{"id":"commercial-passenger-road-transport-minibuses-regulations-1998","name":"COMMERCIAL PASSENGER (ROAD) TRANSPORT (MINIBUSES) REGULATIONS 1998","slug":"commercial-passenger-road-transport-minibuses-regulations-1998","collection":"regulation","jurisdiction":"nt","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":174455,"registerId":"nt-commercial-passenger-road-transport-minibuses-regulations-1998-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-05","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"COMMERCIAL PASSENGER (ROAD) TRANSPORT (MINIBUSES) REGULATIONS 1998","content":"NORTHERN TERRITORY OF AUSTRALIA\nCOMMERCIAL PASSENGER (ROAD) TRANSPORT (MINIBUSES)\nREGULATIONS 1998\nAs in force at 21 January 2026\nTable of provisions\nPart 1 Preliminary\n1 Citation ............................................................................................ 1\n2 Commencement .............................................................................. 1\n3 Definitions ........................................................................................ 1\n4 Identity card or approved form of identification ................................ 2\nPart 2 Duties of operator\n5 Operator to maintain records ........................................................... 2\n7 Fares ............................................................................................... 3\n7A Driver not to charge more than operator indicates........................... 3\n7B Hiring by passenger with wheelchair ............................................... 3\nPart 3 Conduct of drivers and passengers\n8 Police officer may require to be carried as passenger ..................... 4\n9 Touting prohibited ............................................................................ 4\n10 Luggage........................................................................................... 5\n11 Minibus ranks .................................................................................. 5\n12 Minibus not to be parked in road ..................................................... 5\n14 Limitation on passengers ................................................................. 6\n15 Driver not to purchase intoxicating liquor ......................................... 6\n17 Certain conduct prohibited ............................................................... 6\n18 Illegal purpose ................................................................................. 7\nPart 3A Security camera systems in certain\nminibuses\n18A Definitions ........................................................................................ 7\n18B Declaration for application of Part.................................................... 8\n18C Onboard system to be fitted and functioning ................................... 8\n18D Operator to ensure signage fitted .................................................... 9\n18E Operator to ensure driver is competent to operate onboard\nsystem ............................................................................................. 9\n18F Driver to ensure onboard system is functioning ............................... 9\n18G Interference with onboard system.................................................... 9\n18H Only approved minibus security camera system to be fitted .......... 10\n18J Authorised persons........................................................................ 10\n18K Authorised purposes...................................................................... 10\n\nCommercial Passenger (Road) Transport (Minibuses) Regulations 1998 ii\n18L Examining or copying recording .................................................... 11\n18M Register of examination and copies of recordings ......................... 11\n18N Authorised person to make copy when required............................ 12\n18P Disposal of copy of recording ........................................................ 12\n18Q Powers of Director ......................................................................... 12\n18R Exemptions because of certain circumstances .............................. 13\nPart 4 Miscellaneous\n19 Plate to be displayed in minibus .................................................... 13\n21 Damage or interference ................................................................. 14\n22 Operator to supply information ...................................................... 14\n24 Fees .............................................................................................. 14\n25 Offences ........................................................................................ 14\nSchedule Fees\nENDNOTES\n\nNORTHERN TERRITORY OF AUSTRALIA\n____________________\nAs in force at 21 January 2026\n____________________\nCOMMERCIAL PASSENGER (ROAD) TRANSPORT (MINIBUSES)\nREGULATIONS 1998\nRegulations under the Commercial Passenger (Road) Transport\nAct 1991\nPart 1 Preliminary\n1 Citation\nThese Regulations may be cited as the Commercial Passenger\n(Road) Transport (Minibuses) Regulations 1998.\n2 Commencement\nThese Regulations come into operation on the date the Commercial\nPassenger (Road) Transport Amendment Act 1998 commences.\n3 Definitions\nIn these Regulations:\napproved minibus security camera system, for Part 3A, see\nregulation 18A.\nauthorised person, for Part 3A, see regulation 18A.\nauthorised purpose, for Part 3A, see regulation 18A.\ndriver means the person driving or in control of a minibus.\nfunctioning, for Part 3A, see regulation 18A.\nminibus rank includes a bus stop whenever a minibus is parked or\nstanding in the bus stop in accordance with section 38K(1) of the\nAct.\nminibus security camera system, for Part 3A, see regulation 18A.\n\nPart 2 Duties of operator\nCommercial Passenger (Road) Transport (Minibuses) Regulations 1998 2\nmultiple purpose minibus means a minibus fitted to carry a\npassenger seated in a wheelchair and in respect of which the\nlicence contains a condition that priority is to be given to carrying\npassengers in wheelchairs.