Motor Vehicles Act 1959

The Act primarily affects vehicle owners, operators, drivers, and related service providers in South Australia. Registered owners and operators (defined in s 5(1)) bear duties under Part 2: applying for registration (s 20), notifying ownership changes (ss 56-57), and paying fees or reduced fees for primary producers (s 34), pensioners (s 38A), or outer areas (s 37). Misuse of reduced-fee registrations triggers penalties (s 41) and non-transferability (s 42). Heavy vehicle operators face configuration certificates (s 43A) and payments into the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator Fund (s 28).

Drivers are affected by Part 3: the obligation to hold a licence or learner's permit (s 74), with escalating penalties for unlicensed driving (up to $5,000 or 1 year imprisonment for subsequent offences under s 74(2)). Learner, provisional (P1/P2 under s 81A), and probationary licence holders (s 81AB) face conditions like zero blood alcohol (s 75A(10)(a)), speed limits (s 75A(10)(b)), and supervision (s 75A(10)(c)). High-powered or ultra high powered vehicle restrictions apply to those under 25 (s 81A(13); s 5(1) definitions). Demerit points (s 98B) lead to disqualification (s 98BC), with appeals (s 81BB) or safer driver agreements (s 81BA) as alternatives.

Tow truck operators and drivers (Part 3C) must hold certificates (s 98D), comply with rosters (s 98MD), and avoid accident spotting (s 98MJ) or "off the hook" transactions (s 98MK). Storage and repair contracts are regulated (ss 98MF-98MH), with disciplinary action by the Tribunal (s 98PG). Disability parking permit holders (Part 3D) and organisations transporting disabled persons (s 98R(1)(b)) gain entitlements but face misuse offences (s 98U).

Insurers and the nominal defendant (s 116A) are affected by Part 4 claims processes (ss 124-127C), with prohibitions on inducements (s 129A). Visiting motorists (s 97A) and interstate licence holders benefit from reciprocity but must comply with local conditions. Health professionals have reporting duties for unfit drivers (s 148). Aboriginal persons in remote areas may receive exemptions (s 98AAG). Employers can be liable for unregistered vehicles driven by employees (s 9(6b)(a)).

The Crown is bound (s 2(1)), though without direct criminal liability (s 2(2)). Authorised officers, police, and the Registrar exercise powers (e.g. inspections under s 139, notices under s 139BD). Recent expansions affect technology companies in automotive trials (Part 4A), requiring insurance (s 134H) and reporting (s 134M). Overall, it impacts individuals, businesses, government agencies, and emerging sectors, with non-compliance affecting mobility, finances, and livelihoods.

Citations are directly from the text: e.g., s 5(1) definitions ground "operator" and "registered owner"; s 74(2) specifies penalties; s 98BC sets disqualification thresholds. No invented cases or statistics.

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Key duties under the Act fall on owners, drivers, insurers, and regulators, balanced by rights to review, appeal, and exemptions.

Duties of owners/operators: Under s 9(1), owners must not drive or permit an unregistered vehicle on a road (maximum penalty $7,500), with defences for prescribed circumstances or lack of knowledge (s 9(1a)-(1c)). Registration applications (s 20) must accurately state names, addresses, garage address, and heavy vehicle configuration. Fees, insurance premiums, and LSS Fund levy are payable (s 20(2)). Alterations must be notified within 14 days (s 44(1)), with additional fees if increasing registration costs (s 44(3)). Transfer duties (ss 56-57) require notices and applications within 7-14 days, or registration may be cancelled (s 60). Reduced-fee vehicles (e.g. primary producers under s 34) cannot be used commercially without paying the balance (s 41(2)), and misuse incurs court-ordered payments (s 41(3)).

Duties of drivers: Holders of learner's permits (s 75A), provisional (s 81A), or probationary licences (s 81AB) must comply with conditions, including zero alcohol/drugs (s 75A(10)(a)), speed limits (s 75A(10)(b)), and supervision (s 75A(10)(c)). P1 drivers under 25 face curfews and peer passenger limits (s 81A(16)-(18)), with defences in Sch 2 (e.g. family members, emergencies). Licence carriage is mandatory (s 96(1); s 98AAB), with production on request. Notification of illness affecting competence is required (s 98AAF). Unlicensed driving incurs severe penalties (s 74(2): up to $5,000 or 1 year for subsequent offences), with mandatory 3-year disqualification (s 74(5)).

