Parts of what have been writtent sren't quite the same as what my engineer has explained to me.
NSW is working toward adopting their own version of the light code of practice which is already in place in QLD and VIC.
If your vehicle has minor mods it won't need to be engineered or will be able to be engineered by a current engineer like now. eg - brakes.
If the vehicle has major modifications then the RTA is pushing to have the vehicle classed as an individually constructed vehicle (ICV). This includes things like chassis modifications or more extreme mods. This is already the system in place but the code of practice allows far less modification to be classed as an ICV.
If your vehicle is deemed an ICV then it must comply with the current ADRs and will be issued a new registration. If your car doesn't meet the ADR'ss then there is NO rego .. at all. No club rego .. no nothing. If you need to pass this years ADRs then you will need to have side intrusion bars, 2011 lighting, crumple zones, airbags, explosive tensioning lap-sash seatbelts, collapsible steering column, dual speed wipers, 2011 emission controls. Good luck with that.
Historic rego (H plate) is supposedly for unmodified vehicles. Hot Rodders cut a deal for themselves only, thanks bumholes, and will be able to have an R plate for pre-49 modified vehicles that do not qualify for full registration to go on club sponsored events.
I was in discussion with one of the 4 ASRF representatives who are vehemently trying to stop the scheme being adopted in NSW. The ASRF is also trying to float the idea of an M plate for modified vehicles. It will work along the same scheme as the H plate with club sponsored events only but with a greater breadth for modification. This is just a concept at the moment so by no means think this is any kind of sure thing.
Now just to throw some oil on the water .... No firm date has been set on the introduction of the light code of practice. it keeps getting pushed back due to political reasons. My engineer says that he hasn't heard what is supposed to happen with the changes and also whether current engineers will be re-licensed under the new scheme as when it is adopted all their RTA engineering licenses are no longer valid.
The RTA is also trying to introduce that they have final approval on vehicles even after they have been passed by an authorised engineer. What's the point of having the authorised engineer in the first place then? Good question. Furthermore why would I pay to have my vehicle passed by an engineer if the RTA have the approval?
Personally I am poo pooting myself until my car is passed and registered. I keep hearing that the code isn't close yet as they keep changing their minds but elements of it have already been passed into law such as the ride height rules introduced earlier this year.