{"id":"commercial-passenger-road-transport-special-function-vehicles-regulations-2003","name":"COMMERCIAL PASSENGER (ROAD) TRANSPORT (SPECIAL FUNCTION VEHICLES) REGULATIONS 2003","slug":"commercial-passenger-road-transport-special-function-vehicles-regulations-2003","collection":"regulation","jurisdiction":"nt","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":174486,"registerId":"nt-commercial-passenger-road-transport-special-function-vehicles-regulations-2003-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-05","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"COMMERCIAL PASSENGER (ROAD) TRANSPORT (SPECIAL FUNCTION VEHICLES) REGULATIONS 2003","content":"NORTHERN TERRITORY OF AUSTRALIA\nCOMMERCIAL PASSENGER (ROAD) TRANSPORT (SPECIAL FUNCTION\nVEHICLES) REGULATIONS 2003\nAs in force at 21 January 2026\nTable of provisions\n1 Citation ............................................................................................ 1\n2 Commencement .............................................................................. 1\n3 Definitions ........................................................................................ 1\n4 Operator to maintain records ........................................................... 1\n5 Operator to furnish information ........................................................ 2\n9 Plying for hire prohibited .................................................................. 2\n10 Hiring to be pre-booked ................................................................... 2\n11 No touting or soliciting ..................................................................... 2\n13 Purchase of intoxicating liquor prohibited ........................................ 3\n14 Provision or consumption of intoxicating liquor permitted ................ 3\n15 Illegal purpose ................................................................................. 3\n16 Annual licence fee ........................................................................... 3\nENDNOTES\n\n\n\nNORTHERN TERRITORY OF AUSTRALIA\n____________________\nAs in force at 21 January 2026\n____________________\nCOMMERCIAL PASSENGER (ROAD) TRANSPORT (SPECIAL FUNCTION\nVEHICLES) REGULATIONS 2003\nRegulations under the Commercial Passenger (Road) Transport\nAct 1991\n1 Citation\nThese Regulations may be cited as the Commercial Passenger\n(Road) Transport (Special Function Vehicles) Regulations 2003.\n2 Commencement\nThese Regulations come into operation on 1 October 2003.\n3 Definitions\nIn these Regulations, unless the contrary intention appears:\ndriver means the person driving or in charge of a special function\nvehicle.\nhiring, of a special function vehicle, means the use of the special\nfunction vehicle for hire or reward.\noperator means a person who operates a special function vehicle\notherwise than only as a driver.\n4 Operator to maintain records\n(1) An operator must make a written record of:\n(a) the special function vehicle;\n(b) the dates and times during which the special function vehicle\nis operated for hiring;\n(c) the full name and residential address of the driver during those\nperiods and the number of the driver's licence issued to him or\nher under the Motor Vehicles Act 1949;\n(d) each booking and hiring made by the special function vehicle;\nand\n\nCommercial Passenger (Road) Transport (Special Function Vehicles) Regulations 2003 2\n(e) any other matter that the Director requires as a condition of\nthe operator's licence.\nMaximum penalty: 60 penalty units.\n(2) An operator must ensure that the record referred to in\nsubregulation (1):\n(a) is kept in a safe place at the principal place of business of the\noperator; and\n(b) is produced whenever required by an inspector.\nMaximum penalty: 60 penalty units.\n5 Operator to furnish information\nAn operator must, whenever requested by the Director to do so,\nfurnish to the Director within the time specified by the Director full\nand correct information about any details specified in the request\nrelating to any hiring made by the special function vehicle.\nMaximum penalty: 60 penalty units.\n9 Plying for hire prohibited\nA person must not use a special function vehicle for the purpose of\nstanding or plying for hire.\nMaximum penalty: 25 penalty units.\n10 Hiring to be pre-booked\n(1) A driver must not use a special function vehicle for a hiring unless\nthe journey is pre-booked with the operator.\nMaximum penalty: 25 penalty units.\n(2) An operator is not compelled to accept a hiring for the special\nfunction vehicle.\n11 No touting or soliciting\nA person must not tout or solicit for passengers for a special\nfunction vehicle.\nMaximum penalty: 25 penalty units.