Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 107/00 – Emergency Lane Keeping Systems for Passenger Vehicles and Light Goods Vehicles) 2026

Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 107/00 – Emergency Lane Keeping Systems for Passenger Vehicles and Light Goods Vehicles) 2026

Made under section 12 of the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018

Explanatory Statement

Approved by the Hon Anthony Chisholm, Assistant Minister for Regional Development

March 2026

CONTENTS

1. legislative Authority..............................................3

1.1. National Road Vehicle Standards....................................3

1.2. Exemption from Sunsetting........................................3

1.3. International Harmonisation........................................4

2. Purpose and Operation............................................4

2.1. Overview of the Regulatory Framework..............................4

2.2. Overview of the ADR.............................................5

2.3. Effect of the ADR................................................5

2.4. Emergency Lane Keeping Systems..................................5

2.5. Lane Departure Warning System....................................5

2.6. Corrective Directional Control Function..............................6

2.7. Special requirements to be applied to the safety aspects of electronic control systems.              7

2.8. Exemptions and Alternative Procedures...............................7

2.9. Alternative Standards.............................................7

3. MATTERS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE......................8

3.1. Legislative Instruments...........................................8

3.2. Other Documents................................................8

4. Consultation....................................................9

4.1. General Consultation Arrangements.................................9

4.2.  Specific Consultation Arrangements.................................9

5. Regulatory Impact..............................................10

5.1. Benefits and Costs..............................................10

5.2. Impact Analysis................................................10

6. STATEMENT OF COMPATIBILITY WITH HUMAN RIGHTS.........10

6.1. Overview.....................................................11

6.2. Human Rights Implications.......................................11

6.3. Conclusion....................................................11

1.                        legislative Authority
   1.                  National Road Vehicle Standards

The Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 107/00 – Emergency Lane Keeping Systems for Passenger Vehicles and Light Goods Vehicles) 2026, which may also be cited as the Australian Design Rule 107/00 – Emergency Lane Keeping Systems for Passenger Vehicles and Light Goods Vehicles or ADR 107/00, is made under the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018 (RVSA). The RVSA enables the Australian Government to establish nationally uniform standards that apply to road vehicles and/or road vehicle components when they are provided to the market in Australia for the first time. The RVSA applies to vehicles or components whether they are manufactured in Australia or imported.

The making of the national road vehicle standards necessary for the RVSA’s effective operation is provided for in section 12, which empowers the Minister to “determine standards for road vehicles or road vehicle components”. These standards are also referred to as the Australian Design Rules (ADRs)

1.                  Exemption from Sunsetting

ADR 107/00 is exempt from the sunsetting provisions of the Legislation Act 2003.

Source of the exemption

A standard made under section 12 of the RVSA is not subject to the sunsetting provisions of section 50 of the Legislation Act 2003 through section 12 of the Legislation (Exemptions and Other Matters) Regulation 2015 (table item 56C). A similar exemption was previously granted in respect of national road vehicle standards made under section 7 of the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 (MVSA) (item 40, section 12 of the Legislation (Exemptions and Other Matters) Regulation 2015). This exemption is important to ensure that Australian Design Rules (ADRs), including ADR 107/00, continue to remain in force and available to regulators, industry, and the public.

Intergovernmental dependencies

The exemption concerns ADRs which facilitate the establishment and operation of the intergovernmental vehicle standard regime that Commonwealth, state, and territory governments rely on to regulate the safety of vehicles on public roads.

The Commonwealth uses the ADRs as the basis on which approvals to supply types of road vehicles to the market are granted under the Road Vehicle Standards Rules 2019. States and territories and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator use the ADRs as the primary criteria on which vehicles are assessed for road worthiness. This ‘in-service’ aspect is dependent on the date of manufacture, which determines the applicable version of the ADRs against which the vehicle can be assessed. The ability to rely on national standards is particularly relevant given the long service life of vehicles – the average age of vehicles in Australia is over 10 years.

While the ADRs are regularly updated to reflect changes in technology, it is not possible to apply these new standards retrospectively to vehicles that are already in use. With former ADRs kept on the Federal Register of Legislation, state and territory governments can use them to ensure vehicles continue to comply with the ADRs that were in force when they were first supplied to the market.

If the Commonwealth could not justify the maintenance of the ADRs, state and territory governments would be compelled to create their own vehicle standards. Whilst this could mean adopting the substance of the lapsed ADRs as an interim measure, the differing needs, and agendas of each state and territory government may result in variations to in-service regulations. Having different vehicle standards across the states and territories would make the scheme operate contrary to the underlying policy intent of the RVSA which is to set nationally consistent performance-based standards.

