{"id":"F2005L03994","name":"Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 61/02 – Vehicle Marking) 2005","slug":"vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-61-02-vehicle-marking-2005","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":39910,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2005L03994-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-01","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 61/02 – Vehicle Marking) 2005","content":"![Australian Coat of Arms](image.001.png)\n\nVehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 61/02 – Vehicle Marking) 2005\n\nmade under the\n\nMotor Vehicle Standards Act 1989\n\nCompilation: 3 (up to and including Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 61/02 – Vehicle Marking) 2005 Amendment 3)\n\nCompilation Date: 09/10/2020\n\nCompiled by: Vehicle Safety Standards, Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications\n\nCONTENTS\n\n1. legislative provisions.............................................3\n\n2. function.......................................................3\n\n3. APPLICABILITY...............................................3\n\n4. DEFINITIONS..................................................4\n\n5. VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER............................5\n\n6. IDENTIFICATION PLATE.......................................5\n\n7. ENGINE NUMBER.............................................5\n\n8. VEHICLE PLATE...............................................6\n\n9. REGISTRATION PLATES........................................7\n\n10. VISIBILITY OF TRAY...........................................7\n\nCOMPILATION NOTES................................................9\n\n \n\n1. legislative provisions\n\n1.1 Name of Standard\n\n1.1.1. This Standard is the Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 61/02 – Vehicle Marking) 2005.\n\n1.1.2. This Standard may also be cited as Australian Design Rule 61/02 – Vehicle Marking.\n\n1.2. Commencement\n\n1.2.1. This Standard commences on the day after it is registered.\n\n2. function\n\n2.1. The function of this vehicle standard is to specify requirements for vehicle marking.\n\n3. APPLICABILITY\n\n3.1. This vehicle standard applies to all categories of vehicles from the dates set out in the applicability table under clause 3.3 below.\n\n3.2. Vehicles satisfying the requirements of an entry pathway under the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018, from the commencement of section 15 of that Act, are not required to comply with this rule.\n\n \n\n3.3. Applicability Table\n\n```html\n

Vehicle Category

ADR Category Code

UNECE Category Code

Manufactured on or After

Acceptable Prior Rules

Moped 2 wheels

LA

L1

1 July 1995

/01

Moped 3 wheels

LB

L2

1 July 1995

/01

Motor cycle

LC

L3

1 July 1995

/01

Motor cycle and sidecar

LD

L4

1 July 1995

/01

Motor tricycle

LE

L5

1 July 1995

/01

LEM

LEP

LEG

Passenger car

MA

M1

1 July 1995

/01

Forward-control passenger vehicle

MB

M1

1 July 1995

/01

Off-road passenger vehicle

MC

M1

1 July 1995

/01

Light omnibus

MD

M2

1 July 1995

/01

up to 3.5 tonnes ‘GVM’ and up to 12 seats

MD1

up to 3.5 tonnes ‘GVM’ and more than 12 seats

MD2

over 3.5 tonnes and up to 4.5 tonnes ‘GVM’

MD3

over 4.5 tonnes and up to 5 tonnes ‘GVM’

MD4

Heavy omnibus

ME

M3

1 July 1995

/01

Light goods vehicle

NA

N1

1 July 1995

/01

Medium goods vehicle

NB

N2

1 July 1995

/01

over 3.5 tonnes up to 4.5 tonnes ‘GVM’

NB1

over 4.5 tonnes up to 12 tonnes ‘GVM’

