Illegal to raise/lower more than 5cm?

[vfast]

Originally Posted by bangm001

Nothing stopping people from carrying that 300KG of cement in the boot.. LOL! Dont laugh I have seen it sone many times! LOL! ;-)
Anyways, yes its overboard, and will probably now apply to any modification to a car in the future..

It will be the next step, in fact I'm surprised it hasn't happened already "no engine modifications"

1984 here we come....

[Rob]

VIC will be next in line for this stupid law :(

[MAD]

Originally Posted by xtremerus

Duh. I think that is the point of this stupid legislation.

What exactly are you on about?

[4Vman]

Not sure how they will enforce it other than nab cars that are ridiculously low and un-roadworthy under the current laws anyway.

Just a point on lowered vehicles.. if you reduce the suspension travel too much you will bottom out over mild bumps and "deflect" off them, this can cause handling and control issues...

[Pedders]

To all members,

Below is the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association response to NSW minister for roads Michael Daley’s press release. As you can see from the letter below the AAAA were as unaware of the proposed changes as we and everyone else. Before announcing such a radical plan it would seem ill conceived for the Minister or those drafting such legislation not to have consulted the industry bodies that deal with those who would be most affected prior to making such an announcement.

Click Here :For more information on the AAAA http://www.aaaa.com.au/default.asp

Subject: AAAA Concerns Relating to Proposed Suspension Regulations in NSW

Dear Member,

Earlier this afternoon we received a press release from the office of the New South Wales Minister for Roads, Michael Daley. Please follow the below link to review this press release.

http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/newsevents/downloads/minister_releases/16072009_carhoons.pdf

Under the guise of attempting to hamper modifications undertaken by 'car hoons' the Minister has outlined changes in regulation that will cause havoc for both the automotive industry and the 1000's of drivers on NSW roads with minor, currently legal suspension modifications. Many of the modifications outlined in the press release that will require engineering approval are completely legal in EVERY other state in Australia, making this scenario totally unworkable. We have spoken with other consumer and industry stakeholder groups nationally, and they, like us were not consulted regarding this radical change in policy direction.

We are currently drafting a letter that will be sent in the next 24 hours requesting an immediate meeting with the Minister to highlight both the shortcomings in the policy and the gross misconceptions raised in this press release.

I will start a post on our sponsor site with this information as well and add any other information that comes to light. down the track.

[4Vman]

It does seem poorly executed with little regard for the effect it has on the trade...

[Fairlane]

Originally Posted by vztrt

http://www.caradvice.com.au/35261/si...ring-approval/

This confirms it Australia is full of idiots :

[Bud Bud]

Quote me if I am wrong, but I thought that this law already existed but in a different interpretation.

I thought there was already a provision for measuring excessively lowered cars by means of making sure that they maintained a minimum 100 mm ground clearance. This is easily done in the field and has a generic formula that we all can understand but also serves the same purpose as well, does it not????

[JamesR]

my cars lowered approx 2inches at rear and somewhere around 3-4inches up front..
i got adjustable coilovers up front and have adjustable shocks[rebound/bounce] with a shortened stroke all round.
also have adjustable castor/camber on front.
and i lowered the roll bar 2inches to stop the front from diving under braking.
is my car now unsafe?
:

[mcnews]

Looks like you would be on your own come insurance claim time if your car is not the correct ride height.

[ltd_on20s]

Originally Posted by JamesR

my cars lowered approx 2inches at rear and somewhere around 3-4inches up front..
i got adjustable coilovers up front and have adjustable shocks[rebound/bounce] with a shortened stroke all round.
also have adjustable castor/camber on front.
and i lowered the roll bar 2inches to stop the front from diving under braking.
is my car now unsafe?
:

HOON!!! your going to kill people! have you no shame for other road users?????i'm calling the rta to have your car crushed now before 1000 people die in a fiery blaze!!!!!!


no i do't think it does make it unsafe. it just goes to show how kneejerk the state govt is.

