Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 42/04 – General Safety Requirements) 2005

This instrument is the Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 42/04 - General Safety Requirements) 2005, compiled with amendments in force to 6 December 2025 (including Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule) Amendment Instrument No. 1 of 2025). Its stated function is to specify design and construction requirements to ensure the safe operation of vehicles (see "SCOPE", clause 2.1). Mechanically, it imposes a set of mandatory technical requirements across many vehicle subsystems and configurations: body panels and bonnet latches (clause 5), diesel engine starting locks (clause 6), steering and transmission control behaviour (clause 7), rear bumper geometry and strength for semi‑trailers (clause 8), electrical wiring and connector standards (clause 9 and Table 1.1), exhaust outlet placement (clause 10), limits on external/internal protrusions (clause 11), driver field of view and seating geometry (clause 12), sanitary fittings and waste tanks where fitted (clause 13), wheel guard design and coverage (clause 14), brake tubing and hose standard conformity (clause 15), reverse gear capability (clause 16), sleeper berth construction and egress (clause 17), television and visual-display placement and visibility (clause 18), windows, ventilation and power window safety (clause 19), audible warning device restrictions and reverse/retractable axle alarms (clause 20), static stability ratio requirements for certain three‑wheeled vehicle subcategories (clause 21), retractable axle control and failure behaviour (clause 22), demisting and windscreen wipers/washers (clauses 23-24), and tyre and rim selection plus placarding and performance standards (clause 25). The instrument distinguishes obligations by vehicle category throughout; the Applicability Table in clause 3 sets out ADR and UNECE category codes and applicable commencement dates for categories (notably many categories apply from 1 January 2005).

Commonwealth Coat of Arms of Australia

Compilation No. 9

Compilation date: 06/12/2025

Includes amendments: Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule) Amendment Instrument No. 1 of 2025

Prepared by: Vehicle Safety Policy and Partnerships, Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts

CONTENTS

legislative provisions.............................................4
SCOPE........................................................4
APPLICABILITY AND IMPLeMENTATION........................4
DEFINITIONS..................................................6
BONNET LATCHING...........................................6
DIESEL ENGINES..............................................6
CONTROLS...................................................6
REAR BUMPER FOR SEMI-TRAILERS............................6
ELECTRICAL WIRING, CONNECTIONS & INSTALLATIONS.........7
EXHAUST OUTLETS...........................................8
EXTERNAL OR INTERNAL PROTRUSIONS.......................10
FIELD OF VIEW...............................................10
LAVATORY CLOSETS, URINALS, BASINS AND SINKS............11
WHEEL GUARDS (MUDGUARDS)...............................11
BRAKE TUBING AND BRAKE HOSE............................13
REVERSE GEAR..............................................13
SLEEPER BERTHS (NB & NC vehicles only).......................14
TELEVISION AND VISUAL DISPLAY UNITS.....................14
WINDOWS AND VENTILATION................................15
WARNING DEVICES - AUDIBLE................................17
STABILITY REQUIREMENT (LEM, LEP & LEG Vehicles only).......18
RETRACTABLE AXLE.........................................21
DEMISTING OF WINDSCREENS................................22
WINDSCREEN WIPERS AND WASHERS.........................22
TYRE AND RIM SELECTION...................................22

ENDNOTEs..........................................................28

About this compilation

This compilation

This is a compilation of the Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 42/04 – General Safety Requirements) 2005 that shows the text of the law as amended and in force on 06/12/2025 (the compilation date).

The notes at the end of this compilation (the endnotes) include information about amending laws and the amendment history of provisions of the compiled law.

Uncommenced amendments

The effect of uncommenced amendments is not shown in the text of the compiled law. The details of amendments made up to, but not commenced at, the compilation date are underlined in the endnotes. Any uncommenced amendments affecting the law are accessible on the Register (www.legislation.gov.au).

Application, saving and transitional provisions

If the operation of a provision or amendment of the compiled law is affected by an application, saving or transitional provision that is not included in this compilation, details are included in the endnotes.

Modifications

If the compiled law is modified by another law, the compiled law operates as modified but the modification does not amend the text of the law. Accordingly, this compilation does not show the text of the compiled law as modified. Any modifications affecting the law are accessible on the Register.

Self‑repealing provisions

If a provision of the compiled law has been repealed in accordance with a provision of the law, details are included in the endnotes.

legislative provisions

1.1 NAME OF STANDARD

1.1.1 This Standard is the Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 42/04 – General Safety Requirements) 2005.

1.1.2 This Standard may also be cited as Australian Design Rule 42/04 – General Safety Requirements.

SCOPE
1. The function of this vehicle standard is to specify design and construction requirements to ensure safe operation of vehicles.
APPLICABILITY AND IMPLeMENTATION
1. This national standard applies to the design and construction of vehicles as set out in the table below.
2. Where the requirements of a particular part or clause do not apply to all vehicles, the relevant categories will be identified in the part or clause heading.
3. Vehicles certified to ADR 42/05 or a later version need not comply with this rule.
4. Applicability Table

Vehicle Category	ADR Category Code	UNECE Category Code	Manufactured on or After	Acceptable Prior Rules
Moped 2 wheels	LA	L1	1 Jan 2005	Nil
Moped 3 wheels	LB	L2	1 Jan 2005	Nil
Motor cycle	LC	L3	1 Jan 2005	Nil
Motor cycle and sidecar	LD	L4	1 Jan 2005	Nil
Motor tricycle	LE	L5	1 Jan 2005	Nil
	LEM
	LEP
	LEG
Passenger car	MA	M1	1 Jan 2005	Nil
Forward-control passenger vehicle	MB	M1	1 Jan 2005	Nil
Off-road passenger vehicle	MC	M1	1 Jan 2005	Nil
Light omnibus	MD	M2
up to 3.5 tonnes ‘GVM’ and up to 12 seats	MD1		1 Jan 2005	Nil
up to 3.5 tonnes ‘GVM’ and more than 12 seats	MD2		1 Jan 2005	Nil
over 3.5 tonnes and up to 4.5 tonnes ‘GVM’	MD3		1 Jan 2005	Nil
over 4.5 tonnes and up to 5 tonnes ‘GVM’	MD4		1 Jan 2005	Nil
Heavy omnibus	ME	M3	1 Jan 2005	Nil
Light goods vehicle	NA	N1	1 Jan 2005	Nil
Medium goods vehicle	NB	N2
over 3.5 tonnes up to 4.5 tonnes ‘GVM’	NB1		1 Jan 2005	Nil
over 4.5 tonnes up to 12 tonnes ‘GVM’	NB2		1 Jan 2005	Nil
Heavy goods vehicle	NC	N3	1 Jan 2005	Nil
Very light trailer	TA	O1	1 Jan 2005	Nil
Light trailer	TB	O2	1 Jan 2005	Nil
Medium trailer	TC	O3	1 Jan 2005	Nil
Heavy trailer	TD	O4	1 Jan 2005	Nil

DEFINITIONS
1. Refer to Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule Definitions and Vehicle Categories) 2005.
BONNET LATCHING
1. Any movable body panel forward of the windscreen that serves to cover an engine, luggage, storage or battery compartment must be provided with a latch system. A panel opening from the front which in any open position partially or completely obstructs a driver’s forward view through the windscreen must be provided with a second latch position on the latch system or with a second latch system.
DIESEL ENGINES
1. A locking device must be provided which prevents the engine from being started by any accidental or inadvertent means.
CONTROLS
1. Steering System
  1. The centreline of the steering control must not be located to the left of the centreline of the vehicle.
  2. Failure of any non-mechanical component of the steering system must not prevent effective steering of the vehicle.
  3. Vehicles with 'full power steering equipment' shall be capable of providing steering failure and defect visual warning signals to the driver.
  4. Vehicles complying with the technical requirements of UNECE R 79 shall be deemed to comply with Clauses 7.1.2 and 7.1.3.
2. Standard Controls for Automatic Transmission

All motor vehicles, except L-group vehicles, equipped with an automatic transmission must comply with the following requirements:

Actuation of the 'Engine start control' shall not cause the vehicle to move
REAR BUMPER FOR SEMI-TRAILERS
1. Every ‘Semi-trailer’ must be provided with a continuous rear bumper which must be so constructed and located that:
  1. with the vehicle unladen, the lower edge of the bumper bar across its width must not be more than 600 mm from the ground;
  2. the bumper contact surface is located not more than 600 mm forward of the rear of the vehicle;
  3. the ends of the bumper extend to within 300 mm of each side of the vehicle, unless the rearmost point of the tyres is within 600 mm of the ‘Rear End’ of the vehicle, in which case the tyres must be considered as meeting the requirements over their width;
  4. the member which is, or directly supports, the bumper contact surface is of material having no less strength than steel tubing of 100 mm outside diameter and 8 mm wall thickness; and
  5. the structure supporting the member referred to in clause 8.1.4 can transmit no less force than that member can sustain, and provides a continuous force path to vehicle members of a strength consistent with the forces to be sustained.
2. Clause 8.1 does not apply to ‘Semi-trailers’ so constructed that:
  1. cargo access doors, tailgates or other such structures when closed afford comparable protection; or
  2. a vertical plane tangential to the rearmost surface of the rear tyres is 155 mm or less from a parallel vertical plane containing the ‘Rear End’ of the ‘Semi-trailer’.
ELECTRICAL WIRING, CONNECTIONS & INSTALLATIONS
1. The wiring of electrical equipment other than the high tension ignition wiring must:
  1. be supported at intervals of not more than 600 mm, except that this requirement must not apply in the case of any ‘Pole-type Trailer’ which is so constructed that the length of the pole forward of the trailer frame can be adjusted;
  2. be insulated at joints;
  3. be located in such a position that it cannot become overheated, cannot contact moving parts, nor constitute a fire hazard owing to its proximity to the fuel system; and
  4. be protected from chafing. The edge of all holes in metal through which the wiring passes must be rolled or bushed with a grommet of rubber or other equivalent insulating material.
2. Electrical Connections
  1. Except for motor vehicles over 3.5 tonnes ‘GVM’ and trailers over 3.5 tonnes ‘ATM’, the electrical connectors between motor vehicles and trailers, for the purpose of operating the prescribed vehicle lighting and signalling must comply with Australian Standard 2513 – 1982 “Electrical Connections for Trailer Vehicles”. Motor vehicles over 3.5 tonnes ‘GVM’ and trailers over 3.5 tonnes ‘ATM’ may use electrical connectors complying with International Standards Organisation ISO 1185 – 1997 or Society of Automotive Engineers SAE J 560 – 1998 standards for electrical connectors between towing vehicles and trailers as alternative standards.

