Notify VicRoads of changes and modifications

Heavy vehicles

If a different body type has been fitted to the vehicle (eg, tray to van, converted to a tow truck) the following documents are required:

• a VASS approval certificate or approval certificate from an approved vehicle examiner (AVE) (External link)
• a weighbridge certificate
• a completed change of vehicle details form

VicRoads will need to inspect the vehicle to confirm the modification(s). Please attend a VicRoads Customer Service Centre that provides heavy vehicle inspections. No appointment is required. 

If you have any questions, call us on 13 11 71.

Light vehicles

If:

• a different body type has been fitted to the vehicle (eg, tray to van), and/or
• the vehicle's chassis has been replaced (this only applies to vehicles that have a separate chassis. Evidence is required when the chassis rail has been replaced)

the following documents are required:

• a VASS approval certificate from a recognised VicRoads vehicle assessment signatory
• a completed change of vehicle details form

VicRoads will need to inspect the vehicle to confirm the modification(s). Please attend a VicRoads Customer Service Centre that provides vehicle inspections. No appointment is required.

If you have any questions, call us on 13 11 71.

Note: A motorcycle's frame cannot be replaced. This applies to both the modification process and/or repairing a written-off vehicle.

Convertible units

A convertible unit is a vehicle that has been modified to operate in multiple body type configurations so it can perform multiple functions. When VicRoads approves a convertible unit, it allows the operator to interchange the vehicle to the approved configurations/functions. 

Examples of convertible units include:

• heavy vehicles fitted with a 'quick release' mechanism that allows the vehicle to be readily changed from a prime mover to a tipper or tray body (and vice versa)
• light motor vehicles with variable seating capacity
• motorcycles operated with or without a sidecar

The following documents are required:

• a VASS approval certificate from a recognised VicRoads vehicle assessment signatory
• a weighbridge certificate with the higher of the tare weights if there is a variation in weight depending on the vehicle's use
• a completed change of vehicle details form

VicRoads will need to inspect the vehicle in both configurations to confirm the modification(s). Please attend a VicRoads Customer Service Centre that provides heavy vehicle inspections. No appointment is required.

If you have any questions, call us on 13 11 71.

VicRoads will issue a letter to the registered operator listing each of the vehicle's configurations. This letter must be kept in the vehicle at all times.

You must notify VicRoads of a change of colour of the vehicle.

No vehicle inspection is required.

Notify VicRoads by calling 13 11 71.

There are two scenarios that could apply when changing an engine.

Change of engine scenario one: 

• the replacement engine is identical to the original engine
• the replacement engine is an option allowed by the manufacturer for the same model vehicle.

Documents required:

• if the engine is optional to the original, a signed declaration is needed from the registered operator, motor mechanic, dealer of that make of vehicle or automotive engineer, certifying that the engine is optional for the vehicle model, and that all modifications made by the manufacturer for the same vehicle model with that optional engine have been completed
• a completed change of vehicle details form

VicRoads will need to inspect the vehicle to confirm the new engine details.

Please attend a VicRoads Customer Service Centre that provides vehicle inspections. No appointment is required.

Note: The optional engine must be offered in Australia by the vehicle manufacturer as an option for that vehicle (or certified variants).

Change of engine scenario two:

• the replacement engine is not of a type offered by the vehicle manufacturer as an option for that vehicle
• alterations or changes are made to the vehicle's frame or structure, and/or specially fabricated supports or structures are used

Documents required:

• a VASS approval certificate from a VicRoads Vehicle Assessment Signatory
• a completed change of vehicle details form

VicRoads will need to inspect the vehicle to confirm the new engine details.

Please attend a VicRoads Customer Service Centre that provides vehicle inspections. No appointment is required.

*If you provide a current certificate of roadworthiness or VASS approval certificate, including the new engine number, the vehicle's engine will not be inspected (this only applies to currently registered Victorian vehicles).  

Note: When a VASS approval certificate has been supplied for a replacement engine, then an equivalent replacement engine can be fitted without another VASS approval certificate being presented (eg, 350 cubic inch V8 engine replaced with 350 cubic inch V8 engine).

All Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) installations must comply with the relevant technical requirements of the Australian Standard current at the time of conversion.

The structural integrity of the vehicle and its continued compliance with standards of registration must not be adversely affected by the installation as this is considered an approved modification, and the vehicle doesn't require an inspection by VicRoads.

LPG conversions

If the vehicle was converted on or after 1 February 1993, an approved AS 1425 LPG compliance plate must be fitted to the vehicle at the time of the conversion. Vehicles fitted with LPG systems are required to have an 'LP Gas' plate attached to the vehicle number plates, including bike rack number plates.

CNG conversions

All Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) installations must comply with the technical requirements of the Australian Standards AS 2739 current at the time of conversion. If the vehicle was converted to CNG after 1 August 2000, an approved AS 2739 CNG compliance plate must be fitted to the vehicle at the time of the conversion.

Notifying VicRoads

If you are the owner of a vehicle that is being fitted with a gas fuel system, you must notify VicRoads of your vehicle’s modification by providing an LPG/CNG conversion report [PDF 235 Kb]. This report needs to be signed by an approved AFSACS (Alternative Fuel Systems Assessment and Certification Scheme) provider. VicRoads may consider accepting certification issued by other recognised state and territory authorities.

• Find an AFSACS provider

No inspection of the vehicle by VicRoads is required.

Note: If significant alterations are made to the vehicle to accommodate the gas system, an engineering assessment of the modification may be required. Please consult with your installer to establish whether your modification has changed the structural integrity of your vehicle, in which case a Vehicle Assessment Signatory Scheme (VASS) approval certificate will be required. 

Submit your form(s) to VicRoads by:

• posting to VicRoads, GPO Box 1644, Melbourne, VIC 3001
• visiting a VicRoads Customer Service Centre

Decommissioning a gas fuel system

Visit the Adding or removing seats page on the Transport Victoria website for more information.

If major modifications have been performed to the vehicle, which has changed its tare mass, a weighbridge certificate must be provided to VicRoads so that the correct tare mass of the vehicle can be recorded.

When increasing or decreasing a vehicle’s GVM, the following is required:

• a VASS approval certificate from a VicRoads’ Vehicle Assessment Signatory
• a change of vehicle details form must also be completed
• the vehicle must be inspected at a VicRoads Customer Service Centre - no appointment is required.

A higher registration fee may apply when the change is recorded on VicRoads register. 

If the vehicle’s modified GVM is greater than 4.5 tonne, a VASS approval certificate must be provided.

If the GVM of a light vehicle is increased to more than 4500kg’s, a VASS approval certificate and a light vehicle modification plate issued by a VASS signatory must be fitted to the vehicle to certify the change.