Superior Engineering - Are Our Products Street Legal?

One of the most frequently asked questions we receive at Superior Engineering is: “Are your products street legal for use on Australian roads?”

The simple answer is yes – the majority of our products are compliant under the National Code of Practice for Light Vehicle Construction and Modification (NCOP VSB 14, Version 2) and the Queensland Code of Practice (QCOP).

Following extensive testing and consultation with state authorities, we’re proud to say that a wide range of products sold by Superior Engineering are recognised as fully street legal for use on public roads in Australia.

• Ball Joints (including Extended Body Upper Ball Joints)
• Tie Rod Ends, Rack Ends, Idler & Pitman Arms
• Upper Control Arms (UCA’s), including Fixed Adjustment Types
• Adjustable and Fixed Panhard Rods
• Adjustable Tie Rods & Drag Links (Standard, HD, Comp Styles)
• Rear Upper & Lower Control Arms – Adjustable & Fixed
• Camber Adjustment Kits
• Castor Wedges
• Radius Arm Washers & Spacer Washers
• Heavy Duty Sway Bars & Sway Bar Extensions
• Sway Bar Links – Upgraded & Heim Joint Variants
• Track Rods & Strut Braces
• Spring & Shock Absorber Substitutions
• 50mm (2”) Suspension Lift Kits
• Drop Out Cones & Coil Retainers (Bolt-On)
• Diff Drop Kits & Torsion Bar Reinforcing Brackets (Bolt-On)
• Strut Top Replacements
• Fender Flares
• Body Lift Kits (up to 50mm)
• Steering Wheel Substitutions (per Section 4.9)
• Heavy Duty Tow Points

As of 9th September 2018: VSB 14 allowed for the following modifications to be completed without certification if the total change in vehicle height does not exceed 50mm:

• Tyre and rim substitution (within limits)
• Lowering or raising suspension (by up to one-third of original travel)
• Body lift kits (up to 50mm)
• Shock absorber and spring substitution
• Sway bar and track rod installation
• Strut braces and steering wheel replacements
• Power steering conversions

Most modern vehicles from 2012 onward are equipped with Electronic Stability Control (ESC), a critical safety system that automatically manages engine power and applies braking force to individual wheels to maintain vehicle stability and prevent loss of control. Due to the nature of ESC, any suspension or handling modifications must be carefully considered to ensure continued compliance with safety regulations.

Under the National Code of Practice (VSB 14), a suspension lift of up to 50mm is generally permitted without requiring certification. However, lifts exceeding 50mm - or any combination of suspension, tyre, and/or body lifts that increase overall height - may require engineering approval under modification codes LS7 or LS8. These combinations may also need to undergo specific ESC testing in accordance with ADR 88/00 to verify that vehicle stability remains uncompromised.

For non-off-road vehicles equipped with ESC, lowering modifications are only allowed if the vehicle continues to meet minimum ground clearance and suspension travel standards. This ensures the ESC system continues to operate effectively, and the vehicle maintains its intended level of safety and control.

At Superior, we've made it simple to identify where your product stands in terms of road legality.
Our easy-to-follow Green / Orange / Red system—explained below—shows whether approval is needed or not.

Green Label

Refers to products that are designed as a direct replacement for OEM or exceeding OEM standards. They require no additional engineering, and are therefore considered legal for use under NCOP v2 VSB 14 / QCOP general rules.

Orange Label

This refers to items designed as direct replacements for OEM or exceeding OEM standards. They require no additional engineering and are therefore considered legal for use under NCOP v2 VSB14 / QCOP general rules. However, you need to be aware that the approval is only for that specific item, not any Lift that may be in the vehicle.

Alternatively, the item may fall under a Certificate of Compliance that will be emailed to you upon purchase as proof that it was manufactured and tested to comply with NCOP v2 VSB14 / QCOP.

Red Label

Signifies products that must be installed by a Certified Installer with the appropriate qualifications. Superior Engineering will need to connect you with a trusted Approved Person or Engineering Signatory who will provide you with the necessary approval documents. Thus, considered legal for use under NCOP v2 VSB 14 / QCOP, once certified.