33chinacars
27th May 2013, 01:41 AM
From The Vic Roads Website
Written-off Vehicles Register (WOVR)
The Written-off Vehicles Register (WOVR) is a national initiative designed to deter vehicle theft and to ensure written-off vehicles are repaired to an appropriate standard before re-registration.
In Victoria, light vehicles (including motorcycles) up to fifteen (15) years of age that are assessed as repairable or statutory write off are required to be recorded on the Written-off Vehicles Register.
In Victoria, the WOVR was introduced on 1 May 2002.
Classification of written-off vehicles
A vehicle is classed as written-off when it has been damaged to an extent where the insurer considers it uneconomical to repair (but is repairable), or the damage is such that it is not safe to repair for registration and road use.
Written-off vehicles are classified and recorded in the Written-off Vehicles Register under the following types:
Statutory write-off, or
Repairable write-off
A registration authority can also amend the WOVR to note that a vehicle has passed a written-off vehicle inspection. These vehicles are referred to as inspected write-offs.
Statutory write-off (SWO)
A vehicle will be recorded as a statutory write-off if it is a total loss and so severely damaged that it should not be repaired. Only certain parts from a vehicle recorded as a statutory write-off may be used to repair other vehicles.
A vehicle that is recorded as a statutory write-off after 1 May 2002 cannot be re-registered and the vehicle identification number (VIN) cannot be re-used in any State or Territory.
Criteria for a statutory write - off up to 31 October 2012:
A statutory write-Off is a vehicle that is a "total loss" and is so severely damaged that it should not be repaired but used only for parts. A statutory write-off cannot be re-registered and the VIN cannot be renewed.
The table below describes the five types of damage that define a statutory write-off:
Damage criteria Conditions/details
Impact damage The vehicle is to be declared a statutory write-off where any 3 of the following 5 damage indicators are determined:
damage to the roof (turret) is 300 x 300 mm or more
damage to the floor pan (cabin area) is 300 x 300 mm or more
damage to the firewall is 300 x 300 mm or more
any kind of damage to the suspension
the mechanical components are deformed, cracked or broken (e.g. engine blocks, transmission cases, axle housings).
For motorcycles:
the suspension is damaged, and
two(2) areas of the structural frame are damaged (excludes scratching).
Salt water damage
a vehicle has been immersed above the door sill level in salt water for any period, or
a motorcycle is fully immersed in salt water for any period.
Fresh water damage
a vehicle has been immersed in fresh water up to the dashboard/steering wheel for more than 2 days (48 hours), or
a motorcycle, is fully immersed in fresh water for the same period.
Fire damage (burnt out)
a vehicle is burned to such an extent that it is only fit for wrecking or scrap.
Theft/vehicle stripped
a vehicle is stripped of interior and exterior body parts, panels and components and is uneconomical to repair. (For example, wheels, bonnet, guards, doors, boot lid and interior parts or a combination of those items).
Effective 1 November 2012, a motor vehicle is a satutory write-off if it is written-off and meets any of the damage conditions listed below.
Type of vehicle Damage type Conditions
Motorcycles Impact The suspension is damaged, and at least two (2) areas of the structural frame are damaged (excludes scratching).
Salt water immersion A motorcycle is fully immersed in salt water for any period.
Fresh water immersion A motorcycle, is fully immersed in fresh water for more than 2 days (48 hours).
Fire damage A vehicle is burned to such an extent that it is only fit for wrecking or scrap.
Malicious/theft/stripping Has been stripped of all, or a combination of most, interior and exterior body parts, panels and components.
Light motor vehicles up to 4.5 tonnes GVM Excessive structural damage
A vehicle has excessive structural damage if three indicators are found in the vehicle.
Indicators are listed in the Damage Assessment Criteria for the Classification of Statutory Write-Offs’.
See: Management of Written Off Vehicles - CARSAFE - National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council (http://www.carsafe.com.au/stakeholders-a-partners/publications/management-of-written-off-vehicles)
Excessive fire damage A vehicle has excessive fire damage if:
a) as a result of fire, paint on the vehicle (whether internal or external) has blistered on any three of:
i) the roof;
ii) a pillar;
iii) the floor pan;
iv) the firewall;
v) longitudinal structural rails or chassis, or
b) as a result of fire:
i) the vehicle has sustained a combination of exterior and interior fire damage
ii) the vehicle has suffered damage to the extent that it is written-off.