TABLE 1.1 CIRCUITS AND IDENTIFICATION

<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="width:100%; border:0.75pt solid #000000; border-collapse:collapse"><tbody><tr><td rowspan="8" style="width:12.6%; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:center"><span class="normaltextrun">12-pin connector</span></p></td><td rowspan="8" style="width:12.6%; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:center"><span class="normaltextrun">7-pin connector</span></p></td><td style="width:12.08%; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:center"><span class="normaltextrun">Contact No.</span></p></td><td style="width:43.68%; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">Circuit</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:19.04%; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:center"><span class="normaltextrun">Circuit conductor colour</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:12.08%; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:center"><span class="normaltextrun">1</span></p></td><td style="width:43.68%; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">Left-hand turn</span></p></td><td style="width:19.04%; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:center"><span class="normaltextrun">Yellow</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:12.08%; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:center"><span class="normaltextrun">2</span></p></td><td style="width:43.68%; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">Reversing signal</span></p></td><td style="width:19.04%; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:center"><span class="normaltextrun">Black</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:12.08%; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:center"><span class="normaltextrun">3</span></p></td><td style="width:43.68%; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">Earth return</span></p></td><td style="width:19.04%; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:center"><span class="normaltextrun">White</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:12.08%; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:center"><span class="normaltextrun">4</span></p></td><td style="width:43.68%; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">Right-hand turn</span></p></td><td style="width:19.04%; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:center"><span class="normaltextrun">Green</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:12.08%; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:center"><span class="normaltextrun">5</span></p></td><td style="width:43.68%; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">Service Brakes</span></p></td><td style="width:19.04%; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:center"><span class="normaltextrun">Blue</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:12.08%; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:center"><span class="normaltextrun">6</span></p></td><td style="width:43.68%; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">Stop lamps</span></p></td><td style="width:19.04%; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:center"><span class="normaltextrun">Red</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:12.08%; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:center"><span class="normaltextrun">7</span></p></td><td style="width:43.68%; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">Rear lamps, clearance and side marker lamps</span></p></td><td style="width:19.04%; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:center"><span class="normaltextrun">Brown</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:12.6%; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:center"><span style="font-family:'Segoe UI', sans-serif"></span></p></td><td style="width:12.6%; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:center"><span style="font-family:'Segoe UI', sans-serif"></span></p></td><td style="width:12.08%; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:center"><span class="normaltextrun">8</span></p></td><td style="width:43.68%; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">Battery charger/electric winch</span></p></td><td style="width:19.04%; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:center"><span class="normaltextrun">Orange</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:12.6%; vertical-align:top"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:center"><span style="font-family:'Segoe UI', sans-serif"></span></p></td><td style="width:12.6%; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:center"><span style="font-family:'Segoe UI', sans-serif"></span></p></td><td style="width:12.08%; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:center"><span class="normaltextrun">9</span></p></td><td style="width:43.68%; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">Auxiliaries, etc/battery feed</span></p></td><td style="width:19.04%; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:center"><span class="normaltextrun">Pink</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:12.6%; vertical-align:top"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:center"><span style="font-family:'Segoe UI', sans-serif"></span></p></td><td style="width:12.6%; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:center"><span style="font-family:'Segoe UI', sans-serif"></span></p></td><td style="width:12.08%; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:center"><span class="normaltextrun">10</span></p></td><td style="width:43.68%; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">Earth return</span></p></td><td style="width:19.04%; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:center"><span class="normaltextrun">White</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:12.6%; vertical-align:top"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:center"><span style="font-family:'Segoe UI', sans-serif"></span></p></td><td style="width:12.6%; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:center"><span style="font-family:'Segoe UI', sans-serif"></span></p></td><td style="width:12.08%; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:center"><span class="normaltextrun">11</span></p></td><td style="width:43.68%; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">Rear fog lamp</span></p></td><td style="width:19.04%; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:center"><span class="normaltextrun">Grey</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:12.6%; vertical-align:top"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:center"><span style="font-family:'Segoe UI', sans-serif"></span></p></td><td style="width:12.6%; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:center"><span style="font-family:'Segoe UI', sans-serif"></span></p></td><td style="width:12.08%; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:center"><span class="normaltextrun">12</span></p></td><td style="width:43.68%; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">Spare</span></p></td><td style="width:19.04%; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:center"><span class="normaltextrun">Violet</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table>

Note: Where service brakes are not fitted, contact No. 5 may be used for auxiliaries

Every trailer must be equipped with an electrical conductor independent of the trailer ‘Coupling’, providing a return path between the electrical circuits of the trailer and that of the drawing vehicle.
Electrical installations intended for connection to a power system other than that of the drawing vehicle must be required to comply with Australian Standard 3001-1981 “Electrical Installations in Caravans and Caravan Parks”.
EXHAUST OUTLETS
1. Enclosed LE vehicles must meet the following requirements:
  1. the exhaust outlet must extend at least 40 mm beyond the furthermost outboard or rearmost joint of the floor pan which is not continuously welded or permanently sealed which could permit direct access of exhaust gases to the passenger compartment, but not beyond the perimeter of the vehicle when viewed in plan;
  2. the exhaust outlet, if to the side of the vehicle, must discharge to the right hand side of the vehicle and downwards at an angle to the horizontal of not less than 15 degrees and not more than 45 degrees; and
  3. the exhaust outlet, if to the rear of the vehicle must discharge at not more than 10 degrees above or 45 degrees below the horizontal.
2. Omnibuses (MD and ME Vehicles)
  1. the exhaust outlet must be as near as practicable to the rear of the vehicle;
  2. except in the case of vertical exhaust systems, the exhaust outlet must discharge rearwards or to the right of the vehicle, either horizontally or at no more than 45 degrees downwards, and must not extend beyond the perimeter of the vehicle when viewed in plan; and
  3. when the exhaust outlet is vertical, it must be located behind the rearmost portion of the passenger compartment and may discharge either vertically upwards or rearwards at any angle above the horizontal.
3. NC Vehicles must meet the following requirements:
  1. the exhaust outlet must be behind the rearmost seating position and at least 40 mm beyond the furthermost outboard or rearmost joint of the floorpan which is not continuously welded or permanently sealed, and must not extend beyond the general perimeter of the vehicle when viewed in plan. In the case of permanently enclosed vehicles not fitted with vertical exhaust systems the outlet must extend to the perimeter of the vehicle when viewed in plan;
  2. the height of the outlet must be either greater than 150 mm above the maximum height of the cab or less than 750 mm above the ground;
    1. for above-cab exhausts, the direction of discharge must not be to the left of the vehicle and must be above the horizontal ;
    2. for other exhausts, the direction of discharge must not be to the left of the vehicle and must be between the horizontal and 45 degrees downwards; and
  3. any exposed section of an exhaust system discharging above the cabin must be shielded to prevent accidental personal contact in areas where contact can occur during normal operating and servicing conditions.
4. Vertical exhaust systems, where fitted, must meet one of the following requirements:
  1. the orifice must be a horizontal cross-section of the exhaust pipe and must direct the exhaust gases vertically upwards; OR
  2. the orifice must be a horizontal cross-section of the exhaust pipe and must be fitted with a rain cap such that in plan view the hinge of the cap makes an angle of 90 degrees ± 10 degrees with the longitudinal centreline of the vehicle, with the rain cap operating in a fore-and-aft direction; OR
  3. the orifice must be angled and orientated so that the principal flow of the exhaust gases is directed rearwards, within 0o and 45o the longitudinal centreline of the vehicle.

Typical Exhaust Outlet Configurations Figures shows 3 diagrams, arranged horizontally, of the exhaust outlets described in clauses 10.4.1., 10.4.2. and 10.4.3. respectively.

EXTERNAL OR INTERNAL PROTRUSIONS
1. No vehicle must be equipped with:
  1. any object or fitting, not technically essential to such vehicle, which protrudes from any part of the vehicle so that it is likely to increase the risk of bodily injury to any person;
  2. any object or fitting technically essential to such vehicle unless its design, construction and conditions and the manner in which it is affixed to the vehicle are such as to reduce to a minimum the risk of bodily injury to any person;
  3. any object or fitting which, because it is pointed or has a sharp edge, is likely to increase the risk of bodily injury to any person; or
  4. any bumper bar the end of which is not turned towards the body of the vehicle to a sufficient extent to avoid any risk of hooking or grazing.
FIELD OF VIEW
1. A motor vehicle must not be so constructed or equipped nor must anything be affixed thereto in such a manner as to prevent the driver from having an adequate view of traffic on either side of the vehicle and in all directions in front of the vehicle to enable the vehicle to be driven with safety.
2. No motor vehicle must be so constructed such that the ‘Seating Reference Points’ of any passenger seating position is more than 100 mm in front of the driver’s seating position when both ‘Seats’ are in the rearmost position of adjustment.
3. No motor vehicle must be constructed to provide seating for a passenger at the right-hand side of the driver.
LAVATORY CLOSETS, URINALS, BASINS AND SINKS
1. Every vehicle which is equipped with any lavatory basin, closet, urinal or sink must comply with the following requirements:
  1. no vehicle must be equipped with a closet or urinal the contents of which can be discharged directly on the road and, except in the case of a ‘Caravan’, every closet pan or urinal pan must empty into a tank carried by the vehicle, such tank being efficiently ventilated by means of a pipe the outlet of which is outside the vehicle;
  2. every tank into which a closet pan or urinal pan empties and, where no such tank is fitted, every closet and urinal, must contain non-inflammable and non-irritant chemicals of such character and in such quantity as to form at all times an efficient deodorant and germicide in respect of the contents of the tank, closet or urinal as the case may be; and
  3. no lavatory basin or sink must drain into any closet or urinal or into any tank into which a closet or urinal empties.
  4. The closet or urinal must vent directly to atmosphere.
WHEEL GUARDS (MUDGUARDS)
1. Wheel Guards for Passenger Cars (MA) Vehicles Only
  1. General Requirements

The vehicle must be provided with wheel guards (parts of the bodywork, mudguards, etc) which must be so designed as to protect other road users, as far as practicable, against thrown-up stones, mud, ice, snow and water and to reduce for those users the dangers due to contact with the moving wheels.

Special Requirements
1. The wheel guards must meet the following requirements when the wheels are in the straight ahead position:
  1. in the part formed by radial planes at an angle of 30 degrees to the front and 50 degrees to the rear of the centre of the wheel (both measured from the vertical – see Figure 1), the overall width (q) of the wheel guards must be at least sufficient to cover the tyre ‘Section Width’ (b) of the tyres fitted to the vehicle taking into account the extremes of tyre/wheel combination as specified by the ‘Manufacturer’;
  2. the rear of the wheel guards must not terminate above a horizontal plane 150 mm above the axis of rotation of the wheels (as measured at the wheel centres) and furthermore the intersection of the edge of the wheel guard with this plane (point A, Figure 1) must lie outside the median longitudinal plane of the tyre;
  3. the contour and location of the wheel guards must be such that they are as close to the tyre as possible; and in particular within the part formed by the radial planes referred to in clause 14.1.2.1, they must satisfy the following requirements:
    1. the projection - situated in the vertical plane of the tyre axis - of the depth (p) of the outer edge of the wheel guards, measured in the vertical longitudinal plane passing through the centre of the tyre, must be at least 30 mm. This depth (p) may be reduced progressively to zero at the radial planes specified in clause 14.1.2.1.1; and
    2. the distance (c) between the lower edges of the wheel guards and the axis passing through the centre of the wheels must not exceed 2r, ‘r’ being the ‘Static Loaded Tyre Radius’ of the tyre;
  4. in the case of vehicles having adjustable suspension height, the above mentioned requirements must be met when the vehicle is in the normal running position specified by the ‘Manufacturer’;
  5. the wheel guards may consist of several components, provided that no gaps exist between or within the individual parts when assembled; and
  6. the wheel guards must be securely attached. However they may be detachable either as a unit or in parts.
Wheel Guards for Vehicles other than MA and L-group Vehicles
1. General Requirements

All wheels of a motor vehicle or trailer (including a ‘Prime Mover’ capable of operating without a ‘Semi-trailer’) must be provided with wheel guards which must be so designed as to protect other road users, as far as practicable, against thrown-up stones, mud, ice, snow and water and to reduce for those users the dangers due to contact with the moving wheels.

Special Requirements

The wheel guards on the rearmost wheels on vehicles other than MA and L-Group vehicles must provide continuous protection between a point in area A and a point in area B in Figure 2, and must be provided for the ‘Overall Tyre Width’ of all tyres.

