Frequently asked questions

Q: Why do I need an immobiliser?

A: Immobilisers greatly reduce the chance of having your car stolen. It is compulsory to fit a Government approved immobiliser when you apply to register or transfer a vehicle. Since the introduction of the requirement, car theft has significantly declined in Western Australia.

Q: How does an immobiliser work?

A: An immobiliser is an electronic device, which automatically shuts down essential systems in your car (such as the ignition, fuel pump, starter circuit or engine management system) so that it cannot be driven away powered by its own engine.

Q: How do I know which one to buy?

A: 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. Remember to ensure that the device is Government approved. All Government approved immobilisers are self-arming.

Q: Do I have to fit an approved immobiliser to my vehicle?

A: From July 1st 1999 it is compulsory to fit a Government approved immobiliser when you apply to register or transfer a vehicle. It is the buyer's responsibility (not the seller's) to ensure that this is done, otherwise the vehicle registration or transfer will not occur. The ruling applies to family cars, corporate cars, taxis, utilities*, station wagons*, mini-buses and 4WD vehicles. Some types of vehicles, listed below, are exempt from having an immobiliser fitted.

• vehicles which are more than 25 years old
• vehicles which are registered as farm vehicles (under regulation 21D of the Road Traffic (Licensing) Regulations 2002)
• vehicles which are transferred to used car dealers for stock intended for resale
• a transfer which is subject to an order of a Court
• a transfer which is as a consequence of a bequest from a deceased estate
• all vehicles used for emergency purposes (as defined in the Road Traffic Code 2000)
• all new vehicles which fall within the motor wagon licensing category, up to and including 31 December 1999. This exemption applies when the vehicle is first registered - transfers of used motor wagon type vehicles must comply with the immobiliser requirements.

Q: What else do I do when I want to get an approved immobiliser installed?

A: You will need to produce the current vehicle licence and, if you are transferring a currently registered vehicle, the Vehicle Transfer form.

Q: If the vehicle I'm buying already has an immobiliser fitted, how can I tell if it is an approved device?

A: The immobiliser is compliant if:

• The immobiliser was 'factory fitted' (ie, fitted at the time of manufacture).
• Immobiliser fitted prior to 1 July 1999: The immobiliser is self arming (ie, when the engine is switched off the device automatically arms without any assistance from the driver) and prevents the vehicle from being started.
• Immobiliser fitted on or after 1 July 1999: The immobiliser is a Government Approved Immobiliser.

Q: What happens if I buy a car that doesn't have an immobiliser?

A: If you have bought such a vehicle and don't fit an immobiliser you won't be able to register it or transfer ownership and the Motor Vehicle Registration can be cancelled. (This doesn't apply to a vehicle you bought before 1 July 1999).

Q: How much time do I have to fit an immobiliser?

A: If you are transferring a currently licensed vehicle, you have 28 days to pay the stamp duty and transfer fees from the date the Department for Planning and Infrastructure issues the notice for payment of the sale. You must have an immobiliser fitted within this period to allow the transfer to be effected.

Q: I already own a vehicle, do I have to fit an immobiliser?

A: No. All currently licensed vehicles which are already registered in your name are not required to have an immobiliser fitted, although it's a good idea.

If you need to know more contact our Helpline on 13 11 56.