Excessive water damage A vehicle has excessive water damage if the internal cabin of the vehicle has inundated with water (irrespective of whether the water is fresh, brackish or salt water) to a level above the level of the inner door sill.
Excessive stripping damage A vehicle has excessive stripping damage if:
a) It has been stripped of interior or exterior parts, panels and components such as wheels, bonnet, guards, doors, boot lid or interior parts, or
b) by reason of that stripping it is written-off.
Repairable write-off
A vehicle will be recorded as a repairable write-off if it has been damaged to the extent that its salvage value plus the cost of repairing the vehicle for use on the road is more than its market value (i.e. total loss).
When entered on the WOVR as a repairable write-off, the registration of the vehicle will be cancelled. If you are the registered operator of the vehicle at the time the vehicle is entered on the WOVR, you will be sent a letter outlining the requirements to maintain the vehicle’s registration.
A vehicle that is recorded as a repairable write-off can be re-registered after it is repaired in accordance with the manufacturer’s standards, its identity has been verified, and it has passed a Vehicle Identity Validation (VIV) inspection.
Inspected write-off
The classification of a vehicle recorded as a repairable write-off and has undergone a Vehicle Identity Validation inspection may be changed to reflect that the vehicle has been inspected and cleared for registration.
Each jurisdiction manages its own inspection scheme and differences may exist. VicRoads reserves the right to require specific interstate vehicles classified as inspected write-offs to undergo a VIV inspection prior to registration in Victoria.
What are my next steps?
Select any of the links below to continue to learn more about preparing a written-off vehicle for registration and road use:
It is advisable that you make pre-purchase checks on the vehicle for any history of it being stolen, financially encumbered or written-off.
If your initial checks on the vehicle reveal that it is entered on the Written-off Vehicle Register (WOVR), then it is important that you are aware of the risks involved in buying a written-off vehicle. There are different levels of risks involved when buying an unrepaired versus a repaired written-off vehicle. Making sure that you are aware of the risks will help ensure that you avoid problems later.
Before buying a written-off vehicle
On 31 January 2011, the NSW Government introduced new legislation to prohibit the registration of vehicles written off in New South Wales. For more information, visit Written-off Vehicle Reforms in NSW.
Eliminate the risks
If you buy a car from a private seller and the car is later found to be stolen or there is money owing on it, you may lose both the vehicle and the money you paid for it.
Consumer Affairs Victoria provides a useful consumer guide for buying used vehicles. Their tips for buying vehicles can be found in the Better Car Deals: a Car Buyers Guide.
Checking if the vehicle is written-off
If you are unsure if the vehicle is recorded on the Written-off Vehicle Register in Victoria, check its history by doing a check on the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR).
Always ask if the vehicle has been written-off and get a written record of the answer.
Types of write-offs
For information on the types of write-offs and the Written-off Vehicles Register (WOVR), click on the link to visit the What is the Written-off Vehicles Register page.
Disclaimer
Occasionally, a delay may be encountered in the processing to record vehicles on the Written-off Vehicles Register. The vehicle you purchase may not have been placed on the Written-off Vehicles Register (WOVR) at the time of your enquiry. For this reason it is important to understand that when checking with VicRoads prior to purchase or before registration, the vehicle may be entered onto the WOVR at a later stage. It is considered a risk of buying a written-off or damaged vehicle that this may occur, and therefore a Vehicle Identity Validation (VIV) certificate will be required to register or maintain the registration of the vehicle.
Buying the vehicle
Important Note: If a vehicle has already been repaired and has not been subjected to a Vehicle Identity Validation inspection, you should check that all repair receipts are available before you purchase it.
If you purchase a vehicle recorded as a statutory write-off after 1 May 2002, it cannot be registered and can only be used for parts or recycling.