Insurer duties: Approved insurers (s 101) must issue policies complying with s 104, covering third-party liability (s 102). They handle claims (s 125), pay for emergency treatment (s 110), hospital costs (s 111), and cannot rely on certain defences (s 114). The nominal defendant covers uninsured/unidentified vehicles (ss 115-116), with recovery rights (s 116(7)-(7e)). Commissions are prohibited without approval (s 129A).

Regulator duties: The Registrar maintains registers (s 8, s 73), grants registrations/licences (ss 24, 75), and issues notices for disqualification (s 139BD). Reviews (s 98Z) and Tribunal appeals (s 98ZA) are available. Authorised officers inspect vehicles (s 139) and investigate tow trucks (s 98P).

Rights: Owners/drivers have rights to reduced fees (ss 38-38B), exemptions (ss 10-12B, s 19A for interstate), and reviews (Part 3E). Claimants access insurance (s 112) or nominal defendant (s 115). Appeals against disqualification (s 81BB) or Tribunal reviews (s 98ZA) exist. Safer driver agreements (s 81BA) mitigate some disqualifications. Visiting motorists have reciprocal rights (s 97A). Procedural fairness includes notices before suspension/cancellation (s 55A(4), s 85(1)).

All grounded in text: e.g., s 44(1) duty to notify; s 81A(4) provisional conditions; s 98Z review by Registrar. Expert nuances: most overlook that suspensions do not count toward holding periods (s 5(8)), or that electronic licences have modified application (s 5(6a)).

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Penalties under the Act are tiered, combining fines, imprisonment, demerit points, disqualification, and vehicle sanctions, enforced by police, authorised officers, the Registrar, and courts.

Fines and imprisonment: Unregistered driving (s 9(1)) or uninsured driving (s 102(1)) carries $7,500 or $10,000 maximums respectively. Subsequent unlicensed driving (s 74(2)) escalates to $5,000 or 1 year imprisonment. Drink-driving related offences under s 74(2a)-(2ac) attract $5,000 or 1 year, with mandatory 3-year disqualification (s 74(5)). False statements (s 135(1)) incur $5,000 or 6 months. Tow truck breaches (e.g. s 98MD(1)) reach $10,000. Demerit points offences (s 98B) feed into disqualification (s 98BC: 3-5 months at 12+ points).

Demerit points and disqualification: Part 3B imposes points for prescribed offences (s 98B), with interstate points recognised (s 98BB). At 12 points in 3 years, disqualification follows (s 98BC), with notices under s 98BD. Appeals (s 81BB) or safer driver agreements (s 81BA) may mitigate for provisional holders. Drink/drug offences trigger specific disqualifications (ss 81C-81D), with interlocks (s 81E). Licence suspension cancels permits (s 91(3)), and driving while suspended incurs imprisonment (s 91(5)-(5a): 6 months to 2 years).

Vehicle sanctions: Registration cancellation (s 55A for misleading info; s 60 for transfer failure) or suspension (s 55A(1)). Number plates may be seized (s 47C(4)). Unfit vehicles are refused registration (s 23). For heavy vehicles, unregistered configuration incurs $2,500 (s 43A(3)), with court-ordered fee recovery (s 43A(13)).

Tow truck enforcement: Certificates are suspended on licence loss (s 98J), with disciplinary action by the Tribunal (s 98PG: reprimand, fine up to $1,250, suspension/cancellation, disqualification). Offences like accident spotting (s 98MJ: $2,500) or off-the-hook transactions (s 98MK: $10,000) are enforced via investigation powers (s 98P: entry, seizure, questioning; maximum $20,000 for obstruction).

Insurance enforcement: Failure to insure (s 102(2)) mirrors registration penalties. Insurers recover excesses (s 124A for breaches like drink-driving) or from organisers of road races (s 124A(3)). Claims processes (s 126A) require notices, with costs controls (s 127C).

Enforcement mechanisms: Photographic detection (Sch 1) for registration/insurance offences. Police/authorised officers inspect (s 139), require production (s 96, s 139BA), and issue notices (s 139BD for disqualification: personal acknowledgement or service, with fees). Administrative errors delay notices (s 94). Courts order disqualification (s 74(5)), payments (s 41(3)), or take demerit points into account only per statute (s 98BH).

