{"id":"F2011L02016","name":"Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 79/04 — Emission Control for Light Vehicles) 2011","slug":"vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-79-04-emission-control-for-light-vehicles-2011","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":87421,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2011L02016-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-02","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"0.1","sectionType":"part","heading":"NAME OF STANDARD [see Note 1]","content":"# 0.1 NAME OF STANDARD \\[see Note 1\\]\n\n0.1.1 This Standard is the Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 79/04 — Emission Control for Light Vehicles) 2011.\n\n0.1.2 This Standard may also be cited as ADR 79/04.","sortOrder":0},{"sectionNumber":"0.2","sectionType":"part","heading":"COMMENCEMENT [see Note 1]","content":"# 0.2 COMMENCEMENT \\[see Note 1\\]\n\n0.2.1 This Standard commences on the day after it is registered.\n\n1. SCOPE\n 1. This vehicle standard prescribes the exhaust and evaporative emissions requirements for light vehicles in order to reduce air pollution.\n2. APPLICABILITY AND IMPLeMENTATION\n 1. This vehicle standard is applicable to all M and N category vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Mass less than or equal to 3.5 tonnes, notwithstanding the reference mass provisions of paragraph 1.1 of Appendix A.\n 2. This vehicle standard applies from 1 November 2016 in relation to vehicles produced with a ‘Date of Manufacture’ on or after 1 November 2016.\n 3. To the extent of any inconsistency, the applicability date specified in clause 2.2 applies in lieu of any dates specified in Appendix A.\n\n2.4 Vehicles complying with ADR 79/05 need not comply with this vehicle standard.\n\n1. DEFINITIONS\n 1. For the purposes of clause 2.2, ‘date of manufacture’ means, for a road vehicle entered onto the Register of Approved Vehicles under the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018, the date of that entry. Otherwise, the date the vehicle is available in Australia in a condition that will enable an ‘Identification Plate’ to be lawfully affixed to the vehicle.\n2. REQUIREMENTS\n 1. Vehicles which comply with the emissions limits and technical requirements of Appendix A, including all the applicable tests specified in paragraph 5.2 of Appendix A, and as varied by Part 5 of this vehicle standard, will be accepted as complying with this vehicle standard.\n3. EXEMPTIONS AND ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURES\n 1. The following provisions of Appendix A do not apply to this vehicle standard:\n\nSection 3 Application for Approval\n\nSection 4 Approval\n\nSection 6 Modifications of the vehicle type\n\nSection 8 Conformity of production\n\nSection 9 In-service conformity\n\nSection 10 Penalties for non-conformity of production\n\nSection 11 Production definitely discontinued\n\nSection 12 Transitional provisions\n\nSection 13 Names and addresses of technical services responsible for conducting approval tests, and of administrative departments\n\nAppendix 1 Procedure for verifying the conformity of production requirements if the production standard deviation given by the manufacturer is satisfactory\n\nAppendix 2 Procedure for verifying the conformity of production requirements if the production standard deviation given by the manufacturer is either not satisfactory or not available\n\nAppendix 3 In-service conformity check\n\nAppendix 4 Statistical procedure for in-service conformity check\n\nAppendix 5 Responsibilities for in service conformity\n\nAnnex 1 Engine and vehicle characteristics and information concerning the conduct of tests\n\nAnnex 2 Communication\n\nAnnex 3 Arrangements of the Approval Mark\n\n1. In section 5 of Appendix A, the entire text regarding small volume manufacturers immediately following the heading “5. Specifications and tests” is deleted.\n2. Notwithstanding that Section 8 and 9 and Appendices 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 of Appendix A have been declared not applicable in clause 5.1 of this vehicle standard, the requirements and procedures set out in these appendices are deemed acceptable for the purposes of demonstrating compliance with the conformity requirements of this vehicle standard.\n3. For the purposes of the Type VI test specified in paragraph 5.3.5 of Appendix A, flex fuel ethanol vehicles that meet the applicable hydrocarbon (HC) emission limit for N1 Class III vehicles in column L2 of the table to paragraph 5.3.5.2 of Appendix A when tested on the ethanol (E75) reference fuel in paragraph 2 of Annex 10 of Appendix A, shall be deemed to meet the HC emission limit for this test on ethanol.\n4. In Table A to paragraph 5.2 of Appendix A, footnote 3 is amended to read “The ethanol (E75) reference fuel specified in paragraph 2 of Annex 10 of Appendix A shall be used for this test.” \n \n5. The Ethanol (E75) reference fuel specification in paragraph 2 of Annex 10 of Appendix A is amended to read:\n\nType: Ethanol (E75)\n\n```html\n

Parameter

Unit

Limits1

Test method2

Minimum

Maximum

Research octane number, RON

95.0

-

EN ISO 5164

Motor octane number, MON

85.0

-

EN ISO 5163

Density at 15 °C

kg/m3

Report

ISO 12185

Vapour pressure

kPa

50.0

60.0

EN ISO 13016-1 (DVPE)

Sulphur content3, 4

mg/kg

-

10

EN ISO 20846

EN ISO 20884

Oxidation stability

minutes

360

EN ISO 7536

Existent gum content (solvent washed)

mg/(100 ml)

-

4

EN ISO 6246

Appearance

This shall be determined at ambient temperature or 15 °C whichever is higher.

