# You've been defected — here's the order of operations

> A defect notice requires you to rectify the listed items and have the vehicle cleared before it can be legally driven as normal. Minor (yellow) notices usually allow restricted use pending clearance; major (red) notices generally do not. Producing engineering certificates and receipts on the spot is often what prevents a notice being issued at all.

Source: https://modvault.com.au/guides/defect-notice-what-to-do/
Last checked: 2026-08-24

## Yellow vs red, in practice

Terminology varies by state, but the principle is consistent: a minor defect notice identifies items to rectify while typically allowing limited continued use, and a major defect notice takes the vehicle off the road until it is repaired and cleared by an authorised inspection.

Read the notice carefully. It states exactly what must be rectified, the timeframe, and where clearance can be obtained. Assumptions are expensive here.

## The evidence that ends the conversation early

Most defect notices on modified cars come down to one question the officer cannot answer at the roadside: is this modification certified? If you can produce the engineering certificate, the certifier's details and the parts receipts in under a minute, that question is answered.

If you cannot, the vehicle is assessed on appearance — and a well-engineered car looks exactly like an illegal one from outside.

- Registration and CTP details
- Engineering certificate or modification plate reference for each certified modification
- Certifier's name, scheme and licence reference
- Receipts and specifications for major parts
- Dated photographs of the work at each stage

## Getting it cleared

Rectify the listed items, obtain any certification you were missing, then present the vehicle for clearance at the inspection type nominated on the notice. Keep the clearance documentation permanently — a cleared defect is part of the vehicle's history and will be asked about at sale.

## Not getting defected again

The pattern is consistent: cars with complete, instantly producible records get waved on. Build the record as you build the car, not after a notice is issued.

## Frequently asked questions

### Can I drive with a defect notice?

It depends on the severity. Minor notices typically allow restricted use pending rectification; major notices generally take the vehicle off the road until cleared. The notice itself states the conditions.

### What do I need to show police about my modified car?

There is no requirement to carry certificates in most states, but being able to produce the engineering certificate, certifier details and parts receipts on the spot is frequently the difference between a conversation and a defect notice.

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This guide is general information for Australian vehicle owners, not legal or engineering advice. Requirements change and are applied at the discretion of your state authority. Always confirm with your road authority or a licensed certifier before starting work.