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.
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
- A1 Checklist - Engine substitution
DOCX, 57KB |
XLSX, 56KB
- A1 Modification report - Engine installation
DOCX, 48KB |
XLSX, 35KB
- A2 Checklist - Air cleaner substitution or additional fitting
DOCX, 49KB |
XLSX, 38KB
- A3 Checklist - Turbo charger installation
DOCX, 50KB |
XLSX, 42KB
- A4 Checklist - Exhaust system alteration
DOCX, 49KB |
XLSX, 40KB
- A5 Checklist - Road speed limiter installation
DOCX, 54KB |
XLSX, 69KB
Section B - Transmissions PDF, 934KB
- B1 Checklist - Transmission substitution or additional fitting
DOCX, 54KB |
XLSX, 47KB
Section C - Tail Shafts PDF, 1.4MB
- C1 Checklist - Tail shaft modification
DOCX, 50KB |
XLSX, 39KB
- C1 Modification report - Tail shaft modification
DOCX, 53KB |
XLSX, 39KB
Section D - Rear Axles PDF, 624KB
- D1 Checklist - Rear axle installation
DOCX, 50KB |
XLSX, 30KB
- D2 Checklist - Differential substitution
DOCX, 49KB |
XLSX, 25KB
- D3 Checklist - Fitting of non-standard rear wheel components
DOCX, 62KB |
XLSX, 29KB
Section E - Front Axle Steering Wheels & Tyres PDF, 3.3MB
- E1 Checklist - Front axle installation
DOCX, 53KB |
XLSX, 28KB
- E2 Checklist - Steering alteration
DOCX, 55KB |
XLSX, 35KB
- E2 Modification report - Front axle and steering
DOCX, 59KB |
XLSX, 40KB
- E3 Checklist - Fitting of non-standard front wheel, i.e. tyre or rim
DOCX, 52KB |
XLSX, 29KB
Section F - Suspension PDF, 1.4MB
- F1 Checklist - Suspension substitution
DOCX, 51KB |
XLSX, 29KB
- F2 Checklist - Trailer suspension modifications
DOCX, 51KB |
XLSX, 30KB
Section G - Brakes PDF, 7.1MB
- G Modification report - Air system re-charge data sheet
DOCX, 52KB |
XLSX, 26KB
- G1 Checklist - Relocation of air brake components
DOCX, 50KB |
XLSX, 26KB
- G2 Checklist - Installation of trailer braking controls: air brakes
DOCX, 53KB |
XLSX, 31KB
- G3 Checklist - Trailer brake system upgrade
DOCX, 57KB |
XLSX, 33KB
- G4 Checklist - Brake system certification
DOCX, 58KB |
XLSX, 42KB
- G4 Modification report - Brake system (pre-ADR vehicle)
DOCX, 39KB |
XLSX, 27KB
- G4 Modification report - Brake system: ADR certified vehicle
DOCX, 49KB |
XLSX, 26KB
- G4 Test report - Brake torque build-up check: adjacent axles
DOCX, 67KB |
XLSX, 39KB
- G5 Checklist - Fitting of auxiliary and endurance brakes
DOCX, 50KB |
XLSX, 26KB
- G6 Checklist - Fitting of air operated accessories
DOCX, 51KB |
XLSX, 29KB
- G7 Checklist - Brake system substitution/wheelbase extension
DOCX, 49KB |
XLSX, 26KB
- G8 Checklist - Trailer brake system upgrade (design)
DOCX, 54KB |
XLSX, 36KB
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).
- H Calculation sheet - Chassis modification
DOCX, 47KB |
XLSX, 26KB
- H1 Checklist - Wheelbase extension outside OEM options
DOCX, 54KB |
XLSX, 33KB
- H2 Checklist - Wheelbase reduction outside OEM options
DOCX, 54KB |
XLSX, 33KB
- H3 Checklist - Wheelbase alterations within OEM options
DOCX, 53KB |
XLSX, 30KB
- H4 Checklist - Chassis alteration
DOCX, 54KB |
XLSX, 31KB
- H5 Checklist - Trailer chassis modifications
DOCX, 53KB |
XLSX, 30KB
- H6 Checklist - Install approved front underrun protection - Please note: VSG15 - Information about bullbars and the delayed implementation of Modification Codes H6 and H7 (PDF, 330KB).
