4x4 Fender Flare Compliance in Australia

If you’re upgrading your 4x4 with wider wheels and tyres, fender flares often become part of the conversation. They don’t just add a tough look, they’re also a legal requirement in many situations. Whether you’re building a touring rig in Queensland or tackling trails across the country, it’s important to understand how fender flare compliance works under Australia’s Australian Design Rules (ADRs) and various state laws.

This guide walks you through the key compliance rules, state-by-state requirements, penalties, and FAQs to keep you on the right side of the law.

Important Notice

This guide was prepared in September 2025. Vehicle standards, ADRs, and state road rules are subject to change. While we’ve taken care to ensure accuracy, laws and regulations may be updated by transport authorities at any time.

We strongly recommend that you:

• Check the latest guidelines from your state or territory transport authority before modifying your vehicle.
  
• Seek advice from a licensed engineer or accredited compliance workshop if you’re unsure.
  
• Treat this guide as a starting point for your own research, not a substitute for official advice.
  

• Safety: Tyres that stick out can throw stones, mud and debris into traffic. Flares and mudguards stop that and are required by law.
  
• National Standards: Under the ADRs, wheels and tyres must not protrude past the bodywork when viewed from above. If they do, flares or wider guards must cover them.
  
• Insurance & Defects: Driving with exposed tyres can result in a defect notice. Worse still, if an illegal modification contributes to an accident, insurers may deny a claim.
  

The ADRs are the national baseline for all vehicles. For Wheel Flares, three areas matter most:

1. Wheel Coverage: Tyre tread must be fully covered by the body or guard when viewed from above.
   
2. Vehicle Width: The overall width (including flares) must not exceed 2.5 m for light vehicles.
   
3. Fitment & Design: Flares must be securely attached, durable, and free of sharp edges. Many state guides require extensions to taper smoothly into the body with rounded edges.
   

While these rules apply nationwide, each state or territory enforces them slightly differently.

Queensland (QLD)

• Tyres must be fully covered by guards or flares.
• Police and TMR inspectors issue defect notices for exposed tread.
• Larger-than-standard wheels/tyres or track increases beyond the allowances generally require certification and a modification plate.
• (Reference: TMR Vehicle Standards & Modifications)

New South Wales (NSW)

• Tyres must be contained within mudguards/flares with the wheels pointing straight.
• Structural changes (widebody kits, significant track increases) may need certification under the VSCCS
• (Reference: Transport for NSW Vehicle Standards)

Victoria (VIC)

• VicRoads requires that no tyre tread is visible outside the wheel arch.
• Significant modifications require approval through the VASS system
• (Reference: VicRoads VSI 8)

Western Australia (WA)

• Any exposed tyre tread is defectable and may attract a yellow sticker.
• WA allows more leeway on track increases, but tyre coverage is still mandatory.
• (Reference: WA Department of Transport Vehicle Standards)

South Australia (SA)

• Mudguards and flares must cover the full width of the tyres.
• SAPOL and DIT issue defect notices for exposed tread.
• (Reference: SA DIT Vehicle Standards)

Tasmania, Northern Territory, ACT

• All require full tyre coverage in line with ADRs.
  
• Enforcement can be less frequent but the law is the same: no visible tread.

• Defect Notice: The vehicle must be repaired and re-inspected before it can legally return to the road.
• Fines: Typically between $150–$400 depending on the state and seriousness of the defect.
• Insurance Issues: Claims may be rejected if illegal modifications are found to have contributed to an accident.

Q: Do I need flares if my tyres stick out only slightly?
A: Yes. Even a small amount of exposed tread can result in a defect.

Q: Can I install flares myself?
A: Yes, provided they’re securely attached, durable, and free of sharp edges. Adhesive alone is not sufficient – they should be bolted or riveted.

Q: Are widebody kits legal?
A: Yes, if they cover the tyres, don’t exceed maximum width, and are securely fitted. Structural modifications generally require engineering approval.

Q: Why is Queensland considered strict?
A; QLD has highly active roadside enforcement. If your build is for daily driving or touring, ensure all tyres are covered, lifts and tyre sizes are within the code, and keep records of any certified modifications.

• Wheel Flares for your 4WD aren’t just cosmetic – they’re required if your wheels extend beyond the factory bodywork.
• If tread is visible from above, it’s not legal anywhere in Australia.
• Proper flares keep you compliant, prevent fines, and protect your insurance.
• For a comprehensive guide on selecting the best Flare Kit for your vehicle, Click Here