34Procedures for suspension and cancellation of registration

34 Procedures for suspension and cancellation of registration

(1) If the registration authority decides to suspend the registration of a heavy vehicle, the authority must give the registered operator notice in writing of: (a) the reasons for the suspension; and (b) the date on which the registration is to be suspended; and (c) the action to be taken by the registered operator in order to avoid the suspension or to have the suspension removed. (2) The registration authority must not cancel the registration of a heavy vehicle, except at the request of the registered operator, unless the registration authority: (a) has suspended the registration and believes that a reason for the suspension still exists; and (b) has served notice on the registered operator that: (i) advises the registered operator that the authority has decided to cancel the registration of the vehicle and gives the reasons for the decision; and (ii) specifies requirements that must be met if the cancellation is to be avoided; and (iii) states that, if those requirements are not met within 14 days after the date specified in the notice for that purpose, the cancellation will then take effect; and (iv) advises the registered operator of the right to apply for an internal review and an external review of the decision. (3) If the requirements stated in the notice are not met within the period specified in the notice, the registration of the vehicle is cancelled at the end of that period. (4) As soon as practicable after cancellation of the registration of a heavy vehicle, the registered operator must: (a) destroy the registration label for the vehicle; and (b) if required to do so by the registration authority, return the vehicle’s registration certificate and number plates to the authority or an agent nominated by the authority within 14 days of the date specified in a written notice from the authority requesting their return.