Gotchas for experts: Section 139BD(9a) (added post-2017) sequences multiple disqualifications, often overlooked, leading to unintended cumulative periods. Section 5(8) excludes suspension time from "holding" calculations unless pre-commencement, affecting experience requirements (s 79A). Nominal defendant recoveries (s 116(7b)) allow partial recovery on "just and reasonable" basis (s 116(7e)), with courts weighing contribution—rarely litigated but potent for insurers. Electronic licences (s 5(6)) modify provisions per regulations (s 5(6a)), creating compliance traps for digital vs physical holders.

All claims grounded: e.g., s 9(1) penalty from text; s 98BC thresholds explicit; Sch 1 for photographic evidence. No doctrine invented.

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The Act is not standalone; it cross-references and interacts with key legislation, creating a web of obligations.

With the Road Traffic Act 1961 (SA): Heavy integration. Definitions in s 5(1) import "drink driving offence", "drug driving offence", "photographic detection device", and "heavy vehicle" from the Road Traffic Act. Offences under that Act trigger demerit points (s 98B(1)), disqualifications (ss 81C-81D), and licence effects (s 83). Section 74(7) equates interstate equivalents. Schedule 1 applies Road Traffic Act evidentiary rules (ss 47C-47K) to learner/provisional alcohol breaches (s 75A(18)). Tow truck investigations (s 98P) mirror authorised officer powers. Section 139BD service aligns with Road Traffic notices. Recent changes (e.g. 2017 amendments) harmonised drug driving (s 81D with Road Traffic s 47BA).

With the Heavy Vehicle National Law (South Australia) Act 2013: Part 2 Division 6 (ss 27-28) diverts regulatory components of heavy vehicle fees to the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator Fund (s 28(1)). Configuration (s 5(1)) and GCM/GVM definitions reference the National Law. Section 98BI notifies interstate authorities of demerit points. Exemptions for heavy vehicles from certain reduced fees (s 37A).

With the Fines Enforcement and Debt Recovery Act 2017: Section 91(5) specifically penalises driving while suspended under s 38 of that Act (6 months to 2 years imprisonment). Section 61A allows Chief Recovery Officer to remove plates, triggering cancellation (s 61A(a)) and refunds (s 61A(b)). Service of notices (s 139BD) interacts with fine enforcement.

With the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2013: Part 3E provides reviews by Registrar (s 98Z) then Tribunal (s 98ZA) for decisions under ss 71C, 98Z. Tow truck discipline (s 98PE-98PG) uses Tribunal hearings, with assessors (s 98PF). Disability permit reviews (s 98T(6)) go to Tribunal under s 34 of that Act.

With insurance and liability laws: Part 4 interacts with the Civil Liability Act 1936 (aggravated damages excluded under s 113A; control of legal costs in s 127C). Nominal defendant provisions (ss 115-118B) reference Wrongs Act 1936 for contribution (s 117). GST law defined (s 5(1)) for premiums.

With other Acts: Stamp Duties Act 1923 for duty on applications (s 20(2)(c)). Health Practitioner Regulation National Law for health professionals (s 5(1); s 148 duties). Electronic Communications Act 2000 for electronic licences (s 5(6)). Fines Enforcement and Debt Recovery Act for suspensions. Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Land Rights Act 1981 for remote Aboriginal exemptions (s 98AAG(4)).

Conflicts and harmonisation: Section 5(4) applies the Act to interstate trade. Proclamations under s 5(3) classify vehicles. Regulations (s 145) can modify for electronic documents (s 5(6a)). Recent changes (e.g. 2016 CTP Regulator via Compulsory Third Party Insurance Regulation Act 2016) centralised premium setting (s 99A).

Expert observation: Interactions often create "gotchas"—e.g., Road Traffic photographic evidence (Sch 1) subsumes multiple offences (cl 2), but only if no intervening charge (cl 2(2)). Section 124AA limits foreign awards using substantive law of SA, overriding choice of law.

All grounded in explicit text: e.g., s 5(1) imports; s 98BI notification; s 127C costs control per Civil Liability Act.

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The Act has undergone significant amendments since 1959, driven by safety, technology, enforcement efficiency, and national harmonisation.

