Many MIA members are signatories to the MIAs group authorised access to name and address details on the Motor Vehicle Register (MVR), also known as the s241 access (because it's enabled by section 241 of the Land Transport Act). In recent months there have been a number of breaches of the MVR by other users (not part of the MIA).

A road rage incident in Auckland several months ago led to a shooting in which someone was injured. The police appealed to the public for sighting of a vehicle, releasing the make and model and number plate. Subsequently, NZTA noticed that several vehicle dealers had looked up the vehicle owners details via their access to the MVR. This did not meet the ‘specified purpose’ under their group access, and as a result NZTA are now investigating them for inappropriate access. This could result in them losing access. NZTA have also found other failures, including shared login details.

Whilst this breach was not by MIA members, this is a reminder that accessing vehicle owner name and address details via the MVR comes with strict compliance obligations. Please make sure you have controls in place to ensure these are being followed.

In a separate incident, the NZTA successfully prosecuted a director of an inspecting organisation after he dishonestly accessed the MVR. This is the first prosecution undertaken by the Waka Kotahi Safer Vehicles team. NZTA say this action was taken to protect the safety of vehicle owners, and those who are carrying out their vehicle inspection appointments correctly.

The MIAs 5-year authorisation was renewed last October and there are new terms and conditions and actions that members need to take. These were communicated to those members that are signatories to the MIA group access. If you need more information, contact Mark Stockdale: mark@mia.org.nz