Buying a repaired vehicle
When buying a used vehicle whether from a private seller, a dealer or at an auction, check to see if the vehicle is in the same damaged condition when it was written-off, or if someone has repaired the vehicle. Consider hiring a professional inspector and ask them to check for the quality of the repair and for any evidence of tampering with the vehicle’s identifiers if you are considering buying a repaired vehicle. Request written proof of what has been repaired, such as invoices for parts, repair work or a repair diary. This will also give you an idea on the extent of damage the vehicle incurred. Combining this information with your research will give you a fairly good idea on what you are purchasing.
If you have checked with VicRoads that the vehicle has already undergone a VIV inspection and passed, it is not a guarantee that future problems will not occur with the vehicle. You should still exercise caution and be aware of the vehicle’s history.
At the point of purchase
The table below details what you should consider doing when purchasing a damaged vehicle that is entered on the WOVR and is required to undergo a VIV inspection.
When purchasing from a private seller
Take the photos of the condition of the vehicle
Request any documentation on repairs
Request a purchase receipt
When purchasing from a dealer
Take photos of the condition of the vehicle
Request any documentation on repairs
Retain your copy of the sales contract
When purchasing from an auction
Take photos of the condition of the vehicle (or buy photos from the auction house)
Request any documentation on repairs
Retain your copy of the sales contract
Photos should include overall shots of the exterior of the vehicle, divided into the front driver side, front passenger side, rear passenger side and rear driver side depicting the condition of the vehicle, with additional photos capturing any damage.
Photos of the interior must include the instrument cluster, steering wheel, dashboard, and photos of the general interior.
Undisclosed damage
Undisclosed damage is damage that may not be visible at the time of purchase or have not been disclosed to you at the time of purchase. Some damage may be deliberately concealed in an attempt to misrepresent the true cost of repairs. To minimise the risk of purchasing such a vehicle:
Get a qualified, third-party inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase. Request the inspector to check for damage, any tampering of the odometer and quality of repairs
Obtain a certificate specifying details of the inspection
Where possible, seek documentation on any damage and repair from the seller
If in a driveable condition, listen for noises when you test drive the vehicle
What are my next steps?
If you are a vehicle repairer or a buyer who is seeking more information on repair work, select the link on repairing a vehicle. Buyers must also be aware that repaired vehicles may need to undergo a Vehicle Identity Validation (VIV) inspection before they can be registered in Victoria. Select a link in the More Information section below to find out more about preparing a written-off vehicle for the Vehicle Identity Validation inspection.
Before repairing a damaged vehicle
Manufacturer’s guidelines
A damaged vehicle must be repaired in accordance with the manufacturer’s repair instructions or if unavailable, best industry practice. Also, please refer to VicRoads Vehicle Standards Information Sheets for further information.
The repairer is responsible for obtaining the manufacturer’s guidelines from the vehicle manufacturer or an authorised dealer of the manufacturer prior to repairing the vehicle. Some manufacturers may charge for this material.
In some rare cases, a manufacturer will not issue the guidelines and refer you to an authorised repairer of that vehicle make. In these cases the vehicle should be repaired at an authorised repairer as some manufacturers require specialist equipment and knowledge to conduct the repairs.
Not all damaged vehicles can be repaired easily or economically. The fact that the vehicle is entered on the WOVR as a repairable write-off is an indication that the cost to repair the vehicle was greater than the market value of the vehicle and too expensive to repair at commercial rates and to guarantee an ongoing warranty.
It is important for a potential buyer of a damaged vehicle to understand the risks associated with buying a damaged vehicle, as the scope of repairs may expand quickly beyond the intended budget to repair the vehicle, and many unknown factors may come to light during the repair or inspection process which may lead to the vehicle costing more to repair than was estimated.
Risks of not complying with manufacturer guidelines or best industry practice
If you repair a vehicle without the guidelines or to best industry practice, you run the risk of the vehicle being incorrectly repaired and its structural integrity being compromised. This may result in the area of repair being significantly weaker or stronger than originally intended by the manufacturer, leading to the crashworthiness of the vehicle being compromised and potentially catastrophic results if the vehicle is involved in an accident.
In this case you will encounter difficulty and additional costs at the time of a Vehicle Identity Validation (VIV) inspection, and the vehicle may not pass the VIV inspection until the vehicle is correctly repaired and satisfactory evidence of this is provided.