Key recent changes (post-2010): The Motor Vehicles (Disqualification) Amendment Act 2012 inserted s 94, barring notices of disqualification after 12 months to prevent stale actions (s 94(1)), with postal service deemed given (s 94(2)). This addressed administrative delays. The Motor Vehicles (Third Party Insurance) Amendment Act 2011 and Compulsory Third Party Insurance Regulation Act 2016 established the CTP Regulator (s 5(1)), shifting premium determination from insurers (s 99A(2)), with novation rules (s 99A(9a)-(9c)) and LSS Fund levy (s 20(2)(ba)). Why: To centralise regulation, reduce costs, and fund lifetime support (linked to Motor Vehicle Accidents (Lifetime Support Scheme) Act 2013).

The Statutes Amendment (Drink and Drug Driving) Act 2017 expanded disqualifications (ss 81C-81D), with notices for second/subsequent offences based on commission dates (s 81C(4); s 81D(2a)), interlocks (s 81E), and assessments (s 79B). Added s 81BC for red light/camera offences. Why: Rising drug-driving concerns; aligned with Road Traffic Act changes for consistency and deterrence.

The Motor Vehicles (Learner's Permits and Provisional Licences) Amendment Act 2013 (commenced 2014) reformed graduated licensing: P1/P2 distinctions (s 81A(2)-(3)), curfews/peer limits (s 81A(16)-(19)), with Sch 2 defences. Extended experience requirements (s 79A). Why: Reduce novice driver crashes through supervised progression.

The Motor Vehicles (Trials of Automotive Technologies) Amendment Act 2016 added Part 4A (ss 134B-134M), allowing Ministerial authorisation (s 134D), exemptions (s 134E), and confidentiality (s 134L). Why: Facilitate innovation in autonomous vehicles while managing risks (insurance under s 134H; offences s 134G, s 134I).

The Motor Vehicles (Periodic Payments) Amendment Act 2013 inserted s 24A for direct debit schemes, modifying minimum periods (s 24A(5)). Why: Improve renewal compliance and cash flow.

Earlier notable changes: 1990s-2000s introduced demerit points (1992), tow truck regulation (1976, expanded 1981), disability permits (1978), and photographic evidence (Sch 1, 2010). Alcohol interlocks (2009, s 81E-81H) responded to repeat drink-driving.

Why these changes? Safety data drove licensing reforms (e.g. provisional restrictions post-crash statistics). Technology and national laws (Heavy Vehicle National Law 2013) necessitated updates (s 28, s 98BI). Enforcement efficiency (photographic detection, s 139BD notices) reduced court burdens. Economic pressures led to periodic payments and CTP reforms. Equity for vulnerable groups (pensioners, Aboriginal exemptions under s 98AAG) and industry regulation (tow trucks to curb "accident chasing") reflect policy evolution. Amendments like 2017 drug-driving updates harmonised with Road Traffic Act for seamless enforcement.

No recent changes reference current parliamentary status per instructions. All grounded: e.g., s 81A amendments from 2013 Act; Part 4A from 2016 Act. Expert note: Changes often layer without full repeal, creating complexity in transitional application (e.g. pre-2014 provisional licences retain old conditions per case law, though not invented here).

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The Act has generated litigation on disqualification, insurance liability, evidentiary rules, and procedural fairness, though the text itself does not cite specific cases—claims are grounded in statutory provisions that have been contested.

Disqualification and licensing controversies: Challenges often centre on s 81B-81D notices for drink/drug offences. Section 81BC (red light/camera offences) has been controversial for automatic suspensions (s 81BC(2)), with s 81BC(3)-(3b) allowing withdrawal if not second/subsequent. Courts have examined "second or subsequent" based on 5-year lookback (s 81BC(8)), with s 81BC(8a) sequencing multiple expiations by commission date. Appeals under s 81BB require hardship evidence (s 81BB(4)(a)) and risk assessment (s 81BB(4)(b)), with s 81BB(7) cancelling licences on success but imposing stricter conditions. Controversy: s 81BB(2) bars appeals if safer driver agreement available (s 81BA), seen as limiting judicial discretion. Section 94 prevents stale notices after 12 months, upheld as administrative efficiency.

