This Determination is the Motor Vehicle Standards (Procedures for Inspecting and Testing Used Imported Vehicles) Determination 2002.

This Determination commences on commencement of the Motor Vehicle Standards Amendment Act 2001.

3 Definitions

(1) In this Determination:

Act means the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989.

(2) Unless the contrary intention appears, a word or expression that is used in this Determination and in the Motor Vehicle Standards Regulations 1989 has the same meaning in this Determination as it has in those Regulations.

Note 1 The following terms are defined in the Act:

 registered automotive workshop

 used import plate

 used imported vehicle.

Note 2 The following terms are defined in the Motor Vehicle Standards Regulations 1989:

 RVCS

 vehicle inspection certificate.

4 Purpose

This Determination sets out procedures that must be followed by registered automotive workshops when testing and inspecting used imported vehicles for compliance with the guidelines set out in the Motor Vehicle Standards (Approval to Place Used Import Plates) Determination 2002 (the guidelines).

5 Test requirements

(1) Testing for sample vehicles as required by the guidelines must be conducted:

(a) by:

(i) a registered automotive workshop that is registered as a test facility in the RVCS; or

(ii) a test facility that is registered as such in the RVCS; and

(b) in the test facility.

(2) Original test reports, or copies of original test reports certified as true copies by the test facility that conducted the test, must be held by the registered automotive workshop.

Note Under the Motor Vehicle Standards Regulations 1989 a registered automotive workshop must retain all information relating to testing and inspecting of a vehicle on which the workshop has placed a used import plate for at least 10 years.

(3) A test report must set out:

(a) the specifications of the vehicle components or vehicle tested; and

(b) the test results (taking into account the uncertainties of measurement of the instruments used).

6 Initial inspection

(1) A vehicle inspection signatory must conduct an initial inspection of each used imported vehicle.

(2) When conducting an initial inspection, the vehicle inspection signatory must:

(a) inspect the vehicle for any crash damage, damage repair or corrosion that may affect its structural integrity; and

(b) note any damage, repair or corrosion in an inspection report.

(3) The vehicle inspection signatory must have regard to the following minimum criteria in determining if crash damage or corrosion is likely to affect the structural integrity of a vehicle:

(a) underbody damage evidenced by crushed floor-pan stiffening members, split seam welds or torn metal;

(b) damage to rocker panels (or outer sill) evidenced by dents with a depth of more than 25 mm, creasing, or distortion of the sill weld;

(d) collision damage to steering or suspension components;

(e) damage to the vehicle’s outer body panels, which affects the integrity of any seams or joints;

(f) corrosion evidenced by perforation, flaking or pitting of the metal;

(g) cracks, repairs, modifications, rust, deterioration or distortion of any structural component of the vehicle.

(4) A registered automotive workshop must keep copies of inspection reports, and make such reports available to the Minister on request.

7 Final inspection

(1) The vehicle inspection signatory must perform a final inspection after completing any modification work on a used imported vehicle.

(2) When carrying out the final inspection, the vehicle inspection signatory must complete a vehicle inspection checklist.

(3) On completion of the final inspection, the vehicle inspection signatory must sign the completed vehicle inspection certificate to indicate:

(a) that all modifications required by the guidelines have been made; and

(b) that the vehicle complies with all relevant requirements in the guidelines.

8 Records

(1) A registered automotive workshop must retain the following records in respect of every vehicle imported and every vehicle fitted with a used import plate:

(a) a copy of inspection reports made after initial inspection, as required by section 6;

(b) the vehicle inspection certificate signed by a vehicle inspection signatory of the workshop;

(d) work procedures for all work carried out on each vehicle, including inspection, replacement, repair and installation;

(e) documents used to identify and confirm parts and services purchased for a vehicle before it is fitted with a used import plate;

(f) documents used to record work done on the vehicle;

(g) documents authorising and setting out the reasons for any work not carried out in accordance with the vehicle inspection checklist.

(2) Where specific testing is conducted by a registered automotive workshop, original, or copies of, test reports authorised by the test facility must be retained by the workshop, and must:

(a) clearly relate to a vehicle prepared in accordance with the procedures of the workshop; and

(b) identify the specifications of the vehicle or items tested, such as the part number, approval mark, or trade mark; and

(d) identify the results, and any measurement uncertainties relating to the instruments used; and

(e) identify the person signing the test report as a confirmation of its authenticity.