Vehicle Standards Bulletin 6 (VSB6): National Code of Practice for Heavy Vehicle Modifications outlines the minimum design, construction, installation and performance requirements for modifications to heavy motor vehicles and trailers in Australia.

Version 3 of VSB6, From 1 September 2017 will become the new national standard for heavy vehicle modifications, replacing the current version that has been in use since July 2015.

National Code of Practice VSB6 for Heavy Vehicle Modifications

NHVR Code of Practice for the Approval of Heavy Vehicle Modifications

July 2020 | Version 2.2

NHVR Code of Practice approval

This section of Vehicle Standards Bulletin 6 (VSB6) relates to the modification of the engine system(s) and the installation of replacement engines to heavy vehicles.

Section A. Engines

This section of Vehicle Standards Bulletin 6 (VSB6) relates to the fitting of replacement transmissions to heavy vehicles

Section B. Transmissions

This section of Vehicle Standards Bulletin 6 (VSB6) relates to the minimum design and installation requirements for the fitting of alternate tail shafts to heavy vehicles.

Section C. Tailshafts

This section of Vehicle Standards Bulletin 6 (VSB6) relates to the fitting of replacement rear axles and differential assemblies to heavy vehicles

Section D. Rear Axles

This section of Vehicle Standards Bulletin 6 (VSB6) relates to replacement of front axle assemblies, alterations to steering systems and fitting of non-standard replacement wheel rims and tyres to the front axle of heavy vehicles.

Section E. Front Axles, Steering, Wheels and Tyres

This section of Vehicle Standards Bulletin 6 (VSB6) relates to the fitting of modified or alternative suspensions to heavy vehicles and consists of the following modification codes:

Section F. Suspension

This section of Vehicle Standards Bulletin 6 (VSB6) relates to modifications of heavy vehicle brake systems,

Section G. Brakes

This section of Vehicle Standards Bulletin 6 (VSB6) relates to modifications of heavy vehicle chassis

Section H. Chassis

This section of Vehicle Standards Bulletin 6 (VSB6) relates to the installation of bodies to vehicle chassis.

Section J. Chassis

This section of Vehicle Standards Bulletin 6 (VSB6) relates to alterations to heavy vehicle cabins

Section K. Cabin

This section of Vehicle Standards Bulletin 6 (VSB6) relates to the modification of fuel systems

Section M. Fuel Systems

This section of Vehicle Standards Bulletin 6 (VSB6) relates to the fitting of tow couplings to heavy vehicles.

Section P. Tow Couplings

This section of Vehicle Standards Bulletin 6 (VSB6) relates to the fitting of vehicle mounted lifting systems (VMLS) and of wheelchair loaders.

Section R. Vehicle mounted lifting systems

This section of Vehicle Standards Bulletin 6 (VSB6) relates to the certification of: Motor vehicles for use in B-double configurations, motor vehicles for use in road train configurations, trailers for use in road train configurations, mass rating changes to motor vehicles or trailers, mass rating changes to motor vehicles or trailers required as a result of modifications that affect their carrying capacity (gross vehicle mass / aggregate trailer mass, gross trailer mass) or hauling/towing capacity (gross combination mass).

Section S. Vehicle Ratings

This section of Vehicle Standards Bulletin 6 (VSB6) relates to construction and design of tow trucks which are based on a suitable truck chassis.

Section T. Tow Trucks

This bulletin identifies the types of plates that can be used, where they are placed on the vehicle and the methods for installing them.

VSB 12 Code of Practice Rear Marking Plates