Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 2/00 – Side Door Latches and Hinges) 2006
Amendment 1
Made under section 7 of the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989
Explanatory Statement
Issued by the authority of the Minister for Transport and
Regional Service
December 2006
CONTENTS
1. legislative context...............................................3
2. content and effect of THE AMENDMENT............................3
3. consultation arrangements.........................................3
- legislative context
Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 2/00 – Side Door Latches and Hinges) 2006 Amendment1 is made under the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 (the Act). The Act enables the Australian Government to establish nationally uniform standards for road vehicles when they are first supplied to the market in Australia. The Act applies to such vehicles whether they are manufactured in Australia or are imported as new or second hand vehicles.
The making of the vehicle standards necessary for the Act's effective operation is provided for in section 7 which empowers the Minister to "determine vehicle standards for road vehicles or vehicle components".
Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 2/00 – Side Door Latches and Hinges) 2006 (ADR 2/00) was originally determined in 2006.
2. content and effect of THE AMENDMENT
2.1. Overview
The function of ADR 2/00 is to specify requirements for side door retention components including latches, hinges, and other supporting means to minimise the likelihood of occupants being thrown from a vehicle as a result of impact.
This amendment allows for a transition between ADR 2/00 and the later version ADR 2/01. The changes do not affect the original intent or operation of the standard.
2.2. Changes
This amendment exempts vehicles from having to comply with an earlier version of a vehicle standard where they either comply with the later version, or where the later version no longer requires the vehicle type to comply. In the latter case, vehicles are no longer required to comply with the earlier version from the date when the later version commenced. Although this date is retrospective, it represents a relaxation in requirements and so would not adversely affect any party.
3. consultation arrangements
3.1. General Consultation Arrangements
It has been longstanding practice to consult widely on proposed new or amended vehicle standards. For many years there has been active collaboration between the Federal 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.
Depending on the nature of the proposed changes, consultation could involve the Technical Liaison Group (TLG), Transport Agencies Chief Executives (TACE), and the Australian Transport Council (ATC).
- TLG consists of representatives of government (Australian and State/Territory), the manufacturing and operational arms of the industry (including organisations such as the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries and the Australian Trucking Association) and of representative organisations of consumers and road users (particularly through the Australian Automobile Association).
- TACE consists of the chief executives of Australian and State/Territory departments of transport and road vehicle administrations.
- ATC consists of the Australian, State/Territory and New Zealand Ministers with responsibility for transport issues.
Editorial changes and changes to correct errors are settled by agreement between the Department of Transport and Regional Services and the National Transport Commission. This process is only invoked where the amendments do not vary the intent of the vehicle standard.
New standards, or significant changes that increase the stringency of existing standards, are subject to a vote by ATC Ministers. Unless disapproved by a majority of ATC Ministers, the Minister for Local Government, Territories and Roads, can then determine the new or amended standards, under the authority of the Minister for Transport and Regional Services. Proposals that are regarded as significant need to be supported by a Regulation Impact Statement meeting the requirements of the Office of Regulation Review as published in A Guide to Regulation.
3.2. Specific Consultation Arrangements for these Vehicle Standards
The changes are administrative in nature only and are covered by the Regulation Impact Statement for ADR 2/01, the later version of this vehicle standard. The changes do not affect the original intent or operation of the standard and so no consultation has been necessary.