It definately means no cruisers unless they are 89 or older.
However we can import as many Winnebagos,Peterbuilt trucks and New York Fire engines as we want
because they were not sold in large volumes
here
And it will save F^%$^ lives ,what F%^% b&%^$^^
13 May 2005
"Tighter vehicle importation laws to reinforce motor vehicle safety and emission standards for older imported vehicles came into force on 13 May 2005.
These new laws close a loophole that has enabled mainstream cars more than 15 years of age to be imported in commercial quantities, and not subjected to safety and emission certification.
Importers of these cars were using an exemption that allows hobbyists and enthusiasts to import classic and historic cars. This exemption exists because these vehicles generally perform low mileages, are limited in numbers, and therefore represent a minimal risk to Australia's overall vehicle and safety goals.
Without such an exemption, the private importation of these types of older, collectible cars would be uneconomic.
The closure of this loophole applies only to those vehicles that don't fit into the classic and historic category and will continue to serve the interests of hobbyists and enthusiasts wanting to import genuine collectable and historic vehicles.
At the same time, importers of older used cars in commercial quantities are now required to certify their vehicles against safety and emission standards applicable under the Registered Automotive Workshop Scheme (RAWS).
Under transitional arrangements, importers who had made a financial commitment before the minister's announcement of the changes on 7 February 2005 to import vehicles manufactured in 1989 or 1990, will be allowed to import these vehicles under the old rule until 31 December 2005.
Under the new laws:
vehicles manufactured before 1 January 1989 may be imported without restriction;
vehicles built during 1989 (or later) that meet the specialist and enthusiast vehicle criteria will need to qualify under RAWS as meeting the Australian Design Rules that applied at the date of manufacture
These new rules re-instate a level playing field within the industry. Vehicles supplied to the same market are subject to the same regulatory environment, substantially reducing cost pressures on mainstream businesses.
Enquiries
Esther McLaughlan
Department of Transport and Regional Services
Phone: 02 6274 7376
Email:
Esther.McLauchlan@dotars.gov.au
Background
The current Australian Government certification system for motor vehicles was established in 1989, and was further refined following a joint industry government review in 1999.
Vehicles that are not supplied new to the Australian market must meet all applicable Australian Design Rules, which are minimum standards covering areas such as lighting, braking, occupant protection and emissions. Certain vehicle models that are not supplied to the Australian market by mainstream manufacturers may be imported under the Specialist and Enthusiast Vehicles Scheme and, in the case of used vehicles, may be modified by a Registered Automotive Workshop to meet a minimum standard of compliance with the Australian Design Rules.
Vehicle standards are generally recognised as contributing towards safer roads and cleaner air. Safety standards comprise part of Australia's National Road Safety Strategy 2001-2010.
The target of this strategy is to save 3,600 lives by 2010 and to permanently reduce annual road deaths by 700."