Commercial dependencies

The effect on vehicle manufacturers to redesign existing vehicles to comply with new ADRs would present a burden and be a costly and onerous exercise. Manufacturers should not be expected to continually go back to redesign existing vehicles. Furthermore, ongoing product recalls to comply with new ADRs would undermine consumer confidence with significant financial impact to manufacturers. This exemption allows vehicle manufacturers to focus their efforts to ensure new models supplied to the market comply.

Review of Australian Design Rules

ADRs are subject to regular reviews, as resources permit, and when developments in vehicle technology necessitates updates to requirements. Reviews of the ADRs ensure the ongoing effectiveness of a nationally consistent system of technical regulations for vehicle design, which are closely aligned, wherever appropriate with leading international standards such as United Nations (UN) regulations. This method facilitates the rapid introduction of the latest safety devices and technological advances into the Australian market, while also contributing to the industry’s cost competitiveness in the domestic market. Where a review results in a new or amended ADR, these changes are subject to full parliamentary scrutiny.

1.                  International Harmonisation

Most Australian road vehicle standards, including ADR 107/00, are closely harmonised with internationally based UN regulations, which are developed by the UN World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations. Harmonisation ensures that vehicles built to the most recent safety, environmental and anti-theft standards are supplied to the Australian market at the least cost and that Australia has access to the latest vehicle technologies. In contrast, more Australian specific standards would require vehicles to be designed, developed and produced specifically for the relatively small Australian market. Unless needed to achieve legitimate policy objectives, a market specific standard would generally result in a significantly lower net benefit and benefit-cost ratio, than if costs were amortised over several markets, such as occurs with UN regulations.

1.                        Purpose and Operation
   1.                  Overview of the Regulatory Framework

The RVSA establishes a regulatory framework to regulate the importation and first supply of road vehicles to the market in Australia. The core principle of this framework is that vehicles which comply with appropriate standards are suitable for provision to the market in Australia. The ADRs have set out those standards since the early 1970s. At that time, they were applied cooperatively by the Australian Motor Vehicle Certification Board representing the Commonwealth and state and territory governments. In 1989, this arrangement was replaced by the MVSA, and the Australian Design Rules were determined as national standards. The RVSA commenced in full and replaced the MVSA on 1 July 2021. A two-year transition period was provided between 1 July 2021 and 30 June 2023.

Under the RVSA, the ADRs are national road vehicle standards intended to make vehicles safe to use, control the emission of gas, particles or noise, secure vehicles against theft, provide for the security marking of vehicles and promote the saving of energy. The ADRs are applied to vehicles as criteria for approval under various regulatory pathways set out in the Road Vehicle Standards legislation. Vehicles approved under these regulatory pathways can be provided to the market in Australia for use in transport.

1.                  Overview of the ADR

The purpose of ADR 107/00 is to specify requirements for Emergency Lane Keeping Systems (ELKS) for new passenger vehicles (ADR vehicle categories MA, MB, and MC) and new light goods vehicles (ADR vehicle category NA), to reduce deaths or injuries from unintended lane departures. The ADR provides manufacturers with minimum performance requirements for ELKS to be installed in new vehicles.

1.                  Effect of the ADR

Clause 3.1 requires new model passenger and light goods vehicles to be certified to this Standard from 1 March 2028 and all new passenger and light goods vehicles to be certified to this Standard from 1 March 2029.

Clause 5.1 requires all vehicles to be fitted with an ELKS and meet the requirements of Appendix A, as varied by clause 6 (Exemptions and Alternative Procedures), or the alternative standard listed under clause 7 (Alternative Standards).

1.                  Emergency Lane Keeping Systems

ELKS is a driver assistance system designed to provide warning to the driver and correct the trajectory only when the driver is unintentionally leaving the lane. An ELKS consists of a Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) and a Corrective Directional Control Function (CDCF).

Specific requirements are listed under paragraphs 6.1 – 6.3 of Appendix A for ELKS. These cover failure warning, manual and automatic deactivation, and automatic suppression requirements. A constant visual warning signal must be displayed to the driver whenever the system cannot meet the requirements of the regulation, or when the system is manually or automatically deactivated. This is so the driver is aware of the system’s current status.

Paragraph 8 of Appendix A also details the test requirements for CDCF, which encompass testing conditions, lane markings, subject vehicle conditions, and test procedures.

