{"id":"F2006L02301","name":"Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 57/00 – Special Requirements for L-Group Vehicles) 2006","slug":"vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-57-00-special-requirements-for-l-group-vehicles-2006","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":117621,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2006L02301-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-03","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 57/00 – Special Requirements for L-Group Vehicles) 2006","content":"![](image.001.png)\n\nVehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 57/00 – Special Requirements for L-Group Vehicles) 2006\n\nmade under the\n\nMotor Vehicle Standards Act 1989\n\nCompilation: 2 (up to and including Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 57/00 – Special Requirements for L-Group Vehicles) 2006 Amendment 2)\n\nCompilation Date: 16 November 2016\n\nCompiled by: Vehicle Safety Standards, Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development\n\nCONTENTS\n\nA. legislative provisions\n\nB. SCOPE\n\nC. APPLICABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION\n\n57.1. DEFINITIONS\n\n57.2. REQUIREMENTS\n\n57.3. ALTERNATIVE STANDARDS\n\nCompilation NOTES\n\n  \n\n1.  legislative provisions\n    1.  NAME OF STANDARD\n        1.  This Standard is the Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 57/00 – Special Requirements for L-Group Vehicles) 2006.\n        2.  This Standard may also be cited as Australian Design Rule 57/00 – Special Requirements for L-Group Vehicles.\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 57/00 — Special Requirements for L-Group Vehicles 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\nA.3.2. 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 57/00 — Special Requirements for L-Group Vehicles, 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\nB. SCOPE\n\nB.1. The function of this national standard is to specify special requirements for the construction of L-group vehicles.\n\nB.2. They must also comply with all requirements for L-group vehicles as set out in individual ADRs.\n\nC. APPLICABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION\n\nC.1. Applicability Summary\n\nC.1.1. This national standard applies to the design and construction of vehicle as set out in the table below.\n\n  \n\nC.1.2. Applicability Table\n\n| Vehicle Category                  | ADR Category Code [*] | UNECE Category Code * | Manufactured on or After | Acceptable Prior Rules |\n| --------------------------------- | --------------------- | --------------------- | ------------------------ | ---------------------- |\n| Moped 2 wheels                    | LA                    | L1                    | 1 July 1988              | Nil                    |\n| Moped 3 wheels                    | LB                    | L2                    | Not applicable           |                        |\n| Motor cycle                       | LC                    | L3                    | 1 July 1988              | Nil                    |\n| Motor cycle and sidecar           | LD                    | L4                    | 1 July 1988              | Nil                    |\n| Motor tricycle                    | LE                    | L5                    | Not applicable           |                        |\n| Passenger car                     | MA                    | M1                    | Not applicable           |                        |\n| Forward-control passenger vehicle | MB                    | M1                    | Not applicable           |                        |\n| Off-road passenger vehicle        | MC                    | M1                    | Not applicable           |                        |\n| Light omnibus                     | MD                    | M2                    | Not applicable           |                        |\n| Heavy omnibus                     | ME                    | M3                    | Not applicable           |                        |\n| Light goods vehicle               | NA                    | N1                    | Not applicable           |                        |\n| Medium goods vehicle              | NB                    | N2                    | Not applicable           |                        |\n| Heavy goods vehicle               | NC                    | N3                    | Not applicable           |                        |\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\n57.1. DEFINITIONS\n\n57.1.1. Refer to Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule Definitions and Vehicle Categories) 2005.\n\n57.2. REQUIREMENTS\n\n57.2.1. Side-cars\n\n57.2.1.1. A side-car must not be so attached to a vehicle nor must it be of such mass or dimensions as to prevent the driver from safely driving the vehicle or from having a sufficient view to the front, rear and either side of the vehicle to enable the vehicle to be driven with safety.\n\n57.2.1.2. A side-car must not be attached to the right-hand side of a vehicle.\n\n57.2.2. Steering Gear and Handlebars\n\n57.2.2.1. Handlebars must not extend:\n\n(a) less than 250mm on each side of the centreline of the vehicle for all LA, LC and LD category vehicles;\n\n(b) more than 450mm on each side of the centreline of the vehicle for LA category vehicles; or\n\n(c) more than 550mm on each side of the centreline of the vehicle for all LC and LD category vehicles.