{"id":"F2006L03055","name":"Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 61/00 – Vehicle Marking) 2006","slug":"vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-61-00-vehicle-marking-2006","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":436842,"registerId":"F2006L03055-fast-fetch-1775953912947","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-12","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 61/00 – Vehicle Marking) 2006","content":"---\nmeta-content-style-type: text/css\nmeta-content-type: application/xhtml+xml; charset=utf-8\nmeta-generator: Aspose.Words for .NET 20.2\n---\n\n?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"utf-8\" standalone=\"no\"?>\n\n![](image.001.png)\n\n \n\n \n\n \n\nVehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 61/0061/00 – Vehicle MarkingVehicle Marking) 20062006\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\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\nDated  3 September 2006\n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n[SIGNED]\n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\nJames Eric Lloyd\n\n \n\nMinister for Local Government, Territories and Roads\n\n \n\nCONTENTS\n\n \n\n61.0. legislative provisions..............................................\n\nPurpose and SCOPE.....................................................\n\nAPPLICABILITY.......................................................\n\n61.1. DEFINITIONS...................................................\n\n61.2. IDENTIFICATION NUMBER......................................\n\n61.3. 'COMPLIANCE PLATE'\n\n61.4. ENGINE NUMBER..............................................\n\n61.5. VEHICLE PLATE................................................\n\n61.6. REGISTRATION PLATES AND LABEL holders.......................\n\n61.7. VISIBILITY OF TRAY............................................\n\n\n61.0.                                legislative provisions\n\n61.0.1.                          NAME OF STANDARD\n\n61.0.1.1.                    This Standard is the Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 61/00 – Vehicle Marking) 2006.\n\n61.0.1.2.                    This Standard may also be cited as Australian Design Rule 61/00 — Vehicle Marking.\n\n61.0.2.                          COMMENCEMENT\n\n61.0.2.1.                    This Standard commences on the day after it is registered.\n\n61.0.3.                          REPEAL\n\n61.0.3.1.                    This Standard repeals each vehicle standard with the name Australian Design Rule 61/00 — Vehicle Marking 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\n61.0.3.2.                    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 61/00 — Vehicle Marking, 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\n This 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 Standard Act 1989.\n\n The function of this Australian Design Rule is to specify requirements for vehicle marking.\n\nAPPLICABILITY\n\n This ADR applies to the design and construction of vehicles as set out in the table hereunder.\n\n The Package 13 issue of the Rule permits ADR 43/01 as an \"Acceptable Prior Rule\".\n\n Vehicles meeting the requirements of any of the \"Acceptable Prior Rules\" as shown below in the Applicability Table for a particular category shalt be deemed to comply with this Rule\n\n ** provided that for ME, NC and \"T group\" vehicles the requirements of Clause 61.5 are met.\n\n\n\n\n- Vehicle Category ADR Category Code [[*]](#_ftn1) UNECE Category Code * Manufactured on or After Acceptable Prior Rules\n- Moped 2 wheels LA L1 1 March 1992 43/01\n- Moped 3 wheels LB L2 1 March 1992 43/01\n- Motor cycle LC L3 1 March 1992 43/01\n- Motor cycle and sidecar LD L4 1 March 1992 43/01\n- Motor tricycle LE L5 1 March 1992 43/01\n- Passenger car MA M1 1 Jan 1992 43/01\n- Forward-control passenger vehicle MB M1 1 Jan 1992 43/01\n- Off-road passenger vehicle MC M1 1 Jan 1992 43/01\n- Light omnibus MD M2\n- up to 3.5 tonnes ‘GVM’ and up to 12 seats MD1 1 July 1991 43/01\n- up to 3.5 tonnes ‘GVM’ and more than 12 seats MD2 1 July 1991 43/01\n- over 3.5 tonnes and up to 4.5 tonnes ‘GVM’ MD3 1 July 1991 43/01\n- over 4.5 tonnes and up to 5 tonnes ‘GVM’ MD4 1 July 1991 43/01\n- Heavy omnibus ME M3 1 July 1991 43/01 **\n- Light goods vehicle NA N1 1 July 1991 43/01\n- Medium goods vehicle NB N2\n- over 3.5 tonnes up to 4.5 tonnes ‘GVM’ NB1 1 July 1991 43/01\n- over 4.5 tonnes up to 12 tonnes ‘GVM’ NB2 1 July 1991 43/01\n- Heavy goods vehicle NC N3 1 July 1991 43/01 **\n- Very light trailer TA O1 1 July 1991 43/01 **\n- Light trailer TB O2 1 July 1991 43/01 **\n- Medium trailer TC O3 1 July 1991 43/01 **\n- Heavy trailer TD O4 1 July 1991 43/01 **\n\n\n61.1.                                DEFINITIONS\n\n61.1.1.                          Refer to Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule Definitions and Vehicle Categories) 2005.\n\n61.2.                                IDENTIFICATION NUMBER\n\n61.2.1.                          Every vehicle shall have a unique `Vehicle Identification Number'. The `Vehicle Identification Number' shall comply with the requirements of\n\n61.2.1.1.                    