LVV Standards
LVV Standards are developed by LVVTA, and are incorporated by reference in the NZ Land Transport Rules.
Previous versions of all LVV Standards are available on request by email.
An Index of all LVV Standards can be found at the end of this section.
Braking Systems 35-00(02) (2016)
Chassis Modification & Construction 40-00(00) (2021)
Disability Adaptive Control Systems 45-30(05) (2016)
Disability Transportation Systems 45-60(02) (2016)
Electric & Hybrid Vehicles 75-00(01) (2013)
Engine & Drive-train Conversions 85-40(04) (2021)
Exhaust Gas Emissions 90-10(03) (2016)
Exhaust Noise Emissions 90-20(05) (2016)
External Projections 100-30(02) (2016)
Fuel Systems 105-00(00) (2021)
Lighting Equipment 125-00 (01) (2020)
Door Retention Systems 155-20(03) (2016)
Frontal Impact 155-30(02) (2016)
Interior Impact 155-40(02) (2016)
Seatbelt Anchorages 175-00(03) (2016)
Seats & Seat Anchorages 185-00(03) (2016)
Head Restraints 185-40(02) (2016)
Right-Hand Drive Conversions 190-70(03) (2016)
Suspension Systems 195-00(02) (2016)
Rear View Mirrors 200-30(01) (2018)
Wheels & Tyres 205-00(03) (2021)
Trikes with Motorcycle Controls Formsets. NOTE: This document can be used as a guide for trikes and motorcycles until such time as the relevant LVV Standards have been developed.
Standards index Vol 2 Standards index Vol 3
LVV Certification Threshold Guide
Not all modifications need LVV Certification. This threshold guide clearly define what does, and what doesn't need LVV Certification. The information contained within the 'modification tables' in the WoF VIRM comes from the LVV Certification Threshold Guide, which is in turn provided with it's information by the 'Exclusions to this standard' sections of each Low Volume Vehicle Standard.
LVV Certification Threshold Guide
LVV Certification Threshold index
NZ Car Construction Manual
Information Sheets
LVVTA develops and publishes Information Sheets which cover various topics including the latest modification trends or developments, safety related issues, technical information for modifiers, and details relating to changes in LVV processes or documentation.
Information Sheets are divided into Technical and Non-technical sections. An Index of all LVVTA Information Sheets can be found at the end of this section - click here.
Technical Information sheets
Can't find what you're looking for? Try the Non-technical section.
Info 01-2024 - Steering Column Test NEW!
Info 03-2023 - LVVTA Classic Car Retro-fit Seatbelt Structure
Info 02-2023 - Aftermarket Tubular Suspension Arms with Cantilever-style Ball Joints
Info 01-2023 Copies of Astro Supreme-brand Wheels
Supercedes previous version, Info 01-2011 - ‘Supreme’‐brand Aftermarket Wheels
Info 01-2022 - Wheel Adaptor Minimum Specifications
Info 10-2021 - Aftermarket Offset Brake Booster Assemblies
Info 09-2021 - Raised Vehicle Stability Calculation
Info 07-2021 - Power to Manual Steering Conversion for Hydraulically-assisted steering racks and steering boxes
Info 05-2020 - Tyre Track and Protrusion of Tyres Beyond Mudguards
Info 04-2020 - Spherical Bearing Rod End Conversion for Steering Tie-rod Ends and Unloaded Suspension Ball-joints (V2 released June 2021)
Info 02-2020 - Wheelchair Restraint & Docking Station Rating Guide (V2)
Info 01-2020 - Removal of Seats Fitted with Side-impact Airbags (revised)
Info 01-2018 - Welding process for cast or forged components
Info 03-2017 - Total Cost Involved (TCI) Independent Front Suspension System Failure
Info 01-2016 - Custom Independent Front & Rear Suspension (IFS/IRS) Approval Application Guide
Info 01-2013 - Unsafe Aftermarket Steering Columns
Info 10-2012 - Modified Kia Carnival Safety Inspection Request
Info 06-2012 - ‘Magnum’-brand I-beam Axle Safety Warning
Info 05-2012 - Welded Aftermarket Suspension Struts
Info 04-2012 - Suspension Camber Angle Guide - NOTE: Some information contained within this document has been superseded - refer to the Suspension Systems LVV Standard for the most up-to-date requirements.
