Odometer checks highlight need for annual roadworthies

29 JUNE 2023

 A story in Drive about odomter tampering has unexpectedly shone a light on VACC and TACC's call for annual roadworthy inspections for cars eight years and over in Victoria and Tasmania.

Journalist Josh Dowling wrote: "Used-car buyers in NSW now have a new tool to avoid being scammed, with smartphone technology aimed to catch dodgy sellers who wind back odometers and inflate prices by thousands of dollars.

"The NSW Government has introduced free online checks for odometer readings on used cars after a four-fold increase in odometer fraud over the previous two years."

The reason why the Minns Government can offer this service is because of NSW's long-standing leadership on vehicle safety, with motorists in that state required to submit their vehicles for eSafety - otherwise known as a pink slip - inspections evey 12 months.

"The Victorian and Tasmanian state governments need to get serious about vehicle safety," said VACC CEO, Geoff Gwilym.

"Annual safety inspections make sense for vehicles eight years of age and older. The governments in both states should take the direction held by NSW authorities for many years and instigate roadworthy inspections annually." 

Download VACC Licensed Motor Car Trader guidance on recording odometer readings and dealing with odometer fraud.