Immobilisers

The following are classified as approved immobilisers.

An immobiliser:

• That is factory fitted (e.g. fitted at the time of manufacture). The vehicle manufacturer's handbook should be able to confirm this.
• Fitted to a vehicle before 1 July 1999 that is self-arming and immobilisers the engine either by interrupting the fuel, ignition, starter or engine management system.
• That complies with Part III of ECE 97 Vehicle Alarm Systems published by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe.
• Fitted to a vehicle as an integral part of an alarm system complying with AS/NZS 3749.1:1997 Intruder alarm systems, Road vehicles, jointly published by Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand.
• That complies with AS/NZS 4601:1999 Vehicle immobilisers, jointly published by Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand.
• A device known as the GT2000 Gearlock Auto-armed Pinlock, manufactured by Grip-Tech (Pty) Ltd, that is fitted to a vehicle in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

Motor vehicle theft costs the community millions of dollars each year in medical expenses, police time and energy, insurance costs and repairs to damaged vehicles and property.

• Innocent people have been injured, or even killed, when thieves steal, then crash, stolen vehicles.
• More than 5,000 cars are stolen in Western Australia each year, and less than 80% are recovered.
• As the number of cars protected by immobilisers in WA increases, the rate of WA car thefts drop.

You can reduce the chances of your older car becoming a statistic by installing an immobiliser. Ask your insurance company if they offer a reduced premium when an approved immobiliser is fitted.

The following vehicles are required to have an immobiliser fitted:

• 4WD vehicles
• Corporate cars
• Family cars
• Mini-buses
• Station wagons
• Taxis
• Utilities

If you already have a licensed vehicle in your name, you are not required to fit an immobiliser, unless:

• The vehicle licence expires by more than three months. If the renewal period has been exceeded, you will be required to have the vehicle inspected before it can be re-licensed.
• Ownership of the vehicle is being transferred. In this circumstance it is the purchaser's responsibility to ensure that an approved immobiliser is fitted to the vehicle

When does a vehicle require an immobiliser to be fitted?

• On the grant of a vehicle licence.
• When transferring the ownership of a vehicle.

The following vehicles are not required to have an immobiliser fitted:

• All vehicles used for emergency purposes (as defined in the Road Traffic Code 2000).
• A transfer which is subject to a Court Order.
• A transfer due to a bequest from a deceased estate.
• Caravans.
• Mopeds and motorcycles.
• Factory new light goods vehicles with a GVM not greater than 4,500 kg that are being licensed for the first time (these are essentially vehicles which fall into the Australian Design Rule Category NA and NB1).
• Trailers.
• Vehicles that have a tare weight over 3,000 kg or a GVM or aggregate weight over 4,500 kg.
• Vehicles which are licensed as farm vehicles under regulation 8 of the Road Traffic (Vehicles) Regulations 2014.
• Vehicles which are more than 25 years old.
• Vehicles which are transferred to used car dealers for stock intended for resale.

When transferring vehicle ownership, the buyer is responsible for ensuring the vehicle has an approved immobiliser, unless exempt. As the buyer, you will need to apply for the transfer of the vehicle licence within 14 days of the purchase (refer to Buy, sell or trade a vehicle).

There are many immobilisers to choose from. It's a good idea to shop around for one which best suits your needs and to ask for a demonstration before you buy. Make sure it is Government approved (see above).

In Western Australia, the Government no longer 'authorises' installers of immobilisers. There are numerous businesses in WA where you can purchase immobilisers and arrange for them to be fitted.

Find out how many car thefts are reported in your suburb each week and if your vehicle is classified as 'safe'.

Visit the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council's Car-Safe website.

Legislation and standards relating to immobilisers can be found in the Road Traffic (Vehicles) Regulations 2014.

Information concerning the exemption from the requirement to fit an immobiliser may be found in the WA Government Gazette - Number 205, Dated 22 November 2002. Please refer to page 5563.