09/07/2025
Under transport NSW, Authorised Inspection Stations (where you get your yearly pink slip) have a tone of rules and regulations that we have to follow, otherwise small business' run the risk of hefty fines and/or closure. Not to mention, following these rules allows everyone on NSW public roads to be safe.
$51 for an inspection that is likely to be upwards of 30 minutes (not even half our hourly rate), it is not worth us "cutting you some slack".
Have a read of the earliest AIS drive lite newsletter, all of those 44 defect notices are linked to an AIS station.
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Operation uncovers safety risks in Nowra:
A joint operation with the NSW Police in Nowra has uncovered widespread safety issues among light vehicles, with nearly every vehicle inspected showing signs of non-compliance.
Operation Method 23 focused on modified and defective vehicles, with results that highlight the ongoing need for targeted enforcement. Transport for NSW and Nowra Highway Patrol ran the operation from 16 to 17 May 2025.
Of the 50 vehicles inspected:
Defect notices were issued to 44 vehicles
Nine heavily modified vehicles did not have the required VSCCS Compliance Certificate
One Toyota Hilux, previously inspected in an earlier operation, showed the same serious defects. An earlier clearance from an AIS station is now under review.
This joint operation also uncovered unsafe and illegal behaviour beyond vehicle defects:
One driver tested positive for illicit drugs on two occasions and was found with a knife in the vehicle. As a result of the drug tests, police later seized 12 legally owned fi****ms from the driver’s home.
Illicit drugs were detected in seven drivers
Three drivers recorded alcohol readings, two low-range and one mid-range.
Two drivers were driving while suspended, one was driving while disqualified and one had never held a licence.
In the lead up to the operation, 26 vehicle owners with links to traffic offences were directed to present vehicles for inspection, with 11 failing to comply. Deregistration action is now underway for those vehicles, unless inspected by Transport for NSW.
Authorised Inspection Stations play a critical role in keeping unsafe vehicles off our roads. It’s essential that all inspections - including defect clearances — are carried out thoroughly and in strict accordance with the required inspection rules and standards. If a vehicle doesn’t meet and inspection rule or standard, it shouldn’t pass.
