Warning over trade plates use

The Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association (VIA) is reminding dealers that customers should not be making personal side trips when test driving a vehicle.

The advice to members comes after reports a customer was caught by police running a personal errand while using a van carrying trade plates.

VIA reiterated the rules around the use of trade plates in a memo to members on June 15 and says the purpose of test drives is purely for potential buyers to assess the vehicle they are interested in.

“Recently a dealer loaned a van to a customer for evaluation and to confirm it was fit for purpose for their business,” the VIA email says.

“The customer was stopped by a police officer who asked them why they were using a dealer’s trade plate, the customer responded that they were going to the pharmacy to pick up medication.

“The officer then, correctly, told them they would get a ticket for $150 plus 20 demerit points for operating an unregistered vehicle.

“VIA reminds all members who allow customers vehicles for test drives and evaluation to stress to the customer they are not to use the vehicle for personal errands as this is not permitted under the rules for the use of trade plates.”

Had the customer been checking whether the space in the back of the vehicle was suitable for loading goods carried in the course of their business, and they had told the police officer this, that would have been seen as a legitimate use, the memo explains.

VIA says key points dealers should follow around trade plates are making sure the customer understands the test drive is to evaluate the vehicle and that they are not permitted to use the vehicle for personal errands.

Staff should also be aware of the rules around trade plates, not only to inform the customer but so they understand personal trips for themselves are also not permitted.

For more details, contact Malcolm Yorston, pictured, technical manager at VIA, on 0800 VIA VIA (842 842) or email technical@via.org.nz.