Queensland police refer to these benefits as “excuses”, stating the real reason people lower their car is to make it look good.

What’s wrong with that?

Unfortunately for us cool people, we need to accept lowering our car will attract police attention, “random spot checks”, possible fines, or a possible dreaded trip over the pits.

In this article we’ll look at how low you can lower your car legally in Australia, which in general terms is 100mm from the ground.

Lowering your car – the 100mm Australian Design Rules rule

The 100mm clearance rule when lowering your Australian car is put in place by the Australian Design Rules (ADRs), most notably ADR 43.

But it’s not as simple as 100mm at a point you choose under your car, it is “any point in the width of the vehicle which is within one metre fore and aft of any axle“.

We will discuss good ways to check your lower car is compliant with the 100mm rule shortly, but wait, as unfortunately it gets a little more complicated.

The 50mm change in height rule

ADRs aside, you may also fall foul of the National Code of Practice for Light Vehicle Construction and Modifications (NCOP) regulations put in place by the Government department of Infrastructure.

These regs state the “total change in vehicle height resulting from all modifications performed, does not exceed 50mm”.

It’s unlikely you’ll break this legality with your Nissan Skyline, but if you’re lowering your 4×4 to look cool rather than practical then this rule is easily broken.

If you’re concerned about this rule, it is advisable to read the NCOP regulations themselves, specifically VSB 14, Section LS – Suspension and Steering.

What you should consider when lowering the ride height of your car

We mentioned earlier about police attention, and legal or not, lowering your car is like shining a spotlight in the vicinity of a herd of police moths*.

* Note: The correct term for a group of moths is an eclipse. We just felt a herd of police moths sounded funnier.

You may have done your due diligence to ensure your car is lowered legally, but often in Australia a police officer will give your car a good going over until they find fault. Once they’ve pulled you over, they want to make sure they’ve done their job – and that may mean they aren’t satisfied until they’ve found a problem.

In my experience, a random check such as this will involve being breathalised as well, and a potential drug test. I don’t drink and drive, and I’m too old to take drugs (except ibuprofen for headaches and lower back pain), but it’s frustrating nonetheless. Especially when you’re trying to get home to catch an explosive MAFS dinner party.

Once upon a time I was pulled over because the police officer “heard me speeding”. I kid you not – apparently this clever chump could hear motion. In truth I was bang on the limit, on a roundabout I knew very well, I just had an aftermarket exhaust (which was also compliant).

But get this – after 30 minutes of the police officer going over my car, plus comments about it being a “boy racer car” when it was a classic Honda CRX like the one Ayton Senna once owned, he followed me home to my cul-de-sac and complained about my girlfriend’s number plate being dirty.

Quite often a police officer will pull you over for a lowered car, but give you an infringement for something else. Be warned.

How to ensure your lowered car is compliant

Police officers use a tool called a measuring wheel to measure the ride height of your car.

You very likely won’t have a measuring wheel handy, so instead cut a block of wood to 100mm and use that to run under your car while on a flat service. This will give you a very good idea of whether your lowered car is legal.

References

• Queensland Government MyPolice – How low can you go?

Neon lights on cars in Australia are generally subject to regulations and restrictions that vary by state and territory, but are also a glowing beacon (literally) to attract bored cops – and even if they don’t pull you up on your neon lights, they may make an issue of your other car mods.

Understanding car modification laws in your state

Generally under car neon lights are legal in Australia, although you’ll run into issues using colours such as blue or red which make your car look like an emergency vehicle.

With any car mods it’s important to understand your local car modification laws, and note regulations can and do change over time. That means a modification which is legal today, might not be legal next week. It’s therefore advisable to check with your local road authority or transport department for the most up-to-date information.

The legalities around under car neon lights

In many parts of Australia, neon lights or other aftermarket lighting modifications are restricted or prohibited when it comes to safety or visibility reasons. When it comes to under car neon lights some Australian states can be stricter than others (cough, VIC, cough).

If your neon lights don’t infringe on the restrictions in place within your state, you will generally be fine to enjoy your lit up ride.

As examples, common restrictions may include:

Colour Restrictions

Most Australian states restrict the colours of neon lights you can use, internally or externally, and even underneath your car. Red and blue lights, for example, are often reserved for emergency vehicles. Do yourself a favour, and don’t be silly enough to fit flashing blue neons – you’re asking for trouble.

Placement and Brightness

There are typically rules about where and how neon lights can be placed on your car. Excessive brightness can be a concern because it can distract other drivers, leading to accidents and road safety issues. You probably know already incorrect alignment of your headlights can lead to an infringement or trip over the pits, which means excessive neons can cause similar issues.

Use While Driving

In most cases it’s illegal to have neon lights or other distracting lighting in use while driving on public roads. The laws and regulations with neon lights are hazy, which means loop holes. Loop holes can work in your favour, or they can work in the favour of your friendly neighbourhood police patrol.

Flashing or Strobing Lights

Flashing or strobing lights are a bad idea on vehicles which are not emergency vehicles, and usually prohibited. You can still fit flashing or strobing lights to your car, but don’t turn them on unless you’re at a car show or in the privacy of your garage-come-disco.

Final thoughts on the legalities of under car neon lights in Australia

I expect if you’re reading this you are considering or already have under car neon lights fitted to your car. If so, please add pictures of your lit-up ride to the comments section below, and let us know if you’ve had any legal issues or “random” police checks while out and about.

Please don’t take this guide to under car neon legalities as read. It’s important to check the specific regulations in your state or territory to understand what is allowed and what isn’t. If you don’t do that, please don’t complain to us if you get pulled over.

In some cases, modifications may be permitted for show or exhibition purposes but may not be allowed for regular on-road use, so use common sense.

Keep in mind that vehicle standards and regulations can change, so it’s important to stay informed about the current rules in your area.