NB2

Heavy goods vehicle

NC

N3

1 July 1995

/01

Very light trailer

TA

O1

1 July 1995

/01

Light trailer

TB

O2

1 July 1995

/01

Medium trailer

TC

O3

1 July 1995

/01

Heavy trailer

TD

O4

1 July 1995

/01

\n```\n\n4. DEFINITIONS\n\nRefer to Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule Definitions and Vehicle Categories) 2005.\n\n5. VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER\n\n5.1. Every vehicle must have a unique ‘Vehicle Identification Number’. The ‘Vehicle Identification Number’ must comply with the requirements of:\n\n5.1.1. ISO 3779, “Road Vehicles - Vehicle identification number (VIN) - Content and structure” (Ref. No. ISO 3779 - 1983 (E));\n\n5.1.2. ISO 3780, “Road Vehicles - World manufacturer identifier (WMI) code” (Ref. No. ISO 3780 - 1983 (E)); and\n\n5.1.3. ISO 4030, “Road Vehicles - Vehicle identification number (VIN) - Location and attachment” (Ref. No. ISO 4030 - 1983 (E)), except that:\n\n5.1.3.1. it is permissible to locate the ‘Vehicle Identification Number’ on the left-hand side of the vehicle; and\n\n5.1.3.2. clause 4.2 of the ISO 4030 Standard is not applicable in Australia.\n\n5.2. Alternative Standards\n\n5.2.1. The technical requirements of FMVSS 115 - “Vehicle Identification Number” (44 FR 17,498 to 17,500; or 48 FR 22,569 to 22,572; as amended by 50 FR 4,222) are deemed to be equivalent in application to the requirements specified in clause 5.1 above.\n\n5.2.2. The technical and administrative requirements of Australian Standard MP 55-1988 “VIN Codes” are deemed to be equivalent in application to the requirements specified in clause 5.1 above, except that:\n\n5.2.2.1. it is permissible to locate the ‘Vehicle Identification Number’ on the left-hand side of the vehicle.\n\n5.3. Reporting\n\nThe ‘Manufacturer’ must furnish a list of ‘Vehicle Identification Numbers’ to the ‘Administrator’ or the ‘Administrator’s’ designated nominee at agreed periodical intervals.\n\n6. IDENTIFICATION PLATE\n\n6.1. Every vehicle supplied to the market by means of an approval under subsection 10A(1), (2), or (3) of the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989, must bear an ‘Approved’ ‘Identification Plate’, which must be placed in a conspicuous position on the vehicle.\n\nNote: An ‘Identification Plate’ may only be placed on a vehicle in accordance with an approval to do so under the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989.\n\n7. ENGINE NUMBER\n\n7.1. An identification number must 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 number must be located where it can be seen when the engine is installed in the motor vehicle. The requirement for the identification number to be seen is deemed to be satisfied if:\n\n7.1.1. the engine number can be viewed without the need to remove any vehicle components; or\n\n7.1.2. any vehicle components that need to be removed for the engine number to be viewed can be removed using simple hand tools; or\n\n7.1.3. the engine number is repeated on a supplementary label placed in a conspicuous position in the engine compartment. The label material and printing thereon must be adequately durable for the environment in which the label is located.\n\nThe label shall also be impervious to all fluids and vapours to which it is likely to be exposed in normal vehicle operation and maintenance. The label shall not be removable other than by its destruction.\n\n8. VEHICLE PLATE\n\n8.1. On every ME category, NC category and T-Group vehicle there must be permanently affixed a plate mounted in a prominent position containing information in accordance with the following requirements:\n\n8.1.1. The information must be embossed, indented, etched or engraved on a durable label which is welded, riveted or otherwise permanently attached in a readily visible position.\n\n8.1.2. The information must be in the English language in block letters and numerals which must not be less than 2.5 mm in height, and must comprise:\n\n8.1.2.1. Manufacturer’s’ Name;\n\n8.1.2.2. Vehicle Model;\n\n8.1.2.3. ‘Vehicle Identification Number’;\n\n8.1.2.4. ‘Date of Manufacture’ - unless fitted with an ‘Identification Plate’;\n\n8.1.2.5. ‘Gross Combination Mass’ (kg) - for NC category vehicles;\n\n8.1.2.6. Maximum towing capacity (i.e. the ‘Aggregate Trailer Mass’ for which the towing vehicle is designed) (kg) - for ME category vehicles; ‘Aggregate Trailer Mass’ (kg) - for trailers.\n\n8.1.3. In the case of a heavy goods vehicle designed for use in a ‘Road Train’ or ‘B-Double’ the words “ROAD TRAIN” and/or “B-DOUBLE”.\n\n8.1.4. 