12 Months Remaining to Keep Opt-In ROVER Approvals
As Australia’s Road Vehicle Standards Act (RVSA) framework continues to mature, a significant compliance milestone is rapidly approaching. Over the next 12 months, a large number of opt-in Vehicle Type Approvals (VTAs) transitioned from the former Motor Vehicle Standards Act (MVSA) will begin to expire. For manufacturers and approval holders, this represents a material risk to continuity of supply if not addressed early.
Opt-in VTAs were issued with a fixed five-year validity period when transitioned into the ROVER system. As a result, many of these approvals will expire toward the end of 2026. Crucially, the RVSA framework does not provide a mechanism to renew or extend an existing approval. To continue supplying vehicles, approval holders must apply for a new Vehicle Type Approval in ROVER before their current approval expires.
Why Timing Matters for Opt-In ROVER Approvals
There are currently nearly 2,000 active opt-in ROVER approvals approaching expiry. When combined with the Department of Infrastructure’s legislated 60 business-day decision-making timeframe, this creates a real risk for approval holders who delay action until late 2026.
If a new application is not granted before the existing approval expires, the approval holder will be left without an active ROVER approval, meaning vehicles cannot be legally supplied until a new approval is issued. For many manufacturers, this risk alone makes early preparation essential.
Renewing a ROVER Approval Means Re-Applying and Re-Submitting Everything
A common misconception is that renewing a ROVER approval involves updating or varying the existing approval. In reality, all ADR compliance evidence must be uploaded again as part of the new VTA application. Evidence from an expiring opt-in ROVER approval is not automatically carried across by the Department.
This means manufacturers must ensure that their entire ADR evidence package — across every applicable Australian Design Rule — is complete, current, and suitable for assessment under the RVSA. Early consolidation of evidence is essential to avoid delays during application assessment. This can be a major exercise for a trailer or bus manufacturer which has over a dozen active variants under the same approval!
ADR Evidence and ROVER-Registered Test Facilities
Under the RVSA framework, the Department’s Guide to Vehicle Type Approvals specifies that ADR test results relied upon as evidence must be generated by a testing facility registered in ROVER. This represents a shift from MVSA-era practices. While legacy MVSA test reports may have supported earlier approvals, they may no longer be acceptable if the issuing facility is not currently registered in ROVER. The exception to this is if manufacturers can demonstrate re-testing by an RVSA test facility is financially not viable, along with providing declarations of the report results being accurate and a true representation of their vehicle
For many approval holders, this necessitates a detailed review of existing test reports to confirm whether supplementary or repeat testing is required. Identifying these gaps early allows manufacturers to plan testing programs well ahead of approval expiry and avoid last-minute capacity constraints. In addition, ADR evidence provided as part of an RVSA approval may be subject to additional scrutiny compared to evidence provided 20 years ago as part of an MVSA approval.
Quality Management System Requirements
In addition to ADR compliance evidence, RVSA approvals place greater emphasis on the applicant’s Quality Management System (QMS). When applying for a new VTA, approval holders must again confirm that an appropriate QMS is in place and operating. The level of detail expected under the RVSA is higher than under the MVSA, reflecting the shift toward lifecycle-based compliance and ongoing conformity of production.
Approval holders should review their QMS arrangements early to ensure they align with RVSA expectations, as deficiencies identified during assessment can delay approval decisions.
Department Guidance on Opt-In ROVER Approvals
The Department’s Guidance Note – Applying to continue supply of a vehicle covered by an opted-in vehicle type approval outlines the required pathway. It confirms that approval holders must submit a new VTA application in ROVER, reference the existing opt-in approval (if wishing to retain the approval number), and consent to its revocation once the new approval is granted. This guidance reinforces the importance of early preparation, particularly given the volume of approvals approaching expiry.
How BTT Engineering Can Assist
As a ROVER-registered ADR testing facility, BTT Engineering supports manufacturers through ADR testing, evidence review, and preparation for new VTA applications (and variations). By assisting clients to consolidate evidence, identify testing gaps, and confirm compliance readiness early, BTT Engineering helps reduce the risk of approval lapses and supply disruption as opt-in approvals expire. Our team is happy to work with all clients and our skilled staff can handle single model manufacturers right through to manufacturers with 10+ approvals in the ROVER portal.
Keep an eye on BTT Engineering’s website for further updates in this space but make sure to reach out to the team in early 2026 to get the ball rolling on renewing your approvals. As a special promotion, BTT Engineering will be offering a free, no-obligation, half an hour online consult for opt-in approval holders who enquire with BTT before March 31, 2026. Simply fill out the form below and we’ll give you a call to arrange a suitable time!
Frequently Asked Questions
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An opt-in ROVER approval is a Vehicle Type Approval that was transitioned from the former Motor Vehicle Standards Act (MVSA) into the Road Vehicle Standards Act (RVSA) framework when ROVER commenced. These approvals were issued with a fixed five-year validity period and are now beginning to expire.
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In most cases, you can identify an opt-in ROVER approval by its approval number.
If your Vehicle Type Approval number is earlier than VTA-060000, it is likely an opt-in approval transitioned from the MVSA. The approval record in ROVER will also show that it originated as an opted-in approval. -
There is no formal renewal or extension process for ROVER approvals under the RVSA. While approval holders often refer to the process as needing to renew a ROVER approval, the correct approach is to apply for a new Vehicle Type Approval in ROVER before the existing opt-in approval expires.
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Yes. When applying to renew a ROVER approval, all ADR evidence must be uploaded again, even if it supported the original opt-in approval. The Department assesses each new application independently under the RVSA framework.