If you’ve spent any time around off-roaders and 4WD enthusiasts, you’ve probably heard the debate: “Are beadlock rims legal?”
The short answer?
No, at least not the conventional bolted type.
But why?
If they help keep your tyres on the rims during tough terrain, surely that’s a good thing?
The main reasons beadlocks are illegal
- No Australian Design Rules (ADR) approval
The biggest issue is that beadlock rims don’t meet ADR standards, the strict safety regulations that apply to vehicle components in Australia. There is no approved standard for their design, materials, or installation, making them non-compliant for road use. - Safety concerns
- Bolts can shear or come loose – Beadlocks rely on bolts to clamp the tyre’s bead to the rim. Over time, vibrations, impacts, and wear can cause these bolts to loosen or snap.
- Balancing issues – Unlike conventional rims, beadlocks often have uneven weight distribution, making them difficult to balance, leading to vibrations at speed.
- Incorrect bead sealing – Most bolted beadlocks seal on the wrong side of the tyre bead rather than the surface designed by the tyre manufacturer. This can compromise air retention and tyre integrity.
- Modification restrictions
Drilling holes into rims, such as for an extra valve stem required by some internal beadlocks, is illegal because it alters the structural integrity of the wheel. - Roadworthiness and insurance
If your vehicle is fitted with non-compliant beadlock rims and you’re involved in an accident, your insurance may be void. Police and road authorities may also defect your vehicle on inspection.
Why would you use beadlock rims?
Beadlock rims are designed for extreme off-road conditions where reducing tyre pressure improves traction.
When you air down, standard rims can allow the tyre bead to pop off, leading to an instant loss of air.
Beadlocks physically clamp the bead in place, preventing this.
They are particularly useful for:
- Rock crawling – Keeps tyres securely mounted when running very low pressures.
- Soft sand and mud driving – Allows for maximum flotation without the risk of losing the bead.
- Heavy-duty off-road racing – Prevents high-speed impacts from unseating the tyre.
For most recreational 4WDers, running lower pressures with strong sidewall tyres is often good enough, so beadlocks are unnecessary for everyday use.
Are any beadlocks legal?
Yes – internal beadlocks like the Staun design and some two-piece beadlock rims, such as those made by Hutchinson for military and off-road vehicles, are legal. These retain the tyre using an internal locking mechanism without modifying the rim or compromising the bead seal.
The verdict
Beadlocks offer serious advantages for off-road performance but are illegal for road use due to safety concerns, lack of ADR compliance, and potential risks. If you need them, consider legal alternatives like internal beadlocks – or keep them for off-road use only.