Clear and bright, visibly free of suspended or precipitated contaminants

Visual inspection

Ethanol and higher alcohols7

% V/V

70

80

EN 1601

EN 13132

EN 14517

Higher alcohols (C3-C8)

% V/V

-

2.0

Methanol

% V/V

0.5

Petrol5

% V/V

Balance

EN 228

Phosphorus

mg/l

0.36

EN 15487

ASTM D 3231

Water content

% V/V

0.3

ASTM E 1064

EN 15489

Inorganic chloride content

mg/l

1

ISO 6227 - EN 15492

pHe

6.50

9.0

ASTM D 6423

EN 15490

Copper strip corrosion
(3h at 50 °C)

Rating

Class 1

EN ISO 2160

Acidity, (as acetic acid CH3COOH)

% m/m
(mg/l)

-

0.005

(40)

ASTM D 1613

EN 15491

Carbon/hydrogen ratio

report

Carbon/oxygen ratio

report

1 The values quoted in the specifications are \"true values\". In establishment of their limit values the terms of ISO 4259 Petroleum products - Determination and application of precision data in relation to methods of test have been applied. When fixing a minimum value, a minimum difference of 2R above zero was taken into account. When fixing a maximum and minimum value, the minimum difference used was 4R (R = reproducibility). Notwithstanding this procedure, which is necessary for technical reasons, fuel manufacturers shall aim for a zero value where the stipulated maximum value is 2R and for the mean value for quotations of maximum and minimum limits. Where it is necessary to clarify whether fuel meets the requirements of the specifications, the terms of ISO 4259 shall be applied.

2 In cases of dispute, the procedures for resolving the dispute and interpretation of the results based on test method precision, described in EN ISO 4259 shall be used.

3 In cases of national dispute concerning sulphur content, either EN ISO 20846 or EN ISO 20884 shall be called up similar to the reference in the national annex of EN 228.

4 The actual sulphur content of the fuel used for the Type VI Test shall be reported.

5 The unleaded petrol content can be determined as 100 minus the sum of the percentage content of water and alcohols.

6 There shall be no intentional addition of compounds containing phosphorus, iron, manganese, or lead to this reference fuel.

7 Ethanol to meet specification of EN 15376 is the only oxygenate that shall be intentionally added to this reference fuel.

