From 1 January 2026, Motorsport Australia will begin a three-year plan to introduce plumbed-in fire extinguishers to be fitted aboard off road vehicles.
Plumbed-in fire extinguishers provide the fastest and most efficient method to suppress an onboard fire in the event of an incident, and many competitors have already opted to install the system aboard their vehicles.
Considering the multiple class types of off road vehicles, the three-year roll-out supports a smooth transition for national Australian Off Road Championship (AORC) and state competitors. The first year of the roll-out will affect the bulk of AORC entrants, with state championship vehicles to follow in 2027 and 2028.
The three-year timeline gives competitors time to prepare their vehicles to be compliant, factor in the requirement in their budgeting, and ensures there is adequate supply of extinguisher kits in the general marketplace.
While scrutineers will progressively oversee the regulations over the next three years, Motorsport Australia strongly recommends any competitor to install an approved plumbed-in fire extinguisher system before the regulation is formally enforced.
Even if a class of vehicle voluntarily runs a plumbed-in fire extinguisher before the enforced date, the system should still be an approved system and fitted as per the relevant regulations.
The cost for the installation of the unit, and the subsequent service intervals, are relatively modest to ensure the safety of crews in the event of an incident involving fire.
2026 AORC Classes: Pro Buggy, Prolite, Extreme 2WD, Extreme 4WD, SXS Pro, SXS Sport
2027 AORC Classes: Performance 2WD, Production 4WD, Sports Lite, Super 1650
State Championship Classes: Pro Buggy, Prolite, Extreme 2WD, Extreme 4WD, SXS Pro, SXS Sport
2028 AORC Classes: All vehicles must be compliant
State Championship Classes: Performance 2WD, Production 4WD, Sports Lite, Super 1650
2029 All Off Road competition vehicles must be fitted with a plumbed-in fire extinguisher.
The plumbed-in systems are relatively straightforward to install when following a manufacturer’s installation guidelines, or they can also be installed by a qualified professional.
There are different systems depending on its purpose, such as electronically or manually activated systems. These systems are available at a number of motorsport equipment retailers.
Each extinguisher bottle will have their own recommended service intervals, and it is the responsibility of the competitor to ensure their fire extinguishers are up-to-date and serviced by a qualified professional – especially if a unit has been activated.
Specific technical requirements of approved fire extinguisher systems can be found in FIA Technical List #16, FIA Technical List #52, and SFI Specification 17.1.
While not currently reflective of the 2026 regulation, Schedule H of the Motorsport Australia Technical Appendix outlines the requirements of a plumbed-in fire extinguisher. This, and other sections of the Motorsport Australia Manual, are typically updated annually and it is best to regularly check to ensure your vehicle is compliant at any given time.
Depending on your class of vehicle, a minimum extinguisher size will be enforced for plumbed-in systems.
For the smaller sized SXS Pro, SXS Sport, Production 4WD, Super 1650 and Sports Lite classes, all vehicles must be fitted with a plumbed-in fire extinguisher that is 2kg/5lb, or above, in capacity.
For the larger and powerful Extreme 2WD, Extreme 4WD, Pro Buggy, Prolite, and Performance 2WD classes, all vehicles must be fitted with a plumbed-in fire extinguisher that is 3kg/10lb in capacity.
This is separate to the requirement to fit separate handheld fire extinguishers inside the cabin, and externally. Refer to Table H-1 in Schedule H, which outlines the minimum capacity required.
If you have any questions or concerns about the roll out to off road vehicles, please contact Motorsport Australia’s Off Road or Technical departments by emailing offroad@motorsport.org.au or technical@motorsport.org.au.
Where can I buy a plumbed-in fire extinguisher?
Any reputable motorsport retailer will have these systems in stock, and can assist you in choosing a suitable system depending on your vehicle’s class.
How do I install it?
Each kit will carry thorough instructions and a guide on how to install a system, including what modifications cannot be made to the system.
It is recommended to install the system well ahead of your next event, to ensure you have ample time to install the unit correctly. Refer back to your motorsport retailer if you need assistance in the installation process.
How much do they cost?
Depending on your capacity and type, these can start from $600 through to just over $2000.
When do I have to service it?
You must check your manufacturer’s guide for service intervals, and this must be performed by a qualified professional. It is a more cost-effective process than purchasing a new extinguisher bottle each time.
What type of fire extinguisher do I get?
There are foam and gas suppressant material types, and it is up to the entrant to decide which type of coverage is suitable for your vehicle – so as long as the system is an approved and homologated system for your class.
There are also systems that are either electronically activated by a button, or mechanically activated by pulling a lever to operate the fire extinguisher.
What if I don’t have to get it yet, but I have it now?
It is strongly recommended to install an appropriate plumbed-in fire extinguisher, regardless of whether the requirement will be enforced in your class in later years.
If your class does not yet require you to install a new system, the plumbed-in fire extinguisher must still meet all the relevant standards, regulations, installation instructions, and be operational. You are still subject to your system being approved during scrutineering.
What classes does it affect, and when?
If you enter an AORC event, but you are only entered in the event’s State Championship component, then your vehicle must comply with the requirements of the State Championship.
It is however recommended that your vehicle meets the higher AORC standard, if possible.
2026 AORC Classes: Pro Buggy, Prolite, Extreme 2WD, Extreme 4WD, SXS Pro, SXS Sport
2027 AORC Classes: Performance 2WD, Production 4WD, Sports Lite, Super 1650
State Championship Classes: Pro Buggy, Prolite, Extreme 2WD, Extreme 4WD, SXS Pro, SXS Sport
2028 AORC Classes: All vehicles must be compliant
State Championship Classes: Performance 2WD, Production 4WD, Sports Lite, Super 1650
2029: All Off Road competition vehicles must be fitted with a plumbed-in fire extinguisher.
Who checks it?
Motorsport Australia will oversee compliance as per Schedule H in the Motorsport Australia Technical Appendix at any given year, with Scrutineers to ensure vehicles meet the relevant standards at the event.
It will not be outlined in the 2025 regulations, but will appear from 1 January 2026 and progressively at the start of each year.
Scrutineers and entrants are strongly encouraged to regularly check up on the Technical Appendix, as modifications to an Appendix can even occur mid-year. Scrutineers should be familiar with the different requirements across the variety of classes, and therefore Championship levels, within off road.
Do I still require handheld extinguishers inside and outside the car?
Yes.
As per Schedule H in the Motorsport Australia Technical Appendix, you must still carry a handheld extinguisher, or multiple extinguishers, to have a minimum of 2kg of fire extinguisher on hand. The 2kg total applies inside the car (separate to your plumbed-in system), and a further 2kg available outside.
The handheld extinguishers must also be within its operational date, and must be serviced by a qualified professional if activated or approaching its service interval.
What happens if I don’t have one, or it’s not installed properly, or not the right specification?
If you do not have a plumbed-in fire extinguisher system, and you are not an affected class or Championship in 2026, then you must still adhere to the other requirements to run handheld extinguishers inside and outside your off road vehicle.
If your class is not yet subject to this requirement but you still install a system, the plumbed-in fire extinguisher must still meet all the relevant standards, regulations, installation instructions, and be operational. You are still subject to your system being approved at scrutineering. If it is modified or installed incorrectly, you risk your vehicle not passing scrutineering and are therefore ineligible to compete. You will be afforded the opportunity to rectify this if time permits.
Motorsport Australia acknowledges Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders past and present.