Upgrading wheels and tyres is one of the most common mods in South Australia—especially for Adelaide drivers who want better looks, better grip, or more sidewall for weekend trips.
But in SA, “looks good” isn’t the same as “legal”. If your wheel/tyre combo falls outside the rules, you can end up with:
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A defect notice (and the cost/time to rectify)
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Insurance headaches after an accident
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Premature wear or rubbing issues you only discover later
This guide covers the key SA requirements you should check before you buy.
1) Start with your tyre placard (it’s your legal reference point)
SA’s guidance is very clear: since 1973, cars have a tyre placard (often glovebox/door pillar/engine bay) listing the manufacturer’s recommended wheel/tyre combinations, load capacity and speed rating.
Why it matters: SA’s tyre diameter limits are measured against the largest and smallest sizes listed on your placard, not what your mate is running.
2) Tyre overall diameter limits in SA (this is the one most people get wrong)
SA states:
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For most vehicles (non-4WD): your wheel + tyre overall diameter must be no more than 15mm larger than the largest on the placard, and no more than 15mm smaller than the smallest on the placard.
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For 4WDs: an increase in overall diameter of up to 50mm is acceptable.
Practical takeaway:
Before you buy, confirm:
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Your placard sizes
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Your proposed tyre’s overall diameter
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The difference vs the placard’s largest size
If you’re not sure, we can sanity-check it in-store (or you can send the placard photo).
3) Wheel track limits (this is where “stance” builds get caught)
Aftermarket wheels often change offset, which changes wheel track (distance between the centreline of tyres across an axle).
SA’s rule for passenger cars (and derivatives):
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Wheel track must not be increased by more than 26mm beyond the vehicle manufacturer’s maximum specified track.
SA even links this requirement to regulation text and provides track lists for 1970+ vehicles.
Why it matters:
Too much track change can increase load on bearings/suspension and can trigger defects. SA explicitly warns that track increase adds load and can seriously affect safety.
4) Wheel spacers in SA: mostly “no”
SA’s position is straightforward:
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Spacers are not permitted between hub and wheel unless originally fitted by the vehicle manufacturer.
So if your plan relies on bolt-on spacers to clear calipers or “push wheels out”, you’re in a high-risk zone legally.
5) Clearance and guard coverage: rubbing or poking out = trouble
SA requires:
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Wheels must not foul body/suspension/any part under any operating conditions
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Wheels must not project beyond bodywork (straight-ahead position, viewed from above)
And SA’s mudguard requirement is also explicit: mudguards must cover the full tyre width (and there are height limits).
Real-world note:
Even if your tyre size is “technically within diameter”, rubbing at lock or on bumps can still make the setup unacceptable.
6) Offset: SA highlights a specific risk point
SA’s “Replacement wheels” guidance includes:
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Ensure the offset of the rim is not reduced by more than 13mm from the original rim.
Offset is a common source of confusion because it ties into track, guard clearance, and bearing/suspension loads. If you’re moving away from factory offset significantly, treat it as a “check carefully” item—not a guess.
7) Lifting for bigger tyres: SA’s 50mm threshold (and what happens after)
SA says vehicle ride height can be increased by a total of 50mm without a roadworthy inspection (via suspension/body/tyres—alone or combined). Over 50mm requires prior approval, LVES report, and roadworthiness inspection.
8) When you need approval / engineering in SA (the official process)
South Australia provides a clear pathway for modifications that contravene ADRs or SA Road Traffic requirements:
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You may need to submit an application (MR620), and Vehicle Standards may issue a Statement of Requirements; a Certificate of Exemption may be required after a roadworthy inspection.
If your wheel/tyre plan involves major changes (track/clearance/lift/brake caliper mods), don’t wing it—do the check first.