Vehicles

Background

The department administers the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 (MVSA) and related legislation, and develops and implements national road vehicle standards as part of the regulation of new and used vehicles up to the point of first supply to Australia.

The department undertakes compliance and safety investigation activities to ensure vehicles meet minimum safety and environmental standards that maintain the safest possible environment for the community.

Road Vehicle Standards legislation

To support the safety, environmental and anti-theft performance of all road vehicles being provided to the Australian market for the first time—both new and used—the Australian Government is introducing new legislation for the regulation of road vehicles.

The Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018 (RVSA) is replacing the MVSA and is being implemented by the department.

Please visit the Road Vehicle Standards legislation implementation page for more information, including latest news and updates.

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  Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 (MVSA) legislation

  The Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 (MVSA) sets vehicle standards for all new vehicles entering the Australian market and regulates the supply to the market of used vehicles.

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  Road Vehicle Standards legislation implementation

  The Road Vehicle Standards legislation will deliver a modernised regulatory framework that increases community and environmental safety, provides greater choice for consumers and removes unnecessary red tape.

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  Vehicle Regulation

  The Australian Government maintains jurisdiction over road vehicles up to the point of first supply to the Australian market (i.e. manufacture or importation).

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  Vehicle safety & the environment

  Visit this page for information on standards development on vehicle safety, emissions, noise and energy issues, including links to the Australian Design Rules and Green Vehicle Guide website.

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  Vehicle imports

  Every vehicle new to Australia must meet minimum safety standards that maintain the safest possible environment for all road users and our community.

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  Vehicle certification

  This section contains information and bulletins on all vehicle related standards set by the Australian Government, together with information on and links to the various vehicle certification schemes.

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  Register of Approved Vehicles (RAV)

  The Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018 (RVSA) introduces a Register of Approved Vehicles (RAV) which will be an online, publicly searchable, database of vehicles approved for use on Australian roads.

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  Registered Automotive Workshop Scheme (RAWS)

  A Registered Automotive Workshop is a business that has been approved to import and plate up to 100 used vehicles (per vehicle category), per year. A full list of Registered Automotive Workshops is available at the RAWS website.

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  Vehicle recalls

  This page provides information for consumers, manufacturers and suppliers in relation to the department’s involvement in road vehicle recalls.

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  Specialist & Enthusiast Vehicle Scheme (SEVS)

  This page provides information about eligibility of motor vehicles for entry onto the register. You can also download an application form.

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  Regulator Performance Framework

  Commonwealth regulators that administer, monitor or enforce regulation are required to implement the Australian Government Regulator Performance Framework.

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  Compliance and enforcement

  The department assesses safety and non-compliance reports received from the general public, industry and other regulators and assists the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) in monitoring the progress of motor vehicle recalls.

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  VSS Information and Services

  This page puts you on the right path to find out the latest updates for Vehicle Safety Standards and provides the information you need by linking to information and services on many Australian government websites as well as selected state and territory resources.

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  Vehicle portals

  Registers and portals for functions under the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989.