QLD lift laws explained: How high can you legally lift your 4WD?

Thinking about installing a lift kit in your 4WD in QLD? Bigger tyres? Whether you’re chasing more clearance, better off-road performance, or just want that tough look, it’s important to know the legal limits. Here’s the basics of lift laws in QLD.

In Queensland, 4WD lift rules are governed by two main codes:

• Code LS9 – This covers the design certification rules (what’s allowed, what needs approval).
• Code LS10 – This covers the modification certification rules (when and how you get your lift legal).

Here’s what every 4WD owner needs to know about lift laws in QLD.

What vehicles are these rules for?

Both Code LS9 and LS10 apply to:

• MC – Off-Road Passenger Vehicle.
• NA – Light Goods Vehicle with GVM up to 3,500 kg.
• NB1 – Medium Goods Vehicle with GVM up to 4,500 kg.

Understanding the types of lift

QLD lift laws classify lift modifications into four categories based on how much you’re lifting and how you’re doing it.

#1. Minor modifications – no certification required

• Slight tyre/rim upgrades that are already permitted by the vehicle manufacturer.

#2. Basic modifications – no certification required (if you stay within limits)

• Up to 50mm from suspension.
• Up to 25mm from larger tyres.
• Combined lift up to 75mm.
• You must follow the guidelines in Code LS9 – but no engineer’s sign-off needed.

#3. Complex modifications – certification required

• 51–100mm from suspension.
• Up to 25mm from tyres.
• Up to 50mm from body blocks (or only 25mm if your suspension lift is over 75mm).
• Total combined lift up to 150mm.
• You’ll need both an LS9-approved design and an LS10 certification.

#4. Specific modifications – special approval required

• Want to go over 150mm total lift? Your plans don’t fit within the QLD lift law limits above?
• You’ll need to apply directly to the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) for a one-off approval.

Legal lift law limits in QLD

Here’s a quick reference guide to what’s allowed and when certification kicks in:

Component	Lift range	Certification needed?
Suspension	0–50mm	No
Suspension	51–100mm	Yes (LS10 required)
Tyres	Up to 25mm (50mm diameter)	No
Tyres	Over 25mm	Not allowed
Body Blocks	Up to 50mm	Yes (LS10 required)
Combined Lift	Up to 75mm	No
Combined Lift	76–150mm	Yes (LS9 + LS10)
Combined Lift	Over 150mm	Only with special approval

Note: Tyre lifts are based on diameter increase. A 50mm larger tyre = 25mm of lift.

What Code LS9 actually covers

Code LS9 is the rulebook that governs how a lift is designed and what’s technically allowed within the QLD lift laws. It lays out:

• The max allowable lift per component.
• Design requirements for modified suspension, wheels, tyres, and body blocks.
• Technical limits for things like spring retention, brake line length, suspension travel, and even steering angles.
• Specific rules for ESC (Electronic Stability Control) compliance.
• General compliance with ADRs (Australian Design Rules).

If you’re doing a lift that requires certification, your engineer (aka an Approved Person) will use LS9 to assess the design first.

What Code LS10 actually covers

Code LS10 is where things move from paper to reality.

Once you’ve had your lift designed (under LS9), LS10 is used to certify the actual modification on your vehicle. This includes:

• Checking that the work matches the approved LS9 design.
• Inspecting the suspension, wheels, tyres, body blocks, brake lines, etc.
• Making sure everything is roadworthy and complies with ADRs.
• Verifying the ESC system still functions correctly (if fitted).

Without LS10 certification, a lift over 75mm is not legal and does not comply with QLD’s lift laws. You could get defected or have issues with insurance.

Got ESC? Extra steps apply

If your vehicle has Electronic Stability Control:

• Any certified lift (over 75mm) must prove that the ESC still works properly after the mod.
• This can be done through manufacturer approval, recalibration of the ESC system and physical or simulated testing to national or international standards.

If you can’t prove this, your mod won’t be certified.

What’s not allowed

Here’s what you can’t do under QLD lift law LS9/LS10:

• Lift more than 150mm total.
• Use suspension lifts over 100mm.
• Use tyres that add more than 25mm ride height.
• Use body blocks that lift over 50mm, or more than 25mm if your suspension lift is already 75mm.
• Modify a vehicle’s ride height if the wheel track has been reduced.
• Lift ESC-equipped vehicles without proving the system still works.

How to get certified (if you need to)

If you’re going beyond 75mm and need certification:

• Get an LS9-compliant design from an engineer or suspension brand that provides one.
• Do the work. The lift needs to be installed exactly to spec.
• Get it certified under LS10 by an Approved Person registered with QLD Transport.
• Keep your documentation. You may need it for registration, insurance, or roadside inspections.

Final word

The Queensland lift laws might look complicated, but here’s the simple version:

• Up to 75mm? You’re good. No certification needed.
• 76mm to 150mm? You’ll need the proper design + certification
• Over 150mm? That’s a hard no unless you get special permission

As you know, rules change in the blink of an eye and may change between when this article was published and when you actually read it. So, make sure to double-check Codes LS9 and LS10 before you go ahead with your mods.

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