On Wed, Oct 22, 2014 at 8:15 AM, Info@nzta.govt.nz <Info@nzta.govt.nz> wrote:
Hello James
Within the reasons for rejection in the Vehicle Inspection Requirement Manual (VIRM) it states:
‘The critical vision area (CVA) of a windscreen (Figure 5-1-1) is damaged (Note 2) (apart from scratching and surface pitting that does not affect the driver’s vision such as small stone marks).’
If the damage you mention on your own vehicle can be classed as surface pitting from a small stone mark then you cannot be failed for this, as stated in the VIRM and inspection agents are required to know this information. However, if you wish to you can send a photo of the damage and I will speak with one of our senior engineers to see what they think.
Thanks again Kirsty,
I’ve attached four pics.
One is from the inside looking out. The surface pitting is at the end of my finger – spot it if you can. (BTW, if you click on any of these images and then zoom in, you can get quite a high resolution image)
The circle and lines point to the spot.
The third is taken on the outside by putting a sheet of A4 paper on the inside. This was the only way to make it visible.
The last shows the pitting – it’s a close up of the previous one. Notice and compare the size of the pitting with the minor bits of windscreen debris.
I look forward to your feedback,
James Samuel
Kirsty came back to me after sending these pics with the following reply, suggesting that I go back and have some conversation with the inspecting organisation (my local garage). If that doesn’t result in a resolution, then I should follow a formal complaints process:
October 30th, 2014
Hello James,
I apologise for the delay.
I’ve spoken with one of our senior engineers who has advised me they are unable to intervene with an inspectors decision. However, if you feel that you have been failed incorrectly then you are able to follow the complaints process, which is investigated by our Transport Officers.
It is always encourage that complaints are firstly directed to the inspecting organisation in the first instance. To ensure all written complaints received are investigated, the inspecting organisation must maintain an effective complaint management process, which must meet the requirements outlined under complaints in the Vehicle Inspection Requirements Manual.
If you are not happy with their response to your initial complaint, then a formal complaint can be processed by completing theVehicle certification complaint form and forwarding it to the Vehicle Certification Unit, Head Office in Wellington. Or by return email and I can forward it to the appropriate person.
I apologise that I cannot be of more assistance to you.
Windscreens 