As the clock ticks down to a significant shift in Australian road rules, drivers across the nation are bracing for an overhaul that could see some of their favourite car models vanish from dealerships.
The impending changes, set to take effect in just a few weeks, are part of a broader initiative to enhance road safety and align Australia with international vehicle standards.
The Australian Design Rule (ADR), which serves as the cornerstone of vehicle regulation, is in place to ensure that all cars, trucks, and motorcycles meet stringent criteria for safety, efficiency, and environmental impact.
From March 1, the ADR 98/100 will come into force, introducing a mandate that could be a game-changer for the automotive industry. This rule requires that nearly all new vehicles sold in Australia, regardless of when they were launched, must be equipped with autonomous emergency braking (AEB) systems as standard.
Hussein Dia from Swinburne University, an expert in the field, told Yahoo News about the implications of this legislation, which was initially drafted in 2021. He also highlighted the benefits for motorists, suggesting that while some models will be affected, the overall impact on road safety is positive.
‘Drivers will benefit from an advanced car safety technology which aims to reduce the number of rear-end collisions or reduce their severity if they occur. They are meant to prevent vehicles from hitting other vehicles if the driver does not react in time. This would help reduce road crashes and road trauma across the nation,’ he explains.
He anticipates that manufacturers will have replacement models ready, equipped with the necessary AEB systems. However, for those unable to update their vehicles due to cost or other factors, ‘these models would need to be retired altogether.’
Take Suzuki Australia, for example, which will be retiring its light SUV Ignis and introducing the new Suzuki Fronx with AEB later this year.
Australia’s adoption of the ADR 98/100 will bring the nation in line with European standards, based on the United Nations Regulation 152. This alignment with international norms is not just about keeping up with the trends but about leveraging advanced car safety technology to reduce the frequency and severity of rear-end collisions, thereby decreasing road trauma nationwide.
However, the introduction of this rule may have a ripple effect, potentially leading to higher car prices as manufacturers could seek to offset the costs of adding and upgrading AEB systems.
The Australasian Fleet Management Association (AfMA) has identified several models that will be discontinued from Australian showrooms due to non-compliance:
- The petrol-powered Fiat 500 and Abarth models;
- certain LDV G10, V80, and Mahindra Pik-Up variants;
- mainstream models like the Mitsubishi ASX, Eclipse Cross, and Pajero Sport;
- older Renault Kangoo and Trafic;
- Suzuki’s Baleno, Ignis, and S-Cross;
- Aston Martin DB11 and DBS;
- Lamborghini Aventador and Huracan; and
- some Porsche 718 versions.
James Williams, head of policy at the Royal Automotive Club of Victoria (RACV), supports the legislation, citing data that demonstrates AEB’s effectiveness in reducing collision severity and rear-end crashes.
‘AEB has been proven to reduce the severity of collisions. Data from the Monash University Accident Research Centre shows AEB can reduce vehicle occupant trauma by 28 per cent, while data from Europe’s New Car Assessment Program (NCAP)—Australia’s New Car Assessment Program European sister organisation—shows it can cut rear-end crashes by 40 per cent,’ he said.
The RACV’s stance is clear: vehicle safety and the potential to reduce road trauma should take precedence over dealership profits.
As the nation moves towards this new era of automotive safety, it’s a reminder to all drivers that the cars we choose not only reflect our personal style but also our commitment to safety on the roads.
As these changes loom on the horizon, it’s essential to stay informed about the status of your vehicle. If you’re in the market for a new car, consider the long-term benefits of choosing a model with AEB. And for those whose cars are facing retirement, it may be time to explore the latest offerings that comply with the new standards.
What are your thoughts on these upcoming road rule changes? Share your stories and opinions with the YourLifeChoices community, and let’s navigate these changes together.
Also read: New technologies expected to hit the roads this 2025
The headline is misleading as it implies that existing cars are soon to be banned when that is not the case.
Reading the article reveals this new requirement only applies to new cars being sold in the future.
Pretty much all new cars being sold today have this feature along with many others.
There has been a trend to misleading headers here, editorial staff would do well to tighten up their standards.
Yes, if it applied to all vehicles there would be a quite a few people who could not afford to purchase a new one.
It would be a bit like the dictator government we have in the act
If we don’t buy the vehicle of Andrew Barrs choice we are penalised by paying a large amount on our registeration. Even if there are no vehicles of his choice manufactured this dose not concern him just do as i say or cop a hugh penality. We already pay hugh taxes
and fees on top of the registration fee around 1 and a half times the actual rego fee
In real terms, this will have ni effect upon the buying decisions when purchasing a new car. All new cars will have AEB as standard. If buying second hand, it may, or may not have AEB installed.
The purchaser is buying the whole vehicle and not just the braking system.
The most important thing is though to never rely on the AEB but always drive to suit the conditions.
There are many reports of AEBs being false triggered, especially on tight right hand curves where the sensors mistake the outside curve as being a stationary object straight ahead. Fortunately they can be disabled by the driver before moving.