March, 2001

New rules for total loss vehicles

Effective April 1, 2001, many total loss passenger vehicles that are being repaired will be required to pass a body integrity inspection prior to registration. This inspection is in addition to the mechanical inspection already required for these vehicles.

"This new requirement is part of a national Stolen and Wrecked Vehicle Monitoring Program," explains Brian Kline, Manager of Vehicle Standards and Inspection. "The objective of introducing a two-part inspection is to ensure the safety and road worthiness of all total loss vehicles that have been repaired and also to assist in preventing parts from stolen vehicles being used in the reconstruction of a total loss vehicle."

Virtually all total loss passenger vehicles, trucks and vans that have sustained damage that has harmed or weakened the vehicle's structural integrity or has evidence of corrosion that has harmed or weakened the vehicle's structural integrity, will be required to pass the body integrity inspection. These inspections must be completed at an SGI-certified inspection facility that specializes in body and frame repair.

Other Canadian jurisdictions have, or are in the process of, implementing this requirement and the Saskatchewan Association of Automobile Repairers (SAAR) has also indicated their support for the program.

"It is a program that is long overdue and SAAR is in total agreement with the proposal," said Ron Rasmussen, Executive Director of SAAR. "The program seems to be well researched and thought out. SGI should be commended for this."

A total loss vehicle that has sustained damage, but does not have any evidence of damage or corrosion that has harmed or weakened the vehicle's structural integrity or is a total loss vehicle with a GVWR of more than 4,540 kg, will be required to pass only the mechanical fitness inspection.

All provinces are now sharing vehicle information and checking this information prior to registering a vehicle. A vehicle that has been identified in one province as a write-off, total loss or salvage vehicle will not be registered in that or any other province until the vehicle passes all necessary inspections.

"Some vehicles cannot be registered at all," Kline added. "Individuals are encouraged to contact their local SGI motor licence issuer and request a vehicle serial number search before they purchase a used vehicle to determine if a vehicle is eligible for registration or requires an inspection."

The "Vehicle Inspection Programs and Used Vehicle Buyers' Guide" is available through motor licence issuing offices. It explains the inspection program and offers helpful suggestions for prospective vehicle buyers.

For more information, contact:
Brian Kline
Manager, Vehicle Standards and Inspection
SGI
Regina
Phone: (306) 775-6189

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