\n\nCommercial Passenger (Road) Transport (Special Function Vehicles) Regulations 2003 3\n13 Purchase of intoxicating liquor prohibited\n(1) An operator or a driver must not accept a hiring of the special\nfunction vehicle under which the driver is required to purchase\nintoxicating liquor for or on behalf of another person whether or not\nthat other person is a passenger.\nMaximum penalty: 25 penalty units.\n(2) A driver must not during a hiring of the special function vehicle\npurchase intoxicating liquor for or on behalf of a passenger.\nMaximum penalty: 25 penalty units.\n14 Provision or consumption of intoxicating liquor permitted\nThese Regulations do not prevent a passenger during a hiring of a\nspecial function vehicle being provided with, or consuming,\nintoxicating liquor in accordance with the Liquor Act 2019 or any\nother law of the Territory.\n15 Illegal purpose\nAn operator or a driver must not:\n(a) use the special function vehicle for an illegal purpose; or\n(b) cause or permit the special function vehicle to be used for an\nillegal purpose.\nMaximum penalty: 25 penalty units.\n16 Annual licence fee\nThe annual fee payable for a special function vehicle licence is\n$300.\n\nENDNOTES\nCommercial Passenger (Road) Transport (Special Function Vehicles) Regulations 2003 4\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\nSpecial Function Vehicle Regulations (SL No. 48, 2003)\nNotified 1 October 2003\nCommenced 1 October 2003 (r 2)\nFees and Charges (Transport) Amendment Regulations 2012 (SL No. 45, 2012)\nNotified 14 December 2012\nCommenced 1 January 2013 (r 2)\nPenalties Amendment (Miscellaneous) Act 2013 (Act No. 23, 2013)\nAssent date 12 July 2013\nCommenced 28 August 2013 (Gaz G35, 28 August 2013, p 2)\nCommercial Passenger Vehicle Legislation Amendment Regulations 2017\n(SL No. 34, 2017)\nNotified 29 November 2017\nCommenced 1 December 2017 (r 2)\nTransport Legislation Amendment Regulations 2019 (SL No. 11, 2019)\nNotified 1 July 2019\nCommenced 1 August 2019 (r 2)\nStatute Law Revision Act 2020 (Act No. 26, 2020)\nAssent date 19 November 2020\nCommenced 20 November 2020 (s 2)\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)\n\nENDNOTES\nCommercial Passenger (Road) Transport (Special Function Vehicles) Regulations 2003 5\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, 4 and 14.\n4 LIST OF AMENDMENTS\nr 1 amd Act No. 23, 2025, s 66\nr 4 amd Act No. 23, 2013, s 4; No. 34, 2017, r 61\nr 5 amd Act No. 23, 2013, s 4; No. 34, 2017, r 62\nrr 6 – 8 amd Act No. 23, 2013, s 4\nrep No. 34, 2017, r 63\nr 9 amd Act No. 23, 2013, s 4\nr 10 amd Act No. 23, 2013, s 4; No. 34, 2017, r 64\nr 11 amd Act No. 23, 2013, s 4\nr 12 amd Act No. 23, 2013, s 4\nrep No. 34, 2017, r 65\nr 14 amd Act No. 23, 2013, s 4; Act No. 26, 2020, s 3\nr 16 amd No. 45, 2012, r 14; No. 11, 2019, r 21","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"issue_detection":{"absurdities":[],"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"},"summary":{"complexity_score":4,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The high reprint number (REPC060R10) strongly suggests the regulations have been amended significantly since their original 2003 enactment. The 2026 commencement date further indicates that the current version likely reflects a substantially updated scope compared to the original regulations, though the precise nature of those changes cannot be determined from the metadata alone."},"complexity_factors":["Regulations sit beneath a parent Act, requiring cross-referencing to understand the full legal framework","The unusual combination of a 2003 original date with a 2026 commencement date creates interpretive uncertainty about which provisions are current","High reprint number (REPC060R10) suggests multiple layers of amendments over time, making it harder to track the original versus current intent","Specialised subject matter (special function vehicles) requires understanding of industry-specific licensing and transport law concepts","Limited metadata available makes it difficult to assess full scope without access to the actual regulatory text"],"plain_english_summary":"These regulations set the legal framework for carrying paying passengers in special function vehicles—like limousines or vintage hire cars—in the Northern Territory. They affect operators, drivers and passengers by prescribing licensing, vehicle standards and safety obligations administered by the Department of Logistics and Infrastructure. Although made in 2003, a listed commencement of 21 January 2026 and Reprint No. REPC060R10 indicate recent reprinting or amendment; the regulations are in force."