ISO 3779, \"Road Vehicles – Vehicle identification number (VIN) - Content and structure\" (Ref. No. ISO 3779 - 1983 (E) );\n\n61.2.1.2.                    ISO 3780, \"Road Vehicles – World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) code' (Ref. No. ISO 3790 - 1993 (E)), and\n\n61.2.1.3.                    ISO 4030, \"Road Vehicles – Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) - Location and attachment\" (Ref. No. ISO 4030 - 198               (E)), except that\n\n61.2.1.3.1.              it is permissible to locate the 'Vehicle Identification Number' on the left-hand side of the vehicle; and\n\n61.2.1.3.2.              Clause 4.2 of the ISO 4030 Standard is not applicable in Australia.\n\n61.2.2.                          Alternative Standards\n\n61.2.2.1.                    The technical requirements of FMVSS 115 - \"Vehicle Identification Number\" (44 FR 17,498 to 17 or 48 FR 22,569 to 22,572; as amended by 50 FR 4„222) shall be deemed to be equivalent in application to the requirements specified in Clause 61.2.1 above.\n\n61.2.2.2.                    The technical and administrative requirements of Australian Standard MP 55-1988 \"VIN Codes\" shall be deemed to be equivalent in application to the requirements specified in Clause 61.2.1 above, except that\n\n61.2.2.2.1.              it is permissible to locate the 'Vehicle Identification Number’ on the left-hand side of the vehicle.\n\n61.2.3.                          Reporting\n\nThe ‘manufacturer’ shall furnish a list of ‘Vehicle Identification Numbers' to the ‘Administrator’ or his designated nominee at agreed periodical intervals.\n\n61.3.                                'COMPLIANCE PLATE'\n\n Every motor vehicle and every applicable trailer shall bear an 'Approved' 'Compliance Plate' which shall be placed in a conspicuous position on the vehicle.\n\n61.4.                                ENGINE NUMBER\n\nAn identification number shall be legible and permanently stamped, cast, laser engraved or a combination of these upon the main component of the engine at the time of its manufacture and such numbers shall be located where it can be readily seen when the engine is installed in the motor vehicle for which it was intended.\n\n61.5.                                VEHICLE PLATE\n\nOn every ME, NC and T group vehicle there shall be permanently affixed a plate mounted in a prominent position containing information in accordance with the following requirements:\n\n61.5.1.                          The information shall be embossed, indented, etched or engraved on a durable label which is welded, riveted or otherwise permanently attached in a readily visible position.\n\n61.5.2.                          The information shall be in the English language in block letters and numerals which shall not be less than 2.5 mm in height, and shall comprise:\n\n‘Manufacturer’s’ Name;\n\nVehicle Model;\n\n'Vehicle Identification Number';\n\n‘Date of Manufacture’ – unless fitted with a ‘Compliance Plate’\n\n'Gross Combination Mass' (kg) - for NC Category vehicles;\n\nMaximum towing capacity (ie the 'Aggregate Trailer Mass' for which the towing vehicle is designed) (kg) for ME Category vehicles;\n\n'Aggregate Trailer Mass' (kg) - for trailers.\n\n61.5.3.                          In the rase of a heavy goods vehicle designed for use in a `Road Train' or `B-Double' the words 'ROAD TRAIN\" and/or \"B-DOUBLE\".\n\n61.5.4.                          In the case of a trailer designed for use in a 'Road Train' up to 125t 'Gross Combination Mass', the words \"ROAD TRAIN TRAILER\".\n\n61.5.5.                          Additional information may be included at the discretion of the ‘Manufacturer’\n\n61.6.                                REGISTRATION PLATES AND LABEL holders\n\n61.6.1.                          Registration Plates\n\n61.6.11  All Vehicles other than L-Group Vehicles:\n\n61.6.1.1.1.              provision shall be made for mounting a registration plate (as shown in Figure 1) to be affixed to the rear of the vehicle so that no part of such plate will be more than 1,300 mm from the ground.\n\n61.6.1.1.2.              provision shall be made for mounting a registration plate (as shown in Figure 1) to be affixed to the front of the motor vehicle forward of and parallel to the front ‘Axle’ so that no part of such registration plate will be more than 1,300 mm from the ground.\n\n61.6.1.1.3.              no part of a vehicle, including its standard equipment, regular production options or `Equipment' shall be so located as to obscure any part of the registration plate(s).\n\n61.6.1.2.                    L-Group Vehicles Only:\n\n61.6.1.2.1.              provision shall be made for mounting a registration plate to the rear of the vehicle so that the centre of each registration plate shall not be low than 300 mm from the ground.\n\n61.6.2.                          Label Holder\n\n61.6.2.1.                    All vehicles, other than L-Group vehicles, which have no windscreen, shall have a holder for the registration label affixed to their left-hand side in such a position as to be clearly visible to a person facing the holder at a distance of 6 metres.\n\n61.6.2.2.                    