In the case of steerable wheels, the requirements of clause 14.2.2 must only apply when the wheels are in the straight-ahead position.
Wheel guards may consist of either permanent body structure or part structure and other components, including mudflaps, provided the specified protection is retained during vehicle operation.
Where 2 or more ‘Axles’ form an ‘Axle Group’, separate wheel guards may be provided for each rear wheel or a single wheel guard may be provided which provides continuous protection from area ‘A’ of the foremost wheel to area ‘B’ of the rearmost wheel in Figure 2.
Notwithstanding the requirements specified above the wheel guard including a mudflap (if fitted) need not be less than 230 mm from the ground for other than off-road vehicles, or 300 mm in the case of vehicles designed for off-road operation.
The requirements of this part does not apply to any vehicle the construction or use of which is such that, in the opinion of the ‘Administrator’ it is unnecessary or impracticable to provide a wheel guard(s).
Wheel Guards for L-Group Vehicles
1. Wheel guards may consist of either permanent body structure or part structure and other components, including mudflaps, provided the specified protection is retained during vehicle operation.
2. General Requirements

The wheels of a vehicle and the wheel of a side-car must be fitted with wheel guards of width not less than the ‘Section Width’ of the tyre. The wheel guards must be so designed as to protect other road users, as far as practicable, against thrown-up stones, mud, ice, snow and water and to reduce for those users the dangers due to contact with the moving wheels.

Special Requirements
1. Front ‘Axle’

Where a wheel guard(s) is provided for the front ‘Axle’, it must extend not less than from a point vertically above the centre of the wheel rearward to a point not higher than the centre of the wheel or to the point where suitable protection is afforded by the frame or other construction of the vehicle when a mass of 45 kg is distributed in the saddle of the vehicle at its ‘Unladen Mass’.

Visibility of Wheel Guards (Certain Vehicles)

Except when ‘Rear Marking Plates’ are fitted, for every rear wheel guard affixed to a motor vehicle, or trailer which is 2.2 m or more in ‘Overall Width’ and which has a body of the tray type, that portion of the external surface of such wheel guard which is visible to the rear of such vehicle must be white or silver in colour and clearly visible.

14.5. Wheel Guards for MB, MC, MD1, MD2, MD3, NA and NB1 Category vehicles must comply with Clause 14.1 or Clause 14.2.

BRAKE TUBING AND BRAKE HOSE

Flexible hydraulic brake hoses, air or vacuum brake tubing and air and vacuum hose, flexible and hydraulic power hose between the ‘Brake Power Unit 31/00’ or ‘Brake Power Unit 35/00’ and the master cylinder or its equivalent must conform to SAA, SAE, BS, JIS, DIN, ISO or ECE Standards, or FMVSS 106 Brake Hoses, specified for flexible brake hoses, air brake tubing or hose or vacuum brake tubing or hose or hydraulic power tubing or hose and be fitted to the vehicle as to prevent chafing, kinking or other mechanical damage under normal motion of the parts to which they are attached.

REVERSE GEAR

All motor vehicles, excepting non-enclosed LE vehicles with an ‘Unladen Mass’ of less than 450 kg and LA; LB; LC; and LD vehicles, must be capable of being so operated by the driver from the normal seating position that they may be propelled both forwards or backwards.

SLEEPER BERTHS (NB & NC vehicles only)
1. Every ‘Sleeper Berth’ must comply with the following requirements:
2. Location

It must be located within the cab or immediately adjacent thereto and must be so constructed that the occupant will not be likely to be thrown out in the event of sudden deceleration of the vehicle. It must not be located within the cargo space unless such berth is completely and securely separated from the remainder of the cargo space. It must not be located in any trailer.

Dimensions and Shape

It must be so constructed as to provide, at least, the following internal dimensions: 1,900 mm long measured on the centreline of the longitudinal axis, 530 mm wide for 1,200 mm along the required length and 440 mm wide for the remainder of the required length and 630 mm deep, of generally rectangular shape, except that the horizontal corners and the roof corner may be rounded to radii not exceeding 270 mm.

Ready Exit

It must provide the occupant, without the assistance of other persons, with at least 2 exits at opposite sides of the vehicle, each being at least 450 mm high and 530 mm wide, provided that if the berth space is part of the cab and has a doorway or opening at least 450 mm in one direction and 910 mm in another direction between it and the driving seat, the requirement for 2 exits need not apply.

Communication with Driver
1. Unless it is located within the driver’s cab or is provided with a direct entrance thereto means must be provided to enable its occupant to communicate with the driver.
Such means may include telephones, speaker tubes, buzzers, pull cords, or other mechanical or electrical means.
Protection against Exhaust System and ‘Fuel System 17/00’

It must not be so located as to permit the ready entrance of gases from the exhaust system. It must not be so located as to be overheated or damaged by reason of its proximity to the exhaust system or so located that defects in the ‘Fuel System 17/00’ would result in leakage on or into it.

Ventilation

It must be provided with louvres or other means of providing proper ventilation but must be tight against dust and rain.

TELEVISION AND VISUAL DISPLAY UNITS
1. General

All television receivers or visual display units and their associated equipment must be securely mounted in a position which:

does not obscure the driver’s vision;
does not impede driver or passenger movement in the vehicle; and
is unlikely to increase the risk of occupant injury.
Restriction on Visibility of Screen

Unless a driver’s aid, all television receivers or visual display units must be installed so that no part of the image on the screen is visible to the driver from the normal driving position.

WINDOWS AND VENTILATION
1. General Requirements

At least half the number of windows must be capable of being opened or the vehicle must be provided with an alternative method of ventilation.

Ventilation
1. Omnibuses and N-group vehicles must be provided with a means of ventilation other than by means of windows and door openings.
2. Except in the case of omnibuses equipped with flow-through ventilation or refrigerated air-conditioning, the provision of an inlet air vent and at least two rotary vents or a hatch in the roof towards the rear of the passenger compartment as a means of ventilation is deemed to meet the provisions of this clause.
Power Operated Window Systems
1. Power operated window systems (for vehicles of category passenger car (MA); forward-control passenger vehicle (MB); and off-road passenger vehicle (MC) only)
  1. “Power Operated Windows” are windows which are opened and closed by electric, hydraulic or pneumatic means.
2. Control of Operating Mechanism
  1. Operation of power operated window systems must only be possible when the key that controls activation of the vehicle’s engine is in the “ON”, “START” or “ACCESSORY” position.
    1. Exceptions are:
      1. When the ignition switch has been actuated from “ON” to “OFF” position and/or the key has been removed and no front doors on the vehicle have been opened; or
      2. When the key to lock the driver’s door is in the door lock; or
      3. Upon activation by a key locking system on the exterior of the vehicle; or
      4. When the ignition key has been removed the power operated window system may:
        
        remain operational for not more than 45 seconds; and
        
        if the driver’s window is operated within the 45 seconds period, the windows can remain operational for an additional period of not more than 45 seconds, after activation of the driver’s window switch; and
        
        if the driver’s door is opened within the 45 seconds period, the power operated window system can remain operational for an additional period of not more than 45 seconds, after the opening of the driver’s door.
      5. Remote opening/closing is allowable through continuous operation of a remote actuation device provided that the remote actuation device must be incapable of opening/closing the power window from a distance of more than 11 m from the vehicle.
  2. For operation of rear window switches which are not situated in close proximity of the driver, the system must be designed to enable the driver to:
    1. turn off the switch(es) of the closing mechanism(s) of the rear window(s); and
    2. initiate opening of the rear window(s).
  3. Requirement of clause 19.3.2.2.2 assumes that the rear window switch(es) which are situated out of the driver’s reach, will not be operated.
  4. Only momentary type switches or valves must be used for operating mechanisms to close power operated windows except for the driver’s door window.
  5. The requirements of clause 19.3.2.1 and clause 19.3.2.4 are not applicable if:
    1. the closing movement of a power window starts at an opening not exceeding 4 mm, or
    2. the closing of a power window of a vehicle’s door without upper door frame closes from an opening not exceeding 12 mm whenever the pertinent door is closed.
  6. Notwithstanding clauses 19.3.2.1 and 19.3.2.4, a power operated window system may close if it is capable of the following requirements:
    1. while closing, the window reverses direction before exerting a pinch force of 100N or more within the range of 200 mm to 4 mm beneath the top edge of the power window frame.
    2. upon such reversal, the window must open to one of the following positions:

A position that permits a cylindrical rod 200 mm in diameter to be placed through the opening at the top edge of the window.

A position that is at least as open as the position at the time closing was initiated.

A position at least 50 mm more open than the position at the time reversing was initiated.

To check these devices, a measuring instrument/test rod is placed through the window ‘Opening’ from the inside of the vehicle such that the cylindrical surface of the rod contacts the structure which forms the boundary of the window. The force/deflection ratio of the measuring instrument/test rod must be at least 10 N/mm. Placements of the test rods are illustrated in Figure 8.
The technical requirements of FMVSS 118-FR VOL36 No. 232-02.12.1971- Power Operated Window System; as amended by FMVSS 118-FR VOL58 No. 60-31.03.1993 are deemed to be equivalent to the technical requirements of clause 19.3 of this national standard.
WARNING DEVICES - AUDIBLE
1. General
  1. No siren, repeater horn, bell, exhaust whistle or compression whistle or other device capable of producing a sound resembling that produced by any such siren, repeater horn, bell or whistle must be attached to a motor vehicle other than an emergency community service vehicle.
  2. For the purpose of this clause, a repeater horn is any device which generates an audible sound (to be emitted) alternating between different tones or frequencies on a regular time cycle.
2. Warning Device

Every motor vehicle must be fitted with a least one warning device capable of giving sufficient audible warning of the presence of the vehicle. It must give an audible signal having constant amplitude and frequency characteristics. It may be powered by any energy source including compressed air.

Reversing Alarm

Notwithstanding clauses 20.1 and 20.2 a further device may be fitted which when and only when reverse gear is selected emits an intermittent audible signal on a regular time cycle. It must not emit a signal louder than is necessary to warn persons of the proximity of the reversing vehicle.

For vehicles of category MD3 and MD4, and those of category ME, NB and NC, equipped with audible reverse warning devices, approvals to the technical requirements of United Nations Regulation No. 165 – UNIFORM PROVISIONS CONCERNING THE APPROVAL OF AUDIBLE REVERSE WARNING DEVICES AND OF MOTOR VEHICLES WITH REGARD TO THEIR AUDIBLE REVERSE WARNING SIGNAL, incorporating the 00 series of amendments will meet the requirements of clause 20.3.
Retractable Axle Alarm

Notwithstanding clauses 20.1 and 20.2 a further device must be fitted to vehicles equipped with a ‘Retractable Axle’ which emits an audible signal on the lowering of the ‘Retractable Axle’. It must not be louder than is necessary to warn persons in the proximity of the ‘Retractable Axle’.