1.                  Lane Departure Warning System

LDWS alerts a distracted or drowsy driver when the vehicle unintentionally drifts out of its travel lane. LDWS typically utilises a forward-facing camera to continuously monitor lane markings on the road ahead, detecting any unintentional drift of the vehicle from its lane. The LDWS monitors both solid and dashed lane markings in accordance with those specified in Annex 3 (Visible lane marking identification) to Regulation No. 130 of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) – Uniform provisions concerning the approval of motor vehicles with regard to the Lane Departure Warning System (UN R130), incorporating the 01 series of amendments. Australian lane markings referenced in UN R130 are compatible with those lane markings defined in Australian Standard AS 1742.2:2022 Manual of uniform traffic control devices (Part 2 Traffic control devices for general use).

The performance requirements of LDWS, as outlined in paragraph 6.5 of Appendix A, include the warning indication requirements and the operational speed range in which the system must be active. The LDWS must be operational within the vehicle speed range of at least between 65 km/h to 130 km/h (or the maximum speed if it is lower than 130 km/h) and under all load conditions. This requirement applies unless:

• The driver has taken an action indicating an intention to depart from the lane, or
• The vehicle is equipped with a means to manually or automatically deactivate the LDWS.

This requirement is intended to address the speed range where a higher incidence of unintentional lane departure crashes occur. When active within this speed range, the LDWS shall alert the driver through visual, acoustic, or haptic warnings if the vehicle crosses a visible lane marking by more than 0.3 m. Any failure of the LDWS must be easily verifiable by the driver.

Furthermore, it outlines the minimum conditions and scenarios under which the system must fulfil the performance requirements, recognising that the system may not encompass all conditions and scenarios that the vehicle could face during its lifespan.

Paragraph 7 of Appendix A also details the test requirements for LDWS, which encompass testing conditions, lane markings, subject vehicle conditions, and test procedures.

1.                  Corrective Directional Control Function

CDCF corrects lane departure when the ELKS detects that the vehicle is unintentionally leaving its lane. The driver can maintain control and override the system at any time by making a deliberate steering action. The CDCF will monitor solid lane edge markings in accordance with those identified in Annex 3 (Visible lane marking identification) to Regulation No. 130 of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) – Uniform provisions concerning the approval of motor vehicles regarding the Lane Departure Warning System (UN R130), incorporating the 01 series of amendments. The Australian lane markings in UN R130 are compatible with lane markings in Australian Standard AS 1742.2:2022 Manual of uniform traffic control devices (Part 2 Traffic control devices for general use).

The performance requirements of the CDCF, as detailed in paragraph 6.6 of Appendix A, encompass the warning indication requirements and the operational speed range in which the system must remain active. The CDCF must be operational within a vehicle speed range of at least 70 km/h to 130 km/h (or the maximum speed if it is lower than 130 km/h) and under all load conditions, unless it is partially or fully deactivated manually (if equipped) by the driver or automatically deactivated (if equipped) by the vehicle's complex electronic systems, such as during off-road use, towing a trailer, or when the electronic stability control system is intervening.

There exists a minimal speed discrepancy between the LDWS and CDCF. To ensure the safety of the driver, the LDWS will be activated before the vehicle reaches the operational speed range of the CDCF. This ensures that the driver receives a visual, audible, and haptic warning prior to any intervention by the CDCF in the event of an emergency. This coordinated approach enhances overall safety and driver awareness during critical moments.

Paragraph 6.6.3 of Appendix A details the steering override requirements of the system. Specifically, a maximum allowable force of 50 N is established as the limit to override the system. This decision is informed by input from international vehicle experts regarding the maximum limit of 50 N. Where differential braking is utilised, a steering angle of no more than 25 degrees is necessary for the driver to regain control of the vehicle from the ELKS if they choose to do so. The CDCF must provide a warning indication to alert the driver of any intervention. These warnings should escalate throughout the duration of an intervention or during consecutive interventions to effectively inform the driver of the situation.

Furthermore, Paragraph 8 of Appendix A outlines the test requirements for CDCF, including testing conditions, lane markings, subject vehicle conditions, and test procedures.

1.                  Special requirements to be applied to the safety aspects of electronic control systems.

Annex 3 of Appendix A defines the special requirements for documentation, fault strategy, and verification with respect to the safety aspects of Electronic System(s) and complex electronic control systems. This annex does not specify the performance criteria for "the system" but covers the methodology applied to the design process and the information which shall be documented.

1.                  Exemptions and Alternative Procedures

Exemptions

Clause 6 provides exemptions from certain requirements of appendix A (UN R178) that relate to obtaining a UN type approval. These requirements are not required in the Australian regulatory framework, where the Commonwealth administers approvals under the RVSA and the ADRs. Consequently, manufacturers supplying new vehicles to Australia are exempt from most administrative (non-technical) requirements of UN R178.

