Frustration erupted among 4WD enthusiasts at the Australian 4WD and Adventure Show in Perth, held from November 7 to 9, after several vehicles were issued defect notices while parked at the event. 

Videos circulating online – and as seen below, posted to the dirtbornclothing TikTok page – show attendees returning to their cars to find yellow stickers on their windscreens. Defect notices are issued to vehicles deemed unroadworthy and must be inspected at an Authorised Inspection Station within a set timeframe. Police confirmed to Yahoo News that 11 defect notices were issued at the event.

What has particularly irked 4WD owners is that the action was clearly planned in response to the gathering, rather than random patrols. Industry experts have suggested that the move may make some punters hesitant to return to next year’s show – or similar events – out of concern their modified vehicles could be targeted.

@dirtbornclothing

Honestly, @AFP it’s getting a bit ridiculous. Aussies who spend their weekends out four-wheel driving, going to fwd shows like this poor bloke in the video are getting pinged left, right, and centre. Over things that don’t hurt or danger anyone. Bigger tyres, a lift kit, or even an aftermarket bumper seems to be enough to cop a yellow sticker these days. 99.9% of us who drive 4x4s aren’t out causing trouble. We’re hardworking people who love the outdoors and take pride in building safe, capable vehicles that can handle Australias rough terrain. We do the right thing, But it feels like the cops are more interested in hassling hardworking weekend adventurers than dealing with real issues. There are break-ins, car thefts, drug problems, and people getting bashed in the streets. Yet somehow, a set of mud tyres or a slightly high lift kit is seen as a bigger priority. It’s no wonder so many people are heavily against cops. Police need to relax a bit on the minor mods and start putting more effort into tackling actual crime. We’d all respect the system a lot more if the focus was on keeping the community safe, not defecting clean 4WDs for things that barely make a difference. At the end of the day, we’re not the enemy. We’re just proud Aussies who love our rigs and the lifestyle that comes with them. Video credit @escape_the_everyday

♬ original sound – Dirtborn

Modified 4WDs are often under particular scrutiny because many aftermarket changes can affect roadworthiness. Police typically check lifted suspensions, oversized tyres, steering components, and heavy-duty modifications to ensure they don’t compromise vehicle stability or safety. Accessories such as bullbars, roof racks, winches, and aftermarket lights can also trigger notices if they are unsafe, improperly mounted, or non-compliant with local regulations.

Other common issues include worn brakes, corroded or damaged chassis components, and unroadworthy driveline parts, all of which can be exacerbated by off-road use or modifications. Essentially, any change that affects a vehicle’s geometry, stability, or overall safety can attract a defect notice, making it essential for owners of modified 4x4s to ensure their vehicles meet legal and safety standards before heading to public events or onto the road.

While it’s important to stress the need to keep your modified vehicle within the boundaries of the law, this has a distinct whiff of targeted revenue raising.

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