Department of State Growth

Vehicle Inspection Information Sheet

What You Will Find In This Information Sheet

1) General Information
2) Types Of Vehicle Inspections

a) Vehicle Inspection Program

b) Defective Vehicle call-in

c) Random Inspection call-in

3) Further Information

1. General Information

The Department has a responsibility to ensure vehicles using the State's roads are maintained in a safe
condition and are suitable for their proposed purpose. In addition to normal on-road inspections conducted
by Transport Inspectors and Police Officers, the Department also administers a formal vehicle inspection
program.

2. Types of Vehicle Inspections

(a) Vehicle Inspection Program

(1) What is the Vehicle Inspection Program?

Certain classes of vehicles are to be inspected on a regular or scheduled basis, either annually or twice
yearly, in accordance with the Vehicle and Traffic (Driver Licensing and Vehicle Registration) Regulations
2010 . These are typically commercial passenger-carrying vehicles such as school buses and taxis, luxury
hire cars or vehicles hired out as rent-a-cars. The table on the following page shows the classes of vehicles
and the frequency of inspection that applies to them under the Program:

Vehicle Inspection Information Sheet July 2015

 Large Passenger Vehicle (10+ seats) inc. hire and drive Frequency

Less than 12 months old Initial inspection*

12 months old to 15 years old 12 monthly

More than 15 years old 6 monthly

Small Passenger Vehicles (other than taxi) 9 or fewer Frequency

seats

Less than 3 years old Initial inspection* (excluding hire

and drive vehicles, and hire and
drive vehicles used under the
authority of a Restricted Hire
Vehicle licence for Specific RHV
services-these vehicles are not
required to have an initial
inspection)

More than 3 years old* 12 monthly

*a Hire and Drive vehicle more than 3 years of age may

be used under the authority of a Restricted Hire Vehicle
Licence for Specific RHV services if it is under current
inspection.

More than 15 years old 6 monthly

Taxi Frequency

Less than 12 months old Initial inspection*

More than 12 months old 6 monthly

(*Inspections above refer to those required following the initial registration of the vehicle. All new vehicles
require an inspection as part of the initial registration process. This registration inspection is undertaken by
the Motor Dealer prior to delivery.)

Vehicles subject to regular inspection have the details of their inspection history recorded on the Motor
Registry. Passenger transport service vehicles or hire and drive vehicles may be required to be inspected
more frequently than those intervals above if the Registrar of Motor Vehicles has reason to believe the
vehicle is not being maintained in a roadworthy condition.

Vehicle Inspection Information Sheet July 2015

The Department issues inspection reminders to operators of vehicles that are operating under a vehicle
inspection program.

Vehicles under a vehicle inspection program are required to display a current inspection label during the
inspection period. This label indicates the month and year of the current and next inspection and is issued by
the vehicle examiner.

(2) Inspection Standards

Vehicles inspected under a Vehicle Inspection Program are assessed against the standards applicable in the
Light Vehicle Inspection Manual.

(3). Who carries out the inspections under a Vehicle Inspection Program?

Inspections are carried out by Approved Inspection Stations (AIS).

(4). What happens if my vehicle does not pass an inspection under a Vehicle Inspection Program?

Vehicles presented to a designated AIS for a scheduled inspection will fail the inspection if any non-
conformance defects are identified by the vehicle examiner.

A "non-conformance" defect is one that mainly is a minor defect and the vehicle can continue to be used as a
Public Passenger Vehicle.

A "non-conformance Critical" defect is a major defect and is seen as a safety risk. In this instance the
inspection label is removed by the vehicle examiner, and using the vehicle to deliver Passenger Transport
Services (PTS) is an offence. The examiner will forward a copy of the Inspection Report to the Department
and the defect is immediately placed on the vehicle registration record.

In both these instances, the vehicle must be brought back to the AIS for re-inspection and passed for its'
scheduled inspection.

Although vehicles subject to a vehicle inspection program have an inspection review date on their
registration record, administratively the vehicle is regarded as requiring inspection within the month of
inspection as recorded. For example, a vehicle with a scheduled inspection review date during May must
have passed inspection prior to 1 June. It is an offence to operate the vehicle outside its inspection period.

(5). Do I have to pay an inspection fee?

The registered operators of vehicles that are inspected at an AIS are required to pay a fee to the AIS for the
inspection.

