ADR REFERENCE LIBRARY

Understand the rule. Define the evidence.

A practical introduction to common Australian Design Rule topics, with links to the official standards.

Choose a topic

ADR 13: Lighting

Lighting installation, vehicle configuration and evidence questions.

ADR 31 & 35: Braking

Identify the braking rule family before planning evidence.

ADR 4 & 5: Seatbelts

Restraints and their anchorages need separate consideration.

ADR 42: General Safety

Locate general construction requirements within the wider ADR set.

ADR 88: Stability Control

Discuss ESC evidence when the vehicle configuration changes.

ADR 79 & 80: Emissions

Start with vehicle category, build information and powertrain.

Applicability comes before comparison

The ADRs are national vehicle standards. A project needs the relevant vehicle category, build information and approval pathway to establish which requirements and editions apply. An ADR’s title year does not by itself tell you whether that edition applies to a particular vehicle.

Use the full official catalogue

This library covers selected enquiry topics. It is not a complete list of every requirement for a vehicle. Use the Department’s third edition ADR catalogue and the linked legislation to locate the official text, applicability information and amendments.

Keep the vehicle configuration visible

When asking for a review, identify the actual variant, systems and changes. A component marking, overseas certificate or test report needs to be connected to the vehicle configuration and requirement it is intended to support.

Official references

Department: Australian Design Rules

Reference check: 20 October 2026. The applicable edition and vehicle coverage must be checked for the particular project.