Repairing a damaged vehicle
Keeping a crash repair diary
A crash repair diary is a detailed record explaining what repairs were needed on the vehicle, what repair techniques were referenced and how they were applied during the repair. It also contains progress photographs and other material to provide evidence of the nature, extent and activities of the vehicle repair.
When taking photos, it is best to take a number of photos to ensure you describe the process properly. When dismantling a vehicle, take photos, when components are being fitted or being repaired and refitted, take photos.
Depending on the repair area, and how close the photo is taken, it may be difficult in interpreting what part of the vehicle the photo is showing. In these cases it is best to take a photo from a medium distance, and then a close up. Sometimes it helps when scale is introduced to the photo, so a tape measure can be pictured against the subject area to assist.
When compiling the crash repair diary, each step should be documented with photos and cross referenced with the relevant area from the manufacturer’s guidelines. A recommended outline of the crash repair diary may contain description and photos:
Before repair work
During jigging
Removed panels and pieces
Replacement panels and pieces
Method of attachment of replacement panels and pieces
Keeping a crash repair diary when repairing a vehicle creates visibility of the repair process and you will be less likely to encounter difficulty when presenting the vehicle for a VIV inspection. If the crash repair diary is done correctly, you may reduce the likelihood of the vehicle being requested to undergo further inspections, for example a ‘Vehicle Damage and Structural Repair Report’ may not be required if the crash repair diary sufficiently documents the process of repair.
Fire affected vehicles
Generally, a fire damaged vehicle will usually be assessed as a Statutory Write-Off. In the case where the fire damage is minor and the vehicle is assessed as a repairable write-off, the fire damaged components must be replaced. It should be understood that the heat in the incident may not be limited to the immediate fire area, and have affected other components in the vehicle, especially high strength light alloy steels in key structural components. Repairing such a vehicle may facilitate replacement of major components that have been heat affected, and may become more costly than estimated.
If using components from a fire damaged vehicle to repair another vehicle, you should exercise caution to ensure you do not utilise heat affected components. Doing so may compromise the structural integrity of the vehicle. Photographic evidence of the donor car (in this case the fire damaged vehicle) should be supplied to verify the extent of damage to the vehicle. You may then be required to obtain a report from a metallurgist experienced in modern steels stating the fire-affected components have not been adversely affected by heat.
Water damaged vehicles
A vehicle immersed in salt water for any period above the doorsill level or, for a motorcycle is fully immersed in salt water, is considered to be a Statutory Write-Off. If there is evidence at the VIV inspection indicating that the vehicle has been immersed in salt water above the doorsill level, the vehicle will fail the VIV inspection and is not eligible for registration in Victoria.
Very limited components from a salt water affected vehicle may be used to repair other vehicles, given the likelihood of corrosion and lack of future serviceability.
If a vehicle has been damaged by fresh water and is assessed as a repairable write-off, as part of the VIV inspection you will be required to obtain a Supplementary Restraint System (SRS) / Electronic Control Unit (ECU) report from an authorised dealer of the manufacturer. This report certifies that the ECU has been checked for contamination and / or replaced and all wiring links have been checked for contamination. The dealer is required to confirm that all integrated circuitry (ABS, Traction Control, Stability Control etc) are not compromised and the air bags and any seat belt pre-tensioners are not contaminated and are still serviceable.
If the ECU or other components are found to be contaminated, the dealer may require a replacement ECU to be fitted before the report is issued. A new or second hand ECU may be used. However, if utilising a second hand ECU the component must not be refurbished from another water damaged vehicle, and donor VIN details are required to be provided to the VIV Inspector.
The SRS report is not a simple SRS diagnostic check. The cost to obtain this report should be noted, as there is a significant labour component for a dealer of the manufacturer to undertake this work. If contamination is identified, this will result in further costs in replacing the affected components.
If there is evidence that a dealer has not performed the correct checks, or is not in the regular business of servicing that vehicle category (for example a truck / commercial dealer cannot issue such a report for a standard passenger vehicle), you may be requested to obtain another report, or obtain further information regarding the service provided.
You may obtain the report prior to the VIV Inspection, provided the SRS Report Form is fully completed and stamped by an authorised dealer of the manufacturer, and is accompanied by a tax invoice.
