A popular car theft deterrent is the centre of a court battle in New Zealand, with vehicle importers winning an injunction in the High Court to halt the introduction of a new Government regulation.

The Motor Industry Association (MIA) says the application of microdots sprayed on car components to identify them is “an unnecessary imposition” that would cost up to $NZ500 ($428).

The Government – which did not oppose the MIA’s application – wants to introduce a “whole of vehicle marking” law this year requiring all passenger vehicles being imported into NZ to have 7000 microdots with unique numbers applied.

Datadot Technology MD David Lumsden says the legal action by the MIA is “a last-ditch effort to derail a crime reduction measure that is clearly in the interests of the public”. He also says the cost of applying microdots is closer to $NZ5 ($4.28) per vehicle.

But MIA CEO Perry Kerr says 70-80% of stolen cars are use for joy-riding rather than being stripped for parts. He says immobilisers for older vehicles would be more practical.

“If there was any real benefit the insurance industry would be driving the issue,” he said. “But the vehicles that already have the additional protection of [microdots] get no recognition in the form of reduced premiums.”