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[skillionaire]

Hi,

This question comes up a bit, and this way we'll all have the firm answer easy to find. We all know how much fun it is to navigate government sites. Ugh.

All information posted is from the Western Australian DOT and is accurate at the time of posting.

For full reference, see here; http://www.transport...20500.asp#20555

Getting started - do you need approval?

Before making any modifications, you should check whether our approval is required. Generally no modification may be carried out if it:

• Reduces the strength of the vehicle body
• Reduces the controllability of the vehicle
• Otherwise reduces the safety of the vehicle
• Causes a nuisance or danger to other people.

Modifications that don't require approval



Many minor vehicle modifications can be carried out without specific approval, as long as they comply with the applicable legislation. Modifications that don’t require approval include:

• Tyre size and aspect ratio
• Additional lighting
• Single tone air horns
• Air conditioners
• Air shock absorbers
• Alarm systems
• Badge bars
• Gearbox (pre 1976)
• Mud spats and pebble guards
• Mesh stone shields for wind screens and lamps
• Body markings and speed striping
• Rear-view mirrors
• Roof racks
• Radio and stereo systems
• Sunvisors
• Optional manufacturer seating
• Seat belts for pre 1969 cars (no full harness types)
• Stabiliser bars
• Torque rods and traction bars (not semi-tramp types)
• Venetian blinds and other internal screening systems are allowed, subject to a clear view to the rear.

What to do if your proposed modification is not on the list



A list of modification that do require approval, and how to apply, is provided below.

If what you want to do is not on this list, or you are unsure, contact us. By contacting us first, you will ensure that:

• You don't waste time and money on a project that subsequently proves to be illegal
• You avoid the inconvenience and expense of removing a vehicle compliance notice (yellow sticker)
• The vehicle's insurance remains valid
• The modified vehicle will be safe.

Please note, if you modify your vehicle without the necessary approval you may be issued with a compliance notice (yellow sticker) and void your vehicle insurance.



Modifications requiring approval - limitations and conditions
For information on the following modifications please refer to the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government's Vehicle Standards Bulletin: National Code of Practice for Light Vehicle Construction and Modification (VSB14):

• Engines
• Transmissions
• Brakes*
• Body modifications
• Seating and occy protection
• Motorcycles
• Fuel systems
• Suspension and steering
• Test procedures
• Alternative power
• Electric drive
• Trike guidelines

*Note: 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.

On from there, I compiled this which is specific to Wheels/Tyres in WA. I did compile this two years ago, but I cannot see any changes except for perhaps the lift kit stuff?

What do you need to consider when fitting aftermarket rims and tyres to your Forester in WA?

Alternative road wheels are permitted under the following conditions :

a. Rim width must not exceed the maximum rim width specified by the manufacturer by more than 25mm (1") (for passenger vehicles manufactured after 1st January 1973, the manufacturers rim width shall be taken as that specified on the tyre placard).

In any event, rim width shall not exceed 177.8 mm (7") unless specified by the manufacturer as standard equipment for the vehicle in question. No increase in rim width is permitted for vehicles fitted with original equipment rims in excess of 177.8 mm (7") width.

b. The wheel is contained completely within the body work of the vehicle which includes acceptable flares.

c. The wheel does not foul any part of the body or suspension under all conditions of travel

d. The vehicle handling is not impaired in any way.

e. The tyre to rim fitment must be in accordance with the Tyre and Rim Association Manual.

f. Rim diameters must be the same as specified by the manufacturer.

g. The wheel must be one designed for use with the vehicle with respect to bolt pitch circle and wheel nut tapers

h. The track must not be increased by more than 25mm (1") over the maximum specified by the manufacturer.etc.

i. All wheels must be the same size, profile and bolt pattern.

j. Vehicles required to comply with Australian Design Rule 24, "Tyre & Rim Selection" must continue to comply with this Design Rule (contact the Department of Transport and Regional Services for more details).

k. The fitment of so called "plus one" and "plus two" and tyres is acceptable providing :

- the overall diameter of the large rims fitted with the lower profile tyres do not exceed the overall diameter

-all tyres and rims fitted to the vehicle are of the same size and profile

-with the exemption of item (f), the tyres and rims are in conformity with the requirements specified above in items (a) to (j).

l. Reducing the wheel track less than the original manufacturers specification is not permitted, as this may reduce vehicle stability.

If there is anything you'd like to add, feel free.

Cheers,
Nik