New written-off vehicles legislation to be introduced

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New laws for Written-off vehicles 

Under a number of measures included in the Road Traffic Bill 2016, which was passed by the Oireachtas this week are new measures with regards to written off vehicles.

Shane Ross, the Minister of Transport said the bill will “change the current arrangements between the insurance industry and my department in relation to domestic write-offs from ‘voluntary’ to ‘statutory’.”

What this means is that all insurers will be statutorily required to notify the Department of Transport of category A (irreparable and fit for scrap only) and category B (useful for viable spare parts only) write-offs so that these vehicles’ records can be included on the National Vehicle and Driver File and their circulation prevented.

Currently, under the legislation, drivers who put severely or even irreparably damaged vehicles on the road can face sanctions under the law. It is an offence to drive an unsafe vehicle that can endanger other road users.

Previously, the Department of Transport had an arrangement with all insurers whereby they would notify it of any damaged vehicles which were written-off and beyond repair but the process lacked any legislative enforcement. That has now changed as of this week with the new legislation.

There will now be statutory controls put in place for written-off vehicles. The new objective will ensure that severely and irreparably damaged vehicles will never be allowed back on the road.

Author

Justin Kavanagh
Justin Kavanagh is a recognised leader in automotive intelligence and vehicle data supply to the entire motor industry. He has almost 20 years experience in building systems from the ground up. As the Managing Director of Vehicle Management System, he understands the need and importance of trustworthy and reliable vehicle history and advice to both the trade and the public.
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