For L-Group vehicles, a holder for the registration label shall be affixed in a conspicuous position on the vehicle.\n\n61.7.                                VISIBILITY OF TRAY\n\nOn every vehicle which, together with the `Equipment' thereof is 2.2 metres or more wide and which has a body of the tray type and does not have a `Rear Marking Plate' (refer to ADR 13/... 'Installation of Lighting and Light-signalling Devices\"), there shall be displayed by painting or otherwise across the full width of the rearmost portion of the tray of such vehicle, a horizontal band having a uniform depth of a least 75 mm and being white or silver in colour and clearly visible.\n\n![](image.002.png)\n\nFigure 1\n\nTOLERANCES:\n\nExternal Dimensions 1 mm\n\nDiameter of Fixing Holes 0.5 mm\n\nOther Dimensions 0.5 mm\n\n \n\n---\n\n\n[[*]](#_ftnref1) The category code may also be in the format L1, LA etc.\n","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":4,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The instrument repeals earlier instruments with the same name (61.0.3.1–3.1.3.2) but remains focused on vehicle marking requirements. The Purpose and Applicability sections reiterate that it is a national ADR specifying marking and identification obligations for listed vehicle categories and manufacture dates; no text in this Standard expands or narrows the subject-matter beyond those marking, plate and identification duties."},"complexity_factors":["Cross-reference to multiple external technical standards for VIN content, structure and location (61.2.1; ISO 3779/3780/4030) with specified local exceptions (61.2.1.3–61.2.1.3.2).","Alternative-equivalence clauses accepting FMVSS 115 and Australian MP 55-1988 as substitutes for VIN technical requirements (61.2.2), increasing interpretative options.","Differentiated requirements by vehicle categories and manufacture dates in the Applicability Table, creating multiple compliance paths and date thresholds.","Manufacturer administrative obligations to report VIN lists to the Administrator (61.2.3), imposing regular data submission and compliance monitoring.","Detailed physical and legibility specifications for plates and labels (61.5–61.6), plus mounting location and dimensional tolerances (Figure 1), requiring engineering/production controls.","Reliance on definitions in a separate ADR document (61.1.1), so understanding requires consulting another instrument."],"plain_english_summary":"This Standard prescribes mandatory vehicle-marking rules — where and how to attach VINs, engine numbers, compliance plates, vehicle plates, registration plates and tray visibility — and lists the vehicle categories and manufacture dates to which it applies.\n\nIt affects vehicle manufacturers and importers (who must assign compliant VINs, attach plates and report VIN lists to the Administrator) and registration authorities; it matters because these markings are required for vehicle identification and lawful registration."},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":4,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The legislation maintains its original scope as a vehicle marking standard. The 'Package 13' reference and acceptable prior rules (ADR 43/01) represent standard transitional arrangements rather than scope creep. The rule covers the same fundamental areas (VIN, compliance plates, engine numbers, registration plates, heavy vehicle plates) as originally intended for the ADR 61 series."},"complexity_factors":["Multiple external standards incorporated by reference (ISO 3779, ISO 3780, ISO 4030, FMVSS 115, Australian Standard MP 55-1988) requiring cross-referencing","Applicability table with 15+ vehicle categories, each with different commencement dates and prior rule acceptance conditions","Conditional exceptions: ME, NC and T-group vehicles have additional requirements (Clause 61.5) not applicable to other categories","Nested conditional logic in Clause 61.2.1.3 with two specific Australian modifications to ISO 4030","Dual citation system (full name and ADR 61/00 shorthand) and repeal provisions for prior versions","Specific dimensional tolerances for registration plate mounting (±1mm external, ±0.5mm holes)"],"plain_english_summary":"This law sets Australia’s rules for vehicle identification and marking, requiring manufacturers, importers and owners to fit standard VINs, compliance and engine markings, visible registration plate mounting, and extra plates or markings for heavy vehicles and road trains. It ensures vehicles can be identified for safety compliance, recalls and theft prevention, and that heavy vehicles display weight/approval information so they operate safely and are visible to police and cameras."},"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-61-00-vehicle-marking-2006","history":"/api/acts/vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-61-00-vehicle-marking-2006/history","analysis":"/api/acts/vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-61-00-vehicle-marking-2006/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-61-00-vehicle-marking-2006/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-61-00-vehicle-marking-2006/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-61-00-vehicle-marking-2006/documents"}}