New gross combination mass codes for QLD

The Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has introduced a new Gross Combination Mass (GCM) Code and amended Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) Code following industry and stakeholder consultations, which has been welcomed by the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA).

The landmark Code is a win for recreational motorists and aftermarket manufacturers in Queensland, making it easier for drivers to modify light vehicles and four-wheel drives to safely carry and tow heavier loads. 

The new Code outlines modification requirements for re-rating vehicle GCM, including updates to the existing requirements for GVM re-rating, which involves new testing and validation protocols that speed up the process. 

The AAAA has been proactively engaging with regulators across the country to form the the Gross Combination Mass (GCM) Technical Working Group, which prompted the updates.

“We want to thank the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads for their consultation and cooperation with the industry,” said AAAA director of government relations, Lesley Yates.

“Our automotive engineers worked collaboratively with the professional TMR engineers, and the discussions were certainly robust but in the end productive and the best result for consumers and safety.

“Queensland are now the national leaders for in-service modification rules, they are ready to meet the market demand without compromising road safety and safe engineering practices.”

The Working Group brought together various modification industry experts to ensure best practice regulatory outcomes, and the AAAA says the code provides a model for collaboration between industry and government for other areas of vehicle modification.

“The process we undertook to develop the GCM Code provides a model for proactive collaboration between industry and government and will provide a platform for the development of future testing and validation protocols for other areas of vehicle modification,” said AAAA chief executive officer, Stuart Charity.

“This means all road users will be safer and our vibrant home-grown Queensland 4x4 modification industry can continue to thrive and drive innovation in the automotive industry.”

According to the TMR, there had been continued calls from both industry and the wider recreational motoring community to allow for the mass re-ratings of light vehicles.

"I am pleased to announce we have listened to the needs of industry and the towing community and have developed safe and robust modification codes which we believe will be welcomed by those wishing to undertake these type of vehicle modifications,” said TMR Deputy Director General, Customer Services, Safety and Regulation, Geoff Magoffin.

The AAAA says Queensland now had “the best GCM and GVM regulations in the country”, but the good news for others states and territories is that TMR is pursuing nationwide adoption of the code.

"Transport and Main Roads (TMR) engineers have worked with their counterparts in New South Wales and Victoria and alongside industry to develop the new GCM code.

"While the codes will be available within Queensland initially, TMR will continue to work closely with their jurisdictional counterparts and the Commonwealth to introduce the codes nationally.”