While the vehicle may function correctly on the day of the VIV inspection and when the SRS report is obtained, it cannot be guaranteed the vehicle will remain serviceable in future. It is the responsibility of the owner/operator to ensure the ongoing roadworthiness of the vehicle.
If a vehicle has been entered on the WOVR due to water immersion, the following table illustrates whether its components can be used to repair another vehicle.
Parts (all vehicle types) Salt Water Fresh Water
Guards Depends on condition Depends on condition
Bonnet Depends on condition Depends on condition
Doors No Depends on condition
Skirt rail sections No No
Front sections No No
Rear sections No No
Roof cut sections (including centre pillar) No No
Engine cross member No Depends on condition
Lower control arms Depends on condition Depends on condition
Seat belts No No
Airbags No No
Airbag modules No No
Seat belt pre-tensioners No No
Steering column No No
Suspension Depends on condition Depends on condition
Interior/trims Fabric and plastic only Fabric and plastic only
Seat frames / metal components No No
Wiring loom No No
Instrument clusters and dash controls No No
Computer and SRS sensors No No
Vandalised/cosmetically damaged vehicles
On occasion, a vehicle may be entered on the WOVR as a repairable write-off and bear only cosmetic damage which does not compromise the vehicle’s crashworthiness or vehicle safety systems.
The Road Safety (Vehicles) Regulations 2009 requires that the damage which caused the vehicle to be entered on the WOVR as a repairable write-off, must be repaired, restored or replaced. Accordingly, cosmetically damage vehicles (for example a motorcycle with scratched fairings or a vehicle with paint damage) must be repaired, restored or replaced in order to pass the VIV inspection.
This requirement is consistent with the objectives of the Written-Off Vehicles Register (as detailed above).
Fuel Contaminated vehicles
VicRoads guidelines for a fuel contaminated vehicle require at a minimum, its components to be replaced with the following:
Replacement catalytic converter(s) with original receipt.
New original vehicle manufacturer oxygen sensor(s) with original receipt. A second hand or after market oxygen sensor cannot be used.
New original vehicle manufacturer carbon / charcoal canister. A second hand or after market carbon / charcoal canister cannot be used.
An original itemised receipt from an authorised dealer of the vehicle manufacturer confirming an engine diagnostic check (to confirm that the engine management systems are still functioning) has been completed and no error codes or problems are identified.
The outcome of the engine diagnostic check may necessitate replacement of the fuel injector, fuel pump, fuel filter/s, fuel tank, fuel lines (or the fuel system in its entirety).
The catalytic converter may be replaced / repaired in the following ways:
with original equipment (OE) manufacturer parts; or
with aftermarket parts provided there is a certification by the manufacturer or supplier that the parts perform to a standard equivalent to a OE part; or
with second-hand parts, provided a test certificate is provided to show that the vehicle has successfully passed one of the following emission tests. Details of donor VIN’s will be required for vehicles repaired with second-hand parts. The second-hand parts must also not be from a vehicle recorded as fuel contaminated on the WOVR.
In respect of testing catalytic converters, the EPA Victoria has advised that there are two alternatives for testing second-hand components to confirm that the catalytic converters are functioning:
Use of pyrometer (infra-red thermal measurement equipment): Measure the temperature prior to the catalyst, on the catalyst and after the catalyst. A functioning catalytic converter will have a distinctly higher temperature on and after the converter than before. Care must be taken to ensure the thermal measurement is taken on the skin of the pipe or converter, not on the heat shields.
Use of a carbon monoxide (CO/hydrocarbon (HC)) garage type gas analyser. Measure the levels of CO and HC at idle. Bring the engine speed to a high idle (eg 2500 rev/min). After a short period, the levels of CO and HC should decrease.
These tests are available from EPA Victoria approved vehicle emissions testers. In both cases, the vehicle should be at normal operating temperature.
Test certificates can only be provided by an EPA approved vehicle emissions systems tester. For a list of EPA approved vehicle emissions systems testers, click on this link.
Hail damaged vehicles
A number of concessions exist for vehicles involved in the 6 March 2010 hailstorm.
