TRANSPORT Minister Mark Bailey has announced four-wheel-drive lift rules will be changed next month, after uproar from the 4WD sector over differences in state and national vehicle modification codes.
Queensland automotive aftermarket providers had been fitting larger wheels in combination with suspension lifts to boost ground clearance for all-terrain driving, increasing vehicle heights by 75mm.
However, lifts past 50mm are illegal on cars with Electronic Stability Control in Queensland unless expensive and hard-to-obtain certification is sought.
This was realised by Queensland car modifiers for the first time after modified 4WDs were targeted by police at the Gold Coast in Operation Lift earlier this month.
Mr Bailey said the Queensland code would be amended next month so vehicles with ESC could be raised up to 75mm without certification, through suspension lifts of up to 50mm and tyre increases of up to 25mm.
“Queensland already allows such a lift for non-ESC equipped vehicles,” Mr Bailey said.
“The move to 75mm without certification, for ESC vehicles, will ensure consistency with the rules in New South Wales and Victoria.”
Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association executive director Stuart Charity said he was pleased Mr Bailey had announced the changes.
He said compliance testing for lift certification could cost $15,000 per car.
“Tests involve a steering robot and going to an off-road track with data loggers.
“(It’s) unaffordable and unpractical.”
Mr Bailey said the Transport Department would consult with industry on other aspects of the Queensland code.
He said the maximum lift limit certifiable in Queensland would also be increased from 125mm to 150mm, which was consistent with the national code.
