Government moves to cut red tape on interstate vehicle inspections

Light vehicles entering Western Australia from interstate will no longer face mandatory vehicle examinations.

The Minister responsible for licensing, Ljiljanna Ravlich said a gazetted notice took effect this week and would benefit many people who were travelling to WA to take advantage of the strong economy and record employment opportunities.

"This decision will mean that motor cars, motorbikes, light commercial vehicles, trailers and caravans will be exempt from inspection prior to licensing in WA," she said

"WA is the engine room of the national economy and this decision will help cut the red tape facing those coming to join in our success."

The Minister said during the 2006-07 financial year 18,903 private vehicles registered in other States and Territories required inspection.

"Of these, 91 per cent passed the vehicle examination with the most commonly identified reason a vehicle failed being the lack of an approved self-arming immobiliser," she said.

"Given the low failure rate of these vehicles, minimal road safety impact and our desire for consistency across the country, we believe this is a common sense measure for dealing with interstate registered light vehicles transferring to WA.

"This reinforces our view that a vehicle judged roadworthy in another Australian jurisdiction should be accepted as such in WA, conditional upon the vehicle in question being licensed and having been owned by the applicant for more than 12 months."

Ms Ravlich said the announcement marked another step in the WA Government's proactive policy on the shift to simplifying licensing processes across Australia.

"There are good practical reasons to move towards a standardised licensing system across Australia and the Department for Planning and Infrastructure is continuing to work with all Australian States and Territories to develop a more uniform approach to driver and vehicle licensing," she said.

"The ultimate objective is the creation of a simple, singular system whereby any Australian registration or licence is acceptable in all States and Territories."