Correct as at 26th April 2024. It may be superseded at any time.

Extract taken from: Vehicle Inspection Portal > VIRMs > In-service certification (WoF and CoF) > General vehicles > Miscellaneous items

13 Miscellaneous items

13-1 Engine and transmission

Reasons for rejection

Condition

1. An engine, gearbox, transfer case, differential or other driveline mounting is insecure.

2. A driveshaft is bent or severely damaged.

3. A driveshaft flange:

a) is insecure, or

b) has a bolt or nut missing.

4. A driveshaft support bearing is:

a) insecure, or

b) worn beyond manufacturer’s specifications.

5. A driveshaft universal joint spider (cross) bearing:

a) is worn so that the movement in the joint is beyond manufacturer’s specifications, or

b) caps have loose or missing cap bolts or circlips, or

c) is damaged, displaced or the seals between the spider journals and bearing caps are missing.

6. A rubber doughnut-type driveshaft coupling:

a) is worn or damaged beyond manufacturer’s specifications, or

b) is split or delaminated so that its mechanical integrity is affected, or

c) securing bolt is loose or missing.

7. A driveshaft slip joint (spline) is worn beyond manufacturer’s specifications.

8. The universals in the driveshaft are not fitted in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications.

Modifications

(see also Introduction 3.1.2: Note 3)

9. A modification (Note 1) affects the engine and transmission (Note 2), and:

a) is not excluded from the requirements for LVV specialist certification (Table 13-1-1), and

b) is missing proof of LVV specialist or accepted overseas certification, ie:

i. the vehicle is not fitted with a valid LVV certification plate (Note 3), or

ii. the operator is not able to produce a valid modification declaration or authority card , or

iii. the vehicle has not been certified to an accepted overseas system as described in Technical bulletin 13.

Note 1 Definitions

Modify means to change a vehicle from its original state by altering, substituting, adding or removing a structure, system, component or equipment, but does not include repair.

Repair means to restore a damaged or worn vehicle, its structure, systems, components or equipment to within safe tolerance of its condition when manufactured, including replacement with undamaged or new structures, systems, components or equipment.

Note 2

LVV certification is always required for the fitting of a supercharger or turbocharger as a modification, or the upgrading of a supercharger, turbo or wastegate, or the re-chipping of electronic engine control units on turbo vehicles.

Note 3

Where an LVV certification plate has the engine type as ‘MOD’ after the make (eg Nissan MOD), that certification can cover a wide range of modifications, including aftermarket or modified wastegates, larger or modified turbochargers, re-programed ECU’s, and many other performance enhancements commonly fitted to a wide range of vehicles.

If presented with a vehicle with an engine modification and ‘MOD’ on the certification plate, assuming all other certification plate details match and all WoF requirements have been met, a WoF can be issued.

Note 4

Externally venting wastegates (screamer pipes) are not permitted and cannot be certified as they are not adequately muffled and the exhaust gasses do not exit behind the passenger compartment. However, wastegates that feed gasses into their own muffled exhaust system exiting behind the passenger compartment, or feed gasses back into the vehicle’s exhaust system, are permitted.

Table 13-1-1. Modifications that do not require LVV certification

Fitting of or modification to:

LVV certification is not required provided that:

Substitution of engines

  • when compared with the OE engine, the replacement engine:
    • is of the same or less cubic capacity, and
    • has equal or less weight, and
    • uses the same fuel (petrol, diesel, LPG, CNG), and
    • uses the same unmodified attachment points and system (i.e. bolts-in), and
    • uses the same family of block and cylinder head from the same vehicle manufacturer, and
    • the block has the same number of cylinders arranged in the same configuration, and
    • the head has the same number of valves and camshafts, and
    • meets the requirements of minor modifications detailed below, and
    • when the minor modifications have been taken into consideration the total power or torque increase is no more than 20% over the OE engine specification.

