Registration laws 'ludicrous' for left hand drives

Classic car collectors with left hand drive vehicles say South Australia’s registration laws are ludicrous, as the state government tries to keep numbers to a minimum.

Unlike every other state and territory in the country, South Australia deems left hand drive cars to be dangerous and puts them under more conditions to pass inspections.

It has car enthusiasts fuming.

“Left hand drive vehicles do present a bit of a risk not only to the drivers but also to the rest of the community so it’s important that we are able to manage that risk and keep the numbers low,” Registrar of Motor Vehicles Julie Holmes told 7News.

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Many owners of left hand drive vehicles have hit a brick wall while trying to get their cars registered.

To pass inspections at Regency Park, left hand drives must be in original condition with limited modifications.

Following a recent review, the South Australian Government has made compromises - including that a car can be fitted with air conditioning and an FM radio.

Senator Nick Xenophon has joined the chorus of rev heads trying to get the laws changed.

“Honestly, modifying air conditioners, radios and paint, it’s pretty pathetic when you consider there could be safety emission enhancements that are prohibited, this is an absolute joke,” Mr Xenophon said.

Car enthusiast Tony Carter said the restrictions were an ‘absolute load of rubbish’.

“I know people who flatly have sold their cars because this is becoming too much of a nightmare,” he said.