If you’ve ever lifted your 4X4, fitted bigger tyres, or even just tweaked your camping setup for better usability, you’ve probably had that little thought in the back of your mind: Is this legal? In Australia, modifying a vehicle – even with safety and performance improvements – feels like walking a tightrope between personalisation and punishment. Now, the wider car enthusiast community is pushing back.
A petition with over 70,000 signatures is calling for a major overhaul of Australia’s vehicle modification laws, arguing they are overly restrictive and inconsistently enforced. The frustration is boiling over, with 4X4 owners, mechanics, and performance enthusiasts alike voicing concerns that existing laws don’t reflect real-world safety or the needs of responsible enthusiasts.
Why 4X4 Owners Are Upset
Right now, modifying your 4X4 legally requires navigating a maze of state-by-state regulations, engineering certificates, and compliance checks. The penalties for non-compliance? Hefty fines, defect notices, or even having your vehicle towed on the spot.
According to the petition’s creator, Jacob Walker, the constant fear of being defected makes ownership stressful, even for those who modify their vehicles properly.
And that’s the kicker – many enthusiasts take vehicle safety more seriously than the average driver. Jeremy Moore, a qualified mechanic who signed the petition, stated: “80% of modified vehicles are safer than most other vehicles on the road.”
The Government’s Response
The National Transport Commission (NTC) is currently reviewing VSB14, the document that sets the national standards for light vehicle modifications. A spokesperson from Transport for NSW made it clear that while there’s no current plan to ease modification laws, the goal is to create a “safety-focused” and nationally consistent set of rules.
However, many 4X4 enthusiasts argue that current enforcement targets the wrong people. While minor modifications that increase ride height or use larger tyres can trigger an immediate defect, dangerously neglected vehicles – ones with bald tyres, faulty brakes, or poor handling – often seem to fly under the radar.
The Hypocrisy in Enforcement
This is where frustration peaks. Many 4X4 owners spend thousands of dollars on quality suspension, engineered upgrades, and tyre setups that make their vehicles safer. Yet, they feel unfairly targeted compared to the average commuter driving a poorly maintained vehicle that genuinely poses a safety risk.
A common example brought up in enthusiast circles is police targeting factory-built performance cars for noise tests or issuing defects for features that meet Australian Design Rules. This happened in 2012 when a brand-new Toyota 86 was defected for having factory daytime running lights – a decision that was later retracted. But the damage to trust between enthusiasts and authorities remains.
What Needs to Change?
A balanced approach is needed. Enthusiasts aren’t asking for free rein to hack together dangerous rigs – they want clear, fair, and realistic regulations that allow for modifications that enhance safety, off-road capability, and vehicle performance.
If the NTC’s review results in a nationally consistent, engineering-friendly approach that acknowledges the needs of off-roaders and performance car owners, it could be a huge win. But if enforcement continues to focus on minor infractions while ignoring genuine road safety threats, expect this battle to continue.
One thing is clear – the 4X4 and car enthusiast communities aren’t backing down. The fight for fair, logical modification laws has begun, and with 70,000+ voices behind it already, the government may finally have to listen.