\n\n57.2.2.2. The height of the lowest part of the handgrip above the lowest part of the upper surface of the driver’s seat must not exceed 380 mm.\n\n57.2.2.3. All steering gear and steering gear connections must be so designed to eliminate accidental detachment or over-locking.\n\n57.2.2.4. The horizontal distance measured from the mid-point between the head stem bearings where the head stem is the steering pivot point, to a point vertically above the centre of the front wheel must not exceed 550 mm.\n\n57.2.2.5. The handlebars must be symmetrical on either side of the front wheel and steering head assembly.\n\n57.2.3. Operation and Location of Controls\n\n57.2.3.1. Column 1 of Table 1 indicates whether controls are mandatory (M) or optional (O). The designation M+ indicates that applicability depends on the vehicle’s design.\n\n57.2.3.1.1. In any case where an item of equipment listed in Column 2 of Table 1 is provided, the control for such item must be located as specified in Column 3 of Table 1 and mode of control operation must be as specified in Column 4 of Table 1.\n\n57.2.3.1.2. Each of the following controls located on the right handlebar must be operable throughout its full range by the driver’s right hand without removal of the hand from the throttle:\n\n57.2.3.1.2.1. Hand lever controlling front wheel brake;\n\n57.2.3.1.2.2. Direction indicator control (if fitted to right handlebar); and\n\n57.2.3.1.2.3. Supplemental Engine Stop.\n\n57.2.3.1.3. Each of the following controls located on the left handlebar must be operable throughout its full range by the driver’s left hand without removal of the hand from the handgrip:\n\n57.2.3.1.3.1. Hand lever controlling the clutch;\n\n57.2.3.1.3.2. Direction indicator control (if fitted to left handlebar);\n\n57.2.3.1.3.3. Horn button; and\n\n57.2.3.1.3.4. Headlamp main/dipped beam control.\n\n57.2.3.1.4. In the case where a vehicle is equipped with self-proportioning or anti-lock braking devices utilising a single control for front and rear brakes, the requirements for location and operation of the control must be as for a rear brake control.\n\n57.2.3.2. Visual Indicator Display and Illumination Requirements\n\nIn any case where a visual indicator listed in Column 1 of Table 2 is provided, the information which is displayed must be visible to the seated driver under daylight conditions. Display illumination and operation of display illumination must be as specified in Column 2 of Table 2.\n\n57.2.3.3. Control and Visual Indicator Display Identification Requirements\n\nIn any case where an item of equipment or visual indicator listed in Column 1 of Table 3 is provided, the control or display for such item must be identified by the word or words shown in Column 2 of Table 3. Control positions must be identified to signify the function performed at that control position, by at least the data specified in Column 3. The items of equipment or visual indicators listed in Table 3, other than the Manual Fuel Shut-off Control; the Manual Choke; and the Ignition Switch must be visible to the seated driver and the control or display identification must be legible to the seated driver.\n\n57.2.3.3.1. In clause 57.2.3.3 above, as an alternative to using the words in columns 2 and 3 of table 3, the use of equivalent ISO symbols to identify a control and signify the function performed at the control is permissible.\n\n57.2.3.4. “Clockwise” and “counter-clockwise” as specified in the following Tables refer to opposing directions of rotation around the following axes, as applicable:\n\n57.2.3.4.1. the operational axis of the ignition control viewed from in front of the ignition key opening; or\n\n57.2.3.4.2. the axis of the right handlebar on which the twist grip throttle is located, viewed from the outer end of that handlebar.\n\n  \nTABLE 1\n\nCONTROL LOCATION AND OPERATION REQUIREMENTS\n\n| Column 1Mandatory operation or optional | Column 2Equipment or control                                                      | Column 3Control location                      | Column 4Control                                                                                                                                                                                     |\n| --------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |\n| M[+]                                    | Manual clutch (handlever) or combined clutch and gear change                      | Left handlebar                                | Squeeze to disengage clutch                                                                                                                                                                         |\n| O                                       | Foot-operated gear change pedal                                                   | Left foot control                             | Up from first gear position to select lower numerical gear ratios commonly referred to as “higher gears\") and down to select higher numerical gear ratios (commonly referred to as “lower gears”)   |\n| M                                       | Headlamp main/dipped beam control                                                 | Left handlebar                                | Up for main beam, down for dipped beam. In the case where the control is combined with the headlamp on-off control, means must be provided to prevent inadvertent actuation of the “off” functions. |\n| M                                       | Horn                                                                              | Left handlebar                                | Push to activate.                                                                                                                                                                                   |\n| M                                       | Direction indicator lamps                                                         | Left or right handlebar                       | - - - -                                                                                                                                                                                             |\n| O                                       | Ignition switch                                                                   | - - - - -                                     | Off-counterclockwise from other positions.                                                                                                                                                          |\n| O                                       | Manual only fuel shut-off control                                                 | - - - - -                                     | (1) Off-forward; On-downward. Reserve (if provided) - On-upward; or(2) as per FMVSS 123.                                                                                                            |\n| M                                       | Twist grip throttle                                                               | Right handlebar                               | Self-closing in a clockwise direction to idle position after release of hand.                                                                                                                       |\n| M                                       | Supplemental Engine Stop                                                          | Right handlebar                               | A thumb-operated device to stop engine.                                                                                                                                                             |\n| M                                       | Front wheel brake hand lever                                                      | Right handlebar                               | Squeeze to activate.                                                                                                                                                                                |\n| M                                       | Rear wheel brake- motor cycles- motor cycles equipped with automatic transmission | Right foot controlAs above; or Left handlebar | Depress to activateSqueeze to activate.                                                                                                                                                             |\n| M                                       | Rear wheel brake- mopeds- mopeds equipped with automatic transmission             | Right foot controlAs above; or Left handlebar | Depress to activateSqueeze to activate.                                                                                                                                                             |\n\n  \nTABLE 2\n\nVISUAL INDICATOR DISPLAY ILLUMINATION REQUIREMENTS\n\n| Column 1Visual Indicator Display                          | Column 2Illumination                                                                                                                   |\n| --------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |\n| Speedometer                                               | Illuminated whenever the head lamp is illuminated.                                                                                     |\n| Neutral indicator                                         | Green display lamp illuminated when the gear selector is in the neutral position.                                                      |\n| Main beam indicator - LC, LD only (LA - Dipped Beam Only) | Blue display lamp illuminated whenever the headlamp is illuminated and the headlamp main/dipped beam control is in the main beam mode. |\n\nTABLE 3\n\nCONTROL AND VISUAL INDICATORS\n\nDISPLAY IDENTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS\n\n| Column 1Control or Display Appropriate or Display | Column 2Identification of Control or Display | Column 3Identification at Position of Control |\n| ------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------- |\n| Ignition Switch                                   | ——-                                          | Off                                           |\n| Supplemental Engine Stop                          | Engine stop                                  | Off, Run                                      |\n| Manual Choke                                      | Choke                                        | - - - - - - -                                 |\n| Electric Starter                                  | - - - - -                                    | Start                                         |\n| Headlamp Main/Dipped Beam Control                 | Lights                                       | Hi, Lo                                        |\n| Horn                                              | Horn                                         | - - - - -                                     |\n| Direction Indicator                               | Turn                                         | L,R                                           |\n| Main Beam or High Beam Indicator                  | Main Beam or High beam                       | - - - - - -                                   |\n| Tachometer                                        | r/min; rpm; RPM; or min-1                    | - - - - -                                     |\n| Fuel Tank Shut-Off Control                        | Fuel                                         | Off, On, Res.                                 |\n| Neutral Indicator                                 | Neutral                                      | - - - - - -                                   |\n| Speedometer                                       | km/h                                         | Major gradations marked at 10 km/h intervals  |\n\n57.2.4. Transmission Requirement\n\nAll vehicles equipped with manual transmission which are powered by an internal combustion engine, must be so designed to allow the transmission to be disengaged by the driver at any engine speed.\n\n57.2.5. Electrical Generator\n\nAll vehicles must be fitted with a generator capable of maintaining a continuous supply of electrical energy required for continuous operation of the ignition and lighting systems when stationary with the engine operating at idle. The supply of electrical energy must be not less than that required for continuous operation of all lamps installed, except front/rear fog lamp(s), reversing lamp, ‘Internal Lamp’ and ‘Search Lamp’.\n\n  \n\n57.2.6. Foot Rests\n\nEvery vehicle must be fitted with foot rests for the driver and also for the passenger if a seating position for passenger is provided.\n\n57.2.7. Stands\n\n57.2.7.1. All LA and LC group vehicles must be equipped with a stand capable of holding the vehicle in a substantially upright stable position. The stand may be of the side or centre type and must be equipped with a spring or other device capable of holding it clear of the road under normal operating conditions.\n\n57.2.7.2. In the case of vehicles so equipped with a side stand, the side stand must either:\n\n57.2.7.2.1. automatically fold back into the closed or riding position,\n\n57.2.7.2.1.1. when the vehicle is returned to the normal vertical position for riding; or\n\n57.2.7.2.1.2. as a result of the vehicle being moved forward by a deliberate action of the rider; or\n\n57.2.7.2.1.3. without disturbing the equilibrium of the vehicle, if the side stand comes into contact with the road while the vehicle is moving; or\n\n57.2.7.2.2. be connected to the ignition system in such a manner that the ignition system can only be activated when the side stand is in the closed or riding position; or\n\n57.2.7.2.3. be connected to an audible signal and a warning lamp, visible to the rider in the normal riding position, which are activated if the ignition is switched on and the side stand is not in the closed or riding position; or\n\n57.2.7.2.4. be connected in such a manner so that the vehicle cannot be operated under its own power unless it is retracted.\n\n57.2.8. Chain Guards\n\nEvery vehicle, where the chain transmits engine power must, if the frame or any other equipment does not provide such protection, be fitted with a chain guard which must provide protection from the front sprocket and at least the upper free-run of the drive chain to a point not less than 300 mm to the rear of the rearmost footrest or to a point vertically above the centre of the rear drive sprocket.\n\n57.3. ALTERNATIVE STANDARDS\n\nThe technical requirements of ECE R 60/00 “Motorcycle/moped controls” are be deemed to be equivalent to the technical requirements for:\n\nOperation & Location of Controls;\n\nVisual Indicator Display & Illumination Requirements; and\n\nControl & Visual Indicator Display Identification requirements, of this rule.\n\n  \n\nCompilation NOTES\n\nThis compilation of Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 57/00 – Special Requirements for L-Group Vehicles) 2006 includes all the instruments set out in the Table of Instruments. The Table of Amendments provides a history of clauses that have been amended, inserted or deleted.\n\nTable of Instruments\n\n| Name of Instrument                                                                                                         | Registration Date | Commencement Date |\n| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------- | ----------------- |\n| Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 57/00 – Special Requirements for L-Group Vehicles) 2006 (F2006L02301)             | 21/07/2006        | 22/07/2006        |\n| Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 57/00 – Special Requirements for L-Group Vehicles) 2006 Amendment 1 (F2015L01933) | 3/12/2015         | 4/12/2015         |\n| Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 57/00 – Special Requirements for L-Group Vehicles) 2006 Amendment 2 (F2016L01761) | 15/11/2016        | 16/11/2016        |\n\nTable of Amendments\n\n| Clause affected          | How affected | Amending instrument |\n| ------------------------ | ------------ | ------------------- |\n| C1.2 Applicability Table | am           | Amendment 2         |\n| 57.2.2.1.                | am           | Amendment 1         |\n| 57.2.2.1.                | am           | Amendment 2         |\n\nad = added or inserted\n\nam = amended\n\ndel = deleted or removed\n\nrr = removed and replaced\n\n = clause renumbered. This takes the format of old no.  new no.\n\n---\n\n[\\[\\*\\]](#_ftnref1) The category code may also be in the format L1, LA etc.\n\n[\\[+\\]](#_ftnref2) Note: Indicates dependent on vehicle design","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":4,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The legislation remains focused on its original purpose: setting special construction requirements for L-group vehicles (mopeds, motorcycles, and related categories). The amendment history shows only minor technical adjustments to handlebar width specifications and the applicability table, not an expansion beyond the original scope."},"complexity_factors":["Multiple detailed tables (Tables 1, 2, and 3) with cross-referenced columns specifying mandatory vs optional equipment, locations, and operations","Nested conditional logic in clause 57.2.7.2 (side-stand requirements with four alternative compliance pathways: auto-retract, ignition interlock, warning system, or power interlock)","Extensive use of defined category codes (LA, LB, LC, LD, LE) that require reference to a separate Definitions standard (ADR Definitions and Vehicle Categories 2005)","Numerous dimensional specifications with multiple variables (handlebar widths vary by vehicle category: 450mm for LA, 550mm for LC/LD)","Cross-reference to external international standard (ECE R 60/00) as alternative compliance pathway in section 57.3","Exception clauses within requirements (e.g., 57.2.3.1.4 for self-proportioning/anti-lock brakes; 57.2.3.3.1 permitting ISO symbols instead of words)","Specific measurement references requiring technical interpretation (e.g., 'mid-point between head stem bearings', 'centreline of the vehicle')"],"plain_english_summary":"This law prescribes mandatory safety and design standards for L-group vehicles (mopeds, motorcycles, motor tricycles and sidecar combinations) sold in Australia. It requires manufacturers and importers to meet consistent technical rules for controls, visibility, electrical systems, stands and rider protection so machines are predictable and safer for users.\n\nCompliant bikes give riders reliable control layouts and safety features, while manufacturers may alternatively meet an international (ECE R60) option for certain control and display requirements."},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":4,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"Amendments updated the applicability table and adjusted handlebar dimension limits (see C.1.2 and amendments to 57.2.2.1). The instrument otherwise continues to consolidate and replace earlier ADR 57/00 instruments, maintaining focus on construction requirements for L‑group vehicles rather than expanding to other vehicle classes."},"complexity_factors":["Numerical and dimensional specifications for steering and handlebars (57.2.2.1–57.2.2.4)","Detailed control-location and operation tables with mandatory/optional designations and conditional applicability (57.2.3.1 and Table 1)","Visual indicator, illumination and identification specifications tied to multiple tables (57.2.3.2–57.2.3.3 and Tables 2–3)","Cross-reference dependence on ADR definitions and vehicle categories (57.1.1; C.1.2 Applicability Table)","Provision allowing an alternative international standard (ECE R60) to be treated as equivalent (57.3)","Prescriptive safety-device requirements (stands, chain guards, footrests, generator) that interact with vehicle design choices (57.2.5–57.2.8)","Amendment history and repeal clauses that modify applicability and specific numeric limits (A.3; Compilation Notes)"],"plain_english_summary":"This standard prescribes mandatory construction and control-location rules for L‑group vehicles (mopeds, motorcycles, trikes and related trailers), setting numeric limits and functional requirements for handlebars, controls, indicators, transmission, electrical supply, stands, footrests and chain guards. It applies to vehicle designers, manufacturers and importers supplying these vehicles in Australia and is used to determine acceptability for supply/registration. The rule cross‑references ADR definitions and accepts ECE R60 as an equivalent for many control and indicator requirements."},"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-57-00-special-requirements-for-l-group-vehicles-2006","history":"/api/acts/vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-57-00-special-requirements-for-l-group-vehicles-2006/history","analysis":"/api/acts/vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-57-00-special-requirements-for-l-group-vehicles-2006/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-57-00-special-requirements-for-l-group-vehicles-2006/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-57-00-special-requirements-for-l-group-vehicles-2006/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-57-00-special-requirements-for-l-group-vehicles-2006/documents"}}