Australian Spare Wheel and Tyre Size Regulations

    In Australia, regulations for spare wheels and tyre sizes are set by the Australian Design Rules (ADRs) and the Vehicle Standards Bulletin 14 (VSB 14), with additional rules varying by state or territory. These ensure vehicle safety, compatibility, and compliance with performance standards like speedometer accuracy.

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Spare Wheel Regulations

• No Mandate for Spares: Carrying a spare wheel is not legally required, but if included, it must meet safety standards for load rating, speed rating, and vehicle compatibility.

• Types of Spares:

  • Full-Size Spare: Must align with the primary wheels in diameter, width, offset, and mounting setup.

  • Space-Saver Tyre: Designed for temporary emergency use, typically restricted to 80 km/h and 80–100 km travel distance (refer to vehicle manual or tyre sidewall for exact limits). Replace with a full-size tyre as soon as possible.

• Emergency Use Guidelines:

  • Space-savers are permitted only for short-term use to reach a repair facility, driven within specified speed and distance limits.

  • Front-Wheel-Drive Vehicles: Install space-saver on the rear axle, moving a rear full-size tyre to the front.

  • Rear-Wheel-Drive Vehicles: Fit space-saver on the front axle.

  • All-Wheel-Drive/4WD Vehicles: Limit space-saver use to avoid drivetrain damage; replace with a matching full-size tyre promptly.

• Non-Compliance Risks: In states like New South Wales (NSW), using a space-saver beyond emergency conditions may lead to fines (e.g., $74) or a defect notice if the vehicle is deemed unroadworthy.

Permitted Tyre and Wheel Size Variations

• Rolling Diameter (Wheel + Tyre):

  • Passenger Vehicles: Must stay within +15 mm or -26 mm of the manufacturer’s specified largest or smallest tyre size.

  • 4WD Vehicles: Allowed within +50 mm or -26 mm of the manufacturer’s specification.

  • NSW Exception: Permits up to a 7% increase in tyre diameter without needing engineering certification.

• Wheel Width:

  • Passenger Vehicles: May be up to 25–26 mm wider than the widest wheel specified by the manufacturer.

  • 4WD Vehicles: Up to 50% wider than the manufacturer’s widest wheel.

• Tyre Width:

  • Passenger Vehicles: Up to 1.3 times the width of the largest tyre option specified.

  • 4WD Vehicles: Up to 1.5 times the width of the largest tyre option.

• Wheel Track:

  • Passenger Vehicles: Maximum increase of 25 mm from the manufacturer’s specification.

  • 4WD Vehicles: Maximum increase of 50 mm.

• Speedometer Accuracy: Vehicles manufactured after July 1, 1988, must maintain speedometer accuracy within ±10% at speeds above 40 km/h.

Additional Compliance Requirements

• Vehicle Clearance: Spare wheels must not extend beyond the vehicle’s body or interfere with suspension, steering, or braking components.

• Wheel Spacers: Prohibited unless installed as original equipment by the manufacturer, due to impacts on stability and track width.

• Engineering Certification: Needed for spares exceeding permitted size limits, with documentation submitted to the state transport authority and carried in the vehicle.

• Tyre Placard: Found in the glovebox, driver’s door sill, or fuel filler flap, it lists recommended tyre sizes, load ratings, speed ratings, and inflation pressures for reference.

• Insurance Implications: Non-compliant spare wheels may lead to rejected insurance claims if the vehicle is found unroadworthy.

State and Territory Variations

Regulations may differ slightly by region. Always verify with local transport authorities:

• NSW: Permits wheels up to 26 mm wider without notification; space-savers restricted to emergency use.

• Victoria: Limits wheel width increases to 25 mm; bans non-factory wheel spacers.

• Queensland: Allows +15 mm/-26 mm diameter changes; prohibits non-factory wheel spacers.

• South Australia: Permits diameter changes up to ±50 mm; bans non-factory wheel spacers.

• Western Australia: Restricts rim width increases to 25 mm; enforces stricter rules for 4WD vehicles with lift kits and larger tyres.

Practical Tips for Compliance

• Use the vehicle’s tyre placard to confirm spare wheel compatibility.

• Seek advice from tyre professionals or mechanics to ensure adherence to regulations.

• Opt for a full-size spare when traveling in remote areas, given Australia’s vast distances and limited repair facilities.

• Ensure spare wheels do not compromise speedometer accuracy, vehicle handling, or component clearance.

Note: For precise requirements, consult state transport authorities (e.g., VicRoads, Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads) or refer to the ADRs and VSB 14.