As the clock ticks down to a significant shift in road rules, drivers are bracing for a massive overhaul happening soon.

This change could axe several beloved car models from showrooms.

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The Australian Design Rule (ADR) has been the cornerstone of vehicle regulation in the country.

It sets the bar for vehicle safety, efficiency, and environmental impact.

These non-negotiable rules ensure that every car, truck, or motorcycle sold or driven in Australia meets stringent standards.

Starting 1 March, vehicles should be compliant to the ADR 98/100 rule. Image Credit: Pexels/Nimit N

An impending change called the ADR 98/100 should take effect starting 1 March to make way for better vehicle safety.

Part of ADR 98/100's mandate stated that all new vehicles, regardless of launch date and time, must be equipped with autonomous emergency braking (AEB).

AEB technology detects potential collisions and automatically applies brakes, potentially preventing crashes or reducing severity.

This move towards enhanced safety has been in the pipeline since 2021, which gave the automotive industry ample time to adapt.

James Williams, Head of Policy at the Royal Automotive Club of Victoria (RACV), spoke about the benefits of AEB.

Mr Williams cited data from the Monash University Accident Research Centre and Europe's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) that demonstrated AEB's effectiveness in reducing collision severity.

The RACV firmly stood by the legislation, as it prioritised vehicle safety and the potential to reduce road trauma over dealership profits.

In light of the looming change, some vehicle models will make the ADR98/100's cut.

Hussein Dia, a specialist from Swinburne University, spoke about the implications of the new rule.

'Car dealers would need to invest in bringing their existing models up to the required standard for Australia,' Dia stated.

'If they can't update the vehicles, or they choose not to update them because it is costly, then these models would need to be retired altogether.'

Several vehicle companies in Australia have already prepared for the looming change.

For example, Suzuki retired its Ignis light SUV and introduced the Suzuki Fronx, a new vehicle complete with AEB.

This shift should align Australia with international safety standards similar to European countries.

The ADR 98/100 may seem beneficial to the public, but it could have several drawbacks.

The introduction of AEB across all vehicles could drive car prices up, as manufacturers need to recoup the costs of integrating this new technology.

Vehicles from various carmakers could also discontinue extensive models.

According to the Australasian Fleet Management Association (AfMA), models such as the Fiat 500 and Abarth models, select LDV G10 and V80 vans, and Mahindra Pik-Up variants will be phased out soon due to non-compliance.

Mainstream models are not immune to the phase-out either.

The Mitsubishi ASX, Eclipse Cross, Pajero Sport, and older Renault Kangoo and Trafic models will also be affected.

Other than the Ignis, Suzuki will also pull out the Baleno and S-Cross units from sale.

Luxury cars are not spared from the culling.

Models like the Aston Martin DB11 and DBS, Lamborghini Aventador and Huracan, and some Porsche 718 versions should be phased out from the Australian market as well.

As Australia moves forward with this legislation, it has made it clear that it is prioritising saving lives and creating safer roads for everyone.

It's essential to stay informed about how the ADR 98/100 might affect you and your vehicle.

Consult with your manufacturer if your vehicle is good to go or if it's on the chopping block/

Make sure that your vehicle meets the new standards and can offer you and your loved ones safety on the road.

Key Takeaways

• Starting 1 March, the Australian Government should be pushing out the changes requiring new vehicles to have autonomous emergency braking (AEB).
• The Australian Design Rule (ADR) 98/100 could affect several popular vehicle models, which will be retired from catalogues due to non-compliance.
• The new rule aimed to improve road safety by reducing the number of rear-end collisions and should align Australian vehicle standards with Europe.
• While this change could lead to the discontinuation of some vehicle models, it may also result in higher prices due to building costs.

What do you think about the changes ADR 98/100 could bring? Share your thoughts about this new road change in the comments section below.

 

[JenTh0rn]

I think this is just another wa6 to get older cars of the road. They tried it with changing petrol grades not its braking. If the public put their phones away, concentreated on their driving, did not tailgate cars in front and travelled at 5he set speed limits then having a device on cars to prevent collisions would not be necessary. Preventing accidents comes down to driver respect, attitude and driving within the rules. Being one who has driven many thousand miles/kms over my years, I drive to the rules and have not had accidents.

 

[colleenjohn1947]

These rules just further downgrade the required skills in driving a vehicle, in ten years after this rule is introduced the road toll will still be growing due to lack of driving skills.

 

[youngy650]

These rules just further downgrade the required skills in driving a vehicle, in ten years after this rule is introduced the road toll will still be growing due to lack of driving skills.

This is so true

 

[DLHM]

“AEB technology detects potential collisions and automatically applies brakes, potentially preventing crashes or reducing severity.”

Would this potentially increase the likelihood of rear end crashes?

 

[skippytbk]

When I think about it. It is in all honesty what would have alerted me when I was distracted. After rear ending a car in Brisbane, a distraction that has cost me over $5000.

 

[Bill MacL]

These rules just further downgrade the required skills in driving a vehicle, in ten years after this rule is introduced the road toll will still be growing due to lack of driving skills.