[MrXr6Tickford]

This is a absolute joke

Take this Michael Daley

ing_sm ing_sm ing_sm :

[redxm]

Might be a good thing, have a look at some of the junk the yanks turn out http://128.83.80.193/scarysteering/index.html

[WINTER BFT]

Originally Posted by smacxr8

I think they should should give on the spot fines if your paint is too bright or you dont have approved australian standard floor mats, or maybe just impound the car and chuck you in the big house for having a passion for something different and personalised instead we should all drive around in white camry's.

LMAO!!!!

[*Sloxr6*]

Originally Posted by FG_OG

wouldn't suprise me for NSW, don't they have to have a yearly RWC.

Read in the paper the other day that they are looking at bringing in yearly RWC in Vic. If that's the case I will be screwed hope they start giving out free engineers like NSW then.

[JamesR]

Originally Posted by ltd_on20s

HOON!!! your going to kill people! have you no shame for other road users?????i'm calling the rta to have your car crushed now before 1000 people die in a fiery blaze!!!!!!

oh shiiii...

_2:

[b2tf]

I've just shot an email off to Michael Daley, the goose who has come up with this bright idea. I'd encourage everybody on here who lives in NSW to do the same and let him know what your feelings on it are. His email is in my signature and his details can also be found here:

http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/pro...25705700192D10

These idiots need to know that there are decent law abiding people in this state who drive cars and that just because we give a crap about our cars, we are not HOONS.

To give you an idea, here is the email I sent:

Mr Daley,

rarely do I contact politicians however I feel that you need to be contacted by as many people like myself as possible before the end of July.

I draw your attention to the proposed anti lowering laws set to be introduced in NSW from August 1 2009. This 'law' is a farce and it appears to be nothing more than a knee-jerk reaction on your behalf to a problem that does not exist, you are merely trying to make a scapegoat out of anybody who modifies a car which is unjust.

Have you thought of the following points:-

1) What proof,studies or figures are there that show that a car with lowered or modified suspension is any more dangerous, or have claimed more lives in motor vehicle accidents on NSW roads? Have you actually researched this?

2) Have you considered that in MOST cases, those who modify their suspension are seeking to actually IMPROVE the handling, compliance and ride quality of their vehicle?

3) Have you considered the impact on aftermarket automotive suppliers who are already struggling in a difficult economic climate?

4) Have you consulted with insurance companies on this issue?

5) How are you going to enforce this law for vehicles that have been previously modified 6,12, 18 or 14 months ago? Do the owners of these vehicles now need to prove that their car is compliant even though they have passed registration previous to these laws coming in?

6) How do you intend on differentiating on cars that come from the manufacturer with modified suspension? Does this mean people will no longer be able to buy a 'sports' model vehicle without fear of the RTA picking out some obscure feature of the vehicle and claim it needs 'engineering'?

7) Have you thought about the time, money and effort that aftermarket suspension companies spend on researching their products to make them compliant and safe?

If you can give a logical, honest and well-backed answer to all of these points, then just maybe these laws will be worthwhile. However, I will bet the deed of ownership to my vehicle that you cannot. I am not a 'hoon' and I take EXTREME offence to being labelled one, just because I intend to modify my vehicle using quality aftermarket components that are designed to IMPROVE and ENHANCE the ride quality, compliance and handling of the vehicle - ALL of which are legal products freely available in this state. Do not punish law abiding car enthusiasts who have the bad luck to live in New South Wales by bringing in yet another law that makes no sense and will not make one single shred of difference to the road toll - accidents will happen regardless of whether you wrap everybody in every car in the state in cotton wool, and idiots will always be around - target them, not us.

Should these laws go ahead, I will petition my local member of parliament and I will also raise this issue with every motoring group, car club, insurance company and aftermarket parts supplier in the country - not just New South Wales. The car enthusiasts of this state do NOT deserve to be punished for the actions of a very small percentage of people, who, if we had decent licensing laws in the state, would not be able to drive anyway. Perhaps you should consider solving the problem before it starts - not applying band aid solutions that affect a whole lot more people than your intended targets.

