Timely advice for dealers

Trading Standards has issued advice to dealers about water-damaged vehicles following recent weather events across the North Island and also highlighted the importance of traders renewing their registration on time.

Duncan Connor, registrar of motor-vehicle traders, notes flooding incidents this year and the impact of Cyclone Gabrielle last month have led to a significant increase in the number of water-damaged cars.

“Remember, damage may not be visible or may evolve over time and we encourage you to make road safety a priority,” he advises dealers in a “need-to-know” email update to the industry.

He notes that water damage can affect a vehicle’s electronic and mechanical safety systems and Waka Kotahi encourages dealers not to attempt to fix such vehicles themselves or to sell any before a suitably qualified automotive technician completes a thorough inspection. 

“If you are selling an affected – or potentially affected vehicle – make sure you let the buyer know that it was water damaged,” adds Connor, pictured.

“Consumers have the right to make a claim with the Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal under the Fair Trading Act and/or the Consumer Guarantee act if the vehicle is faulty or does not match the description you provide.”

For more details on water-damaged vehicles from Waka Kotahi, click here.

Registration renewals

Connor’s update also highlights that there has been a recent increase in motor vehicle traders seeking to renew their registration after their current one has expired.

He explains that registered motor vehicle traders must renew their registration every year if they wish to continue to sell motor vehicles. 

“An application for renewal must be submitted to the registrar before the date on which the current registration expires,” he says. “Processing of applications takes approximately five working days.

“Renewing your registration on time means that you can continue to sell or trade motor vehicles without any delay. If your registration expires, and you need to submit a new application for registration, you will need to cease trading until you are registered again.”

Renewal notices are sent to registered traders by email 20 working days before their current registration is due to expire. Connor adds that any early payment of fees will not change the licensing anniversary date.

For more details about registration renewal, click here.