Consumer Protection says its Automotive Officers prevented 68 unroadworthy motor vehicles from being sold in 2021.
“Random inspections are regularly carried out at car yards in Western Australia and green Unfit for Sale stickers are placed on vehicles that have defects and are considered unsafe or unroadworthy,” the Agency said in a statement.
“The majority of defects involved bald tyres, cracked windscreens and faulty or frayed seatbelts,” it said.
“Other safety issues identified included a missing wing mirror and an LPG tank that was non-compliant and possibly dangerous.”
The Agency said vehicles with defect orders must be repaired by the date specified in the order and be inspected at an approved Department of Transport facility before being cleared for sale.
“Alternatively, the dealer can choose to de-licence the vehicle,” it said.
Commissioner for Consumer Protection, Gary Newcombe said holding a motor vehicle dealers’ licence in the State came with many obligations.
“Used vehicles being sold by dealers must at the very least be safe, even if they are an older model or being offered for sale at a cheap price,” Mr Newcombe said.
“Selling vehicles that have bald tyres, cracked windscreens or faulty seatbelts is unacceptable as these defects pose a great danger to the vehicle’s occupants as well as other road users,” he said.
The Commissioner urged buyers to inspect used vehicles thoroughly and ensure the tyre tread was adequate, the windscreen was not damaged and all seatbelts were in good working order, not just the driver’s one.
“We strongly suggest getting the vehicle inspected by a qualified, licensed mechanic as there may be other problems that won’t be picked up by an untrained eye,” Mr Newcombe said.
