The 15 year rule explained
RELATED FAQ's
Importing Regulations
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What is the 15 year rule ?
Well, there are in fact four (4) methods of importing vehicles to Australia, of which the 15 year rule is only one method (see Importing Regulations). The 15 year rule is completely separate to (and unaffected by) the new import scheme (SEVS -- Specialist and Enthusiast Vehicle Scheme), and until May 2005 allowed for the import of any vehicle to Australia that was 15 years old or older at that time. However, DOTARS changed the rule in May 2005 to apply to December 1988 and older models only, and this will not change until about 2018 when 1988 model vehicles are 30 years old. Only then will the reference year of 1988 start moving forward again.
SEVS is the new import scheme and is the second method of importing. It covers all cars imported for normal road use that are younger than December 1988, e.g. 1993 - 2002 Toyota Supra, 1989 - 1994 R32 Skyline.
Please see this link for the eligible models under SEVS:
http://rvcs-prodweb.dot.gov.au/sevs/sevsindex.htm
The two other importing methods are suitable for importing race / rally cars (racing licence required), and to Australian citizens or permanent residents working outside Australia for 12 months or longer (personal import rule). They are NOT suitable methods for a member of the general public that wishes to import a vehicle for normal road use. This must be done under either of the first two options.
What can be imported under the 15 year rule ?
Anything as long as it is older than December 1988. Also, there are still a handful of 1989 / 90 models listed in stock which have import approvals issued under the 15 year rule before it changed last year, and these can still be imported under this rule.
Registration of 15 year old cars
We always suggest with 15 year old vehicles that an allowance of about $1,200 be made for the modifications required prior to registration (which can be done by anyone). These vary from vehicle to vehicle and State to State, and may include the following items:
o Seatbelts
o Sun visors
o Child restraint points on the rear parcel shelf
o High level brake light
o Catalytic convertor
o Driver's side mirror changed from convex to flat
o Unleaded fuel filler opening restrictor
o Side intrusion bars
o Dash dimmer switch
o Engineer's sign-off (some States only)
If you are uncertain about what needs to be done for a vehicle you are considering, you should ask the registration authority in your State for further information. Costs of the work can then be determined by contacting a workshop prior to going ahead. While you can make all the changes yourself, we can of course recommend a reliable workshop in your State should you require assistance.
Performance modifications
15 year old cars with performance modifications simply need to get through your State's registration process. The 15 year rule is separate to the new import scheme (SEVS) so there is no need to remove performance modifications for "compliance". However, each State has it's own rules on what level of modifications are acceptable, so you should check with your State's registration authority if you are unsure. For example, in SA which is the strictest State, any vehicle must be completely stock standard when registered except for wheels which can be aftermarket (but no more than one or two inches larger than factory).
Price estimates for vehicles in Stock never include altering any performance modifications, this is extremely variable and is up to the customer to factor in before deciding to go ahead.
Importing Regulations
CLICK HERE TO SEE OUR FULL FAQ's
What is the 15 year rule ?
Well, there are in fact four (4) methods of importing vehicles to Australia, of which the 15 year rule is only one method (see Importing Regulations). The 15 year rule is completely separate to (and unaffected by) the new import scheme (SEVS -- Specialist and Enthusiast Vehicle Scheme), and until May 2005 allowed for the import of any vehicle to Australia that was 15 years old or older at that time. However, DOTARS changed the rule in May 2005 to apply to December 1988 and older models only, and this will not change until about 2018 when 1988 model vehicles are 30 years old. Only then will the reference year of 1988 start moving forward again.
SEVS is the new import scheme and is the second method of importing. It covers all cars imported for normal road use that are younger than December 1988, e.g. 1993 - 2002 Toyota Supra, 1989 - 1994 R32 Skyline.
Please see this link for the eligible models under SEVS:
http://rvcs-prodweb.dot.gov.au/sevs/sevsindex.htm
The two other importing methods are suitable for importing race / rally cars (racing licence required), and to Australian citizens or permanent residents working outside Australia for 12 months or longer (personal import rule). They are NOT suitable methods for a member of the general public that wishes to import a vehicle for normal road use. This must be done under either of the first two options.
What can be imported under the 15 year rule ?
Anything as long as it is older than December 1988. Also, there are still a handful of 1989 / 90 models listed in stock which have import approvals issued under the 15 year rule before it changed last year, and these can still be imported under this rule.
Registration of 15 year old cars
We always suggest with 15 year old vehicles that an allowance of about $1,200 be made for the modifications required prior to registration (which can be done by anyone). These vary from vehicle to vehicle and State to State, and may include the following items:
o Seatbelts
o Sun visors
o Child restraint points on the rear parcel shelf
o High level brake light
o Catalytic convertor
o Driver's side mirror changed from convex to flat
o Unleaded fuel filler opening restrictor
o Side intrusion bars
o Dash dimmer switch
o Engineer's sign-off (some States only)
If you are uncertain about what needs to be done for a vehicle you are considering, you should ask the registration authority in your State for further information. Costs of the work can then be determined by contacting a workshop prior to going ahead. While you can make all the changes yourself, we can of course recommend a reliable workshop in your State should you require assistance.
Performance modifications
15 year old cars with performance modifications simply need to get through your State's registration process. The 15 year rule is separate to the new import scheme (SEVS) so there is no need to remove performance modifications for "compliance". However, each State has it's own rules on what level of modifications are acceptable, so you should check with your State's registration authority if you are unsure. For example, in SA which is the strictest State, any vehicle must be completely stock standard when registered except for wheels which can be aftermarket (but no more than one or two inches larger than factory).
Price estimates for vehicles in Stock never include altering any performance modifications, this is extremely variable and is up to the customer to factor in before deciding to go ahead.