DOCX, 52KB |
XLSX, 28KB
- H7 Checklist - Design or manufacture of aftermarket front underrun protection - Please note: VSG15 - Information about bullbars and the delayed implementation of Modification Codes H6 and H7 (PDF, 330KB).
DOCX, 52KB |
XLSX, 31KB
- H7 Certificate of approval - FUPD and FUPS (example)
DOCX, 49KB |
XLSX, 24KB
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).
- J1 Checklist - Body mounting
DOCX, 54KB |
XLSX, 32KB
- J2 Checklist - Fitting of truck-bus body
DOCX, 54KB |
XLSX, 29KB
- J3 Checklist - Fitting of roll-over or falling object protection system
DOCX, 52KB |
XLSX, 26KB
Section K - Cabin PDF, 3.5MB
- K1 Checklist - Seating capacity alteration, seat, seatbelt and anchorage installation
DOCX, 54KB |
XLSX, 33KB
- K2 Checklist - Certification of seat and of seat belt anchorage
DOCX, 52KB |
XLSX, 29KB
- K3 Checklist - Cabin Conversion
DOCX, 56KB |
XLSX, 32KB
- K5 Checklist - Installation of wheelchair occupant restraint system
DOCX, 52KB |
XLSX, 28KB
- K6 Checklist - Child restraint anchorage installation
DOCX, 57KB |
XLSX, 32KB
Section M - Fuel Systems PDF, 588KB
- M1 Checklist - Fuel system alterations
DOCX, 51KB |
XLSX, 29KB
Section P - Tow couplings PDF, 2.9MB
- P1 Checklist - Towbar and coupling installation other than fifth wheels and kingpins
DOCX, 55KB |
XLSX, 29KB
- P2 Checklist - Fifth wheel and kingpin installations
DOCX, 61KB |
XLSX, 41KB
- P2 Evaluation sheet - Fifth wheel and turntable evaluation report
DOCX, 78KB |
XLSX, 52KB
Section R - Vehicle Mounted Lifting Systems PDF, 2.3MB
- R1 Checklist - Installation of vehicle mounted lifting systems
DOCX, 57KB |
XLSX, 32KB
- R1 Assessment report - Vehicle mounted lifting systems
DOCX, 78KB |
XLSX, 60KB
- R2 Checklist - Wheelchair loader installation
DOCX, 52KB |
XLSX, 26KB
Section S - Vehicle Rating PDF, 7.2MB
- S1 Checklist - GVM/GCM re-rating
DOCX, 58KB |
XLSX, 37KB
- S2 Checklist - GVM re-rating (design)
DOCX, 62KB |
XLSX, 40KB
- S3 Checklist - GCM re-rating (design)
DOCX, 58KB |
XLSX, 37KB
- S7 Checklist - ATM/GTM re-rating
DOCX, 59KB |
XLSX, 40KB
- S8 Checklist - Motor vehicle road train rating
DOCX, 60KB |
XLSX, 39KB
- S9 Checklist - Prime mover B-double rating
DOCX, 61KB |
XLSX, 40KB
- S11 Checklist - Road train trailer rating
DOCX, 61KB |
XLSX, 42KB
- S12 Checklist - ATM/GTM re-rating (design)
DOCX, 60KB |
XLSX, 40KB
Section T - Tow Trucks PDF, 1.8MB
- T1 Checklist — Construction of tow trucks
DOCX, 62KB |
XLSX, 43KB
- T2 Checklist — Design of tow trucks
DOCX, 50KB |
XLSX, 25KB