Please see vehicles damaged in the 6 March 2010 hail storm for more information.
Vehicles that have been hail damaged in other hail storm events pre-dating 6 March 2010, or in other states or territories must have the damage repaired in order for the vehicle to pass a VIV inspection.
Repair of vehicles with separate chassis (utilities, 4x4’s) or separate frames (motorcycles)
Many traditional 4WD vehicles and light truck based commercial vehicles have a separate body and chassis. A variety of repair methods can be used depending on which component is damaged. The same principles apply for a replacement frame for a motorcycle. Refer to the following table for examples:
Repairable write-off table [PDF, 51KB]
Invoices – tax requirements
When engaging a repairer to repair a vehicle, it is expected that a valid tax invoice, as prescribed by the Australian Tax Office, is issued for the parts and / or labour to repair the vehicle. You are required to retain and present all relevant tax invoices at the time of VIV inspection to verify the legitimacy of the repair.
If second hand components have been utilised in the repair of the vehicle, you will also be required to provide the vehicle identification numbers (VIN) of the vehicles from where the parts were sourced. If no donor VIN details are provided in this case, you will encounter difficulty during the inspection process.
If you bought the vehicle in a repaired condition, be aware that you are still required to obtain the required documents and tax invoices from the previous owner where possible, and provide a statutory declaration to this effect.
If appropriate documentation cannot provide be provided or is considered suspect, the vehicle may fail the inspection and be referred to Victoria Police for further investigation.
Why you need a Vehicle Identity Validation (VIV) inspection
A vehicle entered on the WOVR as a repairable write-off cannot be re-registered nor have its registration maintained unless a current Vehicle Identity Validation (VIV) certificate is submitted to VicRoads. Exemptions may apply for vehicles damaged in the 25 December 2011 hail storm.
VicRoads may accept an interstate written-off vehicle inspection, however it reserves the right to require a vehicle entered on the WOVR (including specific interstate vehicles classified as inspected write-offs) to undergo the VIV inspection to ensure that the vehicle is correctly identified and repaired appropriately. To find out whether a vehicle is required to undergo the VIV inspection, please contact VicRoads on 13 11 71.
When you would need a VIV inspection
You will need to make an appointment for a VIV inspection and obtain a VIV certificate for the vehicle if the following applies:
The vehicle is entered on the WOVR as a repairable write-off and you are seeking to maintain the registration, or seeking re-registration
The vehicle is being transferred from interstate and VicRoads has informed you that you are required to obtain a VIV certificate prior to registration in Victoria
A vehicle recorded as a statutory write-off pre 2002 that was registered in Victoria prior to 1st May 2002 and has its Victorian registration cancelled and applies for re-registration.
VIV certificate
A VIV certificate is a document issued by a VicRoads VIV inspector after inspection of the vehicle. It certifies that the identity of a repairable write-off:
is that of the previously damaged vehicle and not that of a re-birthed stolen vehicle, and
the vehicle has been repaired to the appropriate standard.
Making a booking for a VIV inspection
Please ensure that the vehicle is in a roadworthy and ready-to-register condition prior to making a VIV inspection booking.
To make an appointment for a VIV inspection, you must make an appointment and take your vehicle to the appointed VicRoads VIV inspection centre. Inspections will only be conducted on vehicles that are booked through the VicRoads VIV Booking Service.
Bookings must be made at least seven to ten (7–10) days in advance and can be made online or by telephoning VicRoads VIV Booking Service on 13 28 43 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:45 pm).
Important: When making your appointment, you will be allocated a VIV inspection centre in your area. You cannot specify nor have the option to choose which VIV inspection centre you wish to attend.
What do I need when making an appointment for a VIV inspection?
You must have the following information when making an appointment:
your drivers licence number and name
the vehicle’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), make, model, colour and registration number (if known) and home address.
When making a VIV booking, a deposit must be paid to secure the booking timeslot. Only payments by credit card (Visa / MasterCard) will be accepted. The balance of the VIV inspection fee must be paid on the day of inspection before the inspection starts, by cash or credit card. If you do not present the vehicle for inspection at the allocated time and date, you will forfeit the booking fee.
