Will existing bull bars be outlawed?

Current bull bars get a reprieve but the discussion on whether or not they will survive is still raging…

The delay of the Implementation of Modification codes H6 and H7 in the new VSB6 Version 3 release, covering the fit of front underrun protection devices (FUPD) and front underrun compatible bull bars which was originally scheduled for today, of September 1, 2017 has saved the traditional bull bar for now.

Following the release of Vehicle Standard Bulletin 6 (VSB6) Version 3, this year, the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) became aware of compliance issues relating to the design and manufacture of bullbars and front underrun protection devices.

“The NHVR is delaying the implementation of these two modification codes based on feedback from the bull bar industry about compliance of their products with the Australian Design Rules,” Peter Austin, Manager (Vehicle Safety and Performance) NHVR said. “The primary concern relates to the visibility requirements for low-beam headlamps.”

“As outlined in the VSG, the NHVR will be seeking to undertake further consultation with bull bar manufacturers and designers, truck manufacturers and other impacted parties before setting an implementation date for these codes. Following some initial review work by the NHVR, we anticipate holding further consultation with industry in late September. Until this consultation is completed and the H6 and H7 codes are implemented, manufacturers may continue to supply current design bull bars,” Austin continued.

Speaking at the HVIA's Industry Forums in Brisbane and Melbourne this week Chief Technical Officer, Paul Caus explained to attendees, that the decision by the Regulator to delay the introduction of relevant VSB6 modification codes will ensure bull bar and FUPD manufacturers are able to adjust their designs.

“Initial discussions with bull bar and FUPD manufacturers have indicated that to produce compliant components, it will be necessary to carry out extensive re-design and testing work that cannot be completed by September 1, 2017.”

"HVIA will continue to work closely with our members and the Regulator to resolve this issue," Caus added.

Section H of VSB6 covers Chassis modifications. Within Section H, codes H6 and H7 cover the following:

H6: The fitting of Front underrun protection devices designed according to H7 code or FUPD sourced from the vehicle’s Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM).

H7: Design requirements for a Front Underrun Protection Device (FUPD).

However, if you were to read deeper into the relevant technical jargon and piece together all the requirements to meet the new H6 and H7 codes you’d quickly realise that a rather large can of worms has been opened.

Bull Bar Design (H7)

Basically what this means is that traditional bull bars don’t meet the current ADR low-beam headlight angle of 45 degrees because of the position of the outer post.

There are on-going discussions to have the ADR changed to a new angle of 35 degrees, which would quickly solve a lot of issues for bull bar users. But in reality, there is a very slim chance this will happen.

One bull bar manufacturer we spoke to revealed that in some instances their current designs on some model trucks will work if they mount the bull bar as close as 25mm to the vehicle body. However, more than 25mm of flex in the bar is required with a large animal impact to protect the bodywork.

If the ADR was changed by a mere three degrees to 42 degrees it would mean the bull bar could be mounted 50mm away from the vehicle bodywork thus allowing enough room for bar deflection when an animal strike occurred and still be compliant with the new H7 code.

Bull Bar – Front underrun fitment (H6)

According to the new code the FUPS device must be fitted and certified by an H6 qualified person. You can imagine how many H6 qualified people are scattered across the nation by the September 1 implementation day.

Let’s do some hypothetical maths. Say there are ten bull bar manufacturers around Australia and they each make 500 bull bars per year. Given the number of current qualified H6 people, how long would it take to get your new vehicle certified? For anyone in regional areas, it would be nearly impossible.

Grandfather Clause

The addition of the proposed ‘grandfather clause’ to cover existing bull bars might well be the saviour of traditional bull bars as we know them. This will mean that existing bars will be exempt but new bars will have to be designed to meet the new code.

At this stage the NHVR has not given any indication on when the Implementation of Modification codes H6 and H7 in the new VSB6 Version 3 release will come into effect.

Nevertheless, the new Vehicle Standards Bulletin 6: National Code of Practice for Heavy Vehicle Modifications (VSB6) will take effect from September 1 2017, with the exception of Modification codes H6 and H7.

Bull bars that do meet the new H6 and H7 codes are currently available from the more reputable bull bar manufacturers.

The NHVR says all heavy vehicle operators, manufacturers and industry need to be aware of the changes when modifying a vehicle with changes applying from today, Friday September 1.

“VSB6 provides a single national technical standard that ensures modified heavy vehicles are safe and that they comply with relevant Australian Design Rules and in-service vehicle standards regulations,” Caus said.

So where do we stand now? At present, all of our current bull bars are compliant but if the grandfather clause isn’t adopted, then most of the existing bull bars on our roads will be deemed to be illegal. Let’s hope that common sense prevails…

Will existing bull bars be outlawed?

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