There’s nothing worse than having top-quality rugged technology in your vehicle only to find that it hasn’t been installed correctly. Worse still, it’s non-compliant or the equipment causes an injury in an accident.
Australia has some of the toughest road safety rules in the world. They’re designed to keep drivers, passengers and other road users safe. These rules also extend to the equipment that’s installed in and on vehicles.
Australian Light Vehicle Standards Rules
The Australian Light Vehicle Standards Rules (ALVSRs) regulate in-service vehicle standards for light vehicles. While the rules have no legal effect, they form the basis for each state and territory to implement their own Vehicle Standard Rules. Therefore, rules can differ slightly between the states and territories in Australia. The National Transport Commission (NTC) is responsible for the ALVSRs and reviews them annually.
The ALVSRs were prepared in consultation with the police, road safety agencies, motoring organisations, representatives of the automotive industry and members of the public.
The ALVSRs are based on the Australian Design Rules (ADRs). Developed and administered by the Commonwealth Government, ADRs are national standards for vehicle safety, emissions and anti-theft. All vehicles are subject to ADRs whether they are manufactured in Australia or imported, new or used. Vehicles that are configured to meet the design regulations of other countries are barred from import into Australia until they comply with the ADRs and the conversion work is inspected and certified.
A light vehicle is considered a single motor vehicle with a gross vehicle mass of up to 4.5 tonnes and not more than 12.5 metres long.
Different Rules Between Countries
What some consumers in Australia don’t realise is that what they see overseas isn’t always permitted here in Australia. They may watch a YouTube video or read an article produced in the US about a piece of technology installed in a vehicle that will make their work life easier. They purchase the equipment and enquire about installing it in their vehicle, only to find that it’s not permitted in Australia. Most other countries have rules that aren’t as strict so they choose heavier, larger equipment for their vehicles that aren’t permitted in Australia.
How Do I Know If My Installation Is ADR Compliant?
There are long lists of rules, regulations and checklists to go through when it comes to finding out if your next installation idea is compliant with your state’s regulations.
As well as being compliant to the ADR, it is also necessary to have the installation comply with the Road Traffic Act of Australia. The Road Traffic Act stipulates that a Driver Facing Screen must be restricted when the vehicle is in operation.
Some things to consider when checking if your installation is compliant:
- The tablet and dock must be installed in a way that it does not interfere with the passenger airbag in the event of an accident.
- The tablet and dock must not interfere with the driver's view across the front of the vehicle
- The mounting bracket for the dock should be attached to the vehicles safety cell and must be secure in the event of an accident.
To avoid having to dismantle your installation due to compliance issues, ensure that you’re purchasing from Australian companies that supply and fit mounting kits and vehicle docks that have passed the Australian Design Rules and local regulations within your state.
Professional Installation of Vehicle Docks & Mounts
Do-it-yourself in-vehicle mounting isn’t recommended. Professional installers know the ADR requirements, the Road Traffic Act, and can ensure safety guidelines are met.
Roaming Technologies’ mounting kits come with documentation for compliance sign-offs where required by local state law and can also provide Screen Blanking Software to bring your installed devices into compliance with the Road Traffic Act.
To see if your installation idea complies with Australia's strict light vehicle regulations, call and speak to one of our experts at Roaming Technologies on 1300 131 933 or contact us online.