A VIV booking confirmation sheet will be faxed, posted or emailed to you informing you of all the requirements and conditions of the inspection. The booking service will allocate an inspection centre and advise you in writing where and when to take the vehicle. A receipt for the booking fee will also be issued to you at this time.
An existing booking may also be transferred to another date. Provided that 5 clear business days notice is given, you may contact the VIV Booking Service on 13 28 43 and pay a transfer fee by credit card (Visa / MasterCard) to transfer the date of the VIV inspection. You cannot change the allocated VIV inspector.
Costs
For the VIV inspection fees, please see the Vehicle Identity Validation (VIV) Fees page.
Additional inspection charges may apply if the vehicle is:
not in a ready to register state or
if it requires additional repairs.
On the day of inspection
Items to present at the VIV inspection
The vehicle must be in a roadworthy and a ready-to-register condition and not require additional repairs.
The following are the minimum number of documents that you will need to provide on the day of the inspection (subject to amendment from time to time):
if the vehicle is unregistered, an unregistered vehicle permit (unless a trade plate is used) or tow truck or trailer details
your driver licence
proof of purchase of vehicle such as a tax invoice or receipt (must contain vehicle’s VIN) and a business ABN (if applicable)
proof of ownership such as a receipt, registration papers or sales contract
tax invoices and itemised receipts for all repairs conducted as well as for all replacement parts used during repair (receipts must contain business ABN). Receipts for second hand replacement parts (major components) are required to list the VIN of the vehicle they were acquired from
photos taken prior to and during repairs i.e. crash repair diary which includes photos
copy of the manufacturers’ repair instructions
For vehicles repaired by the owner, in addition to all of the above:
- a statutory declaration detailing repairs conducted and the method;
9. For vehicles purchased already repaired, in addition to the above:
- documented evidence of repairs with photographs e.g. crash repair diary and details of the repairer;
- a statutory declaration detailing the place of purchase and contact details of the seller;
- any information, documents or photos on the history of vehicle
If photographs of the vehicle prior to repair are not supplied, the VIV inspector may request a customer to obtain photographs from the auction house where the vehicle was purchased. Some auction houses will charge a fee and there will be may be delay in supplying this information. It is the customer’s responsibility to obtain and pay for this information if it is required.
Copies of the receipts will be retained by the VIV inspector. Receipts for substantial body parts (e.g. chassis rails, front or rear sections) must contain the VIN of the vehicle from which the parts were obtained. A VIV inspector may refuse to accept as evidence of repairs, a receipt provided by a licensed second-hand dealer that fails to reference the vehicle from which the parts were derived.
After the vehicle is first inspected, the inspector may request that you obtain a structural and/or body measurement report detailing the actual vehicle measurements and a copy of the manufacturer’s specifications for comparison. This could be as a result of current or previous structural damage to the vehicle; poor repair/welding; or crumpled rails/body work.
If the vehicle has been fresh water immersed or an SRS device (e.g. airbag) has deployed or is faulty, a complete Supplementary Restraint System (SRS) inspection and report (including ECU check) from an authorised dealer will be required before a certificate can be issued. The VIV inspector will provide you with the relevant forms at the time of inspection.
If a vehicle fails a VIV inspection for identity reasons, it will be referred to the Victoria Police Organised Motor Vehicle Theft Squad for further inspection.
If you obtain a 'Vehicle Damage and Structural Repair Report' and / or measurement report prior to the VIV inspection, and concerns are raised regarding the repairs, you may be requested to obtain another report from a repairer independent to the repair process.
How long will the VIV inspection take?
The vehicle will be required to attend at 8:30am sharp at the VIV inspection centre for a whole day. In some instances the vehicle may be required for a longer period.
During this time you are not allowed to be present during the inspection process, so you should be prepared to leave the vehicle until the inspection is finished.
Important: If you are late in presenting the vehicle for inspection you may lose your allocated timeslot and be required to re-book the vehicle for another time. You will also lose the deposit you paid when making the booking and a full booking deposit will apply on your next booking.
