Quote Originally Posted by Bayani View Post
Carbon Fibre Bonnets / Trunks / Panels

Are they legal? This answer is not as simple as Yes and No.

These are the conditions:

A Carbon Fibre Panel (being a Hood, Trunk or Fender) may be only fitted if it is ADR Approved, OR it if there is an Engineering Signatory that has signed off on said panel attached to your vehicle as being within the rules of the relevant safety guides.

The issues lay with the following:
Hinges : The area connecting to the Hinges to the Bonnet / Trunk must be sturdy & safe.
Latches : The latch / catch system used to prevent the bonnet / trunk opening. (Well know systems include the Bonnet Pin System)

To ensure your Carbon Fibre Panel is complaint, look for ADR approved Caborn Fibre Hoods. Do NOT buy cheap imitations. Whilst they are tempting as cheap alternatives to the real-deal, they are a CONSIDERABLE risk to both your safety, and the safety of others.

This was RTA Confirmed.
There is no legislation proclaiming that CF panels are illegal, but they MUST conform to particular standards.
Regarding this... I have just been through my cars engineering. I have learnt the following:

* Carbon Fibre bonnets are legal

* Whilst talking to every single engineer on the NSW list, most of them have said they are legal, and the purpose of a bonnet is to cover the engine so people can't put their hands inside and burn themselves, or get their hands in the belts. Apprently it is a rumour that crumple zones etc are taken into consideration. It's a fact that CF bonnets don't crumple on impact.
However, some engineers say that these bonnets need to be ADR approved, or crash tested to get them engineered.

* Bonnet pins are legal, as long as they don't stick up tooooo high. "Jags and mercs have those stupid badges that stick up, why can't you have bonnet pins" - quote from 2 engineers I spoke with.

* However, in order to comply, there has to be a hook and latch type system like OEM bonnets. Bonnet pins are simply not enough.