STABILITY REQUIREMENT (LEM, LEP & LEG Vehicles only)
1. The Static Stability Ratio (SSR) of a three-wheeled vehicle is defined as the ratio of the Centre of Mass (CoM) height (h) (see Figure 3) with the horizontal distance from the CoM to the nearest roll axis (d) (see Figures 4a and 4b). under the specified loading state (the ‘Maximum Loaded Test Mass’). A roll axis is a line joining the centre-point of each tyre’s contact patch (see Figures 4a and 4b).
2. For LEM1, LEP1 & LEG1 vehicles the SSR shall not exceed 1.0.
3. For LEM2, LEP2 & LEG2 vehicles the SSR shall not exceed 1.5.
4. LEM1 vehicles fitted with a rear axle having a ‘Differential’, excluding those vehicles fitted with a ‘Limited-Slip Differential’, complying with the technical requirements of the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 505 Vehicle Stability, current as at 2007, shall be deemed to comply with the clauses 21.2
5. Test procedure for determining the vehicle’s centre of mass
  1. Unless otherwise ‘Approved’, the location of the vehicle’s centre of mass shall be determined by the methods described below. Manufacturers may select between the Stable Pendulum Method (clause 21.5.4) and the Axle Lift Method (clause 21.5.6.) for determining the height of the CoM.
  2. Transverse location
    1. The transverse location of the centre of mass can be taken to be located along the vehicle’s longitudinal centreline.
  3. Longitudinal location (see Figures 3, 4a and 4b)
    1. The longitudinal location (L) of the centre of mass, from the centre line of the front ‘Axle’, is determined from the formula

L = WR/(F + R)

where:

W is the wheelbase

R is the rear ‘Axle Load’ on the tyre(s) with the vehicle in the ‘Maximum Loaded Test Mass’ condition

F is the front ‘Axle Load’ on the tyre(s) with the vehicle in the ‘Maximum Loaded Test Mass’ condition

Height Location – Stable Pendulum Method (see Figure 3)
1. For LEM1, LEP1 & LEG1 vehicles - with the vehicle standing on a level surface, mark a horizontal line parallel to the vehicle longitudinal centreline, passing through the centre of the vehicle rear ‘Axle’ - this is the reference line.
2. For LEM2, LEP2 & LEG2 vehicles - with the vehicle standing on a level surface, mark a horizontal line parallel to the vehicle longitudinal centreline, passing through the centre of the vehicle front ‘Axle’ - this is the reference line.
3. For LEM1, LEP1 & LEG1 vehicles chock both rear wheels.
4. For LEM2, LEP2 & LEG2 vehicles chock both front wheels.
5. For LEM1, LEP1 & LEG1 vehicles raise the front of the vehicle until the centre of mass is directly over the rear ‘Axle’.
6. For LEM2, LEP2 & LEG2 vehicles raise the rear of the vehicle until the centre of mass is directly over the front ‘Axle’.
7. Measure the angle between the reference line and the horizontal (see Figure 5). An inaccuracy of 0.1 degrees measured inclination results in an inaccuracy in the SSR of approximately 0.0025 in the SSR range of interest (SSR between 1.0 and 1.5, an inaccuracy of 0.16% to 0.25%).
8. The height of the centre of mass is given by the formula:
  1. For LEM1, LEP1 & LEG1 vehicles

h = r +((W - L) / tan  )

where:

r is the rolling radius of the tyre fitted to the wheel

For LEM2, LEP2 & LEG2 vehicles

h = r +(L / tan  )

where:

r is the rolling radius of the tyre fitted to the wheel

The horizontal distance from the centre of mass to the nearest roll axis (dimension “d”) is calculated from the formula shown below:
1. For LEM1, LEP1 & LEG1 vehicles

d = L sin (arctan (t / 2W))

where:

d is the horizontal distance from the centre of mass to the nearest roll axis

t is the width of the wheel track of the rear ‘Axle’.

For LEM2, LEP2 & LEG2 vehicles

d = (W - L) sin (arctan (t / 2W))

where:

d is the horizontal distance from the centre of mass to the nearest roll axis

t is the width of the wheel track of the front ‘Axle’.

Height Location – Axle Lift Method
1. This test procedure requires the ability to accurately measure the height of elevation of the single-wheel axle, and accurately measure the ‘Axle Load’ (or axle weight) of the two-wheel axle (see paragraph 21.5.6.1.3. below). The test report shall take account of potential and known inaccuracies in measurement equipment, especially where the SSR nears the compliance limit.
  1. An inaccuracy of 5mm in the measurement of the height of elevation of the single-wheel axle results in an inaccuracy in the SSR of approximately 0.009 in the SSR range of interest (SSR between 1.0 and 1.5, an inaccuracy of 0.6% to 0.9%), whilst an inaccuracy of 1kg in the measurement of the weight over the two-wheel axle will result in an inaccuracy in the SSR of approximately 0.023 in the SSR range of interest (SSR between 1.0 and 1.5, an inaccuracy of 1.7% to 2.5%).
  2. These accuracy sensitivities should be considered in the context of the sensitivity of the stable pendulum test method at paragraph 21.5.4.
  3. Total mass is the same in the elevated position as in the normal position.

F + R = Fe + Re = total mass

Where:

Re is the rear ‘Axle Load’ on the tyre(s) with the elevated vehicle in the ‘Maximum Loaded Test Mass’ condition; and

Fe is the front ‘Axle Load’ on the tyre(s) with the elevated vehicle in the ‘Maximum Loaded Test Mass’ condition.

Once the total mass is known at the ‘Maximum Loaded Test Mass’ condition (measured prior to elevation), it is only necessary to measure the two-wheel axle ‘Axle Load’ to determine the other ‘Axle Load’.

Height Location for LEM1, LEP1 and LEG1 Category Vehicles (see Figures 3 and 6)
1. The height of the CoM shall be determined as follows:
2. With the suspension blocked to prevent movement and the vehicle in the ‘Maximum Loaded Test Mass’ condition, use blocks to elevate the front to not less than 600 mm (Hfe), and determine the longitudinal location of the CoM in the elevated state (Le), from the centre line of the front ‘Axle’, using the formula:

Le = WeRe / (Fe + Re)

Where:

We is the wheelbase in the horizontal plane.

The height of the CoM is given by the formula:

h = [(W - L) / tan θ – (We - Le) / sin θ] + r

Where:

Le is defined by the formula in 3.2.2 above;

θ is defined by the formula:

θ = arctan (Hfe / We)

Hfe is the height by which the front wheel is elevated;

r is the rolling radius of the tyre fitted to the rear wheel;

W is the wheelbase of the vehicle prior to elevation; and

L is the longitudinal location of the CoM prior to elevation (determined in clause 21.5.3.1).

Height Location for LEM2, LEP2 and LEG2 Category Vehicles (See Figures 3 and 7):
1. The height of the CoM shall be determined as follows:
2. With the suspension blocked to prevent movement and the vehicle in the ‘Maximum Loaded Test Mass’ condition, use blocks to elevate the rear to not less than 600 mm (Hre), and determine the longitudinal location of the CoM in the elevated state (Le), from the centre line of the front ‘Axle’, using the formula:

Le = WeRe / (Fe + Re)

Where:

We is the wheelbase in the horizontal plane;

Re is the rear ‘Axle Load’ on the tyre(s) with the elevated vehicle in the ‘Test Mass’ condition; and

Fe is the front ‘Axle Load’ on the tyre(s) with the elevated vehicle in the ‘Test Mass’ condition.

The height of the CoM is given by the formula:

h = [(L / tan θ) - (Le /sin θ)] + r

Where:

Le is defined by the formula above;

θ is defined by the formula:

θ = arctan (Hre / We)

Hre is the height by which the rear wheel is elevated;

r is the rolling radius of the tyre fitted to the front wheel; and

L is the longitudinal location of the CoM prior to elevation (determined in clause 21.5.3.1).

RETRACTABLE AXLE
1. Operating Safety
  1. A ‘Control’ may be provided to manually move the ‘Retractable Axle’ up or down.
  2. Where a manual ‘Control’ for lowering of the ‘Retractable Axle’ is fitted;
    1. the ‘Control’ or the enclosure in which it is contained must be lockable, and
    2. the ‘Control’ must be located within 2.5 metres of the centre-line of the ‘Axle Group’ which contains the ‘Retractable Axle’; and
    3. the ‘Control’ must not be accessible from within the cab of the vehicle.
  3. the ‘Axle(s)’ must not be able to be moved from the ‘Fully-down’ position while the load on the ‘Axle Group’ is greater than the ‘Prescribed Transition Mass’.
2. Tampering and Malfunction
  1. Any system malfunction, attempted tampering or loss of power (e.g. trailer uncoupling) must result in the ‘Retractable Axle’ moving to or staying in the ‘Fully-down’ position if the vehicle is loaded.
  2. An audible warning device must be sounded as lowering begins as required by clause 20.4
  3. The vehicle must be marked on both sides within 2.0 metres of a transverse vertical plane through the centre-line of the ‘Retractable Axle’ with “Warning: Axle(s) may raise or lower automatically”.
    1. This marking must be in letter height of 25 mm minimum with red coloured letters on a white background and in such a position as to be clearly visible to a person standing nearby.
DEMISTING OF WINDSCREENS

Every motor vehicle having a windscreen must be fitted with a device capable of removing condensed moisture from the inside of the windscreen. This requirement does not apply to LA, LB, LC, LD or LEM vehicle categories or vehicles that do not have provision for a roof.

WINDSCREEN WIPERS AND WASHERS

Every motor vehicle having a windscreen must be fitted with a power-driven windscreen wiping system. This provision does not apply to LA, LB, LC, LD or unenclosed LEM vehicle categories.

Every motor vehicle having a windscreen wiping system must have a windscreen washing system that can direct water on to the windscreen within the area swept by the windscreen wiper.

The device or devices for operating the wipers and washer must be able to be controlled by the driver in the normal driving position.

TYRE AND RIM SELECTION
1. Tyres and rims recommended for passenger cars must be listed in the Tyre and Rim Standards Manual published by either the Tyre and Rim Association of Australia, the (US) Tire and Rim Association Inc. Year Book, the Japan Automobile Tire Manufacturers Association Year Book, the Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS-D4202) “Dimensions of Tires” and (JIS-D4218) “Contours of Rims”, or the European Tyre and Rim Technical Organisation (E.T.R.T.O.) Data Book.
  1. The ‘Administrator’ may accept a tyre, ‘Rim’ or tyre and ‘Rim’ combination not incorporated in the above publications.
  2. Manufacturers must not fit tyres that require a cold inflation pressure greater than 825 kPa for radial ply tyres and 700 kPa for other tyres to achieve the manufacturer’s rated GVM.
2. Performance Requirements
  1. All Vehicles Fitted with the New Light Truck or Truck Tyres

The tyres fitted must comply with the technical requirements of at least one of the following:

Australian Standard 2230-1979: “New Pneumatic Highway Tyres other than Passenger Car Tyres” or 2230-1990 “Pneumatic Tyres Light Truck and Truck/Bus-New”.
(US) Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 119 – 1973; FR38-218: “New Pneumatic Tyres for Vehicles other than Passenger Cars”.
ECE Regulation 54/00 – “Tyres for Commercial Vehicles”; or
Japanese Industrial Standard JIS D4230-1986 – “Tires for Automobiles”.
T-Group Vehicles Fitted with Retreaded Tyres

Retreaded tyres fitted to T-Group vehicles must comply with the technical requirements of AS 1973-1993 “Pneumatic Tyres – Passenger Car, Light Truck and Truck/Bus – Retreading and Repair Process”.

Requirements for L-Group Vehicles
1. Carcass Construction

All tyres fitted to an ‘Axle’ must be the same type of ‘Carcass’ construction, but may vary in respect of ‘Cord’ materials and number of ‘Plies’.

Load Capacity

The sum of the load carrying capacities recommended for all tyres and ‘Rims’ with which the vehicle is equipped must be not less than the ‘GVM’.

‘Maximum Load Rating’ of tyres must comply with those listed for the tyre size designation in one of the ‘Nominated Standards’, or the tyre manufacturer’s warranted maximum tyre load.
Tyre Placard

MA, MB, MC, MD, NA, NB1, TA and TB category vehicles, must be fitted with a tyre placard which, includes at least the following information: manufacturer’s recommended tyre size; tyre load rating; speed rating and cold inflation pressures.

