According to police five-post bullbars have been illegal since 2003 as they compromise the safety features of many modern vehicles.

Western Region highway patrol boss Inspector Jeff Boon said bullbars delayed deployment of airbags, took away crumple zones and posed a catastrophic risk for pedestrians.

The ‘rules’ are that bullbars should not be allowed to make the car wider, they shouldn’t have sharp edges and should slope back towards the car, following the car’s shape.

Bree Pring said she has been pulled over by police, despite only having a four-post bullbar.

“I was questioned because apparently where it meets the brush rails it forms sharp edges,” Miss Pring said.

“I rang Tuff and they were aware of similar occurrences and issued me with compliance paperwork for the bar and rails.

“I took it to the police station and spoke with the officer who pulled me over, and he said it still wasn’t good enough. He said the bar had to be stamped with ‘ADR 69 compliant’.”

Since then Miss Pring has spoken with  Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) and the Shooters and Fishers Party to get government assistance.

“I live 30km out of town and I counted 16 remnants of roadkill on the way to work,” she said.

“I don’t think there is an appreciation for why we need them. This is causing a stir and we can’t get any information on where we stand.”

Meanwhile, Oliver Barratt said it was a matter of time before he or his partner were pulled over in their two vehicles.

“We only bought them and had them fitted eight and 15 months ago,” Mr Barratt said.

“They cost us between $5000 and $7000 each.

“As soon as we heard about all this we rang Tuff straight away and got a compliance certificate. 

“They have been fielding a lot of calls and considering a lawsuit,” Mr Barratt said.

“I heard they are cracking down on light bars and aerials as well. You can’t have anything hanging off your vehicle.

“I guess if it continues we’ll have to take them off but we won’t be able to re-sell them and I’m sure the manufacturer won’t give us a refund.

“We can’t afford to pay the fines and we can’t afford to pay for the damage to our vehicle if we hit a kangaroo with no bullbar,” he said.

Jillian Stewart said she could not see the issue for those who were travelling in the bush and along dirt roads.

“We don’t use it as a fashion accessory,” she said.

“It’s for safety!

“It’s going to be interesting to see where all this goes. We’ve bought another four or five bullbars in the last few months, so it’s a lot of money to lose.”

A RMS spokesman said they were aware of the issue and reiterated all vehicles fitted with bullbars must comply with Australian design rules and road transport regulations.

“The standards set out requirements about bullbars as they can pose a risk to pedestrians,” the spokesman said.

“The fitting of bullbars requires a Vehicle Safety Compliance Certification Scheme certifier and is the responsibility of the installer and the owner of the vehicle.”

A statement from Tuff Bullbars said there was nothing in the Australian Standard or the relevant Australian Design Rules which prohibits five post bullbars. 

“The relevant requirement is that the bullbar ‘generally conforms to the shape, in plain view, front view and side view, of the front of the vehicle to which it is fitted’,” the statement read.

“Tuff can provide air-bag safety certificates for all of its bullbars, which are available to customers on request. Tuff will be doing everything within its power to liaise with NSW Police and the Minister for Roads and Freight to address the matter,” it states.

You can read their full statement on their website.

The Champion contacted local police but they advised they were unable to comment, and to speak with Traffic and Highway Patrol in Tamworth, but unfortunately the officer wasn’t rostered on at the time of print. 

Police media said it was an issue for RMS not police. When we obtain a response we will ensure our readers see it.

If you have had issues with your bullbar and been warned or fined, or would just like to tell your opinion you can email cady.andersen@fairfaxmedia.com.au or phone the office on 6750 6600.