},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":2,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The legislation remains tightly focused on its original purpose of regulating special function vehicles (luxury/party vehicles). While amendments have updated penalty amounts, fees, and removed some regulations (rr 6-8 and 12 were repealed in 2017), the core scope has not expanded beyond basic operational rules for this specific vehicle class."},"complexity_factors":["Only 11 substantive regulations (numbered 1-16 with gaps indicating repealed provisions)","Minimal defined terms (only 3: 'driver', 'hiring', 'operator')","No cross-references to other legislation except a single reference to the Liquor Act 2019 and Motor Vehicles Act 1949","Straightforward prohibitions with flat penalty structures (mostly 25 or 60 penalty units)","No conditional logic, exceptions to exceptions, or nested provisions","Simple administrative requirements (record-keeping, fee payment)"],"plain_english_summary":"These Northern Territory regulations set the rules for **special function vehicles** — think stretch limousines, party buses, or luxury cars hired for weddings, formals, or special events.\n\n**What the rules cover:**\n\n*   **Record-keeping:** Operators must keep written records of every trip, including vehicle details, driver information, and bookings. These must be stored safely at their main business premises and shown to inspectors when asked.\n*   **Pre-booking only:** Unlike taxis, these vehicles cannot be hailed on the street. All trips must be booked in advance with the operator.\n*   **No touting:** Drivers and operators cannot approach people on the street to solicit business.\n*   **Alcohol rules:** Drivers cannot be required to buy alcohol for passengers, and passengers cannot ask drivers to purchase it for them. However, passengers *can* drink alcohol in the vehicle if they bring it themselves and follow the Territory's liquor laws.\n*   **Illegal activities:** Using these vehicles for illegal purposes is banned.\n*   **Licence fees:** Operators pay $300 per year for each vehicle licence.\n\n**Who it affects:** Companies and drivers operating luxury or novelty passenger vehicles for hire in the Northern Territory.\n\n**Why it matters:** These rules distinguish special function vehicles from taxis and rideshares, ensuring they operate by appointment only while maintaining safety and accountability through record-keeping and conduct standards."},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":3,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"Yes. Endnotes and the List of amendments show later amendments and repeals that altered penalties, fee levels and removed or renumbered provisions (see Act No. 23, 2013; No. 45, 2012; No. 34, 2017; No. 11, 2019). Those changes adjust compliance duties and costs for operators and drivers."},"complexity_factors":["Narrow subject-matter (only 'special function' passenger vehicles) reduces breadth but focuses obligations.","Mandatory record-keeping and production duties with substantial penalties (r4: maximum 60 penalty units; r5: maximum 60 penalty units).","Operational prohibitions and pre-booking requirement create clear behavioural constraints on drivers and operators (rr9–11,13–15).","Director discretion to request information and set licence conditions increases compliance uncertainty (r4(1)(e); r5).","Cross-references to external statutes for driver licence details and lawful alcohol consumption (Motor Vehicles Act 1949; Liquor Act 2019) require checking other regimes.","Fixed annual fee and amendment history affect cost and administrative burden over time (r16; List of amendments)."],"plain_english_summary":"**Summary:** These regulations set operational rules for Northern Territory \"special function\" passenger vehicles: operators must keep records and supply information to the Director on request (r4–5); drivers may only take pre-booked hires and must not ply, tout or solicit (r9–11). The rules bar drivers or operators buying alcohol for passengers but permit passenger consumption where allowed by liquor law (r13–14). The Director can require extra record details and the annual licence fee is $300 (r4(1)(e); r16)."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/commercial-passenger-road-transport-special-function-vehicles-regulations-2003","history":"/api/acts/commercial-passenger-road-transport-special-function-vehicles-regulations-2003/history","analysis":"/api/acts/commercial-passenger-road-transport-special-function-vehicles-regulations-2003/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/commercial-passenger-road-transport-special-function-vehicles-regulations-2003/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/commercial-passenger-road-transport-special-function-vehicles-regulations-2003/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/commercial-passenger-road-transport-special-function-vehicles-regulations-2003/documents"}}