Info 03-2012 - Motorhome Seats - General Information
Info 02-2012 - Aftermarket Sport Seats - General Information
Info 09-2011 Drive-shaft Safety-loop Requirement Clarification -
Withdrawn. For all driveshaft safety-loop requirements see Chapter 9 of the Engine & Drivetrain Chapter, in the NZ Car Construction Manual
Info 08-2011 - Jaguar Independent Rear Suspension (IRS) Installation Guide
Info 05-2011 - Rear Suspension Radius Rod Geometry
Info 01-2011 - ‘Supreme’‐brand Aftermarket Wheels
Superceded by
Info 01-2023 Copies of Astro Supreme-brand Wheels
Info 05-2010 - Bump-Steer Swing-Check Procedure
Info 04-2010 - Bump-Steer Measurement Background Information
Info 09-2009 - Steering Modification on Airbag-Equipped Trikes
Info 08-2009 - Material composition in modern vehicle structure
Info 07-2009 - Removal of Side Airbag-equipped Seats -
Superseded - see new version; Info 01-2020
Info 06-2009 - Converting 4-wheel Drive Vehicles to 2-wheel Drive
Info 04-2009 - Steering Universal Joint Phasing
Info 03-2009 - Towing A-frames
Info 02-2009 - Adjustable Spring & Hub-Carrier Suspension Systems
Info 01-2009 - Tyre Size to Rim Size Compatibility Guide (V5, released June 2021)
Info 09-2008 - Stretchers and Restraints in PSV's
Info 08-2008 - I-beam Axles & Split Radius Rods
Info 07-2008 - Exhaust Gas Emissions Analyser Use
Info 06-2008 - Three-wheeled Vehicles (Trikes)
Withdrawn
Info 05-2008 - Air Cylinder Suspension Systems
Info 04-2007 - Stainless-steel Braided Brake Hoses
Info 03-2007 - Stretched Limousines that Exceed the Manufacturers Axle Ratings
Info 02-2007 - Power Steering Torsion Bar Modification
Info 03-2006 - Seats & Seatbelts in Motor-homes
Info 11-2005 - Rear Shelf Speaker Aperture Modifications
Info 05-2005 - LVV Certification of Passenger Service Vehicle (PSV) Roof Racks
Info 04-2005 - LVV Certification of Weed-spraying vehicles
Info 02-2005 - Nissan Mistral Rear Seatbelt Anchorages
Info 01-2005 - LVV Certification of Security Vehicles
Info 07-2004 - Re-issue of FS005 - Airbag Removal/Disabling
Info 05-2004 - Upper Suspension Ball Joints in Early Ford Falcons and Fairlanes
Info 04-2004 - Removal of Dual Controls From Driving School Vehicles
Info 03-2004 - Nissan Terrano Rear Seatbelt Anchorages
Info 05-1999 - Frame & mounting strength for additional seats
Non-Technical
Information sheets
Can't find what you're looking for? Try the Technical section
Info 02-2022 - LVV Certification of Gross Vehicle Mass Upgrades
Info 09-2021 - Raised Vehicle Stability Calculation
Info 08-2021 - Wheels Tyres - updated LVV Standard & NZ Car Construction Manual Chapter
Info 06-2021 - Engine and Drivetrain Conversion - updated LVV Standard, and NZ Car Construction Manual Chapter
Info 05-2021 - Chassis Modification and Construction - New LVV Standard, and updated NZ Car Construction Manual Chapter
Info 04-2021 - Fuel Systems - New LVV Standard, and NZ Car Construction Manual Chapter
Info 03-2021 - Re-issue of Amended Engine and Drivetrain Standard and NZCCM Chapter 9
Info 02-2021 - Explanation of Next-generation LVVTA Technical Documents
Info 01-2021 - Introduction of LVV Electronic Data Plates
Info 03-2020 - Re-issue of Amended Lighting Equipment LVV Standard
Info 01-2020 - Removal of Seats Fitted with Side-impact Airbags (revised)
Info 02-2018 - Modified Production & Scratch-built Low Volume Vehicle Definitions
Info 02-2017 - Introduction of Type-approval System, Re-issue of LVV Code, LVV ORS, & New Forms
Info 01-2017 - Form-set Use & LVV Certification Plate Processing for LVCM-appointed LVV Certifiers
Info 09-2016 - Changes to LVVTA Non-destructive Test Request Form
Info 08-2016 - Re-issue of LVV Code ORS Standards
Info 07-2016 - Drive-shaft Safety-loop Requirements
Withdrawn February 2021. For all driveshaft safety-loop requirements see Chapter 9 of the Engine & Drivetrain Chapter, in the NZ Car Construction Manual
Info 06-2016 - Re-issue of LVV Certification Threshold Schedule (Issue 5)
Info 05-2016 - LVV Certification Requirements for Under-threshold Items
Info 04-2016 - Re-issue of 3 Amended Low Volume Vehicle Standards
Info 03-2016 - Re-issue of Amended LVV Operating Requirements Schedule & LVV Code
