Understanding Brake Upgrade Laws in Australia
Author: Toby Date Posted:13 June 2025
If you're thinking about brake upgrades on your car, 4WD, or performance vehicle, it's important to understand the legal side of things. Australia's vehicle safety standards, known as the Australian Design Rules (ADR), cover everything from brake pads and rotors to calipers and complete brake sets.
But let’s face it — there's a lot of confusion out there about what's actually allowed, especially when it comes to aftermarket brake parts. In this guide, we’ll break down ADR compliance, clear up some common myths, and explain what you can (and can’t) do on public roads across different states.
What Is ADR Compliance?
ADR (Australian Design Rules) are national vehicle safety standards that ensure all vehicles on Australian roads meet minimum safety and environmental criteria. When it comes to braking systems, ADR 31 and ADR 35 cover passenger vehicles and heavy-duty vehicles respectively.
If you're upgrading brake parts like rotors, pads, or calipers, the new components need to meet or exceed the vehicle's original braking performance, and in many cases, must be certified to ADR standards — especially if they significantly alter braking performance.
Myths Busted
Can I Install Slotted or Drilled Rotors Without Certification?
Many drivers think adding slotted or drilled rotors automatically requires engineer certification. The truth is, you can fit slotted or drilled rotors if they are designed as a direct replacement for your factory rotors and meet OE specifications or ADR compliance.
The issue comes when you change the rotor size, caliper type, or upgrade to a multi-piston setup — these changes might trigger the need for engineering certification to prove the modification still meets ADR safety standards.
I Can Fit Any Big Brake Kit As Long As It Stops Better, Right?
Wrong. While your braking power might technically improve, any non-factory brake set that significantly alters performance or brake bias requires certification. Bigger doesn’t always mean legal — brake balance is crucial to your car’s safety and must be assessed by a licensed engineer.
Upgrading Brake Pads Alone Doesn’t Need Certification?
True — in most cases, upgrading to performance brake pads (that match OE fitment) does not require certification. But if you pair those with oversized rotors or change the caliper type, you're back in engineer certification territory.
Off-Road Use Means I Can Skip ADR Rules?
Sort of. For vehicles used exclusively off-road or on private property, you’re generally free to install any brake setup. But if your vehicle is still registered for public roads, even if it's a weekend off-roader, it must still comply with ADR standards when on-road.
If you're planning serious brake upgrades for your 4WD, ute, or performance car that will see both off-road and on-road use, it’s always safer (and less hassle with roadside inspections) to ensure your mods are either:
- Certified by an engineer (with an issued modification plate)
- Or use ADR-compliant aftermarket parts designed as direct replacements
State-by-State Variations You Should Know
While ADRs are national, each state has its own road authority and inspection procedures that can vary slightly.
- NSW & QLD: Known for stricter roadside inspections, especially on heavily modified vehicles. Any brake modifications beyond factory spec usually require certification by a licensed engineer (VSB 14 guidelines apply).
- VIC: Follows similar rules to NSW and QLD but is slightly more lenient when it comes to mild rotor upgrades, as long as they match factory specs and don't change braking force distribution.
- WA, SA, TAS, NT, ACT: Generally follow ADR rules closely, but enforcement and inspection requirements may vary depending on the local department. Always check your state’s vehicle modification guidelines.
Play It Safe with ADR-Compliant Brake Parts from Superspares
At the end of the day, brake upgrades are one of the best ways to boost your vehicle’s stopping power and safety — but they have to be done right. That’s why at Superspares, we only stock trusted, ADR-compliant brake parts and brake sets from leading brands that meet Australian standards.
As your trusted car parts store, we make it easy to upgrade with confidence, ensuring you stay legal and safe whether you're hitting the streets, tackling tough trails, or both.
Browse our full brake range today and make sure your upgrades tick all the boxes — no myths, no guesswork.
