# What to show police when you're pulled over in a modified car

> Have your registration details, engineering certificates or modification plate references, the certifier's name and scheme, and receipts for major parts available in one place. Being able to produce this in under a minute is frequently what prevents a defect notice on a legally modified car.

Source: https://modvault.com.au/guides/roadside-compliance-pack/
Last checked: 2026-08-24

## The 60-second test

Assume the officer is not hostile — they are trying to determine whether the car in front of them is compliant. From outside, a fully certified build and an illegal one look identical. Everything hinges on how quickly you can close that gap.

If your evidence is a text thread with your mechanic, a photo roll and a folder at home, you fail the 60-second test.

## What belongs in the pack

- Registration and CTP status
- Every engineering certificate, indexed by modification
- Modification plate reference and photograph, where one is fitted
- Certifier name, scheme (VSCCS, VASS, Approved Person) and licence reference
- Receipts and specifications for major components
- Dated photographs of the work

## It has to work offline

Roadside stops happen in tunnels, in carparks and in places with no signal. A compliance pack that needs a good connection to load is not a compliance pack. Keep it available on the device itself.

## The same pack does four other jobs

The evidence that satisfies a roadside stop is the same evidence that satisfies an inspection station, an insurance assessor, an interstate re-registration and a buyer. Build it once.

## Frequently asked questions

### Do I have to carry my engineering certificate in the car?

Most Australian jurisdictions do not require you to carry it, but being able to produce it immediately is frequently the difference between being waved on and being defected.

### Can police defect a car that is fully engineered?

A defect notice can be issued where compliance cannot be established at the time. Producing certification promptly is the practical protection.

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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.