New Laws in NSW reguarding lowering of vehicles [Archive]

kilcoy

23rd July 2009, 06:40 PM

Minister for Roads Michael Daley today announced that car hoons who raise or lower their cars’ suspension will have to meet tough new rules.
Mr Daley said car owners would be limited to raising or lowering their suspension by no more than 5 centimetres from August 1 2009, and all modifications would need engineering approval.
“These changes mean every driver who modifies the suspension on their car must have it approved to make sure it’s safe to be on our roads,” he said.
“At the moment, vehicles can be raised or lowered by up to 5 centimetres without approval, and by up to 15 centimetres with authorised engineering approval.
“I don’t want to see young hoons putting their lives or the lives of others at risk, just because they think their car looks better 15 centimetres closer to the ground.
“These hoons may think their car looks cool, but as far as I’m concerned anything more than a 5 centimetre change in a car’s suspension is dangerous and doesn’t belong on our roads.
“Raising or lowering a vehicle’s height can put the driver, passengers, and other road users at risk.
“It can affect handling, braking and safety features such as electronic stability control.
“It can also change the position of vital impact-absorbing sections of a car, designed to reduce the severity of a crash.
“Raising a vehicle’s suspension can also reduce the driver’s ability to see pedestrians and cyclists, and higher headlights can startle other road users,” Mr Daley said.
Mr Daley said any vehicle being raised or lowered would require certification stating the modifications conform to safety standard requirements.
“The changes also mean any modifications must meet specific requirements such as the vehicle having at least 10 centimetres ground clearance.
“Vehicles raised above the 5 centimetre limit will only be granted conditional registration for use under specified conditions like competing in an off road competition,” Mr Daley said.