Figure 1 and Figure 2 are arranged vertically on the page. Figure 1 shows the distance and angle requirements of wheel guards. Figure 2 shows the wheel guard angle requirements

Figure shows the side view of a three wheeled vehicle and a visual representation of the Static Stability Ratio (SSR) of a three-wheeled vehicle, which is defined as the ratio of the Centre of Mass (CoM) height (h)

Figure 3 – Side View

Figure is a vertical plan view of a 3 wheeled vehicle showing the horizontal distance from the Centre of Mass to the nearest roll axis (d)

Figure 4a – Plan View, LEM1, LEP1 and LEG1

Figure is a vertical plan view of a 3 wheeled vehicle showing the horizontal distance from the Centre of Mass to the nearest roll axis (d)

Figure 4b – Plan View, LEM2, LEP2 and LEG2

Figure shows where to measure the angle between the reference line and the horizontal

Figure 5

Figure shows the placement of test rods that are referred to in clause 19.3.2.6.3.

Figure 7 Figure shows the placement of test rods.

Figure 8 Typical Cylindrical Test Rods Protruding through Window Daylight Openings

Figure 8 – Typical Cylindrical Test Rods Protruding through Window Daylight Openings

Endnotes

Note: Endnote 1—About the endnotes

The endnotes provide information about this compilation and the compiled law.

The following endnotes are included in every compilation:

Endnote 1—About the endnotes

Endnote 2—Abbreviation key

Endnote 3—Legislation history

Endnote 4—Amendment history

Abbreviation key—Endnote 2

The abbreviation key sets out abbreviations that may be used in the endnotes.

Legislation history and amendment history—Endnotes 3 and 4

Amending laws are annotated in the legislation history and amendment history.

The 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.

The 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.

Misdescribed amendments

A 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.

If a misdescribed amendment cannot be given effect as intended, the amendment is not incorporated and “(md not incorp)” is added to the amendment history.

Note: Endnote 2—Abbreviation key

ad = added or inserted	orig = original
am = amended	p = page(s)
amdt = amendment	para = paragraph(s)/subparagraph(s)/sub-subparagraph(s)
C[x] = Compilation No. x	pres = present
ch = Chapter(s)	prev = previous
cl = clause(s)	(prev…) = previously
cont. = continued	pt = Part(s)
def = definition(s)	r = regulation(s)/Court rule(s)
Dict = Dictionary	reloc = relocated
disallowed = disallowed by Parliament	renum = renumbered
div = Division(s)	rep = repealed
exp = expires/expired or ceases/ceased to have effect	rs = repealed and substituted
gaz = gazette	s = section(s)/subsection(s) /rule(s)/subrule(s)/order(s)/suborder(s)
LA = Legislation Act 2003	sch = Schedule(s)
LIA = Legislative Instruments Act 2003	SLI = Select Legislative Instrument
(md not incorp) = misdescribed amendment cannot be given effect	SR = Statutory Rules
mod = modified/modification	sub ch = Sub‑Chapter(s)
No. = Number(s)	sub div = Subdivision(s)
	sub pt = Subpart(s)
	underlining = whole or part not commenced or to be commenced

Note: Endnote 3—Legislation history

Name	Registration	Commencement
Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 42/04 – General Safety Requirements) 2005	13/12/2005	14/12/2005
Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 42/04 – General Safety Requirements) 2005 Amendment 1	12/10/2007	13/10/2007
Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 42/04 – General Safety Requirements) 2005 Amendment 2	07/01/2011	08/01/2011
Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 42/04 – General Safety Requirements) 2005 Amendment 3	05/04/2013	06/04/2013
Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 42/04 – General Safety Requirements) 2005 Amendment 4	26/09/2014	27/09/2014
Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 42/04 – General Safety Requirements) 2005 Amendment 5	19/02/2016	20/02/2016
Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 42/04 – General Safety Requirements) 2005 Amendment 6	19/02/2016	20/02/2016
Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 42/04 – General Safety Requirements) 2005 Amendment 7 - F2018L01512	31/10/2018	01/11/2018
Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule) Amendment Instrument 2021 (No.1)	13/05/21	14/05/21
Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule) Amendment Instrument 2023 (No.1)	01/11/23	02/11/23
Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule) Amendment Instrument No. 1 of 2025	05/12/2025	06/12/2025

Note: Endnote 4—Amendment history

Provision affected	How affected	Amending legislation/instrument
1.2.	rep	Legislation Act 2003 – section 48D
1.3.	rep	Legislation Act 2003 – section 48C
2.1.	ad	Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule) Amendment Instrument No. 1 of 2025
3.3.	renum 3.4.	Amendment 7
3.3.	ad	Amendment 7
4.1.	am	Amendment 5
7.2.1.	am	Amendment 2
8.1.2.	am	Amendment 6
8.2.1.	am	Amendment 3
10.1.	am	Amendment 1
10.3.	am	Amendment 3
14.1.2.1.1.	am	Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule) Amendment Instrument No. 1 of 2025
14.3.3.1.	rep	Amendment 4
14.3.3.2.	renum 14.3.3.1.	Amendment 4
14.5.	ad	Amendment 1
15.	am	Amendment 2
19.3.2.1.1.5.	am	Amendment 2
19.3.2.6.3.	am	Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule) Amendment Instrument No. 1 of 2025
19.3.2.6.4.	am	Amendment 2
19.3.2.6.4.	am	Amendment 5
20.3.1.	ad	Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule) Amendment Instrument 2023 (No.1)
21.1.	ad	Amendment 5
21.1.	renum 21.2.	Amendment 5
21.1.	am	Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule) Amendment Instrument No. 1 of 2025
21.2.	renum 21.3.	Amendment 5
21.2.	am	Amendment 5
21.3.	am	Amendment 5
21.3.	renum 21.5.	Amendment 5
21.4.	ad	Amendment 5
21.5.1.	am	Amendment 5
21.5.1.	am	Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule) Amendment Instrument No. 1 of 2025
21.5.3.	am	Amendment 5
21.5.3.	am	Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule) Amendment Instrument No. 1 of 2025
21.5.4.	am	Amendment 5
21.5.4.7.	am	Amendment 5
21.5.4.	am	Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule) Amendment Instrument No. 1 of 2025
21.5.4.7.	am	Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule) Amendment Instrument No. 1 of 2025
21.5.4.8.1.	am	Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule) Amendment Instrument No. 1 of 2025
21.5.4.8.2.	am	Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule) Amendment Instrument No. 1 of 2025
21.5.6.	ad	Amendment 5
21.5.6.1.	ad	Amendment 5
21.5.6.1.1.	ad	Amendment 5
21.5.6.1.2.	ad	Amendment 5
21.5.6.1.3.	ad	Amendment 5
21.5.6.1.3.	am	Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule) Amendment Instrument No. 1 of 2025
21.5.6.2.	ad	Amendment 5
21.5.6.2.	am	Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule) Amendment Instrument No. 1 of 2025
21.5.6.2.2.	ad	Amendment 5
21.5.6.2.2.	am	Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule) Amendment Instrument No. 1 of 2025
21.5.6.2.3.	ad	Amendment 5
21.5.6.3.	ad	Amendment 5
21.5.6.3.1.	ad	Amendment 5
21.5.6.3.2.	ad	Amendment 5
21.5.6.3.2.	am	Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule) Amendment Instrument No. 1 of 2025
21.5.6.3.3.	ad	Amendment 5
25.1.1.	am	Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule) Amendment Instrument No. 1 of 2025
25.3.1.	am	Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule) Amendment Instrument No. 1 of 2025
25.3.2.	am	Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule) Amendment Instrument No. 1 of 2025
25.3.3.	am	Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule) Amendment Instrument No. 1 of 2025
Figure 1 and 2	rs	Amendment 1
Figure 3	rs	Amendment 5
Figure 4a	ad	Amendment 5
Figure 4b	ad	Amendment 5
Figure 4	renum Figure 5	Amendment 5
Figure 5	rep	Amendment 5
Figure 6	ad	Amendment 5
Table 1.1.	rs	Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule) Amendment Instrument No. 1 of 2025

1 Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 42/04 – General Safety Requirements) 2005

Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 42/04 – General Safety Requirements) 2005

Compilation No. 9

Compilation date: 06/12/2025

Includes amendments: Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule) Amendment Instrument No. 1 of 2025

Prepared by: Vehicle Safety Policy and Partnerships, Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts

CONTENTS

legislative provisions.............................................4
SCOPE........................................................4
APPLICABILITY AND IMPLeMENTATION........................4
DEFINITIONS..................................................6
BONNET LATCHING...........................................6
DIESEL ENGINES..............................................6
CONTROLS...................................................6
REAR BUMPER FOR SEMI-TRAILERS............................6
ELECTRICAL WIRING, CONNECTIONS & INSTALLATIONS.........7
EXHAUST OUTLETS...........................................8
EXTERNAL OR INTERNAL PROTRUSIONS.......................10
FIELD OF VIEW...............................................10
LAVATORY CLOSETS, URINALS, BASINS AND SINKS............11
WHEEL GUARDS (MUDGUARDS)...............................11
BRAKE TUBING AND BRAKE HOSE............................13
REVERSE GEAR..............................................13
SLEEPER BERTHS (NB & NC vehicles only).......................14
TELEVISION AND VISUAL DISPLAY UNITS.....................14
WINDOWS AND VENTILATION................................15
WARNING DEVICES - AUDIBLE................................17
STABILITY REQUIREMENT (LEM, LEP & LEG Vehicles only).......18

The Standard organises general vehicle safety into discrete technical controls and harmonised equivalence. Its organising concepts are:

Vehicle‑category specific applicability. Clause 3 sets an Applicability Table mapping ADR category codes to UNECE category codes, listing which categories the technical requirements apply to and the date from which they apply. Several clauses explicitly note when a requirement applies to only identified categories (for example clauses 21 and 17 are limited to LEM/LEP/LEG and NB/NC vehicles respectively).
Prescriptive physical protection. Several parts mandate fixed dimensions, locations, strength minima and clearances aimed at limiting direct physical harms: bonnet latches must include a second latch if a bonnet opening can obstruct the driver’s windscreen view (clause 5.1.1); semi‑trailer rear bumpers must meet clearance distances and a minimum supporting member strength at least equal to steel tubing 100 mm outside diameter by 8 mm wall thickness (clause 8.1.1.4-8.1.1.5); wheel guards must cover specified angular sectors and tyre widths with defined minimum depths, distances from axis and attachment security (clause 14).
Performance and test procedures. The instrument specifies test methods and numerical performance limits rather than just design principles in certain domains. Notably, the Static Stability Ratio (SSR) for three‑wheelers is capped (1.0 or 1.5 depending on subcategory) and the Standard provides two detailed test procedures for centre of mass height (the Stable Pendulum Method and the Axle Lift Method) with formulae and sensitivity statements (clause 21.5). For power window anti‑pinch behaviour the Standard prescribes force thresholds, reversal behaviour and specific test‑rod geometry (clause 19.3.2.6).
Interoperability and harmonisation. The Standard expressly accepts compliance with certain international and foreign technical standards as satisfying corresponding requirements. Examples include UNECE R79 for steering failure signalling (clause 7.1.4), ISO/SAE alternatives for trailer connectors in heavier vehicles (clause 9.2.1.1), FMVSS 118 equivalence for power windows (clause 19.3.2.6.6), and specified tyre standards for performance (clause 25.2.1).
Administrative discretions and declarations. The instrument refers to decisions that an 'Administrator' may take (for example, to accept tyre/rim combinations not in nominated technical publications clause 25.1.1.1, or to determine wheel guards unnecessary where impracticable clause 14.2.4). It also uses concepts such as 'Approved' and 'deemed to comply' to create alternative compliance routes.
Safety of occupant and third parties across subsystems. The Standard addresses risk to occupants (sleeper berth egress, demisting, ventilation, TV visibility), to other road users (wheel guards and semi‑trailer bumper geometry), and to service and maintenance personnel (exhaust shielding requirements, exclusion of sharp/pointed fittings clause 11).

