HVS Period Options, Accessories & Safety Items

Scroll down the page for current list, as posted to all HVS clubs

 For a PDF version of the TfNSW document...click here

Published October 2020 

As part of ongoing improvements to the Historic Vehicle Scheme, (HVS),Transport for NSW has compiled a list of period options, accessories and safety items which are accepted and are compliant with conditional registration under the Scheme.

We recommend all historic vehicle clubs circulate this list to members - to provide appropriate education and advice about the importance of following these guidelines. We invite all clubs to provide feedback and contribute to this list by emailing us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Any suggested additions to the list will be reviewed and determined by Transport for NSW. Clubs may need to provide evidence of the item being available in the period/s nominated.

We are also asking all car clubs in the Historic Vehicle Scheme to provide current contact details to ensure your club is receiving important updates and information. We would also like to know if your club is a member of an Approved Organisation and if so, we ask that you confirm which organisation to ensure the records are current. email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. and include the following details.

Contact Person: 

Position: 

Mailing Address: 

Email: 

Phone Number: 

Approved Organisation Name: 

Transport for NSW are committed to working closely with you to continually improve the Historic Vehicle Scheme and thank you in advance for any feedback you provide.

Eligibility for vehicles for inclusion in the Historic Vehicle Scheme (HVS)

Transport for NSW has compiled a defined list of period options, accessories and safety items which may help motoring clubs to determine if vehicles are eligible for inclusion in the Historic Vehicle Scheme. This list is for light vehicles it does not cover motorcycles or heavy vehicles.

Important considerations

The items listed below are considered acceptable period options, accessories and safety items for inclusion in the scheme.

This list will be used to determine if a vehicle is correctly registered under the scheme.

It is recommended that motoring clubs circulate this list to their members and that they provide appropriate education and advisory services

Clubs may suggest other items which they believe should be included in the list; additions will occur after consultation and shall be confirmed by Transport for NSW in writing.

The final decision as to whether an item is added to the list will be exclusively determined by Transport for NSW.

Clubs must provide evidence of the item being available in the period/s as nominated.

Technical considerations

Period accessories and options relative to a vehicles age or build date are considered to be within 2-3 years ('defined period') of the build date of the vehicle Note: There may be exceptions to this rule and clubs are invited to seek clarification where appropriate by emailing   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The installation of an item must not affect compliance with applicable vehicle standards.

Period Options

1. Tuning kits offered by a manufacturer or dealer and fitted by a manufacturer or dealer (for vehicles built before July 1976 or not built to ADR 27A)

2. Tuning kits offered by a manufacturer or dealer and fitted by the vehicle owner (for vehicles built before July 1976 or not built to ADR 27A)

3. Wheel of period type conforming to VSI09 (Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) diameter and tyre profile for vehicles pre-1970). Both the wheels and tyres must have been available in the defined period (as stated in the technical consideration above)

4. Exhaust kits (for example, a Lukey muffler)

5. Lowering kits - maximum 25mm or 1 inch only permitted

6. Bonnet scoops

7. Sump guards

8. Airconditioning (including an under-dash system if not offered as an integrated system)

9. Water injection (for example, a Kleinig system)

10. Floor change conversions - OEM or aftermarket

11. Overdrive on gearbox - including a Laycock system or similar

12. Wire wheel conversion - whether optional or not

13. Disc brake conversions from later year of same make/model (Note: must be complete system including wheels and tyres)

14. Disc brake conversions from later model of same make (Note: must be complete system including wheels and tyres)

15. Optional engine fitment (Note:must be complete package including brakes, transmission, axles, wheels, tyres and other required items)

16. Optional Transmission change - including automatic to manual or manual to automatic conversion within manufacturer’s optional equipment

17. Half cage/single hoop roll bars in an open sportscar - CAMS or VSB14 - not allowed in sedans or Fixed Head Coupes(FHC)

18. Sun roof - OEM fitted

19. Sun roof replicating OEM (must have an accompanying VSCCS compliance certificate)

20. Webasto-type roof conversion - OEM fitted.

Period Accessories

Note: Accessories must be able to be removed and the vehicle returned to its original (“as built”) condition. 