I look forward to your reply however I expect it to be nothing more than a canned reply that you send to everybody - if however, you do have the decency to reply and engage in an active and frank discussion about this issue, I would welcome it.

Regards,



Austin Gregor
Vice President - Riverina Ford Owners Club
Administration Team - Australian Ford Forums - www.fordforums.com.au
Number of Speeding Fines: 0
Number of Traffic Offences: 0
Insurance Rating - 1. NCB: 65%
Amount of taxes paid to this state - at the moment, not enough to warrant the rubbish we put up with from our government.

Tell this bloke what you think because otherwise we won't be allowed to do ANYTHING to our car the way this state is going.

[calais]

b2tf, well said.

The stupidity of this whole thing defies belief.

[FPV+fteT3]

australian design rules or ADR are country wide laws governing car engineering and design any changes after manufacture must meet ADR standard not some tool in a suit's ideas on what is right where does this fool get off deciding this state needs different regulations to the rest of the country. Trust me NSW is not that speshial.

[DJM83]

Originally Posted by JXR67

Officer Plod: MMM lowered hey?
19yo minitruck pilot: Yes officer, But of course I cut my springs before August 1st.
Officer Plod: Can you prove this son?
19yo minitruck pilot: Yes here is a picture of me with a 9" grinder dated 31st July.

What a load of garbage. : And I live in QLD.

Will be interesting to see the outcome,

Cheers,
JT

Thanks now i need a new moniter as i spat beer all over it : thanks for the laugh.
What a complete load of bollocks, so how do you prove a pre Aug 1st install?

Re E-mail Aust i totally agree mate i think he will have a hard time answering that and you will get an auto pilot response.
Im sure people in other states (Me included) will support the case.

[NC1183]

I believe, and will for a very long till, that I'm still able to talk on these forums because of LOWERED suspension.

I had a car accident back in '05 in which I rolled the vehicle after hitting a slight embankment in the table drain. I believe that without the lowered suspension i would have rolled the ute whilst still on the highway most probably in a more violent way resulting in more then the scratches and bump on the head i received.

Also, i NSW you have to have a yearly RWC (pink slip) if the vehicle is more then 5years old.

[b2tf]

Originally Posted by FPV+fteT3

australian design rules or ADR are country wide laws governing car engineering and design any changes after manufacture must meet ADR standard not some tool in a suit's ideas on what is right where does this fool get off deciding this state needs different regulations to the rest of the country. Trust me NSW is not that speshial.

This is a very good point. What's to stop me from getting the job done in Victoria then saying I bought the car that way.

[xtremerus]

Originally Posted by MAD

What exactly are you on about?

[Originally Posted by MAD
Like I mentioned in another thread on this topic, who's going to prove the work was done after August 1?
Anyone handy with tools (probably most hoons) will do the work in their backyard, removing any trail of receipts for work performed.]


The proposed stupid law is supposed to stop the 'backyard suspension experts'.
If you don't have proper documentation, you booked.
Stupid bureaucrats, stupid laws. Don't need either of them

[Nikked]

Mr Daley



This is the first time I have felt the need to contact a MP on any matter, I'm was baffled by your new laws on suspension modifications. I see this as nothing more then a knee-jerk reaction, political stunt and revenue raising scheme targeting law abiding NSW motorist. I fear in an attempt to cash in on the current focus of hoons is putting a blanket over everyone else. This will do nothing to lower the road toll. And Will affect my voting decisions

To put it bluntly, I'm see that little or no thought has gone into this action. You seem to think that lowering a car will affect the cars handling and breaking in a bad way. Quite the opposite, a properly lowered car will be safer and handle better.

Also, the rule it self is open ended. What if a person owns a factory lowered car, then further lowers it 5cm? The car will be lower then the mainstream model, its an indiscretion. how is one to prove that their car was modified before august 1st? Then think of the aftermarket automotive suppliers who will lose out, many a voting worker could be faced with loosing a job.

