Each year, over 5,000 vehicles are stolen in Western Australia (WA), costing the community millions in damages, insurance claims and the time and resources of emergency services. Some incidents have resulted in serious injuries and even fatalities.
To reduce theft, it’s mandatory to install a government-approved immobiliser when licensing or transferring a vehicle in WA. Immobilisers significantly lower the risk of theft, especially for older vehicles, and may qualify you for reduced insurance premiums.
What is an approved immobiliser?
An approved immobiliser is any immobiliser that:
- is factory fitted (e.g. fitted at the time of manufacture). Your vehicle manufacturer's handbook should be able to confirm this.
- is 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.
- complies with Part III of ECE 97 Vehicle Alarm Systems published by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe.
- is 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.
- complies with AS/NZS 4601:1999 Vehicle immobilisers, jointly published by Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand.
- is 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.
- is an immobiliser fitted to a vehicle before 1 January 2001 that complies with Specifications for Vehicle Immobiliser published by the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure (DTMI) on 4 August 2000 and available from Vehicle Safety and Standards at:
Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure
Vehicle Safety and Standards
34 Gillam Drive
Kelmscott WA 6111
Email: tps@transport.wa.gov.au
Frequently asked questions
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’re not required to fit an immobiliser, unless
- the vehicle licence expires by more than 3 months. If the renewal period has been exceeded, you’ll be required to have the vehicle inspected before it can be re-licensed.
- ownership of the vehicle is being transferred. In this circumstance it’s the purchaser's responsibility to ensure that an approved immobiliser is fitted to the vehicle.
- On the grant of a vehicle licence.
- When transferring the ownership of a vehicle.
The following vehicles aren’t 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’ll need to apply for the transfer of the vehicle licence within 14 days of the purchase. Refer to Buy, sell or transfer 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’s government approved.
In WA, the government no longer authorises installers of immobilisers. There are numerous businesses where you can purchase immobilisers and arrange for them to be fitted.
To find out how many car thefts are reported in your suburb each week, and if your vehicle is classified as 'safe', visit National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council's Car-Safe.
Applicable legislation (immobilisers)
Legislation and standards relating to immobilisers can be found in Part 10 - Required immobilisers for certain motor vehicles, Division 14 r.388 Omnibuses, illuminated signs, immobilisers, compliance plates, of the Road Traffic (Vehicles) Regulations 2014.
Information concerning the exemption from the requirement to fit an immobiliser may be found on page 5563 of the WA Government Gazette - Number 205, Dated 22 November 2002.