Minor modifications to OE engine

  • the total modifications (including engine substitutions) are minor, resulting in no more than a 20% power or 20% torque output increase over the OE engine specification.

Note that common minor modifications include the fitting of:

  • extractor or free-flow exhaust manifolds, or big bore exhaust systems
  • changed intake manifolds
  • changed or multiple carburettors
  • modified fuel injection systems
  • changed ignition systems
  • alternative cold air box induction systems.

Note that minor modifications DO NOT include:

  • fitting of a supercharger, or
  • fitting of a turbocharger, or
  • upgrading/modifying the supercharger, or
  • upgrading/modifying the turbocharger, or
  • upgrading/modifying the wastegate, or
  • tuning/re-chipping (Note 5) the ECU of a turbocharged or supercharged engine, or
  • single camshaft to twin camshaft, or
  • carburettor to injectors, or
  • injectors to carburettor, or
  • stroker kit, or
  • any other capacity increase that exceeds usual reconditioning.

Gearbox substitution

  • the OE gearbox cross-member has not been heated, cut or welded,
  • the OE gearbox cross-member mounting to the OE body or chassis members is unchanged,
  • no replacement gearbox cross-member is used,
  • the OE driveshaft(s) is unmodified,
  • no substantial modifications have occurred to the floor or gearbox tunnel area, other than provision for gear-shift mechanism,
  • the braking system is not modified or changed, including the brake pedal.

Change from 4WD to permanent 2WD (removal of drive train components in 4WD vehicles)

  • the vehicle was originally manufactured with selectable 4WD and a solid/live front axle.

Fitting of or modification to:

LVV certification is never required:

Any modification for the purposes of law enforcement or the provision of emergency services

  • in-service requirements for condition and performance must be met.
Note 5

Tuning/re-chipping includes any software or hardware (ECU or piggy back system) change that is intended to alter the fueling, boost pressure or ignition timing from the OE specifications.

Figure 13-1-1. A typical driveshaft assembly

Figure 13-1-1. A typical driveshaft assembly

Summary of legislation

Applicable legislation
Condition and performance

1. The vehicle must be safe to be operated.

2. The components and materials must be fit for their purpose and within safe tolerance of their state when manufactured or modified.

Modifications

3. A modification that affects the engine and transmission must be inspected and certified by an LVV specialist certifier, unless the vehicle:

a) is excluded from the requirement for LVV specialist certification (Table 13-1-1), and

b) has been inspected in accordance with the requirements in this manual, including those for equipment, condition and performance.

Page amended 1 April 2024 (see amendment details).

13-2 Fuel system

Reasons for rejection

Condition

1. There is a noticeable fuel leak from the fuel system.

2. There is corrosion damage (Note 1), cracking or other damage within 150mm of a tank mounting.

3. The security of the fuel tank is affected by:

a) corrosion damage (Note 1) insecure or loose tank mountings.

4. A fuel line is insecure or loose so that it is likely to be damaged during normal use of the vehicle.

5. A fuel pipe is severely damaged or excessively corroded.

6. A fuel hose is damaged or perished.

7. The fuel pump is insecure.

8. The fuel filler cap or capless fuel filler seal is missing, insecure or likely to allow fuel spillage when the vehicle is in normal use.

9. The fuel tank is fitted with a ‘temporary use’ fuel filler cap.

Modification

10. A modification affects the fuel system, and:

a) is not excluded from the requirements for LVV specialist certification (Table 13-2-1), or

b) is missing proof of LVV specialist or accepted overseas certification, ie:

i. the vehicle is not fitted with a valid LVV certification plate, or

ii. the operator is not able to produce a valid modification declaration or authority card, or

iii. the vehicle has not been certified to an accepted overseas system as described in Technical bulletin 13.

Note 1

Corrosion damage is where the metal has been eaten away, which is evident by pitting. The outward signs of such corrosion damage is typically displayed by the lifting or bubbling of paint. In extreme cases, the area affected by corrosion damage will fall out and leave a hole.

