Exhaust
11-1 Exhaust system
Reasons for rejection
Mandatory equipment
1. A vehicle is not fitted with an exhaust system that includes a means of sound reduction (Note 1).
Condition
2. An exhaust system is not securely mounted.
3. The exhaust system is so constructed or modified that its operation or effectiveness can be readily interfered with, eg the driver is able to interfere with the exhaust system by operating a manual switch.
4. The exhaust system is so constructed that emitted heat or fumes:
- are not directed away from, and prevented from entering, the vehicle’s passenger compartment (Note 2), or
- are likely to harm vehicle occupants.
Performance
5. There is a leak of exhaust fumes from the exhaust system.
6. The exhaust noise output from a heavy vehicle is noticeably and significantly louder than it would have been when the vehicle was manufactured with its original exhaust system
Note 1
Exhaust system means a pipe assembly through which the engine exhaust gases pass to the atmosphere and includes some means of sound reduction such as a silencer or resonator.
Note 2
Exhaust systems that direct exhaust fumes away from the perimeter of the vehicle’s passenger compartment will comply with this requirement, and an OE fitment (or direct OE replacement) where the exhaust system terminates directly below the vehicle’s floorpan is also permissible.
Summary of legislation
Applicable legislation
Mandatory equipment
1. A motor vehicle with an internal combustion engine must be fitted with an exhaust system.
Condition
2. An exhaust system must not be constructed or modified in a way that allows a person to interfere readily with its operation or reduce its effectiveness.
3. An exhaust system must be designed, constructed, positioned and maintained in a way that minimises the risk of heat or fumes emitted from the system harming the vehicle’s occupants.
Performance
4. An exhaust system must be effective and in good working order.
5. The noise output from the exhaust system of a heavy vehicle must not be noticeably and significantly louder than the noise output from the vehicle’s original exhaust system at the time of the vehicle’s manufacture.
Modification
6. An exhaust system that is affected by a modification must meet the requirements in this manual, including those for equipment, condition and performance.
Page amended 1 October 2020 (see amendment details).