Laws governing repair standards for written-off vehicles are to be updated to reduce the number of unsafe cars and trucks on Queensland roads.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Mark Bailey said the changes, to come into effect in 2022, would bring Queensland into line with other States.
“The Written-off Vehicle Scheme was developed as part of a national initiative to ensure written-off vehicles being re-registered for sale do not contain stolen parts,” Mr Bailey said.
“Preventing substandard repairs and rebirthed vehicles from being on our roads protects the safety of everyone,” he said.
“These reforms will help ensure any written-off vehicle that is eligible for re-registration is repaired to the appropriate standard before being allowed back on the road.”
Mr Bailey said the changes would improve safety and increase consumer protection for Queenslanders buying second-hand vehicles.
He said all light and heavy vehicles would be classified against nationally-agreed damage assessment criteria.
“These changes focus on improving processes and standards for written-off vehicle inspections for light and heavy vehicles and will bring us more into line with other States,” the Minister said.
“Once classified, the quality of the vehicle repairs and identity requirements for written-off vehicles will be more stringent and comprehensive than the current system.”
Mr Bailey said light vehicles, which were considered uneconomical to repair, would be categorised as statutory written-off vehicles and become ineligible for re-registration unless they met specific exemption criteria.
He said a written-off vehicle register for heavy vehicles would also be introduced, along with inspection requirements which were consistent with Transport Agencies around Australia.
