Action against unregistered vehicle repairers

The Motor Vehicle Branch of Consumer Protection is set to take action against vehicle repair businesses and individual tradesmen who have so far failed to apply for registration under new laws.

The deadline for applying to be licensed under the new laws came into effect on 1 July 2009, requiring businesses to be licensed and individual tradespersons who work unsupervised or who supervise others to be registered as a certified repairer.

Despite allowing for an additional three-month transition period, more than half of all repair businesses in WA (about 7,500) and about a quarter of the total number of individuals working in the industry (about 10,000), who are required to be registered, have yet to lodge applications.

Commissioner for Consumer Protection Anne Driscoll said this response was disappointing and officers from the Department will now start a series of compliance visits to these businesses.

“We have given the industry ample time to comply with the new laws and now that time is quickly running out,” Ms Driscoll said.

“In the next few months, compliance officers will start issuing infringement notices to those businesses and individuals in the industry that have failed to employ certified repairers and may prosecute businesses which have not obtained licences.

”We have issued circulars to the industry warning of this impending action.  I strongly urge those who have yet to apply to lodge their applications immediately, or risk a fine.”

A business which does not employ a certified vehicle repairer faces a fine of $5,000 or an infringement of $500.  Unlicensed vehicle repair businesses can also be prosecuted and the maximum penalty for individual business owners engaged in unlicensed repairing is $50,000 plus $1,000 per day.  The penalty for a company is $250,000 and $5,000 per day.

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.

For additional information regarding the certification and licensing process, or to obtain an application form, visit the motor vehicles area of Consumer Protection's website at or phone the Motor Vehicle Branch advice line on 9282 4338 or 1300 30 40 54 for country callers.