Are Our Products Street Legal - Yes

Are Our Products Street Legal?

One of the most frequently asked questions we receive at Superior Engineering is: “Are your products street legal for use on Australian roads?”

The simple answer is yes – the majority of our products are compliant under the National Code of Practice for Light Vehicle Construction and Modification (NCOP VSB 14, Version 2) and the Queensland Code of Practice (QCOP).

Following extensive testing and consultation with state authorities, we’re proud to say that a wide range of products sold by Superior Engineering are recognised as fully street legal for use on public roads in Australia.

ADR Compliant Products Include

Ball Joints (including Extended Body Upper Ball Joints)
Tie Rod Ends, Rack Ends, Idler & Pitman Arms
Upper Control Arms (UCA’s), including Fixed Adjustment Types
Adjustable and Fixed Panhard Rods
Adjustable Tie Rods & Drag Links (Standard, HD, Comp Styles)
Rear Upper & Lower Control Arms – Adjustable & Fixed
Camber Adjustment Kits
Castor Wedges
Radius Arm Washers & Spacer Washers
Heavy Duty Sway Bars & Sway Bar Extensions
Sway Bar Links – Upgraded & Heim Joint Variants
Track Rods & Strut Braces
Spring & Shock Absorber Substitutions
50mm (2”) Suspension Lift Kits
Drop Out Cones & Coil Retainers (Bolt-On)
Diff Drop Kits & Torsion Bar Reinforcing Brackets (Bolt-On)
Strut Top Replacements
Fender Flares
Body Lift Kits (up to 50mm)
Steering Wheel Substitutions (per Section 4.9)
Heavy Duty Tow Points

Understanding VSB 14 Guidelines & the 50mm Lift Rule

As of 9th September 2018: VSB 14 allowed for the following modifications to be completed without certification if the total change in vehicle height does not exceed 50mm:

Tyre and rim substitution (within limits)
Lowering or raising suspension (by up to one-third of original travel)
Body lift kits (up to 50mm)
Shock absorber and spring substitution
Sway bar and track rod installation
Strut braces and steering wheel replacements
Power steering conversions

Vehicles with ESC (Electronic Stability Control)

Most modern vehicles from 2012 onward are equipped with Electronic Stability Control (ESC), a critical safety system that automatically manages engine power and applies braking force to individual wheels to maintain vehicle stability and prevent loss of control. Due to the nature of ESC, any suspension or handling modifications must be carefully considered to ensure continued compliance with safety regulations.

Under the National Code of Practice (VSB 14), a suspension lift of up to 50mm is generally permitted without requiring certification. However, lifts exceeding 50mm - or any combination of suspension, tyre, and/or body lifts that increase overall height - may require engineering approval under modification codes LS7 or LS8. These combinations may also need to undergo specific ESC testing in accordance with ADR 88/00 to verify that vehicle stability remains uncompromised.

For non-off-road vehicles equipped with ESC, lowering modifications are only allowed if the vehicle continues to meet minimum ground clearance and suspension travel standards. This ensures the ESC system continues to operate effectively, and the vehicle maintains its intended level of safety and control.

Approval Label Descriptions

At Superior, we've made it simple to identify where your product stands in terms of road legality.
Our easy-to-follow Green / Orange / Red system—explained below—shows whether approval is needed or not.

Green Label

Refers to products that are designed as a direct replacement for OEM or exceeding OEM standards. They require no additional engineering, and are therefore considered legal for use under NCOP v2 VSB 14 / QCOP general rules.

Orange Label

This refers to items designed as direct replacements for OEM or exceeding OEM standards. They require no additional engineering and are therefore considered legal for use under NCOP v2 VSB14 / QCOP general rules. However, you need to be aware that the approval is only for that specific item, not any Lift that may be in the vehicle.

Alternatively, the item may fall under a Certificate of Compliance that will be emailed to you upon purchase as proof that it was manufactured and tested to comply with NCOP v2 VSB14 / QCOP.

Red Label

Signifies products that must be installed by a Certified Installer with the appropriate qualifications. Superior Engineering will need to connect you with a trusted Approved Person or Engineering Signatory who will provide you with the necessary approval documents. Thus, considered legal for use under NCOP v2 VSB 14 / QCOP, once certified.

Please read the step by step of the approval Process below.

Approval Process

STEP 1: CONTACT SUPERIOR ENGINEERING

Before making any modifications, give us a call on 07 5433 1411 to discuss your plans and objectives for your vehicle. This crucial first step can save you time and money by ensuring that the components and lift heights you’re considering are compliant and certifiable in your state.

DISCLAIMER: General advice in regard to suitability of components and current state regulation is based upon regulations at the time of sales consultation. Changes to laws and regulations may happen at any time and consultation with Approved Person / Engineering Signatory (AP) (step 4) will help in attaining certification under the most current modification rules applicable to your vehicle.

STEP 2: PURCHASING THE COMPONENTS

Based on the result from the previous step, you can purchase the recommended components through our website at www.superiorengineering.com.au or call us on 07 5433 1411 to place an order over the phone. We offer multiple payment options to help you invest in the best possible parts for your vehicle.

STEP 3: FITTING THE COMPONENTS

Some components must be installed by a Certified Installer with the appropriate qualifications. For example, a Superior Engineering Weld-On Chassis Brace Kit requires installation by a Certified Welder. However, many components, such as Drag Links, Tie Rods, and Radius Arms, are designed as direct bolt-on replacement items which exceed OEM standards, and no additional engineering is required.

STEP 4: FINDING AN ENGINEER

Give us a call on 07 5433 1411, and we’ll connect you with a trusted, Approved Person / Engineering Signatory who is highly experienced with our products. Our extensive AP and Signatory network covers both urban and rural areas, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free certification process. Alternative Engineers, that do NOT form part of the Superior Engineering AP Network must NOT be used.

STEP 5: PREPARING THE VEHICLE

To Aid in the approval process, ensure your vehicle is in Roadworthy Condition. This includes, A thorough exterior and interior clean, No major structural or panel damage, Fully functional factory-fitted components (e.g. lights, wipers, horn, traction systems), and ensure all aftermarket modifications, meet ADR (Australian Design Rules) standards.

STEP 6: ENGINEERING CERTIFICATION

Once booked, the AP / Engineering Signatory will inspect your vehicle to confirm Compliance with State vehicle standards regulations as well as the associated ADR’s. If everything meets the required standards, they will proceed with the inspection and certify the specified modifications and provide you with the necessary approval documents which are required to be carried in your vehicle—giving you peace of mind if stopped by law enforcement.

STEP 7: CERTIFICATION APPROVED!

Congratulations! Your vehicle is now certified and ready for the road. Vehicles that have been approved for a change in Gross Vehicle Mass are generally required to notify your local state road transport facility and update the vehicle particulars to show the new vehicle ratings. We recommend contacting your Insurance Provider to update your policy with the approved modifications. Now, enjoy the ride with confidence, knowing your vehicle is both safe and fully compliant.

APPROVAL FEE IS SET BY THE AP AND MAY VARY FROM STATE TO STATE, OR AP TO AP.

Legal Disclaimer

While Superior Engineering provides a range of ADR-compliant components, we also supply parts intended for off-road or competition use.

It is the responsibility of the vehicle owner to confirm the legality of any modifications with their local/state transport authority. We do not provide legal advice and accept no responsibility for products used outside of state or federal road-use regulations.

View NCOP v2 VSB 14 Guidelines
View Section LS – Suspension & Steering