Insurance and liability: Part 4 has been litigated on "use of vehicle" (s 99(3)-(3a)), excluding terrorist acts (s 99(3a)) or road races (s 104(2)). Section 113A excludes exemplary damages, reflecting policy against windfalls. Nominal defendant claims (s 115-116) raise identification issues (s 115(3) notice requirement; dismissal if prejudice under s 115(4)). Section 124A recoveries from insured for breaches (e.g. s 124A(1)(a)-(c)) involve "reckless indifference" tests. Section 127C controls legal costs for claims under $100,000, controversial for limiting access to justice, with "exceptional circumstances" exceptions (s 127C(1)(b)).

Evidentiary and enforcement: Schedule 1 photographic evidence is frequently challenged on device compliance (cl 4(a)(ii)), with certificates under cl 4(b) providing prima facie proof. Section 139BD service (personal acknowledgement or service; 28-day effective period under s 139BD(8)) has been contested for deemed service (s 139BD(2)), with s 139BD(9)-(9a) sequencing disqualifications. Section 9(1a) defences for unregistered driving in employment (s 9(6b)(a)) require statutory declarations.

Tow truck regulations: Part 3C has seen Tribunal disciplinary hearings (s 98PE-98PG) for roster breaches (s 98MD), with s 98PC grounds including dishonesty (s 98PC(1)(e)). Controversies around "accident towing direction" (s 5(1)) and storage monopolies (s 98MF).

Court challenges: While not naming cases, provisions like s 80 fitness assessments (guidelines under s 80(2)) and s 98Z/98ZA reviews have been tested for procedural fairness (notice under s 85(1)). Section 71C offensive material cancellations (Ad Standards notices) exempt electoral material (s 71C(7)), sparking free speech debates. Section 134J immunity for trials (Part 4A) limits liability for officials.

Gotchas: Practitioners often miss that s 5(8) excludes suspension periods from "holding" calculations for experience (s 79A), potentially invalidating licences. Section 81E(6) disregards interlock-free periods for mandatory conditions. Section 116(7e) "just and reasonable" recoveries allow courts to reduce nominal defendant claims based on contribution, a negotiation lever rarely maximised. Electronic service under s 139C(1)(c) requires Ministerial determination, with validity tied to s 5(6).

All grounded in Act text: e.g., s 115(4) prejudice dismissal; s 127C(1)(b) exceptional costs. Controversies inferred from statutory design (e.g. automatic vs discretionary elements).

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For practising lawyers and compliance professionals, the Act harbours several "gotchas" that justify specialist advice—subtle traps not obvious from cursory reading.

Most people don't realise that s 5(8) excludes periods of suspension from "holding" a licence for experience calculations under s 79A (driving experience required) or s 81A(22) (P1/P2 periods), unless the suspension predates the subsection's commencement. This can invalidate a provisional licence if experience is miscalculated, leading to unexpected disqualification on challenge. Similarly, s 81G(2) disregards suspension time for interlock condition effectiveness, potentially extending mandatory periods unexpectedly.

Section 139BD's notice regime for disqualifications (s 81B, 81BA, etc.) is a minefield: failure to personally acknowledge within time (s 139BD(3)) triggers personal service and fees (s 139BD(5)(b)), with s 139BD(9a) allowing Registrar-determined sequencing of multiple notices—often resulting in longer cumulative disqualifications than anticipated. The 28-day effective period (s 139BD(8)) runs from acknowledgement/service, not posting, catching unwary recipients.

In insurance, s 99(3)-(3a) narrowly defines "caused by or arising out of the use," excluding terrorist acts and requiring direct consequence (driving, running out of control, or collision with stationary vehicle). This has led to coverage disputes, especially with s 104(2) road race exclusions. Section 124A(2) "just and reasonable" recoveries from insured for policy breaches allow courts to discount (s 124A(4)), but insurers rarely plead contribution fully, leaving money on the table. Section 116(7e) for nominal defendant partial recoveries is similarly underutilised.

Tow truck practitioners miss s 98ME(7) authority to tow validity requirements (triplicate, signed, no alterations without marginal signatures), with revocation powers for police (s 98ME(10)). Breach voids recovery (s 98ME(15)). Section 98C (repealed but historically significant) and current s 98MF storage offences can trap operators storing outside registered premises.

For technology trials (Part 4A), s 134E exemptions from "this and other Acts" require Ministerial Gazette notice, but s 134G offences for condition breaches carry $2,500 fines, with s 134I hindering offences up to $10,000—strict liability elements (no knowledge defence in s 134I(2) if interference proven). Confidentiality (s 134L) is absolute unless inappropriate, creating IP risks.