Clause 6.1 states that, paragraphs 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and annexes 1 and 2 of UN R178 are not required for compliance with ADR 107/00. This is because they refer to gaining a type approval in the UN context.

Alternative Procedures

Clause 6 identifies procedures to which vehicles may comply, which are acceptable alternatives to those created by UN R178. These have been adapted for the Australian market to enable vehicle manufacturers to demonstrate compliance to ADR 107/00 where they have not gained a type approval in the UN context.

Clauses 6.2 clarifies that in paragraphs 6.5.2, 6.6.2, 7.2.1 and 8.2.1 of Appendix A, manufacturers are required to test their vehicles to demonstrate compliance with lane markings to the 01 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 130, which includes the requirements for Australian specific lane markings.

Clauses 6.3 to 6.21 clarify the administrative arrangements of UN R178 where they differ from the RVSA framework; for example, there is no technical service under the RVSA framework.

Clause 6.22 clarifies the precedence in the event of a conflict between clause 6 and Appendix A.

1.                  Alternative Standards

Clause 7 sets out standards equivalent to ADR 107/00. If a vehicle meets the technical requirements of one of these standards, it is deemed to comply with ADR 107/00. Vehicle manufacturers have flexibility in demonstrating compliance with ADR 107/00, either through clause 5.1 and Appendix A as varied by clause 6 (Exemptions and Alternative Procedures), or through clause 7.1 (Alternative Standards).

Clause 7.1 identifies UN R178, as an acceptable alternate standard for the purposes of this National Road Vehicle Standard. In addition, clause 7.1.1 requires that when using the alternative standard to demonstrate compliance to ADR 107/00, manufacturers are required to test their vehicles to demonstrate compliance with lane markings to the 01 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 130.

1.                        MATTERS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
   1.                  Legislative Instruments

Clause 4.1.1 refers to the Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule Definitions and Vehicle Categories) 2005, which sets out definitions for many terms used in the ADRs, including the vehicle categories listed in ADR applicability tables.

The ADRs can be accessed online free of charge via the Federal Register of Legislation at  www.legislation.gov.au.

In accordance with paragraph 12(2)(b) of the Act, each of these ADRs are incorporated as in force or existing from time to time.

1.                  Other Documents

ADR 107/00 incorporates references to several technical standards that are routinely accessed by vehicle manufacturers as part of their professional library, including to ensure that vehicles comply with existing vehicle identification requirements in many other countries/regions of the world.

United Nations Regulations and / or Resolutions

Clauses 6.2 and 7.1. in this standard, as well as Paragraphs 6.5.2., 6.6.2., 7.2.1. and 8.2.1. of Appendix A in this standard include a reference to United Nations Regulation No. 130 – UNIFORM PROVISIONS CONCERNING THE APPROVAL OF MOTOR VEHICLES WITH REGARD TO THE LANE DEPARTURE WARNING SYSTEM (LDWS). This is an international standard for the provisions for LDWS fitted to motor vehicles of the categories M2, M3, N2 and N3 primarily used under highway conditions.

The footnote to Paragraph 1 in Appendix A includes a reference to the Consolidated Resolution on the Construction of Vehicles (R.E.3) (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/78/Rev.6, para. 2.2.5.4.). This international standard provides information about the legal texts under the framework of the 1958 Agreement (UN Regulations, Rules, and specific requirements) applicable in the vehicle design, aiming for the improvement of safety and the protection of the environment.

The footnote to Paragraph 6.2.1.1. in Appendix A includes a reference to the Mutual Resolution No. 2 (M.R.2) of the 1958 and the 1998 Agreements (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1121). This international standard contains definitions of vehicle propulsion systems.

Paragraph 4.2 of Annex 3 in Appendix A includes a reference to Schedule 8 of Revision 3 of the 1958 Agreement. This international standard contains general conditions for virtual testing methods.

The UN Regulations may be freely accessed online through the UN World Forum for the Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29). The WP.29 website is www.unece.org/trans/main/welcwp29.html

European Union Regulations

The footnote to the Table of Contents in Appendix A includes a reference to the European Union (EU) Regulation 2021/646. This Regulation requires passenger cars and light commercial vehicles to be equipped with emergency lane-keeping systems.

The requirements for the UN Regulation for ELKS have been adapted from EU Regulation 2021/646.

The EU Regulations may be freely accessed online through the EUR-Lex website at www.eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en

1.                        Consultation

4.1. General Consultation Arrangements

It has been a longstanding practice to consult widely on proposed new or amended vehicle standards. For many years, there has been active collaboration between the Commonwealth and the State/Territory governments, as well as consultation with industry and consumer groups. Much of the consultation takes place within institutional arrangements established for this purpose. The analysis and documentation prepared in a particular case, and the bodies consulted, depend on the degree of impact the new or amended standard is expected to have on industry or road users.