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\n8.1.5. In the case of an ME category vehicle which has only one deck and is constructed for the carriage of more than 16 passengers, whether seated or standing, in addition to the driver and crew, not complying with ADR 59/00 the words “THIS VEHICLE DOES NOT COMPLY WITH ADR 59/00 OMNIBUS ROLLOVER STRENGTH”.\n\n8.2. Additional information may be included at the discretion of the ‘Manufacturer’.\n\n8.3. In the case where all of the information required by clause 8.1 is contained in the ‘Identification Plate’, a separate Vehicle Plate need not be fitted.\n\n9. REGISTRATION PLATES\n\n9.1. All vehicles other than L-Group vehicles and TA category trailers having an ‘Overall Width’ not exceeding 980 mm:\n\n9.1.1. provision must 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 is more than 1,300 mm from the ground;\n\n9.1.2 provision must 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 is more than 1,300 mm from the ground; and\n\n9.1.3 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\n9.2 For L-Group vehicles and TA category trailers having an ‘Overall Width’ not exceeding 980 mm:\n\n9.2.1 provision must be made for mounting a registration plate to the rear of the vehicle so that the centre of each registration plate must not be less than 300 mm from the ground.\n\n10. VISIBILITY OF TRAY\n\n10.1 On 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 is not fitted with conspicuity markings in accordance with the Australian Design Rule 13/… – Installation of Lighting and Light Signalling Devices on other than L-Group Vehicles, there must 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 at least 75 mm and being white or silver in colour and clearly visible.\n\n![plate](image.002.png)\n\n \nCOMPILATION NOTES\n\nThis compilation of Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 61/02 – Vehicle Marking) 2005 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 61/02 – Vehicle Marking) 2005 | 13/12/2005 | 14/12/2005 |\n| Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 61/02 – Vehicle Markings) 2005 Amendment 1 | 15/07/2009 | 16/07/2009 |\n| Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 61/02 – Vehicle Marking) 2005 Amendment 2 | 24/03/2016 | 25/03/2016 |\n| Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 61/02 – Vehicle Marking) 2005 Amendment 3 | 08/10/2020 | 09/10/2020 |\n\nTable of Amendments\n\n| Clause affected | How affected | Amending instrument |\n| ------------------ | ------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |\n| 1.1 to 1.2 | am | Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 61/02 – Vehicle Markings) 2005 Amendment 3 |\n| 1.3 to 1.3.2 | del | Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 61/02 – Vehicle Markings) 2005 Amendment 1 |\n| 1.3 | del | Section 48C of the Legislation Act 2003 |\n| 2 | am | Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 61/02 – Vehicle Markings) 2005 Amendment 3 |\n| 3 | am | Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 61/02 – Vehicle Markings) 2005 Amendment 3 |\n| 3.1 | am | Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 61/02 – Vehicle Markings) 2005 Amendment 3 |\n| 3.1.1 to 3.1.2 | del | Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 61/02 – Vehicle Markings) 2005 Amendment 3 |\n| 3.2 | 3.3 | Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 61/02 – Vehicle Markings) 2005 Amendment 3 |\n| 3.2 | ad | Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 61/02 – Vehicle Markings) 2005 Amendment 3 |\n| 5 | am | Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 61/02 – Vehicle Markings) 2005 Amendment 3 |\n| 5.3 | am | Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 61/02 – Vehicle Markings) 2005 Amendment 3 |\n| 6 | am | Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 61/02 – Vehicle Markings) 2005 Amendment 3 |\n| 6.1 | am | Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 61/02 – Vehicle Markings) 2005 Amendment 3 |\n| 8.1 | am | Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 61/02 – Vehicle Markings) 2005 Amendment 3 |\n| 8.1.2.3 | am | Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 61/02 – Vehicle Markings) 2005 Amendment 3 |\n| 8.1.2.4 | am | Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 61/02 – Vehicle Markings) 2005 Amendment 3 |\n| 8.1.2.6 | am | Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 61/02 – Vehicle Markings) 2005 Amendment 3 |\n| 8.1.5 | am | Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 61/02 – Vehicle Markings) 2005 Amendment 3 |\n| 8.1.6 | am | Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 