Those conceptual pillars translate into direct obligations on manufacturers and vehicle constructors, documented test and measurement procedures to establish compliance, and alternative compliance pathways by reference to other recognised standards.

The instrument’s obligations fall primarily on designers, manufacturers, importers, modifiers and distributors of vehicles and trailers, and secondarily on fleet operators and maintenance entities that carry out or approve modifications. The text repeatedly uses prescriptive language directed to manufacturers and vehicles 'must' be provided or constructed so that, for example:

Manufacturers: explicit duties appear throughout. Clause 25.1.1.2 restricts manufacturers from fitting tyres that require a cold inflation pressure greater than specified maxima. Clause 14.1.2.6 requires wheel guards to be securely attached, though detachable, and clause 25.1.1.1 contemplates the Administrator accepting tyre/rim combinations outside nominated publications on the application of a manufacturer. Many design obligations (bonnet latching clause 5, sleeper berth dimensions clause 17.2, semi‑trailer bumper material clause 8.1.1.4) are operationally directed at those who design and build the vehicle.
Vehicle converters and modifiers: requirements that refer to particular configurations or retrofits (for example, retractable axle installations clause 22, exhaust re‑routing clause 10, wheel guard adequacy clause 14.2.4) will bind firms that alter vehicles post‑production to bring them within these dimensional and safety constraints.
Trailers and towing vehicle suppliers: clause 9.2 requires trailers to be equipped with an independent electrical conductor between trailer and drawing vehicle and sets standards for connector types depending on mass. Clause 8 sets structural and dimensional obligations specific to semi‑trailers.
Testing and certification bodies: the Standard contains prescribed test procedures (SSR measurement, power window testing using specified test rods and force/deflection relationships). Those performing approval testing must apply the mathematical formulae and the sensitivity thresholds in clause 21.5 and the rod specifications and force requirements in clause 19.3.2.6.3. Where equivalence is claimed (UNECE, FMVSS etc), testing bodies must be able to show conformity with the specifically referenced versions.
Administrators or regulators: the text references the 'Administrator' as the decision maker for matters of approval and exceptions (for example clause 14.2.4, clause 25.1.1.1). The Administrator therefore decides whether certain alternative solutions or exemptions are acceptable.
Vehicle owners, fleet operators and maintainers: some mandates concern operation and maintenance behaviour or equipment on in‑service vehicles. For example, power operated window control restrictions require operational configuration and potential software/settings changes to prevent unauthorised opening (clause 19.3.2.2.1-19.3.2.2.4). Retractable axles require marking within 2.0 metres of a defined plane and an audible alarm upon lowering (clause 22.1.2.3, 22.2.1.2-22.2.1.3), which affects owners/operators responsible for ensuring signage and alarms are present and functional.
Component suppliers: suppliers of tyres, rims, wiring, hoses, bumbers, exhaust components and power‑window actuators must meet the specific dimensional, material or standard conformity requirements set out (for example tyre performance standards in clause 25.2, brake hose conformity in clause 15, electrical connector standards in clause 9.2.1.1).
Designers of three‑wheeled L‑Group vehicles: SSR tests, formulas and allowable SSRs in clause 21 impose design and stability assessment tasks on manufacturers of LEM/LEP/LEG vehicles.

The Standard does not itself set out a public complaints procedure or penal regime in the text provided; it prescribes technical duties and leaves enforcement and approvals to the vehicle standards administration referenced through the 'Administrator' concept.

This section summarises concrete mandatory duties, and the limited decision rights the instrument creates. All citations below are to the clause numbers in the Standard.

Duties imposed on manufacturers, vehicle suppliers and modifiers

Bonnet latching (clause 5). Any movable body panel forward of the windscreen that covers engine, luggage, storage or battery compartments must have a latch system. If a front‑opening panel can obstruct driver forward view when open, the latch system must provide a second latch position or a second latch system.
Diesel engine starting lock (clause 6). Diesel engines must include a locking device preventing engine start by accidental or inadvertent means.
Steering and controls (clause 7). The steering control centreline must not be left of the vehicle centreline (clause 7.1.1). Non‑mechanical component failure in the steering system must not prevent effective steering (clause 7.1.2). Vehicles with full power steering must provide steering failure and defect visual warnings (clause 7.1.3). For automatic transmissions, actuation of the engine‑start control shall not cause the vehicle to move (clause 7.2).
Semi‑trailer rear bumper (clause 8). Every semi‑trailer must have a continuous rear bumper with defined lower edge maximum height (600 mm unladen), contact surface location not more than 600 mm forward of the rear, ends extending within 300 mm of each side (with tyre exceptions), minimum supporting member strength no less than steel tubing 100 mm OD x 8 mm wall, and supporting structure capable of transmitting at least equivalent force path to vehicle members (clause 8.1.1.1-5). Clause 8.2 lists exemptions.
Electrical wiring and connections (clause 9). Wiring must be supported at intervals not exceeding 600 mm, insulated at joints, located to avoid overheating or contact with moving parts and protected from chafing (clause 9.1.1). Except for motor vehicles and trailers over 3.5 tonnes, connectors must comply with Australian Standard 2513-1982. For heavier vehicles, ISO 1185-1997 or SAE J560-1998 are acceptable alternatives (clause 9.2.1.1). Every trailer must carry an independent conductor providing return path (clause 9.2.2).
Exhaust outlets (clause 10). Detailed outlet positioning and orientation requirements depend on vehicle category. For enclosed LE vehicles, outlets must extend at least 40 mm beyond unsealed floor pan joints and not beyond perimeter when viewed in plan; side outlets must discharge to the right and downwards 15-45 degrees; rear outlets must discharge between 10 degrees above and 45 degrees below horizontal (clause 10.1). Omnibus and NC vehicle requirements are separately flagged with location, height and shielding specifications (clauses 10.2-10.3). Vertical exhausts must comply with one of three specified orifice/cover designs (clause 10.4).
Protrusions (clause 11). Vehicle must not be equipped with non‑essential fittings that protrude so as to increase risk of bodily injury, nor with pointed/sharp fittings likely to increase risk, and bumper bar ends must be turned towards the body to avoid hooking.
Field of view (clause 12). Vehicles must allow drivers adequate view of traffic on either side and in front; seating reference points for passenger seating must not be more than 100 mm in front of the driver’s seating point when both seats are rearmost; no passenger seating to the right of the driver is permitted.
Lavatory fittings (clause 13). Vehicles with closets, urinals or sinks must ensure waste does not discharge directly to road, tanks must be ventilated externally and contain non‑inflammable/non‑irritant chemicals for deodorisation, and basins or sinks must not drain into closets or associated tanks (clause 13.1).
Wheel guards (clause 14). Detailed design geometry, minimum coverage in specified angular sectors, distance from axis and minimum depth are required for passenger cars and other vehicle groups. The Standard prescribes different regimes for MA vehicles, for other vehicles, and for L‑group vehicles. Wheel guards must be securely attached, gaps avoided, and may be detachable if they meet protection requirements (clauses 14.1-14.4). For certain wide tray‑type bodies, rear wheel guards visible to the rear must be white or silver unless rear marking plates fitted (clause 14.4.1).
Brake tubing and hose (clause 15). Flexible hydraulic brake hoses and air/vacuum tubing must conform to an enumerated list of international standards and be routed and fitted to prevent chafing and kinking.
Reverse gear (clause 16). All motor vehicles, other than specified small non‑enclosed LE vehicles and LA/LB/LC/LD categories, must be capable of being safely propelled backwards by the driver from the normal seating position.
Sleeper berths (clause 17). NB & NC vehicles’ sleeper berths must be located within or immediately adjacent to cab, meet minimum internal dimensions, provide at least two exits or specific doorway arrangements, permit communication with driver and be ventilated and protected from exhaust and fuel system hazards.
Television and displays (clause 18). Receivers and displays must be securely mounted, not obscure driver vision or impede movement, and unless a driver’s aid, screens must be installed so no part of the image is visible to the driver from the normal driving position.
Windows and ventilation (clause 19). At least half the number of windows must be openable or the vehicle must have alternative ventilation. Omnibuses and N‑group vehicles require ventilation other than by windows/doors. Power window systems are tightly regulated: activation only with ignition in ON/START/ACCESSORY except for listed exceptions; remote actuation limited to within 11 m; driver override/lockout for rear windows; only momentary switches permitted except for driver’s window; anti‑pinch reversal requirements (clause 19.3).
Audible warning devices (clause 20). Sirens and devices that mimic emergency service tones are prohibited for non‑emergency vehicles. A vehicle must have at least one warning device producing constant amplitude and frequency audible signal. Reversing alarms and retractable axle alarms are permitted subject to "not louder than necessary" limits; certain categories may meet requirements by approval under UN Regulation No. 165 (clause 20.3).
Static Stability Ratio (clause 21). SSR limits apply to three‑wheeled LEM/LEP/LEG vehicles: SSR ≤1.0 for 1‑series, SSR ≤1.5 for 2‑series. Detailed test procedures, formulae, and measurement sensitivities are provided.
Retractable axles (clause 22). Controls may be manual, must be lockable and located within 2.5 m of the axle group centreline and not accessible from within the cab. Axles must not raise under load beyond a prescribed transition mass. Tampering or malfunction must result in the axle moving to or remaining in fully‑down if loaded, audible warning must sound when lowering begins, and the vehicle must be marked with specific warning text and dimensions.
Demisting, wipers/washers (clauses 23-24). All motor vehicles with windscreens must have demisting devices and power‑driven wiper systems and washer systems with driver‑accessible controls; certain small L‑group categories are excepted.
Tyre and rim selection (clause 25). Nominated tyre and rim manuals are prescribed for passenger cars, with the Administrator able to accept alternatives. Manufacturers have inflation pressure maxima to observe. Tyres must meet one of listed performance standards for light truck/truck tyres and retreaded tyre standards for T‑group vehicles. MA, MB, MC, MD, NA, NB1, TA and TB vehicles must have a tyre placard with recommended size, load rating, speed rating and cold inflation pressures.

Rights and administrative discretions

Deemed compliance and equivalence. The Standard expressly treats compliance with certain external standards as satisfying specified ADR clauses (e.g., UNECE R79 in 7.1.4; FMVSS 118 equivalence in 19.3.2.6.6; UN Regulation No. 165 for audible reverse warnings in 20.3.1). This gives manufacturers an administrative right to rely on conformity with those documents, avoiding duplicative domestic testing for those clauses.
Administrator acceptance. The Administrator may accept tyres, rims, or combinations not in the nominated technical publications (clause 25.1.1.1) and may determine wheel guards unnecessary where impracticable (clause 14.2.4). Those are discrete administrative permissions that require application or decision.
Labelling/marking obligations. The Standard mandates specific markings (for example the retractable axle warning text in clause 22.2.1.3) and tyre placards. These create rights to rely on visual compliance checks.

The Standard contains limited 'performance vagueness' in places,phrases like "as far as practicable" for wheel guards clause 14.1.1 and "not louder than is necessary" for audible alarms clause 20.3,which leave scope for administrative interpretation.

The compiled text of ADR 42/04 supplied here does not set out criminal or civil penalties, nor an explicit enforcement or inspection regime. The instrument is framed as a Vehicle Standard and repeatedly uses administrative terms such as 'Administrator', 'Approved', and 'deemed to comply' (for example clauses 14.2.4, 25.1.1.1, 7.1.4), which indicates it operates within a broader statutory framework where enforcement, approvals and penalties are allocated elsewhere.

