(function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start': new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0], j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src= 'https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f); })(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-TRT8MV9');
RVMAP

How the Department Will Inspect, Monitor and Investigate Non-compliances Under the RVSA?

The Federal Department (the Department) has the power to inspect vehicles, components, and premises, monitor compliance, and investigate non-compliance to ensure adherence to the Road Vehicle Standards Act (RVSA) and related legislation. These actions assist in making decisions on applications, ensuring ongoing compliance, and addressing any breaches of the RVSA, Road Vehicle Standards Rules 2019, Motor Vehicle Standards Act (MVSA), Motor Vehicle Standards Regulations (MVSR), the Crimes Act 1914, and the Criminal Code Act 1995.

The Departments’ monitoring and investigation activities will involve companies and individuals involved in designing, manufacturing, importing, or supplying vehicles to the Australian market.

Inspectors and Delegated Officers

  • Inspectors: Conduct compliance monitoring and investigations. They may be accompanied by experts or technical specialists.
  • Delegated Officers: Handle inspections to support application decisions.
  • Persons Assisting: Subject matter experts, technical specialists or interpreters that may accompany the inspectors
What to Expect

Inspectors and officers will:

  • Introduce themselves and show identification.
  • Explain the purpose of their visit.
  • Review documents, ask questions, take notes/photos, and may request copies of documents.

Information collected during an on-site activity will be reviewed by inspectors or officers once they return to the Department. The final outcome will be communicated in writing to the company or individual as soon as practical.

What the Department Expect from You
  • A safe work environment.
  • Courtesy and respect.
  • Preparedness for pre-arranged visits.

Gifts should not be offered or accepted by the Departments’ officers.

Inspections

Before taking a decision on the RVS application, the Department will send inspectors to gather more details to check the information you provided. They will contact you to schedule the inspection. The information collected will be used to take decision regarding the application.

You can decline an inspection. However, your application might not move forward as inspection is requested when further details are required for completing your application.

Monitor and investigation

Sometimes, inspectors may need to enter your premises to check compliance or investigate an issue. The inspectors have the legal authority to do this under the Regulatory Powers Act 2014. Only appointed inspectors can perform these tasks, and they need your consent to enter unless they have a warrant.

Entry by Consent

Inspectors will usually ask for your consent before entering. They’ll explain your rights, and you can choose to allow or refuse entry. If you give consent, it should be fully informed and voluntary. If you withdraw consent at any point, they will stop and leave. Consent cannot be conditional on what powers inspectors can use during the visit.

Entry with a Warrant

If inspectors have a warrant, they do not need your consent. They will explain the purpose of their visit, show you the warrant, and carry out their duties. You have the right to observe but should not interfere.

Your Rights and Obligations

You have the right to be informed about the process and to be present If our inspectors use monitoring or investigation powers at your premises. Inspectors will explain your rights depending on whether it’s a monitoring or investigation visit, with or without a warrant.

Request for Information Under Conditions of Approval

If you hold an approval, you may need to provide information about your compliance with RVS legislation. The Department will request this in writing, explaining why they need the information, the deadline, and any consequences for non-compliance.

What if You Can’t or Don’t Want to Provide Information?

If you can’t provide the requested information, contact the person who requested the information to discuss further. However, refusing may lead to enforcement action if it’s a breach of your approval conditions.

What Happens to the Information Collected?

The information is used for inspections, monitoring, investigations, or enforcement actions. It won’t be shared without a lawful reason, and the Privacy Act 1988 protects your personal information.

More Information

For details on the RVS legislation, visit the Department’s website: RVS Legislation.

To know more about inspection, monitoring and investigation, access the Guidance Material here.  

Updates on the risk-based framework are available here.

Feedback and Complaints

For feedback or complaints, contact the Department’s Contact Us page.