Ruqayyah Snyder
Motor vehicle theft costs the community millions of dollars each year in medical expenses, police time and energy, insurance costs and repairs to damaged vehicles and property. In Western Australia, immobilisers are compulsory for registering or transferring a vehicle. An immobiliser is a device that is fitted to a vehicle to prevent theft. This paragraph will explore the topic of immobilisers in Western Australia, including the different types available and the process of getting one fitted.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To reduce the chance of car theft |
| Requirement | Compulsory when registering or transferring a vehicle in Western Australia |
| Types | Touch Keys, Remote Control Immobilisers |
| Cost | Touch Keys: $248, Remote Control Immobilisers: $298 |
| Installation | Available through Government Compliance Installers |
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What You'll Learn
Compulsory for vehicle registration and insurance
In Western Australia, vehicle owners must register their vehicles through the Government of Western Australia Department of Transport. This process involves a roadworthiness inspection, which, if passed, must be accompanied by an Application to License a Vehicle (Form VL17).
It is compulsory to fit a government-approved immobiliser when registering or transferring a vehicle in Western Australia. An immobiliser is a device that is fitted to a vehicle to prevent theft. Motor vehicle theft costs the community millions of dollars each year in medical expenses, police time and energy, insurance costs, and repairs to damaged vehicles and property. More than 5,000 cars are stolen in Western Australia each year, and less than 80% are recovered.
There are many immobilisers to choose from, and it is recommended to shop around for one that suits your needs and to ask for a demonstration before buying. Some immobilisers are simple touch keys, while others are upmarket remote controls that can be combined with central locking to work at the push of a single button.
In addition to registering their vehicles, owners in Western Australia must also pay for motor injury insurance (MII). Compulsory Third Party Insurance (CTP) is included in vehicle registration and covers compensation for injuries or deaths caused while on the road. Basic insurance covers only injuries to other vehicles and not your own, so additional features can be added to meet your needs, such as car rental assistance.
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Reduce the chance of car theft
Motor vehicle theft is a serious issue, costing communities millions of dollars each year. In Western Australia alone, more than 5,000 cars are stolen each year, and less than 80% are recovered. To reduce the chance of your car being stolen, there are several measures you can take. Firstly, it is compulsory in Western Australia to fit a government-approved immobiliser when licensing or transferring a vehicle. An immobiliser prevents thieves from bypassing a vehicle's ignition system and hot-wiring the car. There are various types of immobilisers available, including touch keys and remote control immobilisers, so it is recommended to shop around and ask for a demonstration before purchasing one that suits your needs.
In addition to immobilisers, there are other anti-theft devices and systems that can be utilised. Audible and visible devices, such as horn alarms and flashing lights, can deter theft by attracting attention to any unauthorised attempts to enter the vehicle. Steering-wheel locks, while not foolproof, can also act as a visual deterrent and make it more difficult for thieves to drive away quickly. A kill switch is another effective method, as it disrupts the ignition system, making it nearly impossible for a thief to start the car without knowing the switch's location.
Taking simple precautions when parking and exiting your vehicle is also important. Always take your vehicle's key with you and ensure all windows and doors are closed and locked. Additionally, consider using a car cover to hide your vehicle from sight, making it less attractive to potential thieves. Etching the VIN on your windows can be an inexpensive yet effective deterrent, as it would require time and effort for a criminal to replace the glass.
Finally, investing in a GPS tracker can help you locate your vehicle if it is stolen, and some upgraded systems even allow remote disabling of the engine. Alternatively, you can use an old phone or tablet synced with your Google account to track your car using the "Find my phone" function, as long as it is connected to WiFi and periodically charged. By combining these measures, you can significantly reduce the chances of your car being stolen and improve your overall vehicle security.
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Types of immobilisers
Immobilisers are electronic devices that prevent a car from being started without the correct key or code. They add an extra layer of security to vehicles, reducing the chance of theft and helping to lower insurance premiums.
There are several types of immobilisers available, including:
- Touch Key Immobilisers: These immobilisers use a simple touch key to activate and deactivate the device. They are typically more affordable, with prices starting at around $248 for supply and installation.
- Remote Control Immobilisers: This type of immobiliser offers a more upmarket option, allowing users to control the immobiliser from a distance using a remote control. They are slightly more expensive, with prices starting at approximately $298 for supply and installation.