Info 02-2016 - Re-issue of 13 Amended Low Volume Vehicle Standards
Info 02-2015 - Technical Support Team for Unusually Complex Modifications
Info 01-2015 - LVV Certifiers Plate Processing Guide
Info 02-2014 - LVVTA Operational Certification Processing Improvements
Info 01-2014 - Series-production Modification Pre-approval Process
Info 02-2013 - New ‘Scratch-built’ and ‘Modified Production’ Definitions -
Superseded - see new version; 02-2018
Info 11-2012 - LVVTA Approval Application Guide
Info 09-2012 - Release of LVV Standard 45-60(00) (Disability Transportation Systems)
Info 08-2012 - Re-issue of LVV Certification Threshold Schedule
Info 07-2012 - Child seating
Info 01-2012 - Custom Suspension Arm Inspection Approval
Info 11-2011 - Release of Electric & Hybrid Vehicle LVV Standard
Info 10-2011 - Exhaust Gas Emission Standard Revision
Info 07-2011 - Objective Noise Testing Information Package
Info 06-2011 - Incorrectly Registered Low Volume Vehicles
Info 04-2011 - Exhaust Noise Information Update
Info 03-2011 - Review of Electronic Deceleration Meters
Info 02-2011 - Introduction of Revised LVV Code & LVV Operating Requirements Schedule
Info 03-2010 - Table-A Vehicle Classes (V2, released August 2010)
Info 02-2010 - Introduction to Revised and New F000 and F007 Forms
Info 01-2010 - Introduction to LVV Operating Requirements Schedule (6th Amendment)
Info 10-2009 - F006 - Certification Plate Pre-ordering Introduction
Info 05-2009 - Class-change Situation for MC Vehicles
Info 04-2008 - Exhaust Noise Emissions - Amendment to LVV Standard 90-20
Info 03-2008 - Exhaust Gas Emissions - Introduction of LVV Standard 90-10
Info 02-2008 - Change to Operating Requirements Schedule
Info 01-2008 - Sub-categories for Scratch-built Low Volume Vehicles
Info 08-2007 - Re-issue of Amended Operating Requirements Schedule
Info 07-2007 - Form-set Use for Scratch-built and Extensively Modified Vehicles
Info 06-2007 - Delegation of LVV Certification Plate Attachment to a Nominated Person
Info 05-2007 - Release of Amended Exhaust Noise Emissions LVV Standard
Info 01-2007 - Release of Low Volume Vehicle Code Issue 5
Info 05-2006 - Exhaust Noise Emissions - Recent Developments
Info 04-2006 - Exhaust Noise Emissions
Info 02-2006 - Track-mounted Seat Attachment Systems
Info 01-2006 - Seatbelt Anchorage Request forms
Info 10-2005 - LVV Certification Operations Roles and Responsibilities
Info 09-2005 - Release of New & Amended LVV Standards and Form-sets
Info 08-2005 - Rear Seat Removal and Changing Vehicle Class to NA
Info 07-2005 - Release of New LVV Standard & Form-set & Operating Requirements
Info 06-2005 - Release of New & Amended LVV Form-sets & Info Sheets
Info 08-2004 - Release of New & Amended LVV Standards and Form-sets
Info 06-2004 - Release of New & Amended LVV Information Sheets
Info 01-2004 - New Forms & Schedules
Info 02-2003 - New Forms & Schedules
Info 01-2003 - New Forms & Schedules
Info 07-2002 - Door Retention Standard & Survey Sheet
Info 06-2002 - Engine & Drive-train Conversions
Info 04-2002 - Reissue of the LVV Code - Issue 3
Info 03-2002 - LVV Frontal & Interior Impact Standards
Info 02-2002 - LVV Seatbelt Anchorage Standard Release
Info 01-2002 - Certification of Unregistered Vehicles
Info 04-2001 - Frontal Impact Occupant Protection
Info 03-2001 - Completion of FS001 & FS002
Info 02-2001 - Fixing of an LVV Certification Plate by Another Certifier
Info 01-2001 - Issue 2 of the LVV Code
Info 12-2000 - LVV Certification of Vehicles with Additional Seating Positions
Info 10-2000 - Brake & Suspension LVV Standard Release
Info 09-2000 - VIN Identifier Discrepancies
Info 08-2000 - Seatbelt Anchorage Clarification -
Superseded - see new version; 02-2002
Info 05-2000 - RHD Conversions
Info 01-2000 - Four Standards Issue
Info 02-1999 - Issue of form-set FS015 - Trikes with Motorcycle Controls
Infosheet Index - Volume 6; Technical Infosheet Index - Volume 7; Non-technical
Supplementary Information
Supplementary Information is where a range of miscellaneous documents can be found. These range from older NZHRA 'Tech Bulletins' to LVV Certifier lists, Component Approvals and more.
