","sortOrder":4},{"sectionNumber":"6","sectionType":"part","heading":"ALTERNATIVE STANDARDS","content":"# 6 ALTERNATIVE STANDARDS\n\n6.1 The technical requirements of UN ECE Regulation 24:\n\nUniform Provisions Concerning:\n\nI. The approval of compression ignition (C.I.) engines with regard to the emission of visible pollutants\n\nII. The approval of motor vehicles with regard to the installation of C.I. engines of an approved type\n\nIII. The approval of motor vehicles equipped with C.I. engines with regard to the emission of visible pollutants by the engine\n\nIV. The measurement of power of C.I. engine\n\nincorporating the 03 series of amendments, are deemed to be equivalent to the technical requirements of this vehicle standard.\n\n6.2 For M and N category vehicles with a GVM greater than 3.5 tonnes, the technical requirements for the Opacity of Smoke Emission of the USA Code of Federal Regulations, Part 86 – Control of Air Pollution from new and in-use motor vehicles and new and in-use motor vehicle engines certification and test procedures – Subpart A 40CFR 86.098-11 Emission standards for 1998 and later model year diesel heavy-duty engines and vehicles; and Subpart I – Emission Regulations for new diesel heavy-duty engines: smoke exhaust test procedure, are deemed to be equivalent to the technical requirements of this vehicle standard.","sortOrder":5},{"sectionNumber":"ENDNOTES","sectionType":"part","heading":"ENDNOTES","content":"# ENDNOTES\n\nEndnote 1—About the endnotes\n\nThe endnotes provide information about this compilation and the compiled law.\n\nThe following endnotes are included in every compilation:\n\nEndnote 1—About the endnotes\n\nEndnote 2—Abbreviation key\n\nEndnote 3—Legislation history\n\nEndnote 4—Amendment history\n\nAbbreviation key—Endnote 2\n\nThe abbreviation key sets out abbreviations that may be used in the endnotes.\n\nLegislation history and amendment history—Endnotes 3 and 4\n\nAmending laws are annotated in the legislation history and amendment history.\n\nThe legislation history in endnote 3 provides information about each law that has amended (or will amend) the compiled law. The information includes commencement details for amending laws and details of any application, saving or transitional provisions that are not included in this compilation.\n\nThe amendment history in endnote 4 provides information about amendments at the provision (generally section or equivalent) level. It also includes information about any provision of the compiled law that has been repealed in accordance with a provision of the law.\n\nMisdescribed amendments\n\nA misdescribed amendment is an amendment that does not accurately describe how an amendment is to be made. If, despite the misdescription, the amendment can be given effect as intended, then the misdescribed amendment can be incorporated through an editorial change made under section 15V of the Legislation Act 2003.\n\nIf a misdescribed amendment cannot be given effect as intended, the amendment is not incorporated and “(md not incorp)” is added to the amendment history.\n\nEndnote 2—Abbreviation key\n\n| ad = added or inserted                         | orig = original                          |\n| ---------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------- |\n| am = amended                                   | p = page(s)                              |\n| amdt = amendment                               | para = paragraph(s)/subparagraph(s)      |\n| C[x] = Compilation No. x                       | /sub‑subparagraph(s)                     |\n| ch = Chapter(s)                                | pres = present                           |\n| cl = clause(s)                                 | prev = previous                          |\n| cont. = continued                              | (prev…) = previously                     |\n| def = definition(s)                            | pt = Part(s)                             |\n| Dict = Dictionary                              | r = regulation(s)/Court rule(s)          |\n| disallowed = disallowed by Parliament          | reloc = relocated                        |\n| div = Division(s)                              | renum = renumbered                       |\n| exp = expires/expired or ceases/ceased to have | rep = repealed                           |\n| effect                                         | rs = repealed and substituted            |\n| gaz = gazette                                  | s = section(s)/subsection(s)             |\n| LA = Legislation Act 2003                      | /rule(s)/subrule(s)/order(s)/suborder(s) |\n| LIA = Legislative Instruments Act 2003         | sch = Schedule(s)                        |\n| (md not incorp) = misdescribed amendment       | SLI = Select Legislative Instrument      |\n| cannot be given effect                         | SR = Statutory Rules                     |\n| mod = modified/modification                    | sub ch = Sub‑Chapter(s)                  |\n| No. = Number(s)                                | sub div = Subdivision(s)                 |\n| Ord = Ordinance                                | sub pt = Subpart(s)                      |\n|                                                | underlining = whole or part not          |\n|                                                | commenced or to be commenced             |","sortOrder":6}],"analysis":{"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":3,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The legislation remains focused on its original purpose of controlling smoke emissions from diesel vehicles. The scope has not expanded beyond this core objective."