Fake WoF certificates being issued in Northland

MTA concerned with fake WoF certificates being issued in Northland

Monday 20 June, 2016

For immediate release

MTA shares the concerns raised by the owners of Rowena Service Station regarding unsafe vehicles receiving fake or improperly administered certificates for Warrant of Fitness inspections.

These reports highlight the need for better public understanding of the WoF system and improved enforcement of regulatory standards.

MTA CEO Craig Pomare says “It’s not just the vehicle operator that is jeopardising their own safety by obtaining counterfeit WoFs, they are also jeopardising the safety of other road users by not having their vehicles properly inspected by a qualified professional”.

A WOF inspection is required at least once a year (for cars manufactured after 2000) and MTA research shows the national average price for a WoF inspection is around $50. The $260 reportedly paid for a fake WOF could have bought a valid inspection and possibly two new tyres.

Vehicle owners are reminded that a WoF inspection is only proof of vehicle safety at the time of the inspection and does not guarantee safety for the next twelve months. Drivers are urged to also have an annual service or 6 monthly MTA safety check in between WoF inspections.

MTA has been working with NZTA on how that agency implements oversight of a new WoF inspector auditing process. It is very important that less-than-reputable operators are identified and sanctioned through effective oversight. Police roadside enforcement also needs to look for and side-line vehicles with these fake WoFs and those with no safety certificate at all.

If motorists have any doubt about the safety of their vehicle or the validity of its Warrant of Fitness they should contact their nearest MTA member.

MTA reminds motorists that the correct WoF label should carry the NZTA logo.

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