NOTE that a further inspection fee is payable to the AIS if a vehicle is required to be re-presented for
clearance of defects. These fees are inclusive of GST.

(6). How do I pay the inspection fee?

Fees for inspections carried out at an Approved Inspection Station (AIS) should be paid to the AIS. Some
AIS may require the fee to be paid at the time of inspection. Others may send an invoice to the operator.

(b) Defective Vehicle Call-in

Vehicle Inspection Information Sheet July 2015

(1). What is a Defective Vehicle Call-In?

A vehicle will be required to be presented for inspection as a Defective Vehicle Call-In if it is suspected that:

 the vehicle is unfit for safe use;

 there is a defect in the vehicle;

 the vehicle does not comply with the requirements of the Vehicle and Traffic Act 1999 and
associated regulations; or

 the registration or the transfer of registration of the vehicle was obtained by mistake, false statement,
or misrepresentation.

A vehicle is usually called-in as a Defective Vehicle Call-In following observation by an enforcement officer at
a time the vehicle cannot be intercepted, or as a result of a complaint from the public.

(2). What vehicles are subject to a Defective Vehicle Call-In?

Any motor vehicle or trailer may be subject to a call-in. The Registrar of Motor Vehicles can request the
registered operator of the vehicle to present the vehicle for inspection at a place and time nominated by the
Registrar. This authority to request the presentation of the vehicle may be exercised:

 where the Registrar reasonably suspects that a vehicle is defective (Defective Vehicle Call-In
Scheme);
 as part of a Random Inspection Call-In Scheme

(3). Who carries out the inspection of a vehicle that is called in under a Defective Vehicle call in?

Inspections are carried out by Approved Inspection Stations

(4). How do I lodge a complaint about an unroadworthy vehicle?

If you wish to lodge a complaint about an unroadworthy vehicle, you should contact the Telephone Enquiry
Service on 1300 13 55 13.

When you make a complaint, you must provide:

 your name and address;

 your date of birth;

 the registration number of the defective vehicle;

what is defective about the vehicle (eg headlight not working, rust in the body of the vehicle, worn
tyres, excessive smoke etc.); and

 the date and location where the vehicle was being driven.

Your identity will be treated as confidential information. As a general rule, anonymous complaints will not be
acted upon.

(c) Random Inspection Call-in

(1) What is a Random Inspection call-in?

Vehicle Inspection Information Sheet July 2015

Legislation allows the Registrar of Motor Vehicles to call-in any vehicle as a Random Inspection Call-In. The
purpose of this is to allow the Registrar to ascertain whether a vehicle complies with any legislation relating
to its construction or condition.

If a vehicle is selected for a random call-in inspection, the registered operator of the vehicle will be sent a
notice providing details of the inspection requirements. You will normally be allowed 28 days in which to have
your vehicle inspected and the report forwarded to the Department.

This enables the Registrar to select a sample of particular vehicle types or classes to be presented for
inspection at an Approved Inspection Station (AIS). The intention is that a selection of vehicles will be made
on a monthly basis to be called in for inspection the following month. Selection may be based on a range of
criteria including, for example:

 type and age (eg prime mover more than 15 years old, truck 10t GVM more than 10 years old);
 class of vehicle (eg crane, concrete agitator, jinker); or

 region (eg prime mover based in particular post code areas).

Vehicles normally exempt from the Random Inspection Call-In Scheme are:

 commercial passenger vehicles (including buses, taxis and luxury hire cars);
 hire and drive vehicles;

 vehicles enrolled in alternative compliance arrangements;

 Vehicles that were re-registered after being unregistered for three months or more (and hence were
inspected as part of the re-registration process).

(2). Do I have to present my vehicle for inspection if I receive a call-in notice?

Yes, the regulations provide for substantial penalties for failing to produce a vehicle for inspection within the
specified time. The Registrar may also suspend or cancel a vehicle's registration if it is not presented.

In the case of vehicles subject to a Vehicle Inspection Program, penalties apply if the vehicle is used without
it having undergone its' required inspection.

If you feel that the repairs required following an inspection may not be economically justified, you may
choose instead to cancel the vehicle's registration and return the number plates to the nearest Service
Tasmania shop. You may choose to do this either before or after the inspection is carried out. A refund of
fees will be arranged (if applicable).