},"complexity_factors":["Short document (approximately 6 substantive clauses)","Only 1 defined term ('date of manufacture' in clause 3.1)","Simple conditional structure with clear applicability dates and vehicle categories","Limited cross-referencing (references to ADR 79/04, ADR 80/03, UN ECE Regulation 24, and US CFR 40 Part 86, but these are straightforward equivalence provisions)","Clear exemption structure in clause 2.5 with two simple alternatives","No nested exceptions or complex conditional logic"],"plain_english_summary":"This law sets rules for how much smoke diesel vehicles can legally emit in Australia, aiming to cut air pollution. It covers most diesel-powered cars, trucks, and buses (called 'M and N category vehicles' — basically passenger vehicles and goods vehicles). The rules kicked in gradually: new vehicle models had to comply from 2002, and all new vehicles from 2003. However, lighter diesel vehicles (3.5 tonnes or less) that meet newer clean-air standards (ADR 79/04) and heavier ones (over 3.5 tonnes) meeting ADR 80/03 are exempt from this specific smoke rule because they're already covered by stricter pollution controls. Manufacturers can prove compliance by meeting Australian technical requirements listed in Appendix A, or alternatively by meeting equivalent international standards from the UN (ECE Regulation 24) or the US EPA regulations for heavy vehicles."},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":4,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The instrument remains narrowly focused on smoke (visible) emissions from diesel‑fuelled M and N category vehicles and implements that purpose by setting phased application dates, technical requirements (in Appendix A), exemptions for vehicles complying with related ADRs, and equivalence routes to UN ECE and US CFR test regimes. There is no indication in the text that the scope has been expanded beyond that original purpose; equivalence and exemption provisions align with the goal of facilitating compliance rather than broadening regulatory subject matter."},"complexity_factors":["Short instrument (6 substantive clauses) with limited length","Phased applicability dates with a defined term for “new model vehicle” (clauses 2.2–2.3, 3.1)","Exemptions that cross‑reference other ADRs (clauses 2.5.1–2.5.2)","Acceptance of detailed technical requirements by reference to Appendix A (clause 4.1) — the substantive technical detail is external to the main text","Deemed equivalence to two foreign technical regimes (UN ECE Reg 24 and specified parts of US CFR) creating cross‑jurisdictional references (clauses 6.1–6.2)","A provision excluding foreign administrative approval processes (clause 5.1) which changes the compliance pathway and requires domestic evaluation","Low number of defined terms but reliance on external documents (Appendix A, ADR 79/04, ADR 80/03, UN ECE, US CFR) increases interpretive complexity"],"plain_english_summary":"**What this instrument does (mechanically)**\n\n- Prescribes smoke (visible particulate) emission requirements specifically for diesel‑fuelled vehicles of categories M and N (passenger and goods vehicles) (clause 1.1; clause 2.1).\n- Phases in those requirements: for a “new model vehicle” produced on or after 1 January 2002, and for all vehicles produced on or after 1 January 2003 (clauses 2.2–2.3).\n- Accepts compliance where a vehicle meets the technical requirements set out in Appendix A of this vehicle standard, as varied by Part 5 (clause 4.1).\n- Exempts light vehicles (M and N with GVM ≤ 3.5 t) that comply with ADR 79/04 (Emission Control for Light Vehicles) (clause 2.5.1), and heavier vehicles (GVM > 3.5 t) that comply with ADR 80/03 (Emission Control for Heavy Vehicles) (clause 2.5.2).\n- Treats certain foreign technical standards as equivalent: UN ECE Regulation 24 (03 series of amendments) is deemed equivalent (clause 6.1); and for M and N vehicles over 3.5 t, specified parts of the US Code of Federal Regulations (40 CFR Part 86 subparts cited) are also deemed equivalent (clause 6.2).\n- States that administrative provisions tied to the UN ECE or US EPA approval processes do not apply to this Standard (clause 5.1).\n- Defines “date of manufacture” for the new‑model cutoff as the date the vehicle is available in Australia in a condition that allows lawful affixation of an identification plate (clause 3.1).\n\n**Who is affected**\n\n- Vehicle manufacturers and importers of M and N category diesel vehicles who place new models and production vehicles on the Australian market from the specified dates (clauses 2.1–2.3).