1. Radio

2. Tape player - 8 track or cassette (not CD) - unless OEM fitted

3. Mudflaps

4. Wheel trims and hubcaps 

5. Rear window blinds that do not obstruct vision (for example, louvres are acceptable)

6. Mirrors - internal or external

7. Dash mounted fans(check regulations for applicability)

8. Additional instrumentation – dash mounted

9. Side window blinds 

10. Mesh headlamp covers 

11. Luggage racks (roof or boot)

12. Halda Speedpilot or TripMaster (or similar)

13. Map lamps and other internal reading lamps 

14. Driving and fog lamps - including mounts

15. Badge bars 

16. Bonnet mascots 

17. Additional chrome strips 

18. Additional reflectors - including scotch tape or otherwise

19. Demisters – including hot air or electric bar type

20. Heater - hot water type

21. Windscreen washers 

22. Bug deflectors

23. Sun visors - internal or external

24. Radiator/grille and insect screens

25. Water bag carriers and water bag 

26. Period metal fuel cans and wooden tool boxes on running boards

27. Additional spare wheel racks - roof or boot, running board or rear mounted racks

28. Additional horns (for example, Klaxons). Note: Must not alternate sound like an emergency vehicle. Must not be siren whistle or bell.

29. Reversing lamp/s 

30. Additional stop lamps 

31. Tow bar

32. Wheel spats

33. Wheel dress trims and rings

34. Hubcaps

35. White wall tyres

36. Hardtop for convertibles – OEM or aftermarket.

37. Pinstriping consistent with the period style at vehicle build date

38. Auxiliary Lighting - forward facing

39. Badge Bars 

40. Weathershields

41. Sunvisors

SAFETY ITEMS

1. Seat belts – must be road approved (including, for example lap, lap sash and harness varieties). The belts must comply with Schedule 2 of the Road Transport (Vehicle Registration) Regulations2017

2. Vehicles built to comply with Australian Design Rules (ADR) 4 and 5 must continue to comply

3. If a vehicle does not have seat belt mounts and seat belts are installed, they must be signed off by a suitably qualified Engineer

4. Child Restraint Anchorages (CRA) – a vehicle must comply with ADR 4 and 5

5. Direction indicators - can be white or amber (amber is preferred). The style must be in keeping with the defined period of the vehicle. Brake lamps flashing red for direction indicators are not acceptable. The replacement of semaphore type indicators is permitted.

6. Left-Hand Drive (LHD) sourced vehicles must have Right-Hand Drive (RHD) headlamps 

7. Toughened glass windscreens must have a safety zone immediately in front of the driver 

8. Imported vehicles may retain OEM belts. However, if the belts are fitted after importation, they must comply with Schedule 2 of theRoad Transport (Vehicle Registration) Regulations

Note: seat belts and CRA are not mandatory if the vehicle was not fitted with seat belts or CRA as an OEM fitment.  However, they are strongly recommended for all vehicles where installation is possible. 

 HVS Period Options, Accessories & Safety Items Update

Published  23 December 2020 

To view to full live document go to:>

Historic Vehicle Scheme period options, accessories and safety items - Historic vehicles - How to register a vehicle - Vehicle registration - Roads - Roads and Maritime Services (nsw.gov.au)

Safety items

Seatbelts – must be road approved (including, for example lap, lap sash and harness varieties). The belts must comply with Schedule 2 of the Road Transport (Vehicle Registration) Regulations 2017.

Vehicles built to comply with Australian Design Rules (ADR) 4 and 5 must continue to comply.

If a vehicle does not have seatbelt mounts and seatbelts are installed, they must be signed off by a suitably qualified Engineer.

Child Restraint Anchorages (CRA) – a vehicle must comply with ADR 4 and 5.

Direction indicators – can be white or amber (amber is preferred). The style must be in keeping with the defined period of the vehicle. Brake lamps flashing red for direction indicators are not acceptable. The replacement of semaphore type indicators is permitted.

Left-Hand Drive (LHD) sourced vehicles must have Right-Hand Drive (RHD) headlamps.