\nofficer, for Part 3A, see regulation 18A.\nonboard system, for Part 3A, see regulation 18A.\noperator means a person who operates a minibus otherwise than\nonly as a driver.\nPart 3A minibus, for Part 3A, see regulation 18A.\npassenger means a person travelling in a minibus other than the\ndriver.\n4 Identity card or approved form of identification\n(1) For section 74 of the Act, a minibus is a prescribed class of\ncommercial passenger vehicle.\n(2) An identity card issued under section 74(1)(a) of the Act to a driver\nis to:\n(a) display the name of the driver; and\n(b) display a recent photograph of the driver; and\n(c) specify the expiry date of the card; and\n(d) indicate that the holder of the card is authorised to drive a\nminibus.\n(3) A driver must display the driver's identity card mentioned in\nsubregulation (2) or other form of identification approved by the\nDirector under section 74(10) of the Act in a conspicuous place in a\nminibus while driving the minibus.\nMaximum penalty: 30 penalty units.\nPart 2 Duties of operator\n5 Operator to maintain records\n(1) The operator must make a record of:\n(a) each minibus operated by the operator; and\n\nPart 2 Duties of operator\nCommercial Passenger (Road) Transport (Minibuses) Regulations 1998 3\n(b) the name and residential address of each driver engaged or\nemployed by the operator and the number of the driver's\nlicence issued under the Motor Vehicles Act 1949; and\n(c) any other matter that the Director requires as a condition of\nthe operator's licence.\nMaximum penalty: 60 penalty units.\n(2) The operator must kept the record at his or her principal place of\nbusiness.\nMaximum penalty: 60 penalty units.\n(3) The operator must produce the record to an inspector on being\nrequested by the inspector.\nMaximum penalty: 60 penalty units.\n7 Fares\nAn operator of a minibus must:\n(a) display in the minibus; and\n(b) make available to a person on demand;\nthe fares charged by the operator by distance or sector.\n7A Driver not to charge more than operator indicates\n(1) The driver of a minibus commits an offence if the driver charges for\na hiring a fare that is greater than the amount indicated under\nregulation 7.\nMaximum penalty: 25 penalty units.\n(2) An offence against subregulation (1) is an offence of strict liability.\n7B Hiring by passenger with wheelchair\n(1) The driver of a multiple purpose minibus commits an offence if the\ndriver refuses a request for a hiring, allocated by a communications\nnetwork or dispatch network, entailing the carriage of a wheelchair\npassenger.\nMaximum penalty: 30 penalty units.\n(2) An offence against subregulation (1) is an offence of strict liability.\n\nPart 3 Conduct of drivers and passengers\nCommercial Passenger (Road) Transport (Minibuses) Regulations 1998 4\n(3) However, a driver does not commit an offence against\nsubregulation (1) in circumstances permitted by any of the\nfollowing:\n(a) these Regulations;\n(b) a code of conduct applicable under the Act to multiple purpose\nminibuses;\n(c) the multiple purpose minibus licence applicable to the minibus;\n(d) the approval under the Act to operate the communications\nnetwork or dispatch network.\n(4) The driver of a multiple purpose minibus must:\n(a) record all journeys, while he or she was the driver, entailing\nthe carriage of a wheelchair passenger; and\n(b) provide the records to the operator of the minibus as soon as\npracticable.\nMaximum penalty: 30 penalty units.\n(5) Subregulation (4) does not apply if the hiring was booked through a\ncommunications or dispatch network which itemises wheelchair\njourneys in reports by the network.\nPart 3 Conduct of drivers and passengers\n8 Police officer may require to be carried as passenger\n(1) A police officer acting in the course of duty may require a driver to\ncarry the police officer as a passenger.\n(2) The driver must comply with the requirement.\n(3) A police officer carried as a passenger under this regulation:\n(a) is not required to pay a fare or charge for the carriage; and\n(b) is not liable to pay any amount for loss or damage occasioned\nby the carriage that exceeds reasonable compensation.\n9 Touting prohibited\n(1) A driver must not:\n(a) tout or solicit for passengers; or\n\nPart 3 Conduct of drivers and passengers\nCommercial Passenger (Road) Transport (Minibuses) Regulations 1998 5\n(b) cause another person to tout or solicit for passengers on his or\nher behalf.\n(1A) A person does not commit an offence against subregulation (1) if\nthe person marshals passengers for minibuses at an event or\nplace, and in accordance with conditions, approved by the Director.\n(2) A driver must not prevent, or attempt to prevent, another driver from\nobtaining a passenger by force or otherwise.\n10 Luggage\nUnless permitted by the driver, a person must not bring into or carry\non a minibus any article or thing that in the opinion of the driver\nwould be likely to:\n(a) cause inconvenience to or injure any person travelling in the\nminibus; or\n(b) damage the minibus.\n11 Minibus ranks\nThe following apply to the use of minibus ranks:\n(a) the driver of a minibus must not park or leave the minibus in a\nminibus rank unless it is available for hire;\n(b) the driver of a minibus must remain in the vicinity of the\nminibus when it is parked in a minibus rank;\n(c) unless directed otherwise by an inspector – the driver of a\nminibus must park the minibus in a queue in the first position\nthen available in the minibus rank and must move the minibus\nup the queue as space becomes available;\n(d) if more than one minibus is parked in a minibus rank – the\ndriver of the minibus that is in the first position in the minibus\nrank is entitled to accept any hiring then offered unless the\nhirer selects another minibus in the minibus rank;\n(e) subject to these Regulations and any code of conduct\napplicable to minibuses under the Act, the driver of a minibus\nparked in a minibus rank must not refuse a hiring.\n12 Minibus not to be parked in road\n(1) In this regulation, minibus means a minibus that is available for\nhire.