Unlicensed and unregistered car repairers soon facing fines
Issue Date: - Monday, 22 June 2009
Motor vehicle repair businesses in Western Australia that have yet to apply to the Motor Vehicle Industry Board for a licence under new laws, could face a fine if they do not apply for a licence before 1 July 2009.
The new laws require individual tradespersons who work unsupervised or who supervise others to be registered as a certified repairer.
These laws aim to ensure only suitably qualified and experienced repairers can carry out repair work, or supervise repair work, where the customer pays for those repairs.
“The aim is to improve vehicle safety on WA roads by guaranteeing high standards of workmanship in the industry,” said Mike Johnson, manager of the Motor Vehicles Branch of the Department of Commerce (Consumer Protection).
“The department has worked closely with industry bodies over many years to develop these new regulations which will give consumers greater confidence when dealing with repairers.
“The regulations not only offer consumers greater protection and reduce the risks, but will also improve the quality of workmanship and training of repairers.
“I urge all motor vehicle repairers who have yet to apply for their licence or certificate to do so immediately.”
Maximum fines for not holding a licence are $5,000 for individuals and $50,000 for businesses with a daily penalty of $1,000. Repair work cannot be sublet to other businesses that do not hold a licence.
The industry in Western Australia has more than 7,000 repair businesses, employing more than 10,000 individuals, and each workshop will need to have at least one certified supervisor.
The Motor Vehicle Industry Board, an independent body which issues the certificates, has developed a points system, with repairers needing just 100-points to qualify.
“We take into account the applicant’s qualifications, recent work experience, current membership of relevant industry bodies, references from employers and clients and a national police clearance,” Mr Johnson said.
Applicants who do not have appropriate qualifications or experience can still be certified if they pass a test conducted by a registered training organisation approved by the board.
Business owners or directors must apply for a licence to operate and will need to be at least 18 years of age and demonstrate that they are of good character and a suitably ‘fit and proper’ person to hold a license.
The certificate has a once-only fee of $67.50 for individuals. The cost of a three year business licence can vary depending upon their size, from $780 to $2,710.
If a business solely conducts vehicle repair work on exempt areas, such as racing cars, veteran and vintage cars, farm machinery or any unlicensed vehicles used for off-road or industrial purposes, they will not need a licence.
Also, dealers who carry out statutory warranty repair work on second-hand vehicles will not have to be licensed repairers, however, all repairs must still be carried out or supervised by someone who holds a certificate.
In addition to the service currently provided by Consumer Protection to conciliate disputes between repairers and vehicle owners, under the new legislation the Motor Vehicle Industry Board will be able to recommend action against unfair repairers, influence education and research in the repair industry and provide consumers with access to a new compensation fund.
For additional information regarding the certification and licensing process, or to obtain an application form, visit the Consumer Protection website at www.commerce.wa.gov.au/motorvehicles or phone the Motor Vehicle Branch advice line on 9282 4338 or 1300 30 40 54 for country callers.