Vehicle Standards Bulletin 6

VSB6 V3 update resources

Overview

Changes

AVE information

Podcasts

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Vehicle Standards Bulletin 6: National Code of Practice Heavy Vehicle Modifications, known as VSB6, 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.

For the last 2 years the NHVR, representatives from state and territory transport authorities, industry associations and relevant subject matter experts, have undertaken an extensive review of VSB6 in line with advances in vehicle technology. While changes to the technical requirements of VSB6 have been kept to a minimum, there are some changes that will change the way that some common modifications are performed in different states. This review has led to the update of VSB6 to Version 3.

VSB6 Version 3

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

The NHVR understands that some vehicle modifications are complex changes and require extensive design and work to complete. To ensure that owners and modifiers who have already commenced these types of complex changes are able to finish their modifications, AVEs will be able to certify modifications to the previous VSB6 codes, provided these modifications are completed and certified by 30 September 2017. The previous version of VSB6 is published by the Australian Motor Vehicle Certification Board (AMVCB) and can be viewed at www.infrastructure.gov.au/roads/vehicle_regulation/bulletin/vsb_06.aspx

From 1 October 2017, all modifications certified by an AVE must be done in accordance with VSB6 Version 3.

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

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

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