Changes to J and P Code Legislation ensure National Consistency

Changes to J and P Code legislation ushers in a new national approach to J and P Code modifications.

J code (body mounting) and P (tow coupling, fifth wheel and king pin installation) code heavy vehicle modifications will now (as of 1 July 2015) need to be certified and approved by an approved vehicle examiner (AVE).

According to The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) CEO, Sal Petroccitto not all jurisdictions required the fitment of couplings and bodies to be certified. He says this new arrangement contributes to national consistency in vehicle standards and safety.

On the NHVR’s website he explained:

“This change ensures that J and P Code modifications are treated the same way nationally and are being approved to the same safety standards”,

“The fitment of various types of bodies and equipment can substantially alter the original heavy vehicle design. The development and fitment of such equipment should be carried out by a qualified person and the work then needs to be certified and approved by an AVE.

Source: https://www.nhvr.gov.au

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Mr Petroccitto went on to explain that once an approved vehicle examiner has approved the vehicle, they will fit a modification plate that clearly species when the fitment took place and who undertook it. It will also specify that the modification was undertaken safely and in accordance with the National Code of Practice for Heavy Vehicle Modifications, Vehicle Standards Bulletin 6 ( VSB6).

He went on to explain that this will ease the certification of modifications process and make it more streamlined when the vehicle is sold,

“Certification of these modifications will also reduce the need for trucks to be re-inspected and certified when changing ownership or transferring between states and territories”, said Mr Petroccitto.

Source: https://www.nhvr.gov.au

RMS will begin enforcing new rules as head Paul Endycott explained.

“Modified vehicles which require certification include vehicles with body fit and tow coupling/fifth wheel modifications, also referred to as J and P code modifications,” Mr Endycott said.

Source: http://www.bigrigs.com.au

RMS explained that they had arranged with the NHVR to allow until June 30 for more than 5000 vehicles requiring certification to comply with the new rules and to hire suitably qualified licensed certifiers. Those heavy vehicles with non-certified modifications which were started on or after July 1^st will face fines of up to $2,200.

For more information on the Heavy Vehicle J and P Code Modifications fact sheet, visit www.nhvr.gov.au/hvmodifications