IMPLEMENTING WRITTEN-OFF VEHICLE REGISTERS

Sub-program A: Reducing the Cost of Theft

Approach A2: Improving National Information Exchange and Registration Practices

Background

Bogus vehicle identifiers provide a primary method of 're-birthing' stolen vehicles. In order to legitimise and on-sell a stolen vehicle, criminals require a legitimate Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to apply to a stolen vehicle of the same age, make, and model. Written-off vehicles have traditionally provided the greatest source of these 'legitimate' identifiers. A vehicle may be written-off because it is so badly damaged that it is not possible to safely rebuild it or because the cost of repairs exceed the vehicle's market value.

A Written-Off Vehicle Register (WOVR) that flags that a particular vehicle, identified by its VIN, has been classified as a write-off alerts registration authorities that they may be dealing with a stolen vehicle if one is presented for registration. Criminals do not recognise state or territory borders however and to be optimally effective, consistent national arrangements for the management of written-off vehicle systems are required.

Work Program

Evaluation of the Impacts of the NSW WOVR on Professional Theft - 1999

At the time the NMVTRC was established, South Australia and New South Wales (NSW) both had a Written-Off Vehicle Register (WOVR) of some form in place. The NSW model was considered by commentators to be the more rigorous of the two as it empowered the registration authority to refuse registration to a vehicle recorded on the WOVR.

To facilitate the development of nationally consistent arrangements, the NMVTRC commissioned an evaluation of the impact that the NSW WOVR had on theft in NSW and neighbouring jurisdictions. The report concluded that while the WOVR had contributed to a reduction in professional theft in NSW, the re-registration of NSW write-offs in other jurisdictions diminished the effectiveness of the NSW statutory ban on the most severely damaged vehicles.

Click here for a copy of the Evaluation of the Impacts of the NSW WOVR on Professional Motor Vehicle Theft (1999).

Development of National Best Practice Principles for WOVRs - 2000

The NMVTRC worked with Austroads (the national association of road transport and safety authorities) and local state and territory working groups to develop nationally consistent arrangements for the management of written-off vehicles. The resulting report by consultants SJ Wright & Associates draws together the output of the local working groups, identifies potential inconsistencies and recommends a best practice framework for effective WOVRs.

Click here for a copy of the report State and Territory Written-off Vehicle Registers: Development Status and National Best Practice Principles (2000).

A modified set of best practice principles (BPP) has since been approved by Australia's transport ministers.

Implementation of National Best Practice Principles for WOVRs - 2000

Since 2000, WOVRs that comply with the BPP have been implemented in all states and territories.

Next Steps

A 2002 review of the consistency with which jurisdictions have implemented the BPP identified some differences in WOVR practice that are complicating compliance and limiting the national network’s effectiveness as barrier to criminal activity. Refer to Improving the Consistency of the Management of Written-Off Vehicles.

The NMVTRC is continuing to work with the state and territory registration authorities and Austroads to ensure consistency and the effectiveness of the national WOVR network.  Click here for more details.