Vehicle assessment signatory scheme approval certificate
Learn about vehicle assessment signatory scheme and how to obtain an approval certificate.
Vehicle modifications, such as those aimed at improving performance or appearance, may have an adverse effect on the vehicle’s safety or emissions performance.
A vehicle assessment signatory scheme (VASS) signatory is responsible for ensuring all modified, individually constructed and certain imported vehicles meet standards for registration.
Government regulations require that all vehicle modifications must:
- be carried out in accordance with guidelines issued by VicRoads, or
- have VicRoads' specific approval. This applies to a vehicle that is already registered or when an application for registration is being made
Modifications or vehicles requiring a VASS approval certificate
You'll need a VASS approval certificate from a VASS signatory if your vehicle has been modified, imported or is an individually constructed vehicle.
A certificate is needed for:
- heavy vehicle modifications
- conversions of vehicles to campervans or motorhomes
- engine changes or modifications not offered as an option for that model by the vehicle manufacturer
- installation of additional adult seats and seat belts
- left hand to right hand steering conversions
- vehicles modified to provide wheelchair access and restraint
- chassis replacement on a vehicle that has a separate chassis
- changes to the gross vehicle mass (GVM) rating.
You may also need a VASS approval certificate for:
new street rods or individually constructed vehicles, including replica vehicles
some imported vehicles.
If you're thinking about modifying, importing or building a vehicle, we recommend you discuss your plan with a VASS signatory before you start.
VASS approval letter and modification plate
Once a VASS signatory certifies a vehicle they will issue a VASS approval certificate and a blue modification plate which is attached to the vehicle.
A VASS approval certificate issued to a light vehicle is valid for 30 days from the date of issue. A VASS approval certificate for a modified heavy vehicle doesn't expire.
VASS approval letter
A VASS approval letter is required for:
- modifications to light trailers (4.5 tonne GTM or less) which result in a change to the aggregate trailer mass (ATM) or gross trailer mass (GTM) ratings. For information on modifying light trailers, see modify a light trailer or caravan.
- Replacement of a heavy vehicle engine that is identical to the engine originally fitted by the manufacturer.
Once submitted at a VicRoads customer service centre, you should retain a copy of the letter for future reference.
VASS modification plate
A VASS modification plate is a blue label or plate that must be affixed to modified, individually constructed and certain imported vehicles which have been issued with a VASS approval certificate by a VASS signatory.
The VASS modification plate must contain details of the vehicle, and the VASS approval certificate number and details of the modification, shown as a code eg. LA2. It must not be removed from the vehicle.
If you wish to learn more about a specific modification code, please refer to:
Costs
VicRoads doesn't regulate or specify the cost for the services performed by a VASS signatory to inspect, test or issue a VASS approval certificate or letter to a vehicle.
The cost for the services provided by a VASS signatory will be dependent on the amount of work involved in the inspection and testing of your vehicle and will need to be discussed and arranged between yourself and the VASS signatory.
To ensure the VASS signatory can provide you with an estimate or quote for the cost of their services, you're encouraged to do your research and provide them with as much information as possible regarding your project during the consultation.
It is important to remember that a VASS signatory may not be able to provide you with a cost during your first contact with them. They may require time to review the information you have given them so they may identify what type of work they need to do for your vehicle.