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.

New modification code D3 - Fitting of non-standard rear wheel components

Recently the NHVR has seen a significant increase in the number of modification applications received from customers wanting to fit non-standard rear wheels to their heavy vehicles.

To simplify the certification process when fitting non-standard tyre and rims the NHVR has developed a new modification code which will sit within VSB6. The new Modification Code D3 - Fitting of non-standard rear wheel components will allow Approved Vehicle Examiners to certify the modification without the need for applying to the NHVR.

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

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

While an updated version of VSB6 which includes the new modification code will be released 1 February 2019, the NHVR has published a draft document to allow Approved Vehicle Examiners (AVEs) to familiarise themselves with the document prior to release.

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

VSB6 Version 3

VSB6 Version 3 become the national standard for the most common modifications made to heavy vehicles on 1 September 2017.

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 Introduction PDF, 1.1MB

Section A - Engines PDF, 3.5MB

Section B - Transmissions PDF, 915KB

Section C - Tail Shafts PDF, 1.3MB

Section D - Rear Axles PDF, 1.2MB

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

Section F - Suspension PDF, 1.4MB

Section G - Brakes PDF, 7MB

Section H - Chassis PDF, 7.6MB

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, 2.8MB

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, 2.2MB

Section M - Fuel Systems PDF, 748KB

Section P - Tow couplings PDF, 2.8MB

Section R - Vehicle Mounted Lifting Systems PDF, 2.2MB

Section S - Vehicle Rating PDF, 5.9MB

Section T - Tow Trucks PDF, 1.3MB