61/02 – Vehicle Markings) 2005 Amendment 1 |\n| 8.1.6 | del | Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 61/02 – Vehicle Markings) 2005 Amendment 3 |\n| 8.3 | am | Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 61/02 – Vehicle Markings) 2005 Amendment 3 |\n| 9. | am | Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 61/02 – Vehicle Marking) 2005 Amendment 2 |\n| 9.1 | am | Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 61/02 – Vehicle Markings) 2005 Amendment 3 |\n| 9.1.1 | am | Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 61/02 – Vehicle Markings) 2005 Amendment 1 |\n| 9.1.1 | am | Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 61/02 – Vehicle Markings) 2005 Amendment 3 |\n| 9.1.1.1 to 9.1.1.3 | del | Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 61/02 – Vehicle Markings) 2005 Amendment 3 |\n| 9.1.2 | ad | Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 61/02 – Vehicle Markings) 2005 Amendment 1 |\n| 9.1.2 to 9.1.2.1 | 9.2 to 9.2.1 | Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 61/02 – Vehicle Markings) 2005 Amendment 3 |\n| 9.1.3 | ad | Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 61/02 – Vehicle Markings) 2005 Amendment 3 |\n| 9.2 | del | Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 61/02 – Vehicle Marking) 2005 Amendment 2 |\n| 9.2 | am | Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 61/02 – Vehicle Markings) 2005 Amendment 3 |\n| 9.2.1 | del | Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 61/02 – Vehicle Marking) 2005 Amendment 2 |\n| 9.2.2 | del | Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 61/02 – Vehicle Marking) 2005 Amendment 2 |\n| 10. | am | Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 61/02 – Vehicle Markings) 2005 Amendment 1 |\n| 10 | am | Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 61/02 – Vehicle Markings) 2005 Amendment 3 |\n| 10.1 | ad | Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 61/02 – Vehicle Markings) 2005 Amendment 3 |\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.","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":4,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The instrument remains narrowly focused on vehicle marking requirements (VINs, identification plates, engine numbers, vehicle plates, registration plate mounting and tray visibility). Amendments reflected in the compilation update cross-references, certain technical details (plate content and mounting rules) and applicability (to align with later Acts and ADR changes), but they do not materially broaden the fundamental scope beyond marking, identification and related reporting obligations (see clauses 2.1, 3.1–3.3, 5–10 and the Table of Amendments)."},"complexity_factors":["Multiple external standard references (ISO 3779, 3780, 4030; FMVSS 115; Australian Standard MP 55-1988) (clauses 5.1–5.2)","Applicability table covering many ADR/UNECE vehicle categories with different effective dates and acceptable prior rules (clause 3.3)","Cross-references to other legislation and ADRs (Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989, Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018, ADR 13/…, ADR 59/00) (clauses 3.2, 6.1, 8.1.5, 10.1)","Conditional/alternative compliance paths (e.g., VIN location exception, three alternative visibility tests for engine number, acceptance of alternative standards) (clauses 5.1.3, 7.1.1–7.1.3, 5.2)","Discrete content and formatting rules for vehicle plates for specific vehicle categories (ME, NC, T-group) with special wording requirements (clause 8.1)","Reporting obligation for manufacturers to provide VIN lists, with timing left to agreement (clause 5.3)","Historical amendment history showing repeated changes to applicability, registration plate rules and plate content (Compilation Notes/Table of Amendments)"],"plain_english_summary":"This rule imposes mandatory vehicle marking and plate‑mounting requirements for vehicles supplied under the Motor Vehicle Standards Act approval regime. It requires unique VINs (with accepted equivalent standards), approved identification plates, engine numbers, permanent vehicle plates for certain heavy vehicles, defined registration‑plate mounting/visibility, and a conspicuity band for wide tray bodies. It affects manufacturers, importers/approval holders, engine makers, registration authorities and vehicle owners, and aims to improve traceability for registration, safety checks and enforcement."