Changing Vehicle Details (Engines etc)
Vehicle Operations Branch has released two information leaflets, copies of which are available from any AIS. A fee will be charged by an AIS for this service.
One of the leaflets deals with approved engine conversions which are able to be done without an Engineers Certificate. The information leaflet covers most makes and models of vehicles and provides the manufacturer's specifications for the maximum engine replacement size and any minor modifications that may be required to complete these modifications.
The other information leaflet, which includes an application form, deals with structural and/or engine modifications which may effect the handling characteristics or structural integrity of the vehicle. An example of this would be adding a turbocharger or supercharger to an engine giving the vehicle increased power.
Additional leaflets dealing with other technical matters are also available from Approved Inspection Stations.
Persons who have replaced an engine in their vehicle are required to undertake one of the following:
- If the engine was supplied and fitted by a company approved by the Division, the client will receive a form signed by the approved company which should be forwarded to the Transport Division for change of details to be recorded. Alternatively the company may forward the form to the Division. The vehicle would not have to be inspected. The registration record will be amended to show the new engine details. This procedure only applies to engine changes which do not require approval by an engineer.
- Changes which require approval from an engineer or engines not fitted by an approved engine fitter must be inspected by an AIS to verify:
- The new engine number,
- That the engine has been fitted correctly,
- In the case of vehicles requiring an engineers report a certificate and modification plate issued by the Transport Division in addition to the above if applicable.
If a person wishes to make any alterations to the body type of any vehicle they should contact their local AIS and obtain a modification application form. On completion the application should be forwarded to the Senior Technical Officer, Vehicle Operations Branch.
When the application is received the proposed alterations will be considered and either be approved in principle or the applicant will be requested to provide further information.
All modifications must be inspected to ensure they have been done correctly.
Note: This section does not apply to changes to heavy vehicle configurations discussed earlier.
A campervan is a vehicle which has sleeping berths and cooking facilities and must have passenger seats, with the appropriate seat belts fitted, equal to the number of sleeping berths. It may not carry goods. Campervans may vary in size depending on the structure of the original vehicle (ie a campervan can be a converted small van or large bus).
Note: Old buses which have their seats removed and have sleeping berths installed and are used to carry a race car, boat or similar in the rear of the vehicle are not considered to be a campervan, as they have a load carrying capability. They would be registered as a van.
Vehicles modified as campervan will require inspection.
If the axle configuration of a vehicle has been altered the registered owner should complete a 'GVM/GCM Review Form' detailing the changes made to the vehicle. If the vehicle is fitted with a new axle or axle group which changes the GVM/GCM a certificate must be provided by the manufacturer giving details of the new capacity. The Motor Registry records would be updated, from this information, to show the new GVM/GCM. From this information arrangements should be made for a balance of tax to be collected or a refund paid as the case may be.
