What Does It Mean When My Car Has Been Grounded?

When you hear the word "grounded" you may think of a rebellious youth who has disobeyed their parents and is being denied privileges as a result. Or maybe you think of a flight that has been delayed due to inclement weather. But a car can also be grounded. It's true. The RTA is responsible for making sure that all the vehicles that are on the road are safe and roadworthy. If a vehicle is deemed to be a hazard or danger to others, it just might get grounded.

Why Is A Car Grounded?

Defect notices are given to motorists whose vehicles have problems that need to be fixed. The level of the defect notice that is given is dependent on how much repair needs to be done on a car. There are two levels of defect notices.

  • Minor defect notices are typically given for minor infractions such as busted lights, worn out tires, blinkers not functioning properly, blowing smoke, and rust. Drivers are usually allowed to continue driving their vehicles while they get the necessary repairs done to their vehicles to get the defect notice cleared.
  • Major defect notices are given for more serious infractions. This is where a "grounding" comes into play. If a vehicle is determined to be a serious risk to the safety of other motorists than a vehicle may be "major/grounded" which means that the vehicle has to follow specific guidelines stating how the car will be moved and when it needs to be fixed. The defects will then need to be certified as being taken care of in order for the defect notice to be cleared.

Defective Vehicle Labels

Cars that receive a Major defect notice will receive either a yellow or red defective vehicle label. When a vehicle has been grounded it will receive a red defect label and the owner of the vehicle can be prosecuted if the vehicle has serious and dangerous defects.