Vehicle Standards Bulletin 6 (VSB6)

Vehicle Standards Bulletin 6 (VSB6): National Code of Practice Heavy Vehicle Modifications is the national standard for the most common modifications made to heavy vehicles. Under the NHVR Code of Practice for the Approval of Heavy Vehicle Modifications, the NHVR has set VSB6 as the primary standard used by Approved Vehicle Examiners (AVEs) to approve modifications to heavy vehicles.

VSB6 Section T - Tow trucks review

Industry feedback provided during the recent review of VSB6 indicated that Section T – Tow Trucks required updating to align with current design and construction techniques.

We are now seeking input and feedback from the broader heavy vehicle industry, including vehicle modifiers and approved vehicle examiners (AVEs), who use Section T.

From Monday 7 December 2020 until Friday 29 January 2021, a public consultation draft of the revised VSB6 Section T will be available for review.

Find out more on the VSB6 Section T - Tow trucks review.

VSB6 Version 3.1

On 1 February 2019, updates to VSB6 came into effect. Criteria in Version 3.1 of VSB6 should now be used when conducting a vehicle modification.

While the majority of the changes made in this update have been minor administrative amendments, Version 3.1 addresses the introduction of a new modification code and a simplified in-service emission testing procedure for using portable emission measuring systems (PEMS).

Key changes

New modification code in Section D - Rear axles

D3 - Fitting of non-standard rear wheel components - Has been developed in response to a significant increase in the number of modification applications for the fitting of non-standard rear wheels to their heavy vehicles

The new modification code simplifies the certification process and allows Approved Vehicle Examiners to certify the modification without the need for applying to the NHVR.

The new modification code covers non-standard tyres and rims to be fitted to:

  • heavy motor vehicle rear axles
  • heavy trailer rear axles
  • rear steerable axles.

For information on becoming accredited with the new D3 modification code please contact your state or territory transport authority.

New testing procedure in Section A – Engines

In-Service Emission Testing - Portable Emissions Measuring System Equipment - In recent years, significant advancements have been made to develop and refine reliable and economical portable emissions measurements systems (PEMS). PEMS testing for vehicle modifications, carried out in accordance with the Simplified Emissions Test Procedure - Portable Emissions Measurement System (PDF, 522KB) offers an alternative, realistic approach to emissions testing which significantly reduces the time and cost associated with this type of testing.

More information about these testing requirements is available in VSG28 - In-Service Emission Testing - Portable Emissions Measuring System Equipment (PDF, 309KB).

Delays still in place

Delayed implementation of Modification Codes H6 and H7

The NHVR is delaying the implementation of Modification Codes H6 (Install approved front underrun protection) and H7 (Design or manufacture of aftermarket front underrun protection) and has not set a date for the implementation of these codes at this time. Further details can be found in VSG15 - Information about bullbars and the delayed implementation of Modification Codes H6 and H7 (PDF, 330KB).

If you are an affected bull bar manufacturer or designer, truck manufacturer or other impacted party and would like to receive regular updates about the release of Modification Codes H6 & H7 please contact the Vehicle Standards team by email at vehiclestandards@nhvr.gov.au

Tip truck hoisting systems

The Australian Standard AS 1418.8 section 4 sets the requirement for tip truck hoisting systems (tipper bodies). The NHVR is in the process of developing a new design code to meet the requirements of AS1418.8. For more information please see VSG17 - Implementation of revised tip truck hoisting system requirements (PDF, 166KB).

VSB6 V3.1 Introduction PDF, 1.2MB

Section A - Engines PDF, 2.9MB

Section B - Transmissions PDF, 934KB

Section C - Tail Shafts PDF, 1.4MB

Section D - Rear Axles PDF, 624KB

Section E - Front Axle Steering Wheels & Tyres PDF, 3.3MB

Section F - Suspension PDF, 1.4MB

Section G - Brakes PDF, 7.1MB

Section H - Chassis PDF, 7.8MB

Please note: the NHVR is delaying the implementation of Modification Codes H6 and H7 as per the VSG15 - Information about bullbars and the delayed implementation of Modification Codes H6 and H7 (PDF, 330KB).

Section J - Body Mounting PDF, 2.6MB

Please note: The NHVR is in the process of developing a new design code to meet the requirements of AS1418.8. For more information please see VSG17 - Implementation of revised tip truck hoisting system requirements (PDF, 166KB).

Section K - Cabin PDF, 3.5MB

Section M - Fuel Systems PDF, 588KB

Section P - Tow couplings PDF, 2.9MB

Section R - Vehicle Mounted Lifting Systems PDF, 2.3MB

Section S - Vehicle Rating PDF, 7.2MB

Section T - Tow Trucks PDF, 1.8MB