- Keyless Entry Immobilisers: These immobilisers are designed for vehicles with keyless entry and start functions. The immobiliser is activated when the key is within close proximity to the car. Some systems even allow the use of a smartphone as the key, transmitting the code directly from the phone to the vehicle's ECU.
- Early Immobilisers: Older models of immobilisers typically used a static code in the ignition key or key fob, which was recognised by an RFID loop around the lock barrel. This code was then checked against the vehicle's ECU for a match. If the code was not recognised, the ECU would prevent fuel flow and ignition.
- Modern Immobilisers: More recent immobiliser systems are automatic, meaning they do not require any manual activation. They use rolling codes or advanced cryptography to prevent code copying. These systems employ a microcircuit inside the key that is activated by a small electromagnetic field, broadcasting a unique binary code to the ECU.
- Aftermarket Immobilisers: These immobilisers are installed in older vehicles or those that did not come equipped with factory-fitted immobilisers. Some aftermarket options offer additional features such as WiFi connectivity, undetectable installation, and pin code entry via dashboard buttons.
It is important to note that while immobilisers are compulsory in Western Australia for registering and insuring a vehicle, not all immobiliser systems are created equal. It is recommended to shop around and ask for demonstrations to find the best-suited option. Additionally, it is crucial to choose a reputable installer who complies with government standards to ensure the effectiveness and compatibility of the immobiliser with your vehicle.
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Installation, repair, and servicing
In Western Australia, it is compulsory to fit a government-approved immobiliser when applying for a vehicle licence or transferring ownership of a vehicle. Immobilisers significantly decrease the likelihood of car theft.
When installing an immobiliser, it is important to select one that is suitable for your vehicle and needs. There are many different types of immobilisers available, from simple touch keys to upmarket remote-control immobilisers. It is recommended to shop around and ask for demonstrations before purchasing one. Once you have chosen an immobiliser, it is important to ensure it is installed correctly and in compliance with government standards. There are professional services in Western Australia that specialise in the installation, repair, and servicing of immobilisers, such as Immobiliser Perth, which has been operating for over 25 years. These services cater to all types of vehicles and budgets.
If you are considering installing the immobiliser yourself, it is important to carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions. The GT2000 Gearlock Auto-armed Pinlock, manufactured by Grip-Tech (Pty) Ltd, is one such example of an immobiliser that can be fitted by the owner. However, it is worth noting that professional installation ensures compliance with government standards and may be required for licensing and insurance purposes.
In terms of repair and servicing, it is important to consult a qualified technician or mechanic. Some repairs may require specialised tools or knowledge, and attempting to repair or service the immobiliser yourself could void any warranties or guarantees. Regular servicing of your immobiliser can help ensure its optimal performance and longevity.
Additionally, when transferring vehicle ownership, the buyer is typically responsible for ensuring the vehicle has an approved immobiliser, unless exempt. In such cases, the buyer must apply for the transfer of the vehicle licence within the specified timeframe, which is generally 14 days from the purchase.
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Exemptions
In Western Australia, it is compulsory to have a government-approved immobiliser fitted when applying to license or transfer a vehicle. Immobilisers reduce the chance of car theft.
There are, however, some exemptions to this rule. Vehicles that are exempt from requiring immobilisers include:
- Factory-new light goods vehicles with a GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass) not greater than 4,500 kg that are being licensed for the first time.
- Vehicles with a tare weight over 3,000 kg or a GVM or aggregate weight over 4,500 kg.
- Vehicles licensed as farm vehicles under regulation 8 of the Road Traffic (Vehicles) Regulations 2014.
- Vehicles that are more than 25 years old.
- Vehicles transferred to used car dealers for stock intended for resale.
When transferring vehicle ownership, the buyer is responsible for ensuring the vehicle has an approved immobiliser, unless the vehicle falls under one of the above exemptions. In such cases, the buyer must still apply for the transfer of the vehicle license within 14 days of the purchase.
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Frequently asked questions
An immobilizer is a device that is fitted to a vehicle to reduce the chance of it being stolen.
It is compulsory to fit a government-approved immobilizer when you apply to license or transfer a vehicle in Western Australia.
There are a variety of immobilizers and installation options to choose from in Western Australia. Companies such as Immobiliser Perth offer immobilizer installation services.