},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":4,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The original 2005 standard has been significantly modified through three amendments. Amendment 3 (2020) substantially restructured the applicability section, removed specific transitional provisions, and updated cross-references to reflect the new Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018 framework. The scope has shifted from purely prescriptive marking requirements to a dual-system approach that accommodates both the old Motor Vehicle Standards Act and the new RVSA entry pathways. Additionally, specific technical requirements for registration plate mounting were simplified in Amendment 2 (2016) and further refined in Amendment 3, while heavy vehicle plate requirements have expanded to include more detailed safety and configuration warnings."},"complexity_factors":["Multiple overlapping marking requirements (VIN, engine number, identification plate, vehicle plate, registration plates) that apply differently to different vehicle categories","Detailed applicability table with 25+ vehicle categories using dual coding systems (ADR codes like LA/MA/NA and UNECE codes like L1/M1/N1)","Extensive cross-referencing to external standards (ISO 3779, ISO 3780, ISO 4030, FMVSS 115, Australian Standard MP 55-1988)","Conditional exceptions and alternative compliance pathways (clause 5.2 alternative standards, clause 3.2 exemption for Road Vehicle Standards Act vehicles)","Category-specific requirements with nested conditions (e.g., clause 8.1 has 6 sub-clauses with varying applicability to ME, NC, and T-Group vehicles)","Technical specifications with precise measurements (2.5mm minimum letter height, 1,300mm maximum height for plates, 75mm minimum band depth, 2.2m width threshold)","Definitions section defers entirely to a separate instrument (Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule Definitions and Vehicle Categories) 2005)"],"plain_english_summary":"This law sets out the rules for how vehicles sold in Australia must be marked and identified. It covers everything from the unique serial number (VIN) stamped on your car, to the engine number, to where registration plates must be mounted.\n\n**Who it affects:**\n- **Car manufacturers and importers** – they must ensure every vehicle has proper identification\n- **Vehicle owners** – affects what information appears on your car and where\n- **Heavy vehicle operators** – special rules for trucks, buses, and road trains\n\n**What it requires:**\n\n**Vehicle Identification Number (VIN):**\n- Every vehicle needs a unique 17-character VIN that follows international standards\n- Must be visible without removing parts, or with simple hand tools only\n- Manufacturers must report VINs to the government regularly\n\n**Identification plates:**\n- Approved vehicles must have an official identification plate in a visible spot\n\n**Engine numbers:**\n- Must be permanently stamped or engraved on the engine\n- If hard to see, a durable label must be placed in the engine bay\n\n**Vehicle plates (for heavy vehicles):**\n- Trucks, buses, and large trailers need a permanent plate showing:\n - Manufacturer name and model\n - VIN and build date\n - Weight limits\n - Special markings for road trains and B-doubles\n - Safety warnings for certain buses\n\n**Registration plates:**\n- Mounting points must be provided front and rear\n- Plates must not be obscured by any part of the vehicle\n- Special height rules for narrow trailers and motorcycles\n\n**Tray visibility:**\n- Wide tray-back vehicles (2.2m+) without proper lighting must have a white or silver reflective band across the back\n\n**Important exception:**\nVehicles approved under the newer Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018 don't need to follow this rule – they have their own pathway.\n\n**Why it matters:**\nThese markings help police identify stolen vehicles, assist in recalls for safety defects, ensure heavy vehicles operate within safe weight limits, and make sure registration plates are visible for road safety and enforcement."},"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-61-02-vehicle-marking-2005","history":"/api/acts/vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-61-02-vehicle-marking-2005/history","analysis":"/api/acts/vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-61-02-vehicle-marking-2005/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-61-02-vehicle-marking-2005/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-61-02-vehicle-marking-2005/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-61-02-vehicle-marking-2005/documents"}}