Reforms to the Queensland Written-off Vehicle Scheme

The Queensland Government has completed a review of the Queensland Written-off Vehicle Scheme and identified a package of reforms. These reforms are based on feedback from the 2024 public consultation process and aim to improve road safety, strengthen consumer protections and reduce vehicle theft.

The reform package is expected to come into effect sometime in 2027 and will:

• introduce repair standards for identified high-risk components in written-off vehicles 
• improve public awareness about written-off vehicles
• allow light vehicles up to 30 years old to be written-off.

Additional reforms are still being finalised and will be announced at a later date.

Considering your feedback

Over 900 Queenslanders took part in the consultation, including vehicle owners, historic vehicle enthusiasts, vehicle repairers and mechanics, members of the insurance industry, engineers, heavy vehicle drivers and dismantlers.

While there was strong support for the goals of the reform, some people raised concerns or suggested improvements. Over 100 people suggested more ways to improve the scheme, and this feedback helped us redesign the reform package.

For example, many classic and vintage vehicle enthusiasts were concerned about removing the age limit for written-off vehicles and classifying all dismantled vehicles as statutory written-off vehicles. They felt these changes would make their vehicles harder to repair and reduce the availability of spare parts without providing major road safety or theft benefits. In response, a 30‑year age limit will be introduced to ensure classic and vintage vehicles are excluded and dismantled vehicles will continue to be classified as repairable written-off vehicles.

We also heard strong calls for better consumer protections. Based on this feedback, sellers will now be required to clearly inform buyers when a vehicle is written‑off.

Next steps

In 2026, we will consult with key stakeholders on details of the reform package before progressing changes to legislation in 2027. Our website will continue to be updated to help consumers understand written‑off vehicles. Progress updates on the remaining reforms will continue to be provided.