Table 13-2-1. Modifications that do not require LVV certification

Fitting of or modification to:

LVV certification is not required provided that:

Electric fuel pump

The electric fuel pump:

  • is a replacement for a mechanical pump on a carburetor engine, and
  • is adequately supported, and
  • does not increase the fuel pressure above OE.

Fuel lines

The fuel lines are:

  • of similar construction to the OE fuel lines (ie hard lines are not replaced with flexible lines), and
  • in the OE location and mounted to all the OE fixing clips.
In-line fuel filter

The in-line fuel filter is:

  • of an appropriate pressure rating, and
  • adequately supported, and
  • at least 50mm from the exhaust, and

at least 100mm from a catalytic converter.

Note: All other fuel system modifications require certification

Fitting of or modification to:

LVV certification is never required:

Any modification for the purposes of law enforcement or the provision of emergency services

  • in-service requirements for condition and performance must be met.

Summary of legislation

Applicable legislation
Condition and performance

1. Fuel tanks, fuel lines and associated components must be:

a) securely mounted, and

b) made of suitable materials, and

c) in good condition, and

d) free from significant leaks, and

e) positioned so that the risk of mechanical damage or heat gain is minimised.

Modification

2. A modification that affects the fuel tank and fuel lines must be inspected and certified by a Low Volume Vehicle Specialist Certifier, unless the vehicle:

a) is excluded from the requirement for LVV certification (Table 13-2-1), and

b) has been inspected in accordance with the requirements in this manual, including those for equipment, condition and performance.

Page amended 29 April 2020 (see amendment details).

13-3 LPG/CNG fuel system

Reasons for rejection

Mandatory equipment

1. A vehicle that is equipped with an LPG or CNG fuel system that is in working order does not have a current alternative fuel inspection certificate (Note 1) (Note 2) (Figure 13-3-1).

Condition

2. An LPG or CNG fuel system component is:

a) loose, or

b) significantly corroded, distorted or cracked.

3. A gas line:

a) shows signs of corrosion damage (Note 3), such as pitting, or

b) is bulging, or

c) is insecure, or

d) is damaged, eg cut or crimping.

4. There is a noticeable gas leak.

5. There is corrosion damage, distortion or fracture within 300mm of a tank mounting

Note 1 Definitions

Alternative fuel inspection certificate means evidence of vehicle inspection relating to the periodic in-service inspection and certification of an LPG or CNG fuel system.

Alternative fuel installation certificate means an inspection and certification document relating to the installation of an LPG or CNG fuel system. It is not required for the issue of a WoF or CoF.

LPG/CNG fuel system means a fuel storage and conducting system that is used to provide liquid petroleum gas (LPG) or compressed natural gas (CNG) for the purpose of propulsion of a vehicle.

Note 2

An LPG or CNG fuel system with all the necessary components is deemed to be in working order, whether or not it is charged. A system that has had the filler connection removed is deemed to be not in working order.

Note 3

Corrosion damage is where the metal has been eaten away, which is evident by pitting. The outward signs of such corrosion damage is typically displayed by the lifting or bubbling of paint. In extreme cases, the area affected by the corrosion damage will fall out and leave a hole.

Figure 13-1-1. Alternative fuels certificate label

alt fuels label

Table 13-3-1. Modifications that do not require LVV certification
Fitting or modification to:
 LVV certification is never required
LPG/CNG fuel system
  • in-service requirements for performance and condition must be met.

Summary of legislation

Applicable legislation
Mandatory equipment

1. A motor vehicle equipped with an LPG or CNG fuel system that is in working order must display a current alternative fuel inspection certificate.

Condition

2. An LPG or CNG fuel system must be in safe working condition.

Modification

3. The installation of an LPG or CNG fuel system is not a modification that requires certification by a LVV specialist certifier.

4. A modification to an existing LPG or CNG fuel system must be inspected and certified by an approved LPG or CNG fuel inspector or inspecting organisation.