Toughened glass windscreens must have a safety zone immediately in front of the driver.

Imported vehicles may retain OEM belts. However, if the belts are fitted after importation, they must comply with Schedule 2 of the Road Transport (Vehicle Registration) Regulations 2017.

The NSW RTA advise that as the vehicle is registered in NSW, albeit conditionally, anyone holding a valid licence which the NSW RTA recognise and is suitable for the vehicle concerned can operate the vehicle with the registered owner’s permission. The rules pertaining to L and P plate drivers and riders naturally apply. There is no NSW RTA requirement for that person to be a member of the Primary Club which issued the HVS & CVS 1259 form. If any individual Club has by laws to the contrary then those by laws prevail. Again this is a matter for the Clubs to handle and decide on their particular needs. The CMC will not intervene in such things. The Club concerned has to make their own decisions.

www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au or phone 13 32 20.

Coverage can be obtained from several Brokers including TCIS in Adelaide, and CAMS. Many Clubs think that CAMS are only for car racing Clubs however their insurance covers all Clubs, no matter if they race or not. Later this year CAMS will come out with a package for non racing Clubs which will be very competitively priced. I declare my interest in this as I am the Chair of the CAMS Marque Touring and Enthusiasts Commission or MTEC. I took on this role to gain benefits for the non racing Clubs. It has been a long battle to get things approved as change is always resisted. I hope that when you see the greatly reduced costs on offer with a $100 M coverage from a very substantial company, you will see that benefits have been gained.

Regards

Terry Thompson OAM

The origin of HCRS plates (as they are now known) dates back to 1958. The members of the Veteran Car Club of Australia (New South Wales region) were actively involved in the restoration and preservation of veteran vehicles and were often requested to attend various functions and public events including school fetes and parades such as the Waratah Festival, at the invitation of the NSW government. They were also invited to attend charity events in addition to normal club rallies and activities. In order to transport the vehicles to these various functions the owner was required to obtain an Unregistered Vehicle Permit (UVP) from the Department of Motor Transport at a cost, at that time, of £2 (two pounds), which was a reasonable amount in those days.

A member of the VCCA, Mr Victor Jacobs (owner of Broadway Motors) was actively involved in the Lions Club and was a well-known businessman who was approached by Anthony Horderns to arrange a display of veteran vehicles at Anthony Hordern’s department store in Pitt Street Sydney. The entry fee was a silver coin with the proceeds to go to charity. Anthony Horderns chose Legacy and the Limbless Soldiers Association as beneficiaries. The display was opened by a Mr. Enticknap, who was President of the Limbless Soldiers Association and also the Minister for Transport in New South Wales. During the process of the evening Mr Enticknap asked how the vehicles were brought to the venue and it was explained that an unregistered vehicle permit was required each time the cars were driven. Mr Enticknap was taken by the generosity of the VCCA in supplying the cars and on the basis of “you have done something for others so I will try and do something for you” he referred the matter to the Commissioner of Motor Transport.

The VCCA were invited to attend a meeting with the Commissioner with a view to looking for a better process to move the veteran cars to various events without the constant attendance at a registry office to obtain a ‘UVP’. The members of the VCCA who attended the meeting were George Roberts, George Green and Alan Rose-Bray. George Roberts suggested the possible issue of a “special plate” to be attached to veteran cars that would act as a ‘UVP’ for the movement of the cars. The Commissioner agreed to this proposal in the light of the credibility of the VCCA and its community activities.

A list of eleven guidelines were instituted by the VCCA and offered to the Commissioner and an agreement was struck on the 9th of April 1959 with Mr. Alan Rose-Bray of the VCCA and Mr. Sep Hall, VCCA’s legal advisor, and the Commissioner in attendance. An initial quantity of 100 sets of special Veteran Car Club plates coloured, red and white, were issued at an annual fee of £1/10/- (one pound, ten shillings), thereby commencing the “club plate” system. It was on this precedent that other clubs applied for their dispensation.

John Hewitt
Honorary Secretary
Veteran Car Club of Australia (NSW Region)