Proposals that are regarded as significant need to be supported by an Impact Analysis (IA) meeting the requirements of the Office of Impact Analysis (OIA) as published in the Australian Government Guide to Policy Impact Analysis 2023.

4.2.  Specific Consultation Arrangements

The Government has previously conducted consultations regarding Lane Keeping Systems. Following these consultations, it was determined that this ADR should harmonise with emergency lane keeping systems available as an international vehicle standard. Consequently, the Government initiated the development of a new international UN Regulation specifically for Emergency Lane Keeping Systems, based on the requirements established by the European Union for the local European market. This new UN Regulation came into effect 11 January 2026 and is reflected in this ADR.

A second round of consultation was conducted, with ADR 107/00 published on the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Art’s website for a four-week period to seek public comment. This consultation closed on 3 September 2025. Formal feedback was received from members of the public, state, and territory government agencies, industry, and road safety organisations. In total, 24 submissions were received. Most respondents strongly supported the implementation of a new ADR mandating ELKS for passenger vehicles and light goods vehicles, with only one submission opposed to its implementation.

Among the notable submission themes, 33% of respondents urged the Government to shorten the implementation timeframes, citing recent TAC modelling that highlighted additional fatalities resulting from the already delayed implementation (following the earlier 2022 consultation). However, this view was challenged by industry, with two submissions requesting extended timeframes to allow sufficient lead time for design, manufacturing, vehicle delivery, and regulatory compliance. The Government considered both perspectives, along with the high fitment rate in the Australian market (noting the EU has already mandated ELKS), opting not to change the implementation dates. The dates are earlier than the requested two years for new models and two years for all models by industry.

Another theme (13% of submissions) raised concerns regarding the use of documentation in lieu of testing. However, it is recognised that undertaking testing for all possible on-road scenarios is not feasible, thus documentation being an appropriate and cost-effective manner to provide additional verification on top of testing. This ensures greater assurance that these systems are safe and effective for Australian roads.

Finally, two submissions requested the inclusion of EU 2021/646 as an alternative standard. However, EU 2021/646 is not an international standard (rather a regional regulation), with the Government not having the ability to make amendments when changes are required, therefore, it was not included.

1.                        Regulatory Impact
   1.                  Benefits and Costs

Introducing a new ADR 107/00 harmonised with the new UN Regulation for ELKS for M1 and N1 vehicles (equivalent to ADR categories MA, MB, MC, and NA) supports the Government’s priorities under the National Road Safety Strategy 2021-30 that includes pursuing technological improvements and uptake of safer vehicles. It also completes one of the actions under the National Road Safety Action Plan 2023-25, i.e. introduces a new ADR for lane keep assist systems for light vehicles. This ADR aims to reduce fatalities and serious injuries associated with crashes involving unintended lane departures.

This option also meets the Government’s long-standing policy of harmonisation with UN Regulations. Harmonisation with the UN Regulations allows Australia to fulfil its obligations as a Contracting Party under the 1958 Agreement and as a signatory under the World Trade Organisation Technical Barriers to Trade Agreement.

1.                  Impact Analysis

A Preliminary Impact Analysis was submitted to the Office of Impact Analysis (OIA), and it was determined in January 2025 that a detailed analysis is not required under the Government’s Policy Impact Analysis Framework. The OIA reference number for the IA is OIA25-08818.

Previously a Regulation Impact Statement (RIS) was prepared for public consultation in February 2022. The Office of Best Practice Regulation (OBPR) reference number for this RIS is OBPR21-01230. Submissions received supported the introduction of a new regulation mandating the fitment of lane keeping systems. The Government has decided to harmonise the ADR with a UN Regulation for ELKS, which did not exist at the time of consultation in 2022.

1.                        STATEMENT OF COMPATIBILITY WITH HUMAN RIGHTS

The following Statement is prepared in accordance with Part 3 of the Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Act 2011.

1.                  Overview

ADR 107/00 is a new legislative instrument. It specifies requirements for an ELKS fitted to passenger vehicles and light goods vehicles, to reduce deaths and injuries from unintended lane departures.

1.                  Human Rights Implications

ADR 107/00 does not engage any of the human rights and freedoms recognised or declared in the international instruments listed in section 3 of the Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Act 2011.

1.                  Conclusion

ADR 107/00 is compatible with human rights, as it does not raise any human rights issues.