A “street machine” is considered to be any vehicle manufactured from 1949 up to today that has been modified for maintenance, safety or style.

The ASMF-WA focuses primarily on vehicles manufactured from 1949 to 1986, commonly referred to as “steel bumper” vehicles.

The Concessions for Classics scheme (C4C) offers a 75% reduction in vehicle registration fees and allows 90 days of road use per calendar year to eligible street rods and vehicles manufactured prior to 1990.

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The Australian Street Machine Federation (ASMF-WA) is a representative body to voice the queries and concerns of street machine enthusiasts.

The ASMF-WA are a recognised partner of the Vehicle Modification Engineering Group (VMEG) and work closely with the Dept of Transport to engage in discussions related to the proposed variation to vehicle modification rules and regulations in Western Australia.

Many minor vehicle modifications can be carried out without specific approval, as long as they comply with the applicable legislation.

Minor vehicle modifications:

• Approval is not required from DoT.

• An AIS inspection is not required.

Minor modifications that do not require approval or inspection include:

• Additional lighting.

• Air conditioners.

• Air shock absorbers.

• Alarm systems.

• Badge bars.

• Body markings and speed striping.

• Change of vehicle colour.

• Mesh stone shields for wind screens and lamps.

• Mud spats and pebble guards.

• Optional manufacturer seating.

• Radio and stereo systems.

• Rear-view mirrors.

• Roof racks.

• Seat belts for pre-1969 cars (not full harness types).

• Single-tone air horns.

• Stabiliser bars.

• Sun visors.

• Torque rods and traction bars (not semi-tramp types).

• Towbars.

• Tyre size and aspect ratio.

• Venetian blinds and other internal screening systems are allowed, subject to a clear view to the rear.

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The following modifications do not need written pre-approval from the DoT and can be assessed by an Authorised Inspection Station (AIS) vehicle examiner at the time of the inspection. A Modification Permit will be issued by the AIS approving your particular modification.

Simple vehicle modifications:

• Approval is not required from DoT.

• However, an AIS inspection is required.

Before you book with AIS to have your modified vehicle inspected, the following must be completed:

• You must pre-pay for the modification permit before you present the vehicle for inspection.

• You must present your receipt at the time of the inspection.

Moderate vehicle modifications that do not require approval but do need to be inspected include:

• Body and interior modifications.

• Brake system modifications.

• Driveline modifications.

• Electrical modifications.

• Engine modifications. (does not include an engine change)

• LPG and fuel system modifications.

• Steering modifications.

• Suspension modifications.

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Modifications that DO require approval (limitations and conditions).

• Complex vehicle modifications:

• Engineering Certification is required from DoT.

For information on the following modifications please refer to the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development Vehicle Standards Bulletin: National Code of Practice for Light Vehicle Construction and Modification (VSB 14):

• Alternative power.

• Body modifications.

• Brakes *.

• Electric drive.

• Engine change.

• Fuel systems.

• Motorcycles.

• Seating and occupant protection.

• Suspension and steering.

• Test procedures.

• Transmissions.

• Trike guidelines.

*Note about brake modifications

Modifications to the braking system of a motor vehicle are permissible only where listed by the vehicle manufacturer as an option for the particular model. However, the fitting of a suitable power booster unit to a brake system is in order where it is an option listed by the vehicle manufacturer or is recommended by a qualified brake specialist.

Passenger vehicles and their derivatives manufactured to comply with ADR 31 - Hydraulic Braking Systems, and ADR 35 - Commercial Vehicle Braking Systems, must not be modified without prior written approval from the department.

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The minimum design, installation and fabrication requirements involving engine substitutions and modifications are outlined in Section LA of the VSB 14 (NCOP3).

Basic Modifications

The following are Basic Modifications that may be performed without certification providing the modifications are carried out in compliance with the requirements detailed in Clause 2 General Requirements:

• Fitting a replacement new, used or reconditioned engine;

• Fitting a manufacturer’s optional engine together with any associated components as supplied by the manufacturer for that same model vehicle;

• Fitting replacement original equipment engine and exhaust components;

• Fitting replacement original equipment, equivalent or better, components that have no influence on engine performance or emissions (e.g. higher volume oil pump than original); and

• Fitting equivalent engines with an increase of up to 20% of original power.

Engine Modifications that require Certification

The following is a summary of modifications that may be performed under Section LA:

• Fitting engines greater than 120% of original power and/or engine mass; Fitting performance engines;

• Fitting engines from non original equipment sources;

• Installing a supercharger or turbocharger; and

• Modifying the engine and engine components that results in an increase in engine power of more than 20% and/or affects exhaust emissions.

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The minimum design, installation and fabrication requirements for body and chassis modifications are outlined in Section LH of the VSB 14 (NCOP6).

Basic Modifications

The following basic modifications do not require certification under the LH Codes, if they are carried out in accordance with the requirements specified in sub-section 2 General Requirements and sub-section 4 Modifications Without Certification.

• Bonnet scoops and projections;

• Bonnet pins and mascots;

• Customised and replacement panels;

• Inner mudguard modifications;

• and Glass and surface films.

Body and Chassis Modifications that require Certification

The following modifications may be performed under the LH Codes:

• Conversion of a vehicle by removing or modifying the roof, e.g. convertible conversion; Conversion of a vehicle by extending or reducing the wheelbase, e.g. stretched limousine;

• Construction of a vehicle using at least the chassis or body from a production vehicle, e.g. Holden station wagon body on a Landcruiser chassis;

• Conversion of a vehicle to a different model variant, e.g. station wagon to utility conversion; and

• Tilt-fronts.

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The minimum design, installation and fabrication requirements modifications involving tyres, rimes, suspension and steering are outlined in Section LS of the VSB 14 (NCOP11).

Basic Modifications

The following modifications may be performed without certification if they are carried out in accordance with sub-section 2 General Requirements and the total change in vehicle height resulting from all modifications performed, does not exceed 50mm.

• Tyre and rim substitution carried out within the limits specified in this Section;

• Lowering and raising suspensions (by not more than one third of the original suspension travel provided the original vehicle height is not increased or decreased by more than 50mm);

• Raising the vehicle with a body lift kit provided the original vehicle height is not increased by more than 50mm (refer to sub-section 4.11 for conditions and limitations);

• Shock absorber substitution;

• Spring and sway bar substitution;

• Track rod and strut brace installation;

• Steering wheel substitution (refer to sub-section 4.9 of this Section); and Power steering (manufacturer’s option) conversion.

Modifications that require certification

The following modifications require certification under the LS Codes;

• Left to right hand drive steering conversions;

• Steering and suspension modifications;

• Power steering (non-standard) conversion;

• Rack and pinion steering conversion;

• Suspension strut or upright substitution;

• Rear axle substitution; and

• Raising the vehicle beyond 50mm but not more than 150mm.

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You may need to get your vehicle inspected in order to license it, remove a defect notice (yellow sticker), or if your vehicle requires an annual inspection.

To see a list of Authorised Inspection Stations (AIS) for the Perth metropolitan area click here

To find a list of persons who are recognised by the Department as able to issue engineering or modification reports or certificates for vehicles modified by themselves or under their personal supervision click here