Consequence for practitioners and stakeholders from the absence of penalties in the text provided

Enforcement must be sought through the enabling regime. The Standard does not itself specify how non‑compliance will be detected, remedied or punished. The natural implication is that enforcement, audit and sanction powers will rest with the statutory vehicle safety regulator or another administrative body under the enabling legislation for Australian Design Rules. That enabling legislation and the regulator's enforcement policy will determine inspection, recall, prohibition on supply, registration blocking, infringement fines or prosecution, but none of that is contained in ADR 42/04 as compiled here.
Administrative discretion and compliance verification. Where ADR 42/04 refers to the Administrator accepting alternative solutions (for example clause 25.1.1.1) or to approval of test procedures and methods, the practical enforcement pathway will be administrative approval and certification processes rather than immediate judicial sanction. Compliance may therefore be checked through type approval, certification, registration and spot checks requiring documentary and test evidence.
Practical enforcement triggers implied by the instrument. The Standard imposes mandatory design requirements and labelling obligations (for example wheel‑guard visibility, tyre placards clause 25.3, and retractable axle marking clause 22.2.1.3). Non‑compliance with such technical and marking duties will be identifiable on inspection or during approval testing and can be dealt with by whatever sanctioning power the responsible authority holds under the broader vehicle standards regime.

Implementation risks and uncertainty points

Interpretive latitude. Where the text uses qualitative standards,"as far as practicable" (clause 14.1.1), "not louder than is necessary" (clauses 20.3 and 20.4), and where the Administrator may deem alternate arrangements acceptable,compliance assessment will require administrative interpretation, which creates uncertainty for manufacturers until explicit guidance or precedent from the Administrator is available.
Test sensitivity and measurement precision. Clauses setting numerical thresholds for SSR testing include sensitivity notes about how small measurement inaccuracies affect SSR. This creates strict testing tolerances and suggests that enforcement will depend on precise measurement capability; disagreements over test accuracy are foreseeable.

Because the Standard, as provided here, is a technical prescription without enumerated penalty articles, practitioners should consult the enabling legislative instrument and the Administrator's compliance and enforcement guidance to understand the legal consequences of non‑compliance and the operational enforcement mechanisms used by regulators.

ADR 42/04 is explicitly designed to interoperate with a number of other standards and instruments. The text itself references external Australian and international standards and an ADR definitions instrument, creating cross‑regulatory dependencies:

Definitions and categories. ADR 42/04 relies on Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule Definitions and Vehicle Categories) 2005 for defined terms and category assignments (clause 4.1). That definitions instrument supplies terms such as 'Axle', 'Overall Width', 'GVM', 'Seating Reference Point' and similar, which ADR 42/04 uses throughout. Compliance therefore requires cross‑checking definitions in that instrument.
Later ADRs. Clause 3.3 states explicitly that vehicles certified to ADR 42/05 or a later version need not comply with ADR 42/04. This establishes a non‑overlap rule where later ADRs supersede earlier editions for certified vehicles, permitting manufacturers and importers to rely on later ADR compliance.
Australian Standards and national publications. The Standard requires or references specific Australian Standards and industry publications, for example:
- Australian Standard 2513-1982 “Electrical Connections for Trailer Vehicles” for connectors (clause 9.2.1.1).
- Australian Standard 3001-1981 for caravan electrical installations (clause 9.2.3).
- Tyre and Rim Standards Manual published by the Tyre and Rim Association of Australia is nominated for passenger car tyre/rim listings (clause 25.1.1).
International standards and foreign regulations. ADR 42/04 accepts equivalence with several foreign or international standards when specified:
- UNECE Regulation No. R79 technical requirements are deemed equivalent for specified steering safety obligations (clause 7.1.4).
- ISO 1185-1997 and SAE J560-1998 are accepted alternatives for trailer‑vehicle electrical connectors for heavier mass combinations (clause 9.2.1.1).
- FMVSS 118 technical requirements are treated as equivalent for certain power window requirements (clause 19.3.2.6.6).
- UN Regulation No. 165 is noted for approval equivalence in reversing audible alarms for specified heavy categories (clause 20.3.1).
- Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 505 is cited as a deemed compliance route for LEM1 vehicles under some differential configurations (clause 21.4).

Practitioners must therefore ensure that when relying on 'deemed to comply' clauses they use the exact document versions cited by ADR 42/04.

Legislative amendment links. The endnotes identify that the Standard has been amended by multiple instruments and that the Legislation Act 2003 effected some repeals and renumberings (Endnotes 3 and 4). The instrument’s amendment history therefore interacts with the Legislation Act and other legislative instruments implementing or modifying ADRs. Clause‑level amendments listed in the endnotes show that key compliance requirements have been added, renumbered or altered over time.
Administrative decision‑making. ADR 42/04 refers to an 'Administrator' with decision rights (for example clause 14.2.4 and clause 25.1.1.1). That position and its powers are created and defined by the enabling vehicle standards framework or regulations, meaning compliance and enforcement are interconnected with administrative law and the regulator’s policy.
Absence of penalty text. The Standard does not contain penalty provisions in the text provided. This implies interaction with separate statutory instruments for enforcement, registration, recall and sanctions. Practitioners must consult the enabling statute and the regulator’s compliance instruments to understand legal sanctions, evidence‑gathering powers and appeal routes.

In short, ADR 42/04 must be read and applied in combination with the definitions ADR, the enabling statutory framework governing ADRs and vehicle approvals, referenced Australian Standards, and the international standards listed when equivalence is invoked. Reliance on equivalence clauses requires the referenced document versions to match those cited in ADR 42/04.

This compilation includes amendments up to and including the Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule) Amendment Instrument No. 1 of 2025, as recorded in the endnotes. The legislation history in Endnote 3 lists the original ADR registration and subsequent amendment instruments with dates and commencement dates. Notable entries include the original ADR 42/04 registration 13/12/2005 (commencing 14/12/2005) and amendment instruments in 2007, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2021, 2023 and the 2025 instrument (see Endnote 3 table).

Endnote 4 provides a provision‑level amendment history listing which clauses were amended, added, repealed or renumbered and which instrument effected the change. Representative items from that table include:

Clause 2.1 was added by Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule) Amendment Instrument No. 1 of 2025 (Endnote 4: "2.1. ad , Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule) Amendment Instrument No. 1 of 2025").
Steering requirements (clause 7.2.1) were amended by Amendment 2 (Endnote 4).
Semi‑trailer bumper requirements (clause 8.1.2) and related material were amended by Amendment 6 and Amendment 3 respectively.
Exhaust outlet clause 10.1 was amended by Amendment 1, and 10.3 was amended by Amendment 3.
Substantial changes to wheel guard clauses and figure rescissions and additions occurred across amendments: Clause 14.1.2.1.1 was amended by the 2025 instrument; clauses in 14.3 were repealed and renumbered by Amendment 4; clause 14.5 was added by Amendment 1; figure changes are recorded (Figure 1 and 2 "rs" by Amendment 1; Figure 3 and others added or replaced across amendments).
Clause 15 (brake tubing and hose) was amended by Amendment 2.
Power window procedural/technical clauses (19.3.2.6.3 and 19.3.2.6.4) were amended by the 2025 instrument and earlier amendments.
The SSR regime (clause 21 and its subclauses) has been the subject of several amendments: 21.1 was added by Amendment 5 and the 2025 instrument; several subclauses were renumbered and amended by Amendment 5 and the 2025 instrument; parts of the SSR testing procedures were added by Amendment 5 and refined by the 2025 instrument.
Clause 20.3.1 (accepting UN Regulation No. 165 equivalence) was added by the 2023 Amendment Instrument (Endnote 4).
Clause 25 and several tyre and rim subclauses were amended by the 2025 instrument (Endnote 4: many entries referencing "Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule) Amendment Instrument No. 1 of 2025" for clause 25.1.1, 25.3.1-3).

Endnote 4 therefore documents a history of iterative technical refinement and alignment with international standards, with notable 2025 changes touching clause 2 (scope), wheel guard geometries, SSR test method detail and tyre/rim matters. The endnotes also indicate that some amendments were renumberings or repeals effected by the Legislation Act 2003 (for example 1.2 rep by Legislation Act 2003 section 48D; 1.3 rep by section 48C).

Practitioners should treat the endnotes as authoritative for tracking which clauses changed, which figures were replaced or rescinded, and which external instruments were added as equivalence pathways. Where the Standard refers to an external standard by year (for example ISO 1185-1997, SAE J560-1998, AS 2513-1982, FMVSS versions), reliance on that equivalence should use the exact document versions indicated in the clause as amended.

The text compiled here contains no case law or judicial decisions. ADR 42/04 itself , as presented in this compilation , cites no litigation, and Endnotes 3 and 4 record only legislative amendment instruments and technical changes. There are no judicial authorities enumerated, no recorded appeals, no enforcement decisions and no references to court determinations in the instrument as supplied.

What the absence means in practice

No precedent in the instrument itself. Because ADR 42/04 does not name cases, practitioners cannot rely on precedential interpretations contained within the instrument. Interpretation and dispute resolution regarding ambiguous or qualitative phrases in the Standard (for example "as far as practicable" in clause 14.1.1 or "not louder than necessary" in clause 20.3) will therefore arise in administrative decision‑making, standard‑setting guidance, or in litigation under the enabling statute rather than within the ADR text itself.
Predictable early administrative determinations. In the absence of litigation cited in the instrument, expect that early interpretations of contentious technical phrases and tolerances will come from the nominated Administrator, technical guidance documents, or approval decisions that produce administrative precedents. Those administrative decisions may in turn be litigated under the enabling legislation, but such cases are not referenced in ADR 42/04.
Record of amendments but not enforcement outcomes. The endnotes track which clauses have been amended and when but do not record enforcement outcomes or adjudications. Where stakeholders require the interpretive history and regulatory approach to ambiguous clauses, they will need to consult regulatory guidance documents, type approval records, recall notices, and any judicial decisions under the enabling law.

If litigation or administrative decisions interpreting ADR 42/04 are relevant to compliance strategy, practitioners must search external jurisprudence and administrative records outside this instrument.