Just like education, cashless society, dumbing everybody down makes them easier to control and track. This government is reinventing Communism.

 

[CemisugO]

Good idea BUT it still requires he nut [driver] behind the heel to be alert and keeping their mind on driving carefully as well as watching hat they are doing

 

[Catherines]

My husband and I try to always drive with at least one car length between us and the car in front. But I’ll be damned if someone else thinks it is OK and safe to just squeeze in without giving enough indication. Just a flick or two of their indicator, sometimes as they are already squeezing in between.

I don’t think it is going to make a lot of difference with this new ‘technology’ if people continue to drive at breakneck speed on suburban roads and our highways, and forcing themselves between cars. A sudden application of automatic brakes could possibly throw an inattentive driver through the windscreen, although I don’t know how forcefully these new systems will actually work. Will it be sudden and immediate stopping or gradual?; if gradual then a collision will still happen if driving too close to the car in front.

More speed and phone cameras needed and people to stop challenging the camera when they are caught doing the wrong thing. Attention on our roads is most important as is speeding. No arguments!

 

[elaine41]

When I think about it. It is in all honesty what would have alerted me when I was distracted. After rear ending a car in Brisbane, a distraction that has cost me over $5000.

That was your bad driving that caused the accident. Why were you distracted? Looking at your phone by any chance? Keep you eyes & mind on the road & you will reduce the risk of tailgaiting the car on front.

 

[Bill MacL]

My husband and I try to always drive with at least one car length between us and the car in front. But I’ll be damned if someone else thinks it is OK and safe to just squeeze in without giving enough indication. Just a flick or two of their indicator, sometimes as they are already squeezing in between.

I don’t think it is going to make a lot of difference with this new ‘technology’ if people continue to drive at breakneck speed on suburban roads and our highways, and forcing themselves between cars. A sudden application of automatic brakes could possibly throw an inattentive driver through the windscreen, although I don’t know how forcefully these new systems will actually work. Will it be sudden and immediate stopping or gradual?; if gradual then a collision will still happen if driving too close to the car in front.

The roadbook rule used to be 3 car lengths. Has it changed?

 

[Catherines]

Just like education, cashless society, dumbing everybody down makes them easier to control and track. This government is reinventing Communism.

Don’t think your comments justify what is being done. Why is it always the authorities that are doing what so many are calling ‘revenue raising’? When one is clearly at fault all the so-called do gooders come out of the woodwork and blame the authorities.

 

[elaine41]

My husband and I try to always drive with at least one car length between us and the car in front. But I’ll be damned if someone else thinks it is OK and safe to just squeeze in without giving enough indication. Just a flick or two of their indicator, sometimes as they are already squeezing in between.

I don’t think it is going to make a lot of difference with this new ‘technology’ if people continue to drive at breakneck speed on suburban roads and our highways, and forcing themselves between cars. A sudden application of automatic brakes could possibly throw an inattentive driver through the windscreen, although I don’t know how forcefully these new systems will actually work. Will it be sudden and immediate stopping or gradual?; if gradual then a collision will still happen if driving too close to the car in front.

More speed and phone cameras needed and people to stop challenging the camera when they are caught doing the wrong thing. Attention on our roads is most important as is speeding. No arguments!

You should be travelling at least 3 car lengths from the car in front; 1 car lengtth is too close to stop in an emergency. The length also increases as you increase speed. But, as a guide, 3 car lengths is approx 50 metres which is about 10 car lengths,

 

[Catherines]

The roadbook rule used to be 3 car lengths. Has it changed?

Yes it used to be that, I believe, but even now one or less than one car’s length seems to be good enough for so many to push in. I guess I should have clarified my comment of ‘at least one car’s length’ but we personally drive at a minimum of that distance at the signed speed limit on suburban roads and a hell of a lot more distance on highways due to the speed. And still there are idiots who push in because they seem to think we are driving too slowly and need to get ahead of us regardless.

 

[Still Ebby]

Just like education, cashless society, dumbing everybody down makes them easier to control and track. This government is reinventing Communism.

l agree and it was never like this before . We are getting like puppets and they are pulling the strings.

 

[alanbroughton131047@gmail]

Do they ever stop to look at the amount of people entering the country each week. All this is increasing the population which means more on the roads. The roads cannot handle the extra traffic without a lot of work upgrading it. More people on the road, more accidents. Not rocket science.

 

[Still Ebby]

Do they ever stop to look at the amount of people entering the country each week. All this is increasing the population which means more on the roads. The roads cannot handle the extra traffic without a lot of work upgrading it. More people on the road, more accidents. Not rocket science.

l heard Albo is getting more Chinese in the country .That guy has got rocks for brains in his head.He must think all the foreigners he has brought into the country will keep him in power l hope not

 

[Ramundus]

This new regulation will not have any effect on number of accidents.

 

[Ronloby]

It only applies to NEW vehicles.

 

[[email protected].]

government has to find a way to get the older cars off the road they have overcommitted themselves to bring in EV not that everyone can afford them. But that doesn't matter bring back pig iron BOB .