NOTE: Some of the information provided in the Tech Bulletins is out of date, and may not be in line with the current technical requirements. The latest requirements can be found in the latest version of the NZ Car Construction Manual.
An Index of all Supplementary Information can be found at the end of this section.
NZHRA Tech Bulletin 1 - Electroplating of High Tensile Fasteners
NZHRA Tech Bulletin 2 - Use of Stainless Steel Fasteners
NZHRA Tech Bulletin 3 - Scratch-built A-arm Suspensions Superceded - refer to Infosheet 01-2016
NZHRA Tech Bulletin 4 - Certifiers A-arm Independent Front Suspension Guide
NZHRA Tech Bulletin 5 - Builders Welding Guide
Chart R1 - Activation Dates for LVV Vehicle Certification
LVV Component Approval Certificate - Probar
LVV Component Approval Certificate - Menox Hand Control
Menox Installers List
LVV Certification Threshold Schedule
LVV Certifier List, Contact Details & Categories
Process form - obtaining a duplicate 'Modification Declaration Certificate'
Limitations of LVV Certifier categories (excerpt from ORS)
Objective Noise Test-capable LVV Certifiers
Supplementary Information Index
LVVTA Newsletters
LVVTA Newsletter #64 - July December 2023
LVVTA Newsletter #63 - November 2022 - June 2023
LVVTA Newsletter #62 - August - October - July 2022
LVVTA Newsletter #61 - October 2021 - July 2022
LVVTA Newsletter #60 - July - September 2021
LVVTA Newsletter #59 - January - June 2021
LVVTA Newsletter #58 - August - December 2020
LVVTA Newsletter #57 - January - July 2020
LVVTA Newsletter #56 - June - October 2018
LVVTA Newsletter #55 - January - May 2018
LVVTA Newsletter #54 - July - December 2017
LVVTA Newsletter #53 - Jan - June 2017
LVVTA Newsletter #52 - May - July 2015
LVVTA Newsletter #51 - January - April 2015
LVVTA Newsletter #50 - August - December 2014
LVVTA Newsletter #49 - January - July 2014
LVVTA Newsletter #48 - October - December 2013
LVVTA Newsletter #47 - June - September 2013
Operating Requirements Schedule
The LVV Operating Requirements Schedule (ORS) is a document that is intended to act as an operational and procedural specification that sets out how the LVV certification system takes place. The ORS provides the operational and procedural requirements by which the key participants in the LVV certification process carry out their respective roles. The key participants are: the Low Volume Vehicle Technical Association (LVVTA), the New Zealand Transport Agency (the Agency), and the Low Volume Vehicle Certifiers (LVV Certifiers).
NOTE: the ORS is currently undergoing redevelopment, and sections will be re-issued in individual chapters as these become available. These chapters are the latest versions of the respective ORS sections, and supersede parts of the existing ORS document.