The Standard includes many precise technical thresholds and some qualitative phrases that create practical compliance traps. Below are concrete items to watch for, with clause references:

Vehicles certified to later ADRs exempt (clause 3.3). A manufacturer importing or supplying vehicles certified to ADR 42/05 or later does not need to comply with ADR 42/04. Conversely, relying on later ADR certification is a right that must be demonstrable in supply documentation. Practitioners should track which ADR version a vehicle was certified to avoid mistakenly applying ADR 42/04 where a later ADR applies.
Bonnet latching second latch trigger (clause 5.1.1). The second latch requirement is triggered by a bonnet that "in any open position partially or completely obstructs a driver’s forward view". That condition is a functional, not purely dimensional, trigger. Designers must assess the open bonnet positions relative to driver sight lines, not only closure geometry.
Steering centreline restriction (clause 7.1.1). The centreline of steering control must not be left of the vehicle centreline. For right‑hand drive conversions, this clause has straightforward application: steering position must be on or to the right of centreline. Ensure design conformity and test evidence.
Power steering failure warning (clause 7.1.3). Vehicles with "full power steering equipment" must provide visual steering failure/defect warnings. The clause deems vehicles complying with UNECE R79 to satisfy 7.1.2 and 7.1.3 (clause 7.1.4), but where UNECE R79 is not relied upon, manufacturers must implement visual warnings integrated with steering system diagnostics.
Semi‑trailer bumper strength and clearances (clause 8.1.1). The requirement that supporting members be of no less strength than steel tubing 100 mm OD x 8 mm wall thickness is a hard material/strength requirement. Engineers must either design to that member spec or show equivalent structural capacity and continuous force path to vehicle members.
Wiring support interval and chafe protection (clause 9.1.1). Wiring must be supported at intervals not exceeding 600 mm, insulated at joints, protected from chafing and routed away from heat and moving parts; failure to secure wiring at correct intervals is a common oversight in conversions and repairs.
Connector standards conditional on mass (clause 9.2.1.1). The Australian Standard 2513-1982 applies generally, but for motor vehicles over 3.5 tonnes GVM and trailers over 3.5 tonnes ATM, alternative ISO/SAE standards are allowed. Ensure the vehicle's mass category is correctly categorised before selecting connector specification.
Exhaust outlet specifics by category (clause 10). Exhaust outlet orientation, discharge angles and permitted plan view extension vary by vehicle type (LE, MD/ME omnibuses, NC vehicles). For enclosed LE vehicles the outlet must extend at least 40 mm beyond certain floorpan joints and must not extend beyond the perimeter in plan. Designers must reconcile exhaust packaging with these geometric constraints.
Field of view seating restriction (clause 12.2-12.3). No motor vehicle must have the seating reference point of any passenger seating more than 100 mm in front of the driver's seating reference point when both seats are rearmost, and passenger seating at the right‑hand side is prohibited. These rules affect layout choices for small buses and conversions.
Lavatory chemical requirement and discharge restrictions (clause 13.1.1-3). Where onboard toilets are fitted, tanks must be ventilated externally and contain non‑flammable/non‑irritant chemicals at all times; basins/sinks must not drain into those tanks. Caravan conversions must pay special attention to these plumbing and ventilation constraints.
Wheel guard geometry is detailed and category dependent (clause 14). The Standard uses angular sectors and precise dimensions (for example radial planes at 30 degrees forward and 50 degrees rear), minimal depths (p≥30 mm in a referenced vertical plane) and maximum distance from wheel axis (distance c ≤ 2r). For multi‑axle groups continuous protection from area A to area B is required. For vehicles ≥2.2 m wide with tray type bodies, visible portions of rear wheel guards must be white or silver unless rear marking plates are fitted (clause 14.4). These are technical design checks often overlooked in aftermarket body builds.
Power window functional and distance limits (clause 19.3.2.2.1-4). Power window operation is constrained to ignition key positions except in enumerated exceptions, and remote actuation is allowed only up to 11 m. Additionally, rear window switches located out of driver reach must be controllable by the driver to be turned off and must permit driver‑initiated opening. These operational constraints can affect vehicle electronic control software and keyless entry features.
Power window anti‑pinch test specifics (clause 19.3.2.6.3-6). The anti‑pinch requirements are not just performance numbers; they prescribe the test rod geometry (200 mm diameter cylindrical rod placed through the opening from inside) and require reversal before a 100 N pinch force is achieved within a specified opening range, plus options for how the window must re‑open. Test instrumentation must meet force/deflection ratios (10 N/mm). These precise test conditions make compliance testing technical and potentially contested if instrumentation or measurement protocols are not exactly followed.
Audible device ambiguity (clauses 20.1-20.4). Phrases like "not louder than is necessary to warn persons" are subjective and leave scope for administrative interpretation. Reverse alarms and retractable axle alarms must not be excessive; but no decibel limits are provided here. Operators must be ready to justify alarm settings against intended function and local noise regulations.
SSR testing sensitivity (clause 21.5). The SSR test methods include sensitivity statements: a 0.1 degree inaccuracy in inclination yields approx 0.0025 SSR in the relevant SSR range; a 5 mm error in elevation yields 0.009 SSR inaccuracy; a 1 kg axle weight error yields 0.023 SSR inaccuracy. Where a vehicle’s SSR is close to the compliance limit, measurement precision becomes critical. Testing laboratories must account for these sensitivities in measurement uncertainty analyses.
Retractable axle control location and marking (clause 22). Manual controls must be lockable and located within 2.5 m of the axle group centreline, not accessible from within the cab. Controls must not permit raising while load exceeds Prescribed Transition Mass, and malfunctions/tampering must default to fully down. A mandatory marking text and size and colour (25 mm letter height, red on white) must be placed within 2.0 metres of a specified plane. Failure to place or size this marking correctly will be a compliance defect.
Tyre inflation maxima (clause 25.1.1.2). Manufacturers must not fit tyres requiring cold inflation pressure >825 kPa for radial ply tyres and >700 kPa for other tyres to achieve the manufacturer’s rated GVM. This limits use of very high pressure tyres that could otherwise be selected for load capacity.
Tyre placard obligations (clause 25.3). Several vehicle categories must carry a tyre placard with manufacturer’s recommended tyre size, tyre load rating, speed rating and cold inflation pressures. Missing or incorrect placards are straightforward non‑compliance items at inspection.

In summary, the gotchas are precise measurement, labelling and test procedural requirements, conditional acceptance of alternative standards (which must be the exact versions cited), and operational restrictions that have software, electronic control, and user‑interface implications. Where the Standard uses qualitative language or leaves decisions to the Administrator, expect administrative interpretation to determine compliance in practice.

A practical compliance roadmap follows directly from the Standard’s clauses. Below are concrete steps, cross‑referenced to clause numbers, for manufacturers, modifiers, registrars and compliance engineers.

Determine applicable vehicle category and ADR version (clause 3 and Applicability Table). Before design or certification activity begins, identify the vehicle’s ADR category code (MA, MB, MC, NA, NB, NB1, NB2, NC, L‑group, T‑group etc) and confirm whether the vehicle is certified to ADR 42/04 or to ADR 42/05 or later (clause 3.3). Where ADR 42/05 or later applies, ADR 42/04 need not be applied.
Map clause obligations to design and build processes. Create a compliance matrix listing each clause applicable to the vehicle category:
- Structural and bodywork: bonnet latching (clause 5), semi‑trailer bumper geometry and strength (clause 8), protrusions (clause 11), wheel guards (clause 14).
- Mechanical safety: steering centreline and fail‑safe (clause 7), brake hoses and routing (clause 15), reverse gear capability (clause 16), retractable axle mechanical limits and marking (clause 22).
- Powertrain and exhaust: diesel start lock (clause 6), exhaust outlet geometry/height/shielding (clause 10).
- Electrical/electronic: wiring support and protection (clause 9.1), connector standard selection by mass category (clause 9.2.1.1), power window control logic and anti‑pinch features (clause 19.3).
- Occupant systems: sleeper berth dimensions and egress (clause 17), TV/display mounting and visibility (clause 18), demisting and wipers/washers (clauses 23-24), ventilation (clause 19.2).
- Tyres and placards: tyre/rim selection and placard content (clause 25).
Apply referenced standards and equivalence routes. Where ADR 42/04 allows deemed compliance with an external standard (e.g. UNECE R79 clause 7.1.4, FMVSS 118 clause 19.3.2.6.6, UN R165 clause 20.3.1), decide if you will design to the ADR text directly or to the referenced standard. If using an equivalence route, ensure documentation demonstrates conformity to the exact cited version and that test reports or approvals map clause‑by‑clause.
Ensure documentation and test evidence align with prescriptive tests. For SSR compliance (clause 21.5) select the Stable Pendulum Method or Axle Lift Method, document measurement uncertainty analyses (account for clause sensitivity notes), and retain raw measurement data and calculations demonstrating SSR ≤1.0 or ≤1.5 as applicable. For power windows (clause 19.3.2.6), preserve the test rods used, force measurement calibration certificate, and test data showing reversal before 100 N within the specified opening range and the required post‑reversal position.
Material and component specification. For items with material minima (semi‑trailer bumper member no less strength than steel tubing 100 mm OD x 8 mm wall in clause 8.1.1.4-5) either specify and source components meeting that dimension or obtain structural calculations demonstrating equivalent capacity and a continuous force path.
Electronic control and UX changes. Implement software and control logic to meet operational requirements for power windows (clause 19.3.2.2 and subclauses), steering failure warnings for vehicles with full power steering (clause 7.1.3), and audible warnings for retractable axle lowering (clause 22.2.1.2). Document user interface and key‑position linkage to show windows are operable only in authorised ignition states and that remote actuation obeys the 11 m limit.
Labelling and marking. Fit tyre placards on MA, MB, MC, MD, NA, NB1, TA and TB vehicles with manufacturer‑recommended tyre size, load rating, speed rating and cold inflation pressures (clause 25.3). For retractable axles, place the specified warning marking on both sides within 2.0 metres of the relevant transverse plane, with letters at least 25 mm high, red on white (clause 22.2.1.3). Ensure any required white or silver wheel guard rear surfaces are applied for tray‑type bodies ≥2.2 m overall width where rear marking plates are absent (clause 14.4).
Supplier contracts and component traceability. Require suppliers to certify that wiring, brake hoses, tyres, rims and connectors conform to the specified nominated standards or that the Administrator has accepted alternatives where used. Keep certificates of conformity and batch/lot evidence to support approvals and registration.
Administrative approvals and the Administrator’s role. Where the instrument contemplates Administrator acceptance for alternative tyre/rim combinations (clause 25.1.1.1) or waiver of wheel guard requirements as impracticable (clause 14.2.4), prepare formal submissions with technical justification, comparative testing, and proposed mitigations. Early engagement with the Administrator reduces approval delay risk.
Production inspection and in‑service checks. Include specific checks on wiring support spacing (≤600 mm), bonnet latch second position, presence and condition of demisting, wipers and washer systems, tyre placards, exhaust outlet positions, and wheel guard integrity. For vehicles with retractable axles ensure the audible alarm operation, locking of manual control enclosures, and presence of markings are validated prior to release.
Records and compliance file. Maintain a compliance dossier containing calculation workbooks (SSR calculations and axle lift/pendulum data), material certificates, test reports (power window, brake hose standards conformity, exhaust location verification), placard proofs, and any Administrator approvals or correspondence. Because ADR 42/04 contains prescribed test methods and numerical thresholds, retain test evidence capable of withstanding regulatory inspection.
Update monitoring and amendment watch. The Standard has an active amendment history (Endnotes 3 and 4). Establish a monitoring process to capture ADR amendments and the Administrator’s guidance bulletins that clarify qualitative terms (for example acceptable decibel ranges for alarms, or the Administrator’s approach to "as far as practicable").
Operational policies and training. For operators and maintenance staff, provide checklists for in‑field checks: correct tyre pressure and placard adherence, operation of retractable axle controls, reverse alarm functioning only when reverse selected, and power window operational limits and anti‑pinch tests. For passenger vehicles with TV screens, ensure installation instructions prevent driver visibility of active images (clause 18).
Prepare for measurement disputes. Where test results hover near compliance thresholds (SSR testing or anti‑pinch forces), document measurement precision, calibration certificates and uncertainty intervals, as clause 21.5 explicitly warns small measurement errors significantly affect SSR. Use accredited labs and calibrated instrumentation.

By following these steps, retaining the documentary trace and engaging the Administrator on borderline or non‑standard solutions, manufacturers and modifiers will be positioned to demonstrate compliance with ADR 42/04’s prescriptive and performance requirements.

Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 42/04 – General Safety Requirements) 2005

Plain English Summary

Deep Dive

What it does

Current sections

Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 42/04 – General Safety Requirements) 2005

Source text: opening excerpt

1 Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 42/04 – General Safety Requirements) 2005

Main concepts

Who it affects

Key duties and rights

Penalties and enforcement

How it interacts with other laws

Amendment history

Litigation history

Gotchas

How to comply