Introduction
Before a vehicle can be registered in Australia for the first time it must be fitted with an Identification Plate (Compliance Plate). The “manufacturer” who is the person or company taking responsibility for the vehicle being modified to meet the required Australian Design Rules (ADRs) may affix an Identification Plate to a vehicle if an approval has been issued by the Administrator of Vehicle Standards under the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989.
New Vehicles
The Low Volume Scheme for new vehicles allows for the supply to the market of up to 25 or 100 vehicles per year per vehicle category. The Scheme provides a major concession in that it allows alternative forms of evidence to be submitted against some of the ADRs. In the main this applies to ADRs where destructive or expensive testing is required.
The Low Volume Scheme for new vehicles is limited to vehicle make/models that are on the Register of Specialist and Enthusiast Vehicles (the Register). The eligibility requirements for entry on the Register are set out in Regulation 24 of the Motor Vehicle Standards Regulations 1989 and in the Administrator of Vehicle Standards Circular 0-2-12. For the Register and information on eligibility go to the Specialist and Enthusiast Vehicle Scheme (SEVS) Eligibility.
Used Vehicles
On 1 April 2002 the Registered Automotive Workshop (RAW) Scheme commenced. Transition arrangements allowed approval holders of vehicles on the Register to continue to modify and plate these vehicles for supply to the market until end of 7 May 2003.
RAW Scheme
From 8 May 2003 only a RAW can import modify and plate used vehicles for supply to the market. For more information on the Scheme go to the Registered Automotive Workshop Scheme or email rawsinfo@infrastructure.gov.au.