What is a written-off vehicle certificate?
From Monday 30 September 2002, businesses and individuals buying, selling, repairing or assessing second-hand vehicles will be able to conduct a search to see if a vehicle has a current write-off status.

The written-off vehicle certificate will detail if the vehicle's identification number (VIN) or chassis number has a current write-off status, the type of damage sustained (eg. fire), the date and the state where the vehicle was written-off.

For a small fee, businesses and consumers can purchase the certificate through the Office of Fair Trading or an on-line information service provider. A list of providers will be published on the Queensland Transport website from 30 September 2002.

Why should I purchase a written-off vehicle certificate?
From 30 September 2002, under new legislation businesses selling unregistered vehicles will be required to announce or notify potential purchasers that a vehicle is written-off. This information is available on the written-off vehicle certificate.

Individuals purchasing a used vehicle are advised to obtain a written-off vehicle certificate to ensure the vehicle is not currently written-off on the register, as this will affect the vehicles eligibility for registration or transfer of ownership.

There are two classifications of written-off vehicles, which may affect the registration eligibility of a vehicle.

Statutory write-off
A vehicle will be classified as a statutory write-off when it:

• has been assessed as too badly damaged to be safely repaired; or
• is being dismantled.

Repairable write-off
A vehicle will be classified as a repairable write-off when it has been assessed as uneconomical to repair, but can be repaired. The vehicle's VIN or chassis number will be flagged as a repairable write-off and the vehicle will only be eligible for registration if it is repaired and passes a written-off vehicle inspection.

What is a written off vehicle inspection?
The purpose of a written-off vehicle inspection is to undertake a thorough and detailed identity check of the written-off vehicle. Customers will be required to leave their vehicle at the inspection site for the day. Written-off vehicle inspections will be provided for a fee by approved organisations only. A safety certificate is required prior to obtaining a written-off vehicle inspection. The name of written-off vehicle inspection organisation(s) and contact details will be on the Queensland Transport website from 30 September 2002.

What is the written-off vehicle register?
Both the written-off vehicle certificate and written-off vehicle inspections rely on information supplied to the written-off vehicle register. The register is a database that records details of vehicles that are 15 years or younger, that have been classified as either a statutory or a repairable write-off.

It includes the following types of vehicles:

• motor vehicles up to and including 4.5 tonnes;
• motor cycles;
• caravans; and
• trailers with an aggregate trailer mass (ATM) of 4.5 tonnes or over.

Who makes entries to the written-off vehicle register?
The information supplied to the written-off vehicle register will come from insurers, loss assessors, self-insurers, auction houses, some motor dealers, and auto parts recyclers as well as registered operators and vehicle owners.

How do I become a WOVR notifier?
Businesses that deal with written-off vehicles will need to become official notifiers and complete an Application for Written-off Vehicle Notifier Registration Form to gain access to the register. These forms are available from Queensland Transport.

When will the written-off vehicle register commence?
Queensland's written-off vehicle register will commence on 30 September 2002.

Where can I obtain more information?
Refer to the Queensland Transport's website:
www.transport.qld.gov.au/writtenoffvehicles