Australian Car Exhaust Laws: A State-by-State Guide
Is your performance exhaust legal in your state?
We’re all after a car that looks great, sounds great, and performs at the top of its game. Modifications like a Manta Performance exhaust can give your vehicle that extra bit of oomph that makes all the difference to your driving experience.
However, whether you are cruising the coast in Queensland, commuting in Sydney, or off-roading in Western Australia, you don’t want to be driving with an illegal exhaust. With six states and two territories—all with slightly different rules—Australian laws around emissions and noise can be confusing.
Below, we break down the noise and emission laws for every Australian jurisdiction, helping you choose the right system for your location.
Understanding Noise and Gas Emissions Laws
Like most countries, Australia has strict Australian Design Rules (ADRs) governing vehicle manufacturing. Legal exhausts must limit noise and gas emissions to protect public health and the environment.
Why do these laws exist?
Prior to emissions laws, heavy smoke led to smog in major cities. Today, environmental concerns and urban liveability drive these regulations.
- Emissions: You cannot modify a car in a way that increases emissions beyond the standards it was built to meet.
- Noise: Traffic noise impacts one in five Australians. While we love a loud rumble, authorities in Melbourne, Brisbane, and beyond enforce strict decibel limits. It is an offense to drive a vehicle that causes unnecessary noise or smoke.
You’re Responsible for Your Ride
Noise and gas restrictions are part of Australian law. As the owner, it is your responsibility to ensure your car is modified within the rules of your specific state.
Whether you are in Adelaide, Hobart, or Darwin, Manta Performance offers systems designed to meet various performance needs. We’ve put together a guide for every state and territory so you can ensure your new exhaust is street-legal where you live.
State-Specific Road Laws & Resources
While Manta Performance supplies exhaust systems to happy customers all over the world, our Head Office is based in Perth, Western Australia. Below is detailed info for our locals, followed by essential summaries and links for our customers in NSW, Victoria, Queensland, and beyond.
Western Australia (WA)
Key Regulator: Department of Transport WA
Emissions: All petrol-powered vehicles (4+ wheels) built after 1971 must have equipment preventing crankcase gases from escaping. Light vehicles built after 1930 must not produce ‘excessive visible emissions’ for more than 10 seconds.
Noise: Light motor vehicles must have a silencing device.
Cars built after 1982: Max 90dB(A).
Cars built before 1982: Max 96dB(A).
Exhaust Fitting: The exhaust must extend at least 40mm beyond the outermost joint of the floorplan (if not sealed) or to the edge of the vehicle body. Note for Ute owners: Diff dump exhausts are legal on most utes/dual cabs, but not permitted for SUVs or wagons without trays.
Handy Links for WA: Road Traffic (Vehicles) Regulations 2014 – Government of WA
Modify or construct a vehicle – Government of WA
New South Wales (NSW)
Key Regulator: Transport for NSW / EPA NSW
In Sydney and across NSW, the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) works alongside the police to enforce noise limits. If your vehicle is deemed too loud, you may be issued a defect notice requiring inspection at an Authorised Safety Check Station.
General Rule: Most passenger vehicles built after 1983 are capped at 90dB(A).
Modifications: catalytic converters generally cannot be removed if the vehicle was manufactured with one.
Handy Links for NSW:
Protection of the Environment Operations (Clean Air) Regulation 2021
Motor Vehicle Noise – EPA NSW
Victoria (VIC)
Key Regulator: VicRoads / EPA Victoria
For car enthusiasts in Melbourne and regional Victoria, modifications must comply with EPA noise standards. If you are planning significant modifications, you may require a VASS (Vehicle Assessment Signatory Scheme) approval certificate.
Noise Standards: Similar to national standards, generally 90dB(A) for newer passenger cars. EPA officers and Police can issue fines for "excessive noise."
Handy Links for VIC:
Environment Protection Regulations 2021 – Victorian Government
Vehicle Standards Information – VicRoads
Queensland (QLD)
Key Regulator: Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR)
From the Gold Coast to Cairns, Queenslanders must adhere to the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act. Significant modifications to the exhaust system may require inspection by an Approved Person and the fitment of a "Mod Plate."
Noise: Vehicles must not exceed the noise levels specified in the ADRs applicable at the time of manufacture (usually 90dB for post-1983 vehicles).
Handy Links for QLD:
Transport Operations (Road Use Management) 2010
Vehicle modifications – Queensland Government
South Australia (SA)
Key Regulator: Department for Infrastructure and Transport
In Adelaide and SA, vehicles found to be defectively modified can be sent to inspection stations like Regency Park. Exhausts must not be likely to cause a fire or release fumes into the cabin.
Handy Links for SA:
Engine and exhaust modifications – Government of SA
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
Key Regulator: Access Canberra
Canberra drivers should note that the ACT government strictly monitors stationary noise levels.
Handy Links for ACT:
Road Transport (Vehicle Registration) Regulation 2000
Noise Thresholds – Access Canberra
Northern Territory (NT)
Key Regulator: MVR (Motor Vehicle Registry)
Driving in Darwin or the outback? The NT government requires that any modification, including exhausts, does not adversely affect the safety or emissions of the vehicle.
Handy Links for NT:
Vehicle modifications – Northern Territory Government
Tasmania (TAS)
Key Regulator: Department of State Growth
For our customers in Hobart and Launceston, Tasmanian regulations mirror the national ADRs closely regarding noise and positioning of the exhaust outlet.
Handy Links for TAS:
Vehicle and Traffic (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 2014
Noise Limit Guidelines – EPA Tasmania
Get the Right Exhaust for Your Region
Wherever you are in Australia—from the city streets of Sydney to the mining roads of WA—you won’t get better quality than Manta Performance exhaust systems. We engineer systems that deliver power while considering compliance.
Remember to check your specific state’s laws via the links above before installing your new system.
Need clarification?
We advise all customers to ensure they are aware of each jurisdiction's laws and policies. If you need specific advice on whether a modification is legal in your postcode, please reach out to your respective state agency or a certified local engineer.