13-5 Electric and hybrid vehicle fuel and electrical system

Reasons for rejection

Condition (Note 1)

1. High voltage wiring is:

a) insecure or not adequately secured

b) damaged or deteriorated (including insulation)

c) likely to touch:

i. hot components of the vehicle

ii. sharp edges

iii. rotating parts

iv. the ground.

2. High voltage batteries are:

a) insecure or not adequately secured

b) damaged or deteriorated (including components and electrical insulation)

c) leaking, or showing signs of leaking.

3. High voltage battery or wiring shields are damaged or not in place.

4. A high voltage component’s (eg battery) coolant system is leaking.

5. An electrical system warning lamp is illuminated. See Table 13-5-2 for examples.

Modification

4. A modification affects the electrical system, and:

a) is not excluded from the requirements for specialist certification (Table 13-5-1), or

b) is missing proof of specialist certification, that is:

i. the vehicle is not fitted with a valid certification plate (eg low volume vehicle plate or heavy vehicle certification plate/label), or

ii. the operator is not able to produce a valid modification declaration or authority card

iii. The vehicle has not been certified to an accepted overseas system as described in Technical bulletin 13.

Note 1

Vehicle inspectors are only required to do a visual check. An invasive check is not required.

Table 13-5-1. Modifications that do not require specialist certification

Fitting of or modification to:

Specialist certification is not required provided that:

Fuel system changes and modifications

Note: Specialist certification is always required for changes to the high voltage electrical system.

High voltage battery and control systems
  • the high voltage battery pack is replaced by an OEM or aftermarket replacement; and
  • there is no change in the operating voltage; and
  • no modifications to the vehicles structure have occurred; and
  • the replacement battery pack is attached to the vehicle's unmodified, original battery attachment points; and
  • the replacement battery pack is similar in size, construction, and weight; and
  • no modifications have occurred to any other part of the vehicle's high voltage system; and
  • the vehicle retains any safety features (eg isolation/maintenance switch/connector) fitted by the OEM manufacturer; and
  • the modifications have been carried out by persons professionally engaged in the modification of electric vehicles.

Note: For clarity, ‘similar weight’ is within 30kg of the original battery pack weight.

Fitting of or modification to:

Specialist certification is never required:

Any modification for the purposes of law enforcement or the provision of emergency services

  • in-service requirements for condition and performance must be met.
Table 13-5-2. Electrical system warning icons

General fault

The vehicle may indicate exactly what the fault is.

If the fault is not from an electrical system, or other safety critical system (eg brakes, steering, electrics, ESC etc.) the vehicle may pass the inspection.

general fault 

Vehicle electrical fault

The vehicle should be referred to a repairer for diagnostics.

If the fault is not from a safety critical system (eg brakes, steering, high voltage electrics, ESC etc.), the vehicle may pass the inspection.

limited power 

Limited power/Limp mode

This is likely to do with a fault in the electric drive system. The vehicle should be referred to a repairer for diagnostics.

The vehicle must fail the inspection.

 

Serious electrical fault

The vehicle should be referred to a repairer for diagnostics.

The vehicle must fail the inspection.

 

Master warning

Could be a warning for any vehicle system and is likely to be serious. The vehicle should be referred to a repairer for diagnostics.

The vehicle must fail the inspection.

 

High battery temperature

Remove the car from any indoor premises immediately and turn the vehicle off. The vehicle should be referred to a repairer for diagnostics.

The vehicle must fail the inspection.

Summary of legislation

Applicable legislation
Condition and performance

1. The vehicle must be safe to be operated.

2. The components and materials must be fit for their purpose and within safe tolerance of their state when manufactured or modified.

Modifications

3. A modification that affects the electrical system must be inspected and certified by an specialist certifier, unless the vehicle:

a) is excluded from the requirement for specialist certification (Table 13-5-1), and

b) has been inspected in accordance with the requirements in this manual, including those for equipment, condition and performance.

Page amended 1 October 2023 (see amendment details).