Are 4x4s being targeting by police for modifications?
Social media is lighting up right now with stories of 4WD owners being defected for their vehicle mods all over Australia. Whether it's lifted suspension, light bars, or window tint, it seems like no one knows exactly what’s legal anymore.
So I’ve done a deep dive into the mess of laws, history, and common sense (or lack of it) to help you understand what’s really going on—and how you can avoid getting defected.
A Long History of Law and Order
To understand why we’re in this position today, you need to go back—way back—to January 26, 1788. That’s when the First Fleet landed in Australia. While most people remember the convicts, 15% of that fleet were marine guards—law enforcement.
From the start, lawmaking and law enforcement have been baked into Australian culture. Today, we’re bombarded with laws: on average, 108 new federal laws every year, or one every three days. That doesn’t even include state or local laws. So it’s no wonder it’s hard to keep up.
When cars became common, the states brought in rego and roadworthy checks to make sure vehicles were safe. Defect notices started targeting obvious things—bald tyres, broken lights, dodgy seatbelts. But things got a lot more complicated after the 2000s, especially when it came to modifications and environmental compliance.
What Will Get You Defected?
The list of potential defects is massive and confusing. Here’s a taste of what could get your 4x4 pinged:
Suspension lifts and oversized wheels
Removing the DPF
Overly dark window tint
Excess roof load
Incorrect driving lights
Missing mud flaps
But here’s the real kicker: laws vary from state to state. What’s legal in Victoria might be illegal in Queensland. And enforcement? That’s handled by different agencies in each state, usually law enforcement departments who, believe it or not, might not fully understand the laws themselves.
Three Mods That Will Get You in Trouble (Maybe)
Here are three of the most common modifications—and how they’re handled across Australia.
1. Window Tint
Windshield: You’re allowed a tint strip across the top 10% only.
Front Side Windows: Must allow at least 35% visible light through in all states.
Rear Windows: Varies. NT allows 15% (likely due to the heat); other states vary.
Police can and do use tint meters to check compliance, so if you're pushing the limits, expect to get tested.
2. Driving Lights
You can legally fit up to four driving lights (including light bars) in most states.
But where you mount them matters:
Roof-mounted lights are legal in Victoria—but not clearly legal elsewhere.
Bull bar-mounted light bars? Illegal in WA. Other states vary, but many say nothing can block your forward view or sit above bonnet height.
And the color matters: lights must be white in nearly all states. Amber or colored lights? Probably illegal.
3. Vehicle Lifts
Lifts are where a lot of confusion and fines come from. Here's a breakdown of what you can legally do without needing certification:
State/TerritoryMax Lift (suspension + tyres + body)VIC75mm (surprisingly lenient!)NSW75mmQLD75mm (not clearly written, but matches others)ACT50mmTAS50mmSA50mm (includes body lift)WA50mmNT100mm (most generous)
You may still need a wheel alignment certificate in some cases, so check that too.
Traveling interstate? Generally, you must comply with the laws of your state of registration. But be warned: if you're acting like a flog, don't be surprised if you're defected anyway.
Why Is It So Confusing?
There are a few key reasons:
Every state has its own laws and websites, often poorly written and contradicting each other.
4WD accessory companies, both local and overseas, sell gear that looks incredible but isn’t always road legal.
Global influence—we see those epic overland rigs on YouTube and think, “I want that.” But legal in the US doesn’t mean legal in Aus.
You might walk into a shop, buy a light bar or suspension kit off the shelf, install it thinking it’s all above board—then get defected on your next trip to the High Country. It’s that easy to stuff it up.
What If You Do Get Pulled Over?
The number one rule: Don’t be a dick.
Seriously. Your attitude matters. I once got pulled over for speeding. I owned it—no excuses, no lies—and the officer cut me a break. Smaller fine, fewer demerit points.
If you’re respectful and honest, most officers will work with you. If you kick up a stink, pull out your phone, or argue on the spot, they’ll throw the book at you.
And remember: the roadside is not the courtroom. If you think you’re in the right, cop the defect, then contest it properly later.
Final Thoughts
If you’re modifying your 4WD, do your research first. Dig into your state’s legislation (I know—it’s painful), and understand what you can and can’t do.
Here are a few tips to stay legal:
Don’t assume parts sold in Australia are automatically road legal.
Keep receipts and documentation for any certified work.
Always check the actual rules in your state—don’t rely on Facebook advice.
And remember, just because you can mod your 4WD, doesn’t mean you can mod it however you like.
The best way to avoid getting defected? Know the law better than the person enforcing it.