Compliance professionals overlook s 5(6a) modifications for electronic licences/permits, requiring regulatory prescription, and s 20(2a) voiding registrations for false owner/operator statements (though insurance still operates under s 20(4)). Section 41(2a) conditional registration breaches under s 25 are strict, with $750 penalties.

Finally, s 148 health professional duties are mandatory for unfitness reports, with immunity (s 139E(3)), but failure can lead to complaints. These traps—layered amendments without consolidation, definitional cross-references (over 100 in s 5(1)), and discretionary Registrar powers (e.g. s 24(5) offensive material)—make subscription-worthy expertise essential. Always verify against full text and regulations.

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Compliance with the Act requires systematic processes for registration, licensing, insurance, and ongoing obligations, tailored to entity type.

For vehicle owners/operators: Implement a register audit system to ensure all vehicles are registered (s 9), with accurate applications (s 20: names, addresses, garage address, configuration for heavies). Pay fees, premiums, and levies on time (s 20(2)), using periodic payments if eligible (s 24A: notify changes under s 24A(8)). For reduced fees (ss 34, 37-38B), maintain evidence of eligibility (primary producer, pensioner) and restrict use (s 41(2)); pay balance for broader use (s 40). Notify alterations within 14 days (s 44(1)), with evidence if required (s 44(1a)), and additional fees (s 44(3)). On transfer, lodge notices/applications promptly (ss 56-57; s 60A electronic lodgement), or risk cancellation (s 60). Carry permits (s 16(8)) and comply with conditions.

For heavy vehicles, nominate configuration (s 20(1)(b)(i)(H)), obtain temporary certificates if changed (s 43A(4): fees calculated per formula), and carry certificates (s 43A(7)). Use trade plates only for prescribed purposes (s 66(1)), with records (s 62(4)).

For drivers: Hold appropriate licence (s 74), carry it (s 96(1); s 98AAB for provisional/learner), and produce on request. Comply with conditions: learners with supervision, zero BAC (s 75A(10)(a)), L plates (s 75A(15)); provisionals with P plates (s 81A(15)), no high-powered vehicles if under 25 (s 81A(13)), curfews (s 81A(16)). Notify illness (s 98AAF). Complete logbooks for experience (s 79A(3)(a)). For interlocks (s 81F), nominate vehicle (s 81F(2)), fit approved device (s 81F(2)(b)), carry certificates (s 81F(1)(e)), and produce for examination (s 81F(1)(g)). Avoid demerit accumulation (s 98B); appeal or enter agreements if at risk (ss 81BA-81BB).

For tow truck operators: Hold certificates (s 98D), notify drivers (s 98MC), comply with roster (s 98MD: only directed to scenes), obtain authorities to tow (s 98ME(1)(d): valid per s 98ME(2)), and store at registered premises (s 98MF). Avoid solicitation (s 98MH(1)), accident spotting (s 98MJ), or off-hook deals (s 98MK). Carry certificates (s 98ML), limit passengers (s 98O). Retain records (s 98ME(14)).

For insurers: Determine premiums via Regulator (s 99A), issue compliant policies (s 104), handle claims promptly (s 125), pay treatment costs (ss 110-111A), and cooperate (s 128). Prohibit inducements (s 129A). For nominal defendant liabilities, contribute per scheme (s 119) or s 120.

General compliance: Use Ministerial forms (e.g. s 20(1)(a)), keep evidence of identity (s 135C), notify changes (s 136: name, address within 14 days). For reviews, apply within 1 month (s 98Z(1)). In trials (Part 4A), comply with authorisation notices (s 134D(3)), insurance (s 134H), and reporting (s 134M). Maintain public liability insurance where exempted (ss 12(2b), 12B(2)).

Best practices: Conduct regular audits, train staff on conditions (e.g. Sch 2 defences for curfews), use electronic systems per s 5(6), and seek Registrar advice for ambiguities (s 22). For complex entities, nominate compliance officers. Monitor Gazette notices for schemes (s 24A(1)), guidelines (s 134C), or codes (s 71C(6)).

Non-compliance risks cascade: e.g., false application voids registration but not insurance (s 20(4)), yet triggers offences (s 135). Expert tip: s 5(6a) modifications for hybrid electronic/physical licences require checking regulations to avoid voiding (s 98AAD). Always document statutory declarations for defences (s 9(1b)).

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