Some vehicles are badly fitted with accessories which protrude beyond the bumper bar or bull bar and present a danger to other road users. Equipment protruding from the front of vehicles increases the likelihood of injury or damage to a person or vehicle.

An accessory or bull bar fitted to a vehicle must therefore be attached in a manner that does not affect compliance with the Australian Design Rules and Regulations.

The following provides information to ensure the consistent application of the Rules to bull bars, accessory fittings and how they are attached.

For safety reasons it is illegal to have:

1. Any attachment or protrusion forward of the bull bar or bumper bar which presents a danger to other road users (see diagram). Minor protrusions forward of the bull bar or bumper bar such as a spotlight, or fairleads required for the operation of a winch, are permitted providing the protrusion is the minimum necessary and is blunt or protected to minimise any risk of injury to vulnerable road users.
2. Any sharp or ragged edge or corner on a bull bar which could cause injury to a person or damage to a vehicle.
3. Any bull bar or other attachment that does not allow the driver a view of the road and of the traffic to the front and side of the vehicle so that the driver can drive the vehicle safely.

For further information regarding protrusions on the front of vehicles refer to the RTA website at www.rta.nsw.gov.au or contact the RTA Technical Enquiries on 1300 137 302.