\n\nPart 3 Conduct of drivers and passengers\nCommercial Passenger (Road) Transport (Minibuses) Regulations 1998 6\n(2) The driver of a minibus must not park or stand the minibus in a road\nor public place other than in:\n(a) a minibus rank; or\n(b) an approved place.\n(3) Subregulation (2) does not prevent the driver parking or standing\nthe minibus for the purposes of:\n(a) picking up or setting down passengers; or\n(b) waiting under the instructions of a passenger; or\n(c) by direction or with the consent of an inspector.\n(4) Subregulation (3) applies only if the parking or standing of the\nminibus is otherwise lawful.\n14 Limitation on passengers\nThe driver of a minibus must ensure that:\n(a) the number of passengers carried in the minibus does not\nexceed the maximum number permitted to be carried; or\n(b) a passenger is not carried in any part of the minibus that is not\ndesigned to carry passengers.\n15 Driver not to purchase intoxicating liquor\nThe driver of a minibus must not:\n(a) accept a hiring under which the driver is required to purchase\nintoxicating liquor for or on behalf of another person, whether\nor not that other person is a passenger; or\n(b) in the course of a hiring – purchase intoxicating liquor for or on\nbehalf of a passenger.\n17 Certain conduct prohibited\n(1) A person must not consume intoxicating liquor in a minibus.\n(2) The driver of a minibus may direct:\n(a) a passenger to alight from the minibus; or\n(b) a prospective passenger not to board the minibus;\n\nPart 3A Security camera systems in certain minibuses\nCommercial Passenger (Road) Transport (Minibuses) Regulations 1998 7\nif the passenger or prospective passenger:\n(c) appears to be suffering from an infectious disease; or\n(d) appears to be under the influence of drugs or intoxicating\nliquor; or\n(e) soils or damages, or is likely to soil or damage, the minibus; or\n(f) causes a nuisance, or is likely to cause a nuisance, in the\nminibus; or\n(g) is carrying something that is causing, or is likely to cause,\ninconvenience to the driver or passengers; or\n(h) is smoking; or\n(j) is consuming intoxicating liquor; or\n(k) is using profane or objectionable language.\n(3) A person who fails to comply with a direction given under\nsubregulation (2) commits an offence.\n18 Illegal purpose\nThe operator or driver of a minibus must not:\n(a) use the minibus for an illegal purpose; or\n(b) cause or permit the minibus to be used for an illegal purpose.\nPart 3A Security camera systems in certain minibuses\n18A Definitions\nIn this Part:\napproved minibus security camera system means a minibus\nsecurity camera system approved under regulation 18Q(2).\nauthorised person means a person authorised as mentioned in\nregulation 18J.\nauthorised purpose means a purpose as mentioned in\nregulation 18K.\n\nPart 3A Security camera systems in certain minibuses\nCommercial Passenger (Road) Transport (Minibuses) Regulations 1998 8\nfunctioning, in relation to a minibus security camera system,\nmeans one or more visual indicators on the camera (or equipment\nassociated with the camera) indicate the system is working\ncorrectly and is capable of recording images.\nminibus security camera system means a system designed to be\nfitted to a minibus to record images of persons in or near the\nminibus.\nofficer means an inspector, police officer or member of the\nAustralian Federal Police.\nonboard system means:\n(a) an approved minibus security camera system fitted to a\nminibus; or\n(b) a particular minibus security camera system that is not an\napproved minibus security camera system but, immediately\nbefore the commencement of this regulation, was fitted to a\nparticular minibus as a minibus security camera system for it.\nPart 3A minibus means a minibus that is licensed to stand and ply\nfor hire at a minibus rank, or an approved place, within a minibus\narea to which this Part applies.\nNote\nSee regulation 18B for declarations about minibus areas to which this Part\napplies.\n18B Declaration for application of Part\nThe Minister may, by Gazette notice, declare this Part applies in\nrelation to a minibus area.\n18C Onboard system to be fitted and functioning\n(1) The operator of a Part 3A minibus must not cause or permit the\nminibus to operate unless it has an onboard system.\nMaximum penalty: 40 penalty units.\n(2) The operator must ensure the onboard system is functioning when\nthe minibus is:\n(a) carrying passengers for hire or reward; or\n\nPart 3A Security camera systems in certain minibuses\nCommercial Passenger (Road) Transport (Minibuses) Regulations 1998 9\n(b) available to carry passengers for hire or reward.\nMaximum penalty: 40 penalty units.\nNote for regulation 18C\nThere may be an exemption under section 38J of the Act or regulation 18R that\napplies to the operator.\n18D Operator to ensure signage fitted\nThe operator of a Part 3A minibus that has an onboard system\nmust ensure signs are conspicuously placed inside and outside the\nminibus, that advise persons they may be under surveillance when\nin or near the minibus.\nMaximum penalty: 40 penalty units.\n18E Operator to ensure driver is competent to operate onboard\nsystem\nThe operator of a Part 3A minibus that has an onboard system\nmust not permit a driver to operate the minibus unless satisfied the\ndriver is competent to operate the system.\nMaximum penalty: 40 penalty units.\n18F Driver to ensure onboard system is functioning\n(1) A driver of a Part 3A minibus that has an onboard system must\nensure the system is functioning when the driver is operating the\nminibus.\nMaximum penalty: 20 penalty units.\n(2) If the onboard system is not functioning, the driver must not accept\na hiring.\nMaximum penalty: 20 penalty units.\nNote for regulation 18F\nThere may be an exemption under section 38J of the Act or regulation 18R that\napplies to a driver.\n18G Interference with onboard system\n(1) A person must not interfere with, or cause or permit another person\nto interfere with, an onboard system.