What about accredited engineers? Not every town has access to one, I need to travel 4 hours to reach one. And they are not cheap, then I need to add on fuel and accommodation. Not to mention the extra cost involved will cause people to be more inclined to perform dodgy work on cars.

And I feel discriminated upon to be labeled a moron because I choose to spend money on a car that both looks good and performs safer and better. I have not been fined nor had an at fault accident in my 5 years of driving. I participate in off-street motor sport events that eject money into the local economy, and I don't have the luxury to own a dedicated race car and facilities to house one.

Car enthusiasts are constantly being hounded because a small percent of people decide to perform acts of idiocy, but these draconian laws are becoming too much. I agree that the small percent of people out their who are performing backyard modifications need to be dealt with, but with a surgical knife, not an axe.

I hope that I will receive a personal response, rather then a standard Inpersonal reply sent out by a secretary.

Regards

Nikk ******

Not that good at letters!

[FPV+fteT3]

Remind the bloke that all of Australia has a design rules standard for factory and aftermarket gear it's called ADR anything fitted during manufacture or aftermarket must meet ADR standard.This standard is in place so that no matter what state you live in if you travel interstate your car remains legal and roadworthy anything else would require an inspection at the border to ensure compliance and the safety of all newsouthwelshmen before entering the state of confusion formerly known as NSW.

The QLD Border Crossing

RTA Official: Sorry sir you will have to leave your lowered springs in this box and fit a standard set till you come back accross the border. We can fit them for you and return your lowered units when you return for $1000. + gst + stamp duty + a once off fee. : or alternatively we can impound your car for being a hoon.

Queenslander: WTF

[SNB05T]

spose we could always head down to parliment house in sydney and hold a peaceful protest, but they'd probablyget the RTA down to try and defect us all.

if this croc goes through parliment, im moving out of N.S.W.

i don't think im the only one here getting sick of being labelled a hoon because i own a LEGALLY modified car.

[4Vman]

Originally Posted by FPV+fteT3

Remind the bloke that all of Australia has a design rules standard for factory and aftermarket gear it's called ADR anything fitted during manufacture or aftermarket must meet ADR standard.This standard is in place so that no matter what state you live in if you travel interstate your car remains legal and roadworthy anything else would require an inspection at the border to ensure compliance and the safety of all newsouthwelshmen before entering the state of confusion formerly known as NSW.

The QLD Border Crossing

RTA Official: Sorry sir you will have to leave your lowered springs in this box and fit a standard set till you come back accross the border. We can fit them for you and return your lowered units when you return for $1000. + gst + stamp duty + a once off fee. : or alternatively we can impound your car for being a hoon.

Queenslander: WTF

Sorry but aftermarket manufacturers don't have to meet adr's...
The roadworthy laws already cover modified vehicles, i'm not sure why this needs to be bought in.

[MAD]

Originally Posted by xtremerus

The proposed stupid law is supposed to stop the 'backyard suspension experts'.
If you don't have proper documentation, you booked.
Stupid bureaucrats, stupid laws. Don't need either of them

I really dont think that is what the law is aimed at. They are simply trying to quantify another 'hoon' activity so they can collect more $$.

[FPV+fteT3]

Originally Posted by 4Vman

Sorry but aftermarket manufacturers don't have to meet adr's...
The roadworthy laws already cover modified vehicles, i'm not sure why this needs to be bought in.

In the context of suspension I would imagine all Pedders,selbys,whiteline,king springs products etc indeed meet or exceed the appropriate ADR specs if they didnot and it could be proven they caused someone to be killed they would be sued out of business, mate we are not talking the fluro lights you have under your car you bought at supasheep.

[Nikked]

Originally Posted by 4Vman

Sorry but aftermarket manufacturers don't have to meet adr's...

Technically they do, for some parts such as lights, seats etc.