Introduction of National Code of Practice for light vehicle construction and modification within Queensland

Eligibility - Queensland residents
Principal Petitioner:
Miles Brennan
6 Norwood Court
HIGHVALE QLD 4520
Total Signatures - 569
Sponsoring Member: The Clerk of the Parliament
Posting Date: 12/9/2012
Closing Date: 12/11/2012
Tabled Date: 13/11/2012
Responded By: Hon Scott Emerson MP on 30/11/2012
TO: The Honourable the Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly of Queensland

Queensland residents draws to the attention of the House the current Queensland Code of Practice (QCOP) concerning vehicle construction and modifications are too confusing, out dated, overly restrictive for general motorists and should be replaced by the National Code of Practice (NCOP).

The introduction of the NCOP has been bantered around the Queensland vehicle industry, enthusiast motoring groups and the 4WD community for approximately four years, whilst the Transport and Main Road's website has been quoting its introduction for at least the last 18 months.

Motorists who modify their vehicles, generally want to stay legal so they do not compromise their vehicle’s safety, insurance or get defected. However, due to the restrictive nature of QCOP, some motorists purposely over modify their vehicles for particular reasons. This does not necessarily mean they are unsafe on Queensland roads, but they are not compliant and risk insurance issues if an incident occurs. Generally these over modified vehicles still fit within the context of the NCOP legislation.

4WD passenger vehicles should be allowed any tyre size increase beyond 50mm overall nominal diameter, as long as the vehicle’s total lifted height does not exceed the maximum 150mm in total (includes all suspension, tyre and body lifts combined).

Further request a public accessible website listing previously approved engineered vehicle modifications, allowing other owners better information, guidance and processes when seeking to modify their vehicles similar to previously engineered specifications and designs.

Your petitioners, therefore, request the House adopt the NCOP within Queensland, with minor additions.