\nMaximum penalty: 60 penalty units.\n\nPart 3A Security camera systems in certain minibuses\nCommercial Passenger (Road) Transport (Minibuses) Regulations 1998 10\n(2) Subregulation (1) does not apply to an authorised person or officer:\n(a) inspecting, maintaining, repairing or testing the onboard\nsystem; or\n(b) examining or copying a recording made by the system for an\nauthorised purpose.\n18H Only approved minibus security camera system to be fitted\nA person must not fit a minibus security camera system in a Part 3A\nminibus unless the system is an approved minibus security camera\nsystem.\nMaximum penalty: 40 penalty units.\n18J Authorised persons\n(1) The Director may, in writing, authorise a person to do either or both\nof the following:\n(a) inspect, maintain, repair and test onboard systems;\n(b) examine and copy recordings taken by onboard systems.\n(2) However, the Director may only authorise a person if satisfied the\nperson has the necessary technical knowledge and equipment for\nperforming the functions the person is authorised to do.\n(3) Without limiting the conditions the Director may impose on an\nauthority under subregulation (1), it is a condition of each authority\nthat the authorised person must maintain all the person's equipment\nfor performing the functions the person is authorised to do.\n18K Authorised purposes\nThe following are authorised purposes for which an authorised\nperson or officer may examine or copy a recording taken by an\nonboard system:\n(a) ensuring compliance by any of the following persons with\nrequirements that apply to the person under a law in force in\nthe Territory;\n(i) the operator of a Part 3A minibus;\n(ii) a driver of a Part 3A minibus;\n(iii) a passenger of a Part 3A minibus with an obligation to\npay the fare for a hiring of the minibus;\n\nPart 3A Security camera systems in certain minibuses\nCommercial Passenger (Road) Transport (Minibuses) Regulations 1998 11\n(b) investigating an offence committed in the Territory or\nelsewhere (including locating a person in connection with such\nan offence) or otherwise enforcing a law in force in the\nTerritory;\n(c) locating a missing person or furthering an investigation into\nthe safety or welfare of any person;\n(d) inspecting, maintaining, repairing or testing an onboard\nsystem.\n18L Examining or copying recording\n(1) A person must not examine a recording taken by an onboard\nsystem, or copy a recording from the system, unless the person is\nan authorised person or officer or is under the direct supervision of\nan authorised person or officer.\nMaximum penalty: 40 penalty units.\n(2) Subregulation (1) does not apply in relation to a copy of a recording\ntaken by an onboard system that:\n(a) forms, or is to form, part of evidence in court proceedings; and\n(b) is examined by persons involved with or as part of the\nproceedings.\n(3) An authorised person or officer must not examine or copy a\nrecording taken by an onboard system, or supervise another person\nwho examines or copies a recording, unless the examination or\ncopying is for an authorised purpose.\nMaximum penalty: 40 penalty units.\n18M Register of examination and copies of recordings\n(1) An authorised person must maintain a register containing the\nfollowing details in relation to each examination or copying of a\nrecording taken by an onboard system:\n(a) the registration number of the minibus in which the system\nwas fitted when the recording was taken;\n(b) the date and time of the examination or copying;\n(c) the purpose of the examination or copying;\n(d) the location of any copy made;\n\nPart 3A Security camera systems in certain minibuses\nCommercial Passenger (Road) Transport (Minibuses) Regulations 1998 12\n(e) the name of the person who carried out the examination or\ncopying.\nMaximum penalty: 40 penalty units.\n(2) The authorised person must make the register available for\ninspection at any reasonable time on demand by an officer or the\nDirector.\nMaximum penalty: 40 penalty units.\n18N Authorised person to make copy when required\nIf an officer asks an authorised person to do either or both of the\nfollowing, the authorised person must comply with the request:\n(a) make a copy of a recording from an onboard system and give\nthe copy to the officer by a specified date;\n(b) take other action in relation to the copy as specified by the\nofficer.\nMaximum penalty: 40 penalty units.\nExample for paragraph (b)\nIf the copy does not reveal evidence of any offence, the officer may direct the\nauthorised person to erase or destroy the copy.\n18P Disposal of copy of recording\nIf a copy was made of a recording taken by an onboard system and\nit is not required for use in court proceedings, the person in control\nof the copy must ensure it is disposed of, within 30 days after the\ncopy was made, by:\n(a) deleting, or recording over, an electronic record; or\n(b) physical destruction of media containing an electronic record;\nor\n(c) physical destruction of a printed copy of a record; or\n(d) any other approved way of deleting or destroying the copy.\nMaximum penalty: 40 penalty units.\n18Q Powers of Director\n(1) The Director may publish, in a way the Director considers\nappropriate, specifications about minibus security camera systems.\n\nPart 4 Miscellaneous\nCommercial Passenger (Road) Transport (Minibuses) Regulations 1998 13\n(2) The Director may, by Gazette notice, approve a make and model of\na minibus security camera system as a system that is an approved\nminibus security camera system.\n(3) The Director may issue operational requirements in relation to\nonboard systems, including, for example, requirements about any\nof the following:\n(a) management of complaints related to onboard systems;\n(b) record keeping related to onboard systems;\n(c) responsibilities of authorised persons.