\n```\n\n1. For the purposes of calculating the Lambda value when tested at ‘high idle speed’ in accordance with Paragraph 5.3.7.3. of Appendix A on the ethanol (E75) reference fuel in paragraph 2 of Annex 10 of Appendix A:\n\n\\- the Atomic ratio of hydrogen to carbon shall be 2.61; and\n\n\\- the Atomic ratio of oxygen to carbon shall be 0.329.\n\n1. For the purposes of determining the total mass of Hydrocarbons emitted in accordance with paragraph 6.6.2. of Annex 4a of Appendix A, when tested on the ethanol (E75) reference fuel in paragraph 2 of Annex 10 of Appendix A, the density shall be 0.886 g/l.\n2. For the purposes of determining the correction for dilution air concentration in accordance with paragraph 6.6.4 of Annex 4a of Appendix A, when tested on the ethanol (E75) reference fuel in paragraph 2 of Annex 10 of Appendix A, the dilution factor shall be calculated as follows:\n\n![A formula to calculate the dilution factor when tested on the ethanol (E75) reference fuel in paragraph 2 of Annex 10 of Appendix A](image.002.png)\n\n1. ALTERNATIVE STANDARDS\n 1. The technical requirements of United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Regulation No. 83 Uniform provisions concerning the approval of vehicles with regard to the emissions of pollutants according to engine fuel requirements, Revision 4, incorporating the 06 series of Amendments, are deemed to be equivalent to the technical requirements of this vehicle standard.","sortOrder":1}],"analysis":{"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":7,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"Compared with a plain statement of emission limits, this instrument narrows and clarifies scope by: applying to M and N vehicles ≤3.5 t from 1 Nov 2016 (clauses 2.1–2.3); expressly excluding vehicles that comply with ADR 79/05 (clause 2.4); removing certain Appendix A procedural provisions (clause 5.1.1) while nonetheless deeming those procedures acceptable for conformity purposes (clause 5.1.2); and adding specific ethanol (E75) fuel specifications and test parameter overrides (clauses 5.1.3–5.1.8). It also recognises UNECE Reg 83 Rev.4 (06 series) as an equivalent technical standard (clause 6.1), thereby creating an alternative compliance pathway."},"complexity_factors":["Extensive cross‑referencing to Appendix A with many procedural parts declared not applicable while simultaneously deeming those same procedures acceptable for conformity demonstrations (clause 5.1 and subclauses 5.1.1–5.1.2) creates interpretive complexity.","Detailed applicability rules and an explicit implementation date override (clauses 2.1–2.3) plus a definition of 'date of manufacture' that links to entry on the Register under the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018 (clause 4.1) increase scope‑determination work for manufacturers and regulators.","Explicit exemption for vehicles complying with ADR 79/05 (clause 2.4) requires cross‑checking of prior compliance pathways.","Deletion of the small volume manufacturer text in Appendix A Section 5 (clause 5.1.1) alters available compliance pathways for niche producers and adds procedural uncertainty.","Substantive amendments to fuel reference specifications (Ethanol E75) presented as a detailed technical table and footnotes (clauses 5.1.4–5.1.5) impose precise laboratory and fuel supply requirements.","Numerical test parameter overrides (Lambda atomic ratios, density, dilution factor formula) for ethanol testing introduce specialist measurement and calculation steps (clauses 5.1.6–5.1.8).","Acceptance of UNECE Regulation No.83 Rev.4 (06 series) as an equivalent alternative technical standard (clause 6.1) creates a parallel compliance route requiring equivalence assessments.","Multiple specific test references (Appendix A paragraphs 5.2, 5.3, Annex 4a, Type VI and other test procedures) mean conformity depends on sophisticated laboratory capability and interpretation of technical test methods.","Interplay between technical requirements, exemptions, and transitional/implementation provisions increases administrative and compliance burden for regulators and industry."],"plain_english_summary":"This instrument prescribes the exhaust and evaporative emissions limits, test procedures and fuel specifications for light M‑ and N‑category vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes, applying to vehicles with a ‘date of manufacture’ on or after 1 November 2016. Manufacturers, test laboratories and fuel suppliers must meet the Appendix A limits (including ethanol E75 test procedures) for approval; vehicles already meeting ADR 79/05 are exempt. It creates measurable testing, fuel‑specification and recordkeeping obligations that translate into compliance costs and laboratory/testing choices for industry."},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":7,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The legislation remains tightly focused on its original purpose: setting emission limits for light vehicles. While it incorporates an extensive international standard and makes technical amendments for flex-fuel vehicles, this represents implementation detail rather than scope creep. The disapplication of administrative sections (approvals, penalties, transitional provisions) actually narrows the instrument's scope to pure technical requirements rather than expanding it."},"complexity_factors":["Heavy reliance on incorporated external standard (UNECE Regulation 83, Revision 4 with 06 series amendments) without reproducing its full text in the instrument","Selective disapplication of 13 sections/appendices from the incorporated standard, followed by a 'deemed acceptable' clause that partially resurrects 5 of them for compliance demonstration purposes","Nested conditional logic: clause 5.2 says 'notwithstanding that X has been declared not applicable... the requirements in X are deemed acceptable'","Precise technical amendments to fuel specifications including atomic ratios (H/C = 2.61, O/C = 0.329) and density corrections (0.886 g/l)","Cross-referencing maze: multiple references to 'paragraph X of Annex Y of Appendix A' creating deep structural dependencies","Alternative compliance pathway through ADR 79/05 creates overlapping regulatory frameworks","Complex tabular data for E75 fuel specification with 18 parameters and associated test methods (EN ISO standards)","Mathematical formula for dilution factor calculation included as image reference without textual representation"],"plain_english_summary":"This law limits tailpipe and evaporative emissions from passenger cars and light commercial vehicles (<3.5 t) manufactured from November 2016, requires laboratory testing to prove compliance, and includes special rules for high‑ethanol (E75) flex‑fuel vehicles. It adopts UNECE Regulation 83’s technical limits (while omitting factory‑approval/penalty procedures) and treats newer ADR 79/05 vehicles as compliant. It mainly affects vehicle manufacturers and importers and aims to improve urban air quality and align Australian standards with international rules."},"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-79-04-emission-control-for-light-vehicles-2011","history":"/api/acts/vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-79-04-emission-control-for-light-vehicles-2011/history","analysis":"/api/acts/vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-79-04-emission-control-for-light-vehicles-2011/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-79-04-emission-control-for-light-vehicles-2011/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-79-04-emission-control-for-light-vehicles-2011/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-79-04-emission-control-for-light-vehicles-2011/documents"}}