Registering a Left-Hand Drive Vehicle in NSW

We see a lot of imported American muscle and vintage European cars roll into our Brookvale workshop. The first question owners usually ask is: Do I have to convert the steering to right-hand drive?

The short answer? Usually, no, as long as the car is old enough.

The 25-Year Rule

Transport for NSW permits left-hand drive vehicles to be registered without cutting it up for a steering conversion if it meets two simple rules:

• The vehicle is at least 25 years old.

• The vehicle has a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) under 4.5 tonnes.

If your imported car is less than 25 years old, the rules are strict. You will need to pay for a full right-hand drive conversion and get a compliance certificate from a licensed engineer before it can be registered.

Getting it Ready for Aussie Roads

Even if your classic qualifies under the 25-year rule, you cannot just drive it straight off the docks. It must be adapted to drive on the left side of the road. At Andris Automotive, we handle these mandatory compliance modifications to get your car legal such as:

• Swap or adjust the headlights so the low-beam deflects downwards and to the left. This is a legal requirement so you don't blind oncoming traffic.

• Install or modify external mirrors on both sides of the vehicle to give you a clear, safe view of overtaking cars.

• Go over the brakes, suspension, and steering to make sure the car is safe to drive and meets standard NSW roadworthy rules.

An optional extra safety feature you can add is sticking a 'LEFT-HAND DRIVE' sign on the back of the car.

The Paperwork

In NSW, vehicles converted from left to right hand drive require certification to be registered. Depending on when your vehicle was first registered in NSW, you may already have a Vehicle Report, or an Engineer’s Certificate issued under the Engineering Certification Scheme (ECS), or a Compliance Certificate issued by a Vehicle Safety Compliance Certification Scheme (VSCCS) licensed certifier.

Either way, if you are looking to fully register your classic car or conditionally register under under the Classic Vehicle Scheme (CVS) or Historic Vehicle Scheme (HVS), you'll need a Compliance Certificate issued by a VSCCS Licensed Certifier.

With a certificate in hand and ready to complete the registration process, you will need:

• Completed ‘Application for Registration’ form (Form No. 1009)

• Authorised Unregistered Vehicle Inspection Scheme (AUVIS) inspection report (Blue Slip).

• Weighbridge certificate (you can get one from a Public Weighbridge).

• Proof of ownership (like a current certificate of registration or bill of sale).

• Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance certificate (Green Slip).

At Andris, We Can Help

Importing a classic car is exciting but the last thing you want is to find out your dream classic car can't be registered. Don't leave it to fate, bring your left-hand drive vehicle into the shop and we can provide advice on the necessary mechanical modifications. Here at Andris we have the classic car skills to make sure it safe, and prepared to pass all its inspections without a hitch.

Need your imported classic prepped for NSW roads? Call Andrew on (02) 9939 2239.