What 10 Years of ANCAP Datestamps Has Done for Vehicle Safety

For decades, ANCAP SAFETY’s star ratings have served as a key guide for vehicle safety in Australia and New Zealand. Since the 1990s, these simple ratings have helped car manufacturers prioritise safety while providing consumers with a quick and easy way to compare vehicles. However, in 2014, ANCAP introduced the datestamp. There is no doubt that safer vehicles have meant increase chances of surviving a crash.

What’s the significance of the datestamp?

Vehicle safety standards are constantly evolving. The criteria for earning a five-star safety rating today are far more stringent than they were 10 years ago. A vehicle tested in 2010 that received a five-star rating wouldn’t necessarily meet the higher safety standards of 2024. The datestamp was introduced to give buyers context, showing exactly when a vehicle was tested and ensuring they aren’t getting outdated technology wrapped up in an old five-star rating.

Initially, the datestamp took time to catch on. Consumers weren’t immediately aware of what it signified, but that quickly changed. Today, it’s an invaluable tool not only for individual buyers but also for fleet managers, who need to ensure their drivers are equipped with the safest vehicles available. Many companies now use the datestamp to filter out older models, only considering cars with a datestamp no older than six years. This ensures that their employees are driving vehicles that offer the most up-to-date safety features, like advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and modern crash prevention technology.

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ABOVE: ANCAP Safety Tests

Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the datestamp isn’t just for passenger cars anymore. Commercial vans, which have been graded under ANCAP’s Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze safety levels since 2020, now also come with datestamps. This means businesses can evaluate the safety performance of their vans with the same transparency as they do for passenger vehicles. The introduction of the datestamp for vans provides added confidence to fleet operators, knowing that their vehicles meet the latest safety standards and can be trusted to protect drivers on the road.

With over 900 safety ratings available for cars, SUVs, and utes, and 20 safety gradings for commercial vans, ANCAP’s datestamp system makes finding a safe vehicle easier than ever. Whether you’re a parent choosing a new family car or a business looking to upgrade your fleet, it’s important to remember that it’s not just the star rating that matters—it’s when those stars were awarded. A datestamp keeps safety standards current, ensuring the vehicle you choose is equipped with the latest technology to keep you safe.

As we look ahead, ANCAP’s commitment to raising the bar continues. The next update to their test and rating protocols will come in 2026, ensuring that manufacturers are constantly improving and innovating to meet ever-higher safety expectations. So next time you’re shopping for a vehicle, don’t just look for stars—check the datestamp, because your safety should always be up to date.

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