\n- Owners or operators of affected vehicles only to the extent that compliance choices by manufacturers (design, certification route) may influence vehicle availability, specification and price.\n- Regulators and authorised testing bodies, who must accept compliance via Appendix A or by the equivalent foreign standards identified (clauses 4.1, 6.1–6.2).\n\n**Why it matters (stated purpose and practical implications)**\n\n- The instrument’s stated purpose is to reduce air pollution by limiting visible smoke emissions from diesel engines (clause 1.1). \n\nMechanically, that purpose is implemented by: specifying technical limits (in Appendix A), setting phased applicability dates (clauses 2.2–2.3), and providing equivalence routes to internationally used test regimes (clauses 6.1–6.2). The administrative parts of UN ECE or US EPA approval procedures are explicitly excluded (clause 5.1), so equivalence is recognised without importing those foreign administrative steps.\n\n**Costs, incentives and trade-offs (practical testing against the stated purpose)**\n\n- Who pays: vehicle manufacturers/importers will carry the direct costs of designing engines to meet the smoke limits, performing compliance testing, and choosing a certification route (Appendix A, or UN ECE/US CFR equivalence under clause 6). Those costs may be passed to buyers in vehicle prices.\n- Compliance burden and administrative trade‑off: allowing equivalence to UN ECE Reg 24 and parts of US CFR (clauses 6.1–6.2) reduces the need to duplicate testing to different technical regimes, lowering compliance costs for manufacturers that already certify to those regimes. Clause 5.1 removes foreign administrative approval provisions, which simplifies paperwork but requires domestic authorities to verify equivalence on technical grounds.\n- Behavioural incentives: manufacturers can choose between (a) meeting Appendix A directly, (b) certifying to equivalent UN ECE requirements, or (c) for heavy vehicles, using the US CFR smoke test procedures. That creates flexibility (and potential cost savings) but also encourages certification strategies that rely on foreign test regimes.\n- Implementation risks and discretion: regulators must accept the Appendix A or the listed equivalence standards as proof of compliance (clause 4.1; clauses 6.1–6.2), but verifying equivalence in individual cases will require technical assessment capacity. Excluding foreign administrative processes (clause 5.1) can speed approvals but may increase reliance on domestic judgement about the equivalence of test results and documentation.\n- Market effects and substitution: because equivalent foreign standards are accepted, international manufacturers face lower barriers to selling compliant models in Australia if they already meet those foreign standards; smaller local manufacturers without such certifications may incur higher marginal costs to demonstrate compliance.\n- Opportunity costs: regulator resources will be needed for technical assessment and enforcement rather than recreating foreign administrative processes; resources spent on verification could trade off against broader enforcement or monitoring activities.\n\n**Concrete operational points**\n\n- The Standard is limited to smoke (visible particulate) emissions from diesel engines for M and N vehicles; it does not attempt to cover broader pollutants or non‑diesel engines (clause 1.1; clause 2.1).\n- Light and heavy vehicle ADR pathways already in force can be used as an exemption route, maintaining alignment with other ADRs (clauses 2.5.1–2.5.2).\n- The technical content that determines pass/fail is in Appendix A (referenced in clause 4.1) and is the operative test standard for domestic compliance.\n\n(For quick reference: key clauses are clause 1.1 (purpose), clauses 2.1–2.3 (scope and dates), clause 2.5 (exemptions via ADRs), clause 3.1 (definition of manufacture date), clause 4.1 (acceptance of Appendix A), clause 5.1 (administrative provisions do not apply), clauses 6.1–6.2 (equivalence to UN ECE and US CFR))."},"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"A positive credit balance is required for all requests, including BYOK, so fallback providers remain available. Add credits at https://vercel.com/d?to=%2F%5Bteam%5D%2F%7E%2Fai%3Fmodal%3Dtop-up to continue.","source":"analysis-cron"}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-30-01-smoke-emission-control-for-diesel-vehicles-2006","history":"/api/acts/vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-30-01-smoke-emission-control-for-diesel-vehicles-2006/history","analysis":"/api/acts/vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-30-01-smoke-emission-control-for-diesel-vehicles-2006/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-30-01-smoke-emission-control-for-diesel-vehicles-2006/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-30-01-smoke-emission-control-for-diesel-vehicles-2006/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-30-01-smoke-emission-control-for-diesel-vehicles-2006/documents"}}