\n18R Exemptions because of certain circumstances\n(1) On application by the operator of a Part 3A minibus, the Director\nmay, if satisfied it is appropriate, exempt the operator and any\ndriver of the minibus from specified provisions of this Part if:\n(a) the minibus is a Part 3A minibus that has an onboard system;\nbut\n(b) the system is not functioning and the operator cannot have it\nrepaired so it is functioning, or replaced, within a reasonable\nperiod.\n(2) An exemption under subregulation (1) must be in writing and must\nspecify each of the following\n(a) the minibus to which the exemption relates and the name of\nthe operator;\n(b) the provisions of this Part from which the operator and any\ndriver or the minibus is exempted;\n(c) the period for which the exemption applies;\n(d) any conditions the Director considers appropriate.\nPart 4 Miscellaneous\n19 Plate to be displayed in minibus\nThe driver of a minibus must not operate the minibus unless an\napproved plate showing the number of the minibus is affixed inside\nthe minibus in a conspicuous position.\n\nPart 4 Miscellaneous\nCommercial Passenger (Road) Transport (Minibuses) Regulations 1998 14\n21 Damage or interference\nA person must not damage or interfere with a minibus unless the\nperson is authorised to do so by the operator.\n22 Operator to supply information\n(1) The operator of a minibus must provide to the Director full and\ncorrect information of journeys undertaken by the minibus\nwhenever requested by the Director.\nMaximum penalty: 60 penalty units.\n(2) The operator must provide the information within the time specified\nby the Director.\nMaximum penalty: 60 penalty units.\n24 Fees\nThe fee specified in the Schedule is payable in relation to the\nmatter specified opposite the fee.\n25 Offences\nA person who contravenes or fails to comply with these Regulations\ncommits an offence.\nMaximum penalty: 25 penalty units.\n\nSchedule Fees\nCommercial Passenger (Road) Transport (Minibuses) Regulations 1998 15\nSchedule Fees\nregulation 24\n1 Annual fee for minibus licence to operate minibus (other than multiple\npurpose minibus) in minibus area\nMinibus Area\nDarwin $3 000\nAlice Springs $2 600\nKatherine $1 625\nAny other area $975\n1A Annual fee for minibus licence to operate multiple\npurpose minibus\n$300\n1B Application for substitute minibus licence $300\n2. Application for refund of fee on surrender of licence $20\n3. Application for exemption under section 38J of Act $50\n\nENDNOTES\nCommercial Passenger (Road) Transport (Minibuses) Regulations 1998 16\nENDNOTES\n1 KEY Key to abbreviations\namd = amended od = order\napp = appendix om = omitted\nbl = by-law pt = Part\nch = Chapter r = regulation/rule\ncl = clause rem = remainder\ndiv = Division renum = renumbered\nexp = expires/expired rep = repealed\nf = forms s = section\nGaz = Gazette sch = Schedule\nhdg = heading sdiv = Subdivision\nins = inserted SL = Subordinate Legislation\nlt = long title sub = substituted\nnc = not commenced\n2 LIST OF LEGISLATION\nMinibus Regulations (SL No. 63, 1998)\nNotified 23 December 1998\nCommenced 1 January 1999 (r 1 and s 2 Commercial Passenger (Road)\nTransport Amendment Act 1998 (Act No. 83, 1998))\nAmendments of Minibus Regulations (SL No. 11, 2003)\nNotified 28 February 2003\nCommenced 1 March 2003 (r 1, s 2 Commercial Passenger (Road)\nTransport Amendment Act 2003 (Act No. 1, 2003) and Gaz\nS3, 28 February 2003, p 3)\nStatute Law Revision Act (No. 2) 2003 (Act No. 44, 2003)\nAssent date 7 July 2003\nCommenced 7 July 2003\nAmendments of Minibus Regulations (SL No. 41, 2003)\nNotified 1 August 2003\nCommenced 1 August 2003 (r 1, s 2 Commercial Passenger (Road)\nTransport Amendment Act (No. 2) 2003 (Act No. 40, 2003)\nand Gaz G30, 30 July 2003, p 13)\nStatute Law Revision Act 2005 (Act No. 44, 2005)\nAssent date 14 December 2005\nCommenced 14 December 2005\nCommercial Passenger Amendment (Security Cameras) Regulations 2010\n(SL No. 21, 2010)\nNotified 29 September 2010\nCommenced 1 November 2010\nFees and Charges (Transport) Amendment Regulations 2012 (SL No. 45, 2012)\nNotified 14 December 2012\nCommenced 1 January 2013 (r 2)\n\nENDNOTES\nCommercial Passenger (Road) Transport (Minibuses) Regulations 1998 17\nCommercial Passenger Vehicle Legislation Amendment Regulations 2017\n(SL No. 34, 2017)\nNotified 29 November 2017\nCommenced 1 December 2017 (r 2)\nRidesharing Regulations (SL No. 35, 2017)\nNotified 29 November 2017\nCommenced pts 5 and 6: 1 February 2018; rem: 1 December 2017 (r 2)\nStatute Law Amendment (Territory Economic Reconstruction) Act 2021 (Act No. 19,\n2021)\nAssent date 31 August 2021\nCommenced pt 6: 2 October 2021; rem: 29 September 2021 (Gaz G39,\n29 September 2021, p 1)\nStatute Law Amendment (Territory Economic Reconstruction) Act 2022 (Act No. 5,\n2022)\nAssent date 14 April 2022\nCommenced pt 7: 25 May 2023 (Gaz G11, 25 May 2023, p 2);\nrem: 25 May 2022 (Gaz G21, 25 May 2022, p 1)\nTransport Legislation Amendment Act 2025 (Act No. 23, 2025)\nAssent date 12 September 2025\nCommenced pts 2, 4, 5 and 6: 21 January 2026 (Gaz S5,\n19 January 2026); rem: 18 November 2025 (Gaz S69,\n17 November 2025)\n3 GENERAL AMENDMENTS\nGeneral amendments of a formal nature (which are not referred to in the table\nof amendments to this reprint) are made by the Interpretation Legislation\nAmendment Act 2018 (Act No. 22 of 2018) to: rr 1 and 5.