Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989

This Act establishes Australia's national framework for ensuring road vehicles meet safety and environmental standards before they can be sold or driven on public roads.

What it does:

• Sets national standards: The Minister can determine uniform vehicle standards covering safety, emissions, theft prevention, and energy efficiency (section 7). These standards override inconsistent State or Territory laws for vehicles used in interstate commerce (section 38).

• Controls new vehicles: Before a new vehicle can be supplied to the market, it must have an approved identification plate (sections 10-10B). It's illegal to sell or import non-standard vehicles without this plate (sections 14, 18), with penalties up to 120 penalty units.

• Regulates used imports: Second-hand vehicles imported from overseas need a special used import plate placed by a registered automotive workshop (sections 13B-13G). Workshops must be approved by the Minister and meet "fit and proper person" tests (sections 21A-21B).

• Restricts modifications: You can't modify a standard vehicle to make it non-standard, or arrange for someone else to do so, without ministerial approval (section 13A).

• Enforcement powers: Appointed inspectors can enter premises with warrants to check compliance, seize evidence, and require documents or answers (sections 25-32). The Federal Court can issue injunctions to stop breaches (section 35).