New regulations for caravan manufacturers come into effect from 1 July, which the Caravan Industry Association of Australia (CCIA) described as the most significant change in legislation for the sector in over three decades. While the bill for stricter laws for compliance has been in development for quite a few years, many buying a caravan may need to be made aware and may be caught unawares.
The laws relate to the Motor Vehicle Standards Act (MVSA/RVSA) and require all road vehicles under the Act to be approved and listed on the Register of Approved Vehicles by 1 July this year. This is necessary before they can go on the market.
The stricter laws aim to increase the quality and safety of Australian-made and imported RVs and reduce unacceptable vehicles being manufactured. The rules are seen as making it harder for unreliable and less credible manufacturers to supply RVs into the market. The regulations replace the self-certification process with a system that requires more excellent accountability paperwork and is more like an automotive approvals process. Manufacturers will need to have approval from the Federal Government.
The issue for buyers is that reports have it that many manufacturers and importers need more time to be ready to be compliant with the RVSA/MVSA rulings by the July deadline. If buyers purchase a vehicle that is self-certified and not approved under the new rulings, reports are that the car may need to be registered.
CCIA Statement – New Regulations
Back in March, the CCIA posted an article on their website on this topic, noting that approvals for MVSA must be provided by the 30 June deadline. The report explained that after 1 July, when the transition period to the new system ended, manufacturers that offer vehicles in the Australian market for the first time must have the cars compliant with the ADRs and suitable for Australian roads.
New Regulations from 1 July – what it means for caravan buyers
According to a recent article in the RV media, despite the deadline for the roll-out of these new laws being extended by a year, it is anticipated that many manufacturers will not yet be compliant. Many of the major brands on the Australian market have, of course, been ready for RVSA for, in some cases, over a year.
However, it is feared that many aren’t ready, which could mean buyer issues. Buyers who unwittingly purchase a non- RVSA compliant vehicle won’t be able to get registration. The process is quite detailed for manufacturers, and an industry figure reportedly commented that some may not be able to complete the process.
To register an RV, buyers need to submit the vehicle's VIN, which needs to correspond with the Type Approval on the Government’s database. If the manufacturer has not completed the RVSA process, the buyer cannot register the vehicle.
Apparently, for many purchases, the dealer will register vehicles for buyers before delivery. But if a buyer has been waiting ages for delivery and then finds the car is not registrable….a very problematic scenario may arise. When purchasing a car already registered, buyers may be wise to ask if the vehicle is Type Approved to ensure the quality and safety is up to standard. The vehicle may have been registered before the new regulations were enacted.
A tip from experts is for buyers to check for Type Approval by the separate number shown on the build plate. Alternatively, buyers can search the register for the VIN to check if it does meet the current regulations.
When buying a caravan, buyers should be aware of new regulations that took effect on 1 July and check with the dealer to ensure the RV can be registered.
If buyers are awaiting delivery of a vehicle and when considering models in a showroom, the big question to remember to ask the dealer is if the car is compliant with the new RVSA regulations. For more information, buyers can contact The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts.
Buying a Caravan With Finance – How We Assist
When buying with camper finance through Jade Caravan Finance, our consultants assist buyers with much of the paperwork and the usual checks, such as PPSR for used vehicles. The PPSR is the personal property security register and shows if goods are already under finance. However, buyers should check for RVSA before paying a deposit or committing to a purchase.
We assist buyers by sourcing cheap caravan finance rates, negotiating finance for affordable caravan loans from across our many lenders, and assisting with settlements with the dealer. For more information on how we may help with your purchase, please get in touch with us for a no-obligation discussion.
DISCLAIMER: THE DETAILS AND INFORMATION IN THIS CONTENT ARE PREPARED AND PRESENTED PURELY FOR INFORMATION AND NOT INTENDED IN ANY WAY AS THE SOLE SOURCE OF FINANCIAL ADVICE FOR CARAVAN PURCHASING. IF ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL ADVICE IS REQUIRED, READERS SHOULD REFER TO A FINANCIAL ADVISOR. I'D LIKE TO LET YOU KNOW THAT LIABILITY IS ACCEPTED FOR ANY ERRORS, PRODUCT DESCRIPTION VARIATIONS, OR OTHER MISREPRESENTATIONS OF INFORMATION AS PRESENTED.
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