South Australian Consolidated Acts

MOTOR VEHICLES ACT 1959 - SECT 139

139—Inspection of motor vehicles

        (1)         The Registrar, an authorised officer, a police officer or a person authorised in writing by the Registrar to examine motor vehicles in accordance with this section may—

            (a)         examine any motor vehicle for the purpose of—

                  (i)         ascertaining any facts on which the amount of any fee or payment to the Registrar in respect of the vehicle depends; or

                  (ii)         verifying any information disclosed in an application made to the Registrar in respect of the vehicle or any evidence provided by the applicant in response to a requirement of the Registrar under this Act;

            (ab)         where an application to register, or transfer the registration of, a motor vehicle has been made, examine the motor vehicle for the purpose of ascertaining whether it—

                  (i)         complies with any Act or regulation that regulates the design, construction or maintenance of such a motor vehicle; or

                  (ii)         would, if driven on a road, put the safety of persons using the road at risk; or

                  (iii)         is or may be stolen;

            (ac)         where notice of the making of an alteration or addition to a registered motor vehicle is given, or required to be given, to the Registrar by a person under section 44, examine the motor vehicle for the purpose of—

                  (i)         verifying any information disclosed in such a notice or any evidence provided by the person in response to a requirement of the Registrar under that section; or

                  (ii)         ascertaining whether the vehicle—

                        (A)         complies with any Act or regulation that regulates the design, construction or maintenance of such a vehicle; or

                        (B)         would, if driven on a road, put the safety of persons using the road at risk; or

                        (C)         is or may be stolen;

            (b)         for the purpose of an examination under paragraph (a), (ab) or (ac) enter and remain in any premises at any reasonable time and search those premises for motor vehicles;

            (c)         take from any part of a motor vehicle a sample of any liquid fuel used or appearing to be used for propelling that motor vehicle;

            (d)         for all or any of the abovementioned purposes require any person to produce a motor vehicle at a specified place and at a specified day and time for the purpose of examination.

        (2)         An authorisation to examine motor vehicles—

            (b)         may be subject to conditions; and

            (c)         may be revoked at any time.

        (4)         The Minister may, for the purposes of this section, establish a code of practice to be observed by persons authorised to examine motor vehicles in accordance with this section.

        (5)         A person who contravenes a code of practice established under subsection (4) is guilty of an offence.

Maximum penalty: $5 000.