Getting the vehicle to the VIV inspection
If the vehicle is not registered, the vehicle may be towed by a tow truck or driven to the VIV inspection site. If you wish to drive the vehicle to the inspection site, you will need to obtain an Unregistered Vehicle Permit by calling VicRoads on 13 11 71. Alternatively if you have a trade number plate, you may temporarily affix that to the vehicle. Remember for the safety of others and the driver, the vehicle must be in a roadworthy and a ready-to-register condition before it can be driven on the road.
Can someone else take the car to the inspection for me?
If you cannot attend a VIV appointment in person, you must appoint an agent to act on your behalf. The agent must provide a letter of authority from you containing the following:
the vehicle’s registration number (if known), VIN and engine number,
the agent’s name and driver licence number.
The agent will be required to provide evidence of identity when he/she drops off and picks up the vehicle.
If your vehicle fails a VIV inspection
Reasons why a vehicle can fail a VIV inspection
A vehicle can fail a VIV inspection due to:
irregularities in its identification
structural deficiencies or inadequately repaired work
insufficient paperwork provided.
If your vehicle has failed a VIV inspection, you will be asked to fix the deficiencies identified in the inspection report.
Fixing deficiencies identified in the inspection report
Deficiencies identified in the inspection report are required to be fixed within ten (10) working days from the date of the report issue. Within this time frame, you are required to obtain necessary reports and documentation and to have any deficiencies rectified. The time only allows you to rectify minor non-compliances and not to undertake major repair work, as the vehicle should have been repaired prior to inspection.
If the vehicle has not been adequately repaired, the inspector may also request you obtain a VicRoads Vehicle Damage and Structural Repair Report form – any additional repairs required should be documented in a repair diary.
Once the deficiencies have been addressed, you will need to book the vehicle for a re-inspection. A VIV re-inspection fee applies.
If on re-inspection (within the 20 working days), the vehicle is found to not have been repaired correctly, you will have to re-book for a full VIV-inspection after the repair. Full booking and inspection fees apply.
Important: The VIV inspection is not a means to discover what damage is required to be repaired in order for the vehicle to pass the VIV inspection. If a vehicle is presented in a poor and unrepaired condition, the vehicle will fail the inspection and be required to be rebooked when repairs are finalised.
Twenty days is calculated as follows:
The vehicle was presented for a VIV inspection on Monday 1 September 2012 and the customer advised of deficiencies that were required to be rectified. The customer must present the vehicle with the deficiencies rectified by Monday 29 September 2012. An appointment for reinspection must be made with the VIV inspector prior to attending the VIV inspection centre.
If you do not rectify the deficiencies in the twenty days, you will need to make a booking for a new VIV inspection and full fees apply.
Receiving the VIV certificate
If the vehicle passes the VIV inspection, you will be issued a VIV certificate. Once issued, the VIV certificate will be valid for three (3) months to give you time to register your vehicle. Only a valid and original copy of the VIV certificate will be accepted when registering the vehicle. Photocopies or certified copies will not be accepted.
If your VIV certificate validity has expired, you are required to re-submit the vehicle for a full VIV inspection. Full VIV booking and inspection fees apply.
To make an appointment to register a vehicle, see Registering a Repairable Write-off Vehicle .
Repeat customers
Repeat customers using the VIV inspection scheme are expected to be aware of all the inspection requirements including the supply of all required paper work. Failure to supply the required information or failure to present a vehicle in a repaired and roadworthy condition will result in difficulties at the time of the VIV inspection. The vehicle may fail the inspection which will require a full re-booking. Full VIV booking and inspection fees will apply.
You will need to obtain a current Vehicle Identity Validation (VIV) certificate and a current Certificate of Roadworthiness and present these to VicRoads. Vehicles registered interstate may require an inspection at a VicRoads Customer Service Centre.
If you wish to transfer a written-off vehicle once it has been registered, you must complete an Application for Transfer of Registration form [PDF 339KB, 5pp] certifying that you have advised the buyer in writing that the vehicle has previously been a written-off vehicle.
For general information on how to register a vehicle and what to bring to your appointment at VicRoads refer to the Light vehicle registration webpage.
Important: When registering a written-off vehicle you must bring a current Certificate of Roadworthiness and a current VIV certificate to your appointment in addition to the standard documentation required for registering a vehicle.
Gary ( With one R ):twisted:
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