LVVTA Operating requirements Schedule
Section 3 removed and replaced with Chapters 3, 4 & 5 (below)
LVVTA Operating requirements Schedule Chapter 3 - LVV Certification Categories
LVVTA Operating requirements Schedule Chapter 4 - LVV Certifier Background Criteria
LVVTA Operating requirements Schedule Chapter 5 - LVV Certifier Application & Appointment
Operating Requirements Schedule Index
THE LOW VOLUME VEHICLE CODE
The Low Volume Vehicle Code (‘the Code’) sets out the legal framework under which the LVV System operates. The Code is a document that has been developed by the Low Volume Vehicle Technical Association Inc, with the approval of the New Zealand Transport Agency. It is an umbrella document that sets out the legal framework under which the low volume vehicle certification system in New Zealand operates for all modified and individually‐constructed (scratch‐built) vehicles.
The LVV Code
LVV Code Index
Documents For Consultation
LVVTA is constantly evolving to align itself with changes and developments in both the vehicle modification industries, and the many vehicle hobby groups. As new documents are developed, we will seek input from the relevant sectors of the modification industry, LVV Certifiers, and from the general public. Click here to be added to our database.
Each document will be available for consultation for a period of time specified. If you wish to provide a submission, please email your submission to submissions@lvvta.org.nz, with reference to the specific document in the subject line.
Current
There are currently no documents for consultation.
Closed
Ordered from most recent (top) to oldest (bottom).
New Zealand Car Construction Manual, Chapter 15, Glazing & Vision
The consultation period for these documents began on 15 September 2021 and ended on Thursday 30 September 2021.
New Zealand Car Construction Manual, Chapter 17, Lighting Equipment
The consultation period for these documents began on 15 September 2021 and ended on Thursday 30 September 2021.
Low Volume Vehicle Standard 205-00(03) Wheels & Tyres
New Zealand Car Construction Manual Chapter 12 Wheels & Tyres
The consultation period for these documents began on 1 July 2021 and ended on Friday 23 July 2021.
Low Volume Vehicle Standard 40-00(00) Chassis Modification & Construction
New Zealand
Car Construction Manual Chapter 5 Chassis Modification & Construction
The consultation period for these documents began on 13 May 2021 and ended on Friday 28 May 2021.
Low Volume Vehicle Standard 105-00(00) Fuel Systems
New Zealand
Car Construction Manual Chapter 10 Fuel Systems
The consultation period for these documents began on 13 May 2021 and ended on Thursday 27 May 2021.
Low Volume Vehicle Standard 35-02 (02) (Braking Systems).
The consultation period for this document began on 1 September 2019 and ended on 1 November 2019.
Low Volume Vehicle Standard 195-00(02) (Suspension Systems).
The consultation period for this document began on 10 June 2019 and ended on 5 August 2019.
Low Volume Vehicle Standard 205-00(0) (Wheels & Tyres).
The consultation period for this document began on 12 March 2019 and ended on 20 May 2019.
Low Volume Vehicle Standard 85-4-(02) (Engine & Drive-train Conversions).
The consultation period for this document began on 30 January 2019 and ended on 20 February 2019.
Low Volume Vehicle Information Sheet - New ‘Scratch-built’, ‘Modified production’, and ‘Re-bodied’ definitions.
The consultation period for this document has ended.
Low Volume Vehicle Standard 45-60(01) (Disability Transportation Systems) Standard Draft.
The consultation period for this document has ended.
Low Volume Vehicle Standard 75-00(01) (Electric & Hybrid Vehicles).
The consultation period for this document has ended
Low Volume Vehicle Standard 90-20(05) (Exhaust Noise Emissions).
The consultation period for this document has ended
WoF Vehicle inspection requirements manual (VIRM)
The Vehicle inspection requirements manual, or VIRM, specifies the inspection processes and the requirements that vehicles must meet in order to pass a WoF or CoF.
Although predominantly for use by WoF and CoF Inspectors, the VIRM is a simplified version of the NZ Land Transport Rules, and as such there are many legal requirements contained within it that LVV Certifiers and vehicle modifiers can refer to. This link has been provided to enable easy access to this commonly utilised resource.
Click here to go to the 'VIRM' on the NZ Transport Agency website (external link).
Land Transport Rules
Land Transport Rules are a form of delegated legislation similar to regulations. The NZ Transport Agency produces Rules under an agreement for Rule development services made with the Secretary for Transport.
There are often instances where the core legal requirements are needed, most often where the VIRM is vague, or lacks detail. In this case, the Land Transport Rules provide the legal descriptions and requirements. As with the VIRM link above, this link has been provided to enable easy access to this commonly utilised resource.
Click here to go to the 'Land Transport Rules' on the NZ Transport Agency website (external link).