\n4 LIST OF AMENDMENTS\nr 1 amd Act No. 23, 2025, s 66\nr 3 amd No. 41, 2003, r 3; No. 21, 2010, r 6; No. 34, 2017, r 19\nr 4 sub No. 11, 2003, r 2\namd Act No. 44, 2003, s 6;No. 21, 2010, r 15; No. 34, 2017, r 20; Act No. 5,\n2022, s 71\nr 5 amd No. 21, 2010, r 15; No. 34, 2017, r 21\nr 6 rep No. 34, 2017, r 22\nr 7 amd No. 21, 2010, r 15\nrr 7A – 7B ins No. 34, 2017, r 23\nr 8 hdg amd No. 21, 2010, r 15\nr 8 amd Act No. 44, 2005, s 35; No. 21, 2010, r 15\nr 9 amd No. 41, 2003, r 4\nr 11 amd No. 41, 2003, r 5\nr 12 amd No. 21, 2010, r 15\nr 13 amd No. 21, 2010, r 15\nrep No. 34, 2017, r 24\nr 16 rep No. 34, 2017, r 24\nr 17 amd No. 21, 2010, r 15; No. 34, 2017, r 25\npt 3A hdg ins No. 21, 2010, r 7\nrr 18A – 18F ins No. 21, 2010, r 7\n\nENDNOTES\nCommercial Passenger (Road) Transport (Minibuses) Regulations 1998 18\nr 18G ins No. 21, 2010, r 7\namd No. 34, 2017, r 26\nrr 18H – 18R ins No. 21, 2010, r 7\nr 20 amd No. 21, 2010, r 8\nrep No. 34, 2017, r 27\nr 22 amd No. 34, 2017, r 28\nr 23 rep No. 34, 2017, r 29\nr 25 amd No. 21, 2010, r 9\nsch amd No. 11, 2003, r 3; No. 45, 2012, r 8; No. 34, 2017, r 30; No. 35, 2017,\nr 30; Act No. 19, 2021, s 10","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":5,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The original 1998 regulations focused on basic operational requirements (records, fares, conduct, ranks). However, Part 3A (Security camera systems in certain minibuses) was inserted in 2010, significantly expanding the scope from simple transport regulation into surveillance and data management. This addition introduced technical specifications, approval processes for camera systems, authorised person frameworks, data retention and disposal protocols, and privacy-adjacent controls. The 2017 amendments further expanded accessibility requirements for wheelchair passengers (regulations 7B, 7A). The legislation has evolved from basic 'how to run a minibus' rules into a comprehensive framework covering safety technology, disability access, and data governance."},"complexity_factors":["Part 3A (security cameras) adds substantial technical and procedural complexity with 11 dedicated regulations including definitions, approval processes, authorised persons, authorised purposes, register maintenance, and disposal requirements","Multiple nested exceptions and qualifications – for example, regulation 7B has a strict liability offence with four separate exception categories (regulations, code of conduct, licence conditions, and network approval)","Cross-referencing between the Regulations and the parent Commercial Passenger (Road) Transport Act 1991 (e.g., sections 38J, 38K, 74)","Conditional logic in parking rules (regulation 12) with multiple layers: general prohibition, exceptions for specific purposes, and a further limitation that the parking must be 'otherwise lawful'","Defined terms vary by Part – 'officer', 'authorised person', 'functioning', and 'Part 3A minibus' have Part-specific meanings defined in regulation 18A, creating contextual definitions that differ from general usage","Strict liability offences mixed with fault-based offences (e.g., regulation 7A(2) vs regulation 7B(3) exceptions)","Fee structure varies by location (Darwin, Alice Springs, Katherine, other areas) and vehicle type (standard vs multiple purpose minibus)"],"plain_english_summary":"**What this legislation does:**\n\nThese are the Northern Territory regulations that set the rules for operating minibuses as commercial passenger vehicles (essentially small taxis or shuttle buses). They cover everything from how drivers behave to what safety equipment must be installed.\n\n**Who it affects:**\n- **Minibus operators** – the businesses or individuals who own and run minibus services\n- **Drivers** – the people actually driving the minibuses\n- **Passengers** – anyone using these services\n- **Police and inspectors** – who have powers to check compliance\n\n**Key requirements:**\n\n- **Records:** Operators must keep detailed records of their vehicles and drivers, and show them to inspectors when asked.\n- **Fares:** Operators must display their fares clearly, and drivers cannot charge more than the displayed amount.\n- **Accessibility:** Drivers of wheelchair-accessible minibuses cannot refuse bookings for passengers in wheelchairs (with some exceptions), and must keep records of these trips.\n- **Behaviour:** No touting (soliciting passengers aggressively), no drinking alcohol in minibuses, and drivers can refuse service to drunk, abusive, or nuisance passengers.\n- **Parking:** Drivers must use official minibus ranks and queue properly – first in line gets first choice of passengers.\n- **Security cameras:** Part 3A requires security cameras in minibuses operating in declared areas (like Darwin). These must be approved systems, kept working, and have warning signs. Only authorised people can access the recordings, which must be handled securely and destroyed after 30 days if not needed for court.\n- **Identification:** Drivers must display photo ID cards while working.\n\n**Why it matters:**\n\nThese rules protect passenger safety (especially through the security camera requirements added in 2010), ensure fair competition among drivers (through the rank queuing system), prevent overcharging, and guarantee access for passengers with disabilities. The security camera provisions are particularly significant for driver and passenger safety, with strict controls on who can view footage and how long it can be kept."},"issue_detection":{"absurdities":[{"type":"retroactive_impossibility","section":"regulation 18P","severity":"high","reasoning":"Regulation 18P applies once a copy \"is not required for use in court proceedings\", but requires disposal \"within 30 days after the copy was made\". If the copy remains required beyond day 30 and only later ceases to be required, the obligation is triggered after its deadline has already expired.","confidence":0.98,"description":"The disposal deadline can become retrospectively impossible where a copy ceases to be required for court proceedings more than 30 days after it was made.","source_quotes":["If a copy was made of a recording taken by an onboard system and it is not required for use in court proceedings","within 30 days after the copy was made"]}],"contradictions":[]},"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"A positive credit balance is required for all requests, including BYOK, so fallback providers remain available. Add credits at https://vercel.com/d?to=%2F%5Bteam%5D%2F%7E%2Fai%3Fmodal%3Dtop-up to continue.","source":"analysis-cron"},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":6,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The regulations have expanded beyond simple operational and conduct rules for minibuses to include a mandatory surveillance and data-management regime in declared areas (Part 3A, regs 18A–18R). The original instrument focused on driver/operator conduct, fares, ranks and records. Since insertion of Part 3A (2010) and later amendments, the regime now requires approved camera systems, model approvals by the Director, authorised-person regimes for inspection and copying of recordings, register and disposal obligations, and explicit exemptions. These additions broaden the regulatory scope from vehicle and service rules to technical standards, privacy-governance and evidentiary processes, increasing compliance obligations and administrative discretion (see regs 18B, 18C, 18J, 18K, 18M, 18P, 18Q, 18R)."