If you choose to cancel the vehicle's registration before having the inspection carried out you must advise the
Department by calling the Telephone Enquiry Service on 1300 13 55 13.

(3). Who carries out the inspection of a vehicle that is called in under a Random Inspection call in?

Inspections are carried out by Approved Inspection Stations

(4). What are the types of Defect Notices?

If you are issued with a minor vehicle defect notice by a Police Officer or a Transport Inspector:

Vehicle Inspection Information Sheet July 2015

  you will be required to carry out repairs within a specified time, which may vary from 1 to 28 days.
The time allowed for repairs will depend on the seriousness of the faults.
 you may continue to use your vehicle, however, some limits may be imposed (such as "to be driven
in daylight hours only" in the case of lighting defects).

A major vehicle defect notice is affixed to your vehicle when the defects are sufficiently serious to render the
vehicle unfit for safe use. Unfit for safe use may mean that it is:

 unsafe for the driver and passengers (eg brakes, seatbelt faults, severe rust); or
 unsafe for other people (eg severe body damage that could cause injury to a pedestrian).

A major vehicle defect notice can:

 allow a vehicle to be driven to a place of repair; or

 specify that a vehicle must not be driven from the place of inspection. In such cases a trailer or tow
truck would be required to move the vehicle to a place of repair.

Once the repairs nominated in a minor or major vehicle defect notice have been carried out, you must
present your vehicle to an AIS for a notice clearance inspection. Some minor vehicle defect notices are able
to be cleared by a declaration from the owner that the defects have been rectified (receipts for repairs or
purchase of parts may need to be attached to the declaration).

If you decide that the nominated repairs are not economically viable, you may opt to cancel the vehicle's
registration (see section 3b).

It should be noted that the Registrar may suspend or cancel the registration of your vehicle if a minor or
major vehicle defect notice is not cleared within the required time.

(5). What happens if my vehicle does not pass an inspection as a result of a Defect Notice?

The vehicle examiner is not to clear any defect notices until all defects have been rectified. This will result in
the vehicle having to be re-inspected by the vehicle examiner in order to clear the notice and allow the
vehicle to be used.

(6). What happens if my vehicle is issued with a Defect Notice requiring a full roadworthiness
inspection?

Occasionally, an on-road inspection by a Police Officer or a Transport Inspector will require a full
roadworthiness inspection to be conducted as part of the Defect Notice issued to the vehicle. The vehicle
must be presented to an AIS for a full inspection.

The vehicle examiner will complete a General Inspection Report listing any defects identified. This is
attached to the Notice. The Notice will not be cleared by the examiner until all defects identified have been
rectified.

(7). Do I have to pay an inspection fee?

The registered operators of vehicles that are inspected at an AIS are required to pay a fee to the AIS for the
inspection.

NOTE that a further inspection fee is payable to the AIS if a vehicle is required to be re-presented for
clearance of defects. These fees are inclusive of GST.

Vehicle Inspection Information Sheet July 2015

(8). How do I pay the inspection fee?

Fees for inspections carried out at an Approved Inspection Station (AIS) should be paid to the AIS. Some
AIS may require the fee to be paid at the time of inspection. Others may send an invoice to the operator.

3. Further Information

All enquiries relating to inspection matters should be directed to AIS Compliance, on telephone (03) 616
63271 or facsimile (03) 6233 5030.

This information sheet is one in a series of Information Sheets listed below that provide further
detail on a range of passenger transport matters. This information can be accessed from the
Department’s website. Copies of the Information Sheets are available from Service Tasmania
shops or by contacting the Telephone Enquiry Service on 1300 13 55 13.

Other Information Sheets available are:

 Large Passenger Vehicles

 Passenger Transport Services Operator Accreditation

 Taxi, Luxury Hire Car and Restricted Hire Vehicles

 Review of Decisions Under Passenger Transport Legislation

 Hire and Drive Operations

More detailed information on the legislation relevant to Hire and Drive Vehicles (listed below) can
be found on the Tasmanian Government's legislation website.

 Passenger Transport Services Act 2011

 Vehicle and Traffic (Driver Licensing and Vehicle Registration) Regulations 2000

 Vehicle and Traffic Act 1999

 Taxi and Hire Vehicle Industries Act 2008

Vehicle Inspection Information Sheet July 2015