AS 4876.1 2014 - latest bull bar tolerances requirements.

[Cuppa]

If I was having a pleasant chat with Constable Plod or Mike the Mermaid after complementing them on the exemplary character and self sacrifice it takes to be a leader in keeping or community safe from Hoons, Yobbo's and generally undesireable activities and behaviours I would show him this in the opening paragraph of the document which he may have missed in this tireless and thankless task.

"Among general requirements for protrusions, the Regulation requires that VFPS fitted to vehicle models
first manufactured after 31 December 2002 to comply with the Australian Standard AS 4876.1 – 2002 Motor vehicle frontal protection systems"

I would then mention that the Nissan Patrol Model Y61 (model designation as per the compliance plate) was first manuf in 1998 IE prior to 31 Dec '02.
I would go on to say that the vehicle is such a fine example of getting it right that it is now one of the longest continuously manufactured light vehicle models in the world and unlike a Commodore or Falcon has not had a model change in a production run of over 16 years and still counting.

Therefore, so as long as my bar meets the general requirements for vehicle protrusions and being first manuf prior to the date specified it is all OK but he should throw the book at that dick over there in the V8 Ute with the Bundy stickers, RM Williams mud flaps, Dog Nuts on the towbar and twin 8 foot CB antennas

If you have a GQ or a series 1 or 2 GU then you can even use the compliance plate manuf date to further support your point of view.

The point being that the vehicle isn't exempt all regs but is arguably exempt "AS 4876.1 – 2002 Motor vehicle frontal protection systems"

Disclaimer - obviously manuf who have bars that comply will stamp them but in my case my bar is a custom XLR8 Fabrications jobbie and whilst compliant and totally awesome doesn't say so.

I like your thinking, & if you are ever in this position please ask the good constable to await my arrival to perform the role of audience before trying out your theory. I suspect it would be most entertaining.

Unfortunately I suspect the legitimacy of your argument would hinge on the interpretation of the phrase ‘first manufactured after’. I’m betting this date will relate to the date on the compliance plate regardless of the logic of your argument. Of course it is possible that your particular Constable Plod may have a brain & be willing to exercise it, but if you cop (pun intended) the usual ‘just following orders’ model of plod I don’t fancy your chances.