},"complexity_factors":["Multiple Parts with a mix of operational, conduct and technical requirements (Parts 1–4 and inserted Part 3A)","Part 3A introduces layered technical, privacy and evidentiary rules (regs 18A–18R) with cross-references throughout","A number of defined terms specifically for Part 3A (approved system, authorised person, officer, onboard system, Part 3A minibus, functioning) — increases interpretation burden (reg 18A and r 3)","Director and Minister discretions (declaration of areas r 18B; approval of camera models and specs r 18Q; authorisations r 18J; exemptions r 18R) create conditional application and administrative variability","Several offences are strict liability and varying penalty units applied across provisions (rr 4, 5, 7A, 7B, 18C–18G, 18L, 18M, 18P) — legal risk with differing mens rea standards","Data-handling procedural obligations (register at r 18M, disposal at r 18P, copying and use limits at rr 18L–18N) with time limits and technical compliance requirements","Cross-references to the parent Act (eg. section 38J for exemptions) and to Director-issued operational requirements increase cross-document navigation","Schedule contains geographically tiered fees and special items (multiple purpose concession, licence substitutions, exemption application fee) affecting financial modelling"],"plain_english_summary":"**What this regulation does (plain terms)**\n\n- These are the Northern Territory regulations that set rules for operating and using commercial minibuses (the small passenger vehicles that stand and ply for hire). They sit under the Commercial Passenger (Road) Transport Act and lay out practical obligations for operators, drivers and passengers. (See regs 3, 4 and Parts 2–4.)\n\n**Key duties and rules — who does what**\n\n- Operators (people or businesses who run minibuses, not just drive them) must keep records about their vehicles and drivers, store those records at their principal business, and produce them on request (reg 5). Operators must also give journey information to the Director on request (reg 22) and pay the licence and other fees in the Schedule (reg 24, Schedule).\n\n- Drivers must carry and display an identity card or an approved form of ID while driving (reg 4). They must charge fares no higher than those displayed/made available by the operator (regs 7 and 7A). Drivers must not refuse wheelchair passengers who have been allocated a hiring via an approved dispatch/communications network except in limited circumstances (reg 7B). Drivers must keep passengers within vehicle capacity limits, obey rules about luggage, ranks and parking, and may refuse or direct passengers to alight for specified safety, hygiene or nuisance reasons (rr 10–12, 14, 17).\n\n- Both operators and drivers must not use minibuses for illegal purposes (reg 18) and must not let people damage or interfere with a minibus (reg 21). A driver must not purchase alcohol for passengers or accept hirings that require them to do so (reg 15). Touting and aggressive interference with other drivers seeking passengers are prohibited (reg 9).\n\n**Security cameras (Part 3A, regs 18A–18R)**\n\n- In areas declared by the Minister, minibuses licensed to stand and ply in that area (\"Part 3A minibuses\") must have an onboard security camera system fitted and working whenever the minibus is carrying passengers or available for hire (reg 18B; reg 18C). The operator must ensure inside and outside signage warns people they may be under surveillance (reg 18D) and must ensure drivers are competent to operate the system (reg 18E). Drivers must not accept a hiring if the system is not functioning (reg 18F).\n\n- The Director approves which camera makes/models are acceptable and may publish technical specifications and operational requirements (reg 18Q). Only approved systems may be fitted in Part 3A minibuses (reg 18H). The Director may authorise people (technical contractors) to inspect, maintain and copy recordings (reg 18J), but those authorised persons and police/inspectors may only examine or copy recordings for specified \"authorised purposes\" such as compliance checking, investigating offences, protecting welfare, or maintenance (reg 18K). There are rules about who may view recordings, record-keeping (a register of examinations/copies — reg 18M), disposal of copies (reg 18P), and penalties for unauthorised interference with systems or recordings (rr 18G, 18L, 18P).\n\n- The Director can grant written exemptions where a fitted system is not functioning and cannot be repaired or replaced within a reasonable time (reg 18R).\n\n**Enforcement and penalties**\n\n- Many obligations carry monetary penalties expressed as penalty units (examples: identity-card display — 30 penalty units (r 4); operator record-keeping — up to 60 penalty units (r 5); camera-related operator obligations — up to 40 or 60 penalty units depending on the breach (rr 18C, 18G)). Contraventions of the Regulations are offences (r 25).\n\n**Why the rules matter (official purpose and a quick test of mechanisms and trade-offs)**\n\n- The regulations’ stated practical purposes are safety, orderly operation of minibus services, consumer protection (accurate fares, accessibility for wheelchair users) and evidence collection / deterrence of crime via onboard cameras (see regs 7, 7B, 18C–18K, 18Q). Those are the Director/Minister-level rationales reflected in the text.