Not every vehicle modification in Queensland needs a mod plate.
Some changes can be made without certification. Others need to be inspected and certified by an Approved Person.
What applies can depend on:
your vehicle’s make, model and year
what you want to change
how the modification will be carried out
the vehicle’s original specifications
any existing modifications.
That’s why something that was okay on someone else’s vehicle may not necessarily be okay on yours.
What Vehicle Modifications May Need a Mod Plate?
Depending on the vehicle and the work being done, certification may be required for modifications involving:
seats and seatbelts
suspension and vehicle lifts
GVM or other mass changes
engines
brakes
steering
body or chassis changes
campervan and motorhome conversions.
This does not mean every change in these areas automatically needs a mod plate.
It means you need to check what applies to your particular vehicle and modification.
Do I Need a Mod Plate to Remove Seats?
This is a good example of why the answer is often “it depends.”
Removing seats may affect a vehicle’s seating capacity, and Queensland Transport and Main Roads (TMR) publishes specific information about removing seats and changing seating positions.
So even when a change seems simple, it is worth checking before starting the work.
Check First. Modify Second.
It can be much easier and cheaper to find out what is required before buying parts or carrying out the modification.
TMR provides free official information for Queensland vehicle owners:
Vehicle Modifications
https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/safety/vehicle-standards-and-safety/vehicle-modifications
Vehicle Standards Information Sheets
https://www.publications.qld.gov.au/dataset/vehicle-standards-information
Queensland Vehicle Modification Codes
https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/business-industry/accreditations/approved-person-scheme/vehicle-modification-codes
These links take you to official Queensland Government information.
Still Not Sure?
Sometimes you can read the rules and still be left wondering:
“But what does that mean for my vehicle?”
That’s when vehicle-specific advice may be needed.
If you contact us, have ready:
vehicle make and model
year
VIN
a short description of what you want to do
clear photos of the vehicle and the area being modified.
Need help with your particular vehicle?
Submit your request via our online enquiry form.
Important Information
This information has been prepared independently by TechEng Queensland using information published by Queensland Transport and Main Roads.
It is a general plain-English guide only. It is not a TMR publication, does not imply TMR endorsement, and does not replace current TMR requirements or vehicle-specific engineering advice.