\n\n- Costs and incentives: mandatory security systems in declared areas impose direct equipment, maintenance and training costs on operators and create administrative burdens (registers, record disposal, compliance with Director's specifications) (rr 18C–18F, 18M, 18P, 18Q). Operators also pay annual licence fees that vary by area (Schedule). These costs raise the fixed and ongoing cost of operating minibuses in declared areas and can affect business margins; smaller operators in low-fee areas may be more affected.\n\n- Compliance burden and bureaucratic discretion: the Director has multiple discretions — declaring areas where cameras are required (r 18B), approving camera makes/models and operational requirements (r 18Q), authorising persons to inspect/ copy recordings (r 18J), and granting exemptions (r 18R). That concentrates implementation decisions with the Director and requires operators to follow standards which may be updated over time.\n\n- Privacy and individual choice: the regime creates compulsory surveillance in declared areas. Signage and limited authorised-access rules (rr 18D, 18J–18L) attempt to constrain who can view recordings and for what purposes, and disposal rules (r 18P) limit retention of copies not used in court. Nevertheless, the system allows officers and authorised technical persons to examine or copy recordings for law‑enforcement, safety and compliance purposes (r 18K), which is a trade-off between evidence/safety and personal privacy.\n\n- Effects on competition and market structure: higher compliance and capital costs can raise barriers to entry or favour larger operators who can amortise equipment and compliance costs. The rules around ranks, touting and queueing (r 11) also structure how drivers access customers — this affects independent drivers and dispatch networks and limits some forms of direct competition (e.g. aggressive solicitation).\n\n- Disability access and pricing incentives: the rules require multiple purpose minibuses to accept wheelchair bookings assigned through communications networks (r 7B) and impose a lower annual fee for a multiple purpose minibus (Schedule item 1A — $300), which reduces operating cost for accessible vehicles but imposes service obligations and record-keeping for wheelchair trips (r 7B(4)).\n\n**Implementation and risk notes**\n\n- Technical failures, incorrect installation, inadequate maintenance or unclear Director specifications can create gaps between the written rules and on-the-ground compliance (see regs 18C–18F, 18Q, 18R).\n\n- Enforcement relies on inspections, authorised persons and police powers; improper handling of recordings or inadequate controls could risk privacy breaches even where rules exist (rr 18J–18P).\n\n**Immediate practical consequences for affected parties**\n\n- Operators: must budget for record-keeping, possible installation/maintenance of approved camera systems (where the Minister has declared the area), pay licence/annual fees (Schedule), and comply with Director instructions on records and equipment (rr 5, 18C, 18Q, 22, Schedule).\n\n- Drivers: must show ID, follow fare/display rules, not overcharge, accept certain wheelchair bookings, ensure cameras function and follow driver conduct rules (rr 4, 7–7B, 18F, 9, 17).\n\n- Passengers: are subject to no‑alcohol rules, limits on luggage and behaviour, and may be recorded in declared areas (rr 10, 17, Part 3A).\n\n**Key sections to consult quickly**: identity and display requirements (r 4); operator records and production (r 5); fares and wheelchair hiring (rr 7, 7A, 7B); minibus ranks and parking (rr 11–12); camera requirements and data handling (rr 18A–18R); Director powers and exemptions (rr 18Q–18R); fees (Schedule).\n\n(References in parentheses are to the regulation numbers in the instrument.)"},"summary":{"complexity_score":4,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The reprint number REPC060R6 strongly indicates this legislation has been amended multiple times since its original 1998 enactment. A 2026 commencement date on a 1998 instrument suggests at least one significant amendment or reprint has been made, meaning the current scope and content likely differs — potentially substantially — from what was originally intended when the regulations were first made."},"complexity_factors":["Regulations sit beneath a parent Act, requiring cross-referencing to understand the full legal framework","Transport regulations typically involve multiple compliance layers (licensing, vehicle standards, conduct rules)","The unusual 2026 commencement date for a 1998 instrument suggests amendment history that may be difficult to trace","Limited metadata provided (no gazette number, no 'made by' information) makes it harder to assess full scope","Interaction with broader road transport and consumer protection laws adds complexity","Reprint number (REPC060R6) suggests significant amendment history, meaning the current text may differ substantially from the original"],"plain_english_summary":"These regulations set the operational, safety and compliance rules for commercial minibus services — affecting operators, drivers, passengers and the Department of Logistics and Infrastructure by defining accreditation, vehicle standards, records and liability needed to run paid road passenger services safely and lawfully.  \n\nNote the listed commencement date of 21 January 2026, which may indicate a reprint or later amendment coming into force rather than the original 1998 enactment."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/commercial-passenger-road-transport-minibuses-regulations-1998","history":"/api/acts/commercial-passenger-road-transport-minibuses-regulations-1998/history","analysis":"/api/acts/commercial-passenger-road-transport-minibuses-regulations-1998/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/commercial-passenger-road-transport-minibuses-regulations-1998/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/commercial-passenger-road-transport-minibuses-regulations-1998/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/commercial-passenger-road-transport-minibuses-regulations-1998/documents"}}