Road Safety (Vehicles) Regulations 2021

2 Authorising provision

These Regulations are made under section 95 of the Road Safety Act 1986.

3 Commencement

These Regulations come into operation on 30 September 2021.

4 Revocation

The Road Safety (Vehicles) Interim Regulations 2020[1] are revoked.

Division 2—Interpretation

5 Definitions

In these Regulations—

administrative fee means a fee charged by the Secretary under section 97A of the Act;

adopted standard means a standard, other than an ADR, that is adopted, applied or incorporated by the Vehicle Standards;

Clause 51(2)(c)(i) of Schedule 1 applies Australian Standard AS 1973–1976 Retreaded Pneumatic Passenger Car and Light Truck Tyre.

ADR 83/00 means the third edition ADR titled "Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 83/00—External Noise) 2005" made under the Motor Vehicle Standards Act and published from time to time by the Commonwealth Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications;

The ADR 83/00 is available from www.infrastructure.gov.au/vehicles/design/adr_online.aspx.

ADR 13/00 means the third edition ADR titled "Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 13/00—Installation of Lighting and Light Signalling Devices on other than
L-Group Vehicles) 2005" made under the Motor Vehicle Standards Act and published from time to time by the Commonwealth Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications;

The ADR 13/00 is available from www.infrastructure.gov.au/vehicles/design/adr_online.aspx.

ADR (Definitions and Vehicle Categories) means the third edition ADR titled "Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule—Definitions and Vehicle Categories) 2005" made under the Motor Vehicle Standards Act and published from time to time by the Commonwealth Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications;

The ADR (Definitions and Vehicle
Categories) is available from www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2021C00095.

AFSA certificate means an alternative fuel systems assessment certificate issued by an authorised vehicle inspector that—

(a) specifies the components of the vehicle inspected; and

(b) certifies that—

(i) the vehicle has been inspected; and

(ii) the vehicle complies with the applicable standards for registration;

agricultural combination means a combination that includes at least one agricultural vehicle;

agricultural implement means—

(a) a vehicle without its own motive power, not designed to carry a load and used exclusively to perform agricultural tasks; or

(b) an agricultural trailer;

agricultural machine means a vehicle with its own motive power, built to perform agricultural tasks;

agricultural task includes the following—

(a) the cultivation of land, including the growing and harvesting of crops;

(b) the rearing of livestock;

(c) commercial fishing;

agricultural trailer means a trailer designed to carry a load and used exclusively to perform agricultural tasks, but does not include—

(a) a semi-trailer; or

(b) a trailer to which regulation 22(g) applies;

agricultural vehicle means an agricultural implement or agricultural machine;

agricultural vehicle area of operation means an area declared under regulation 8(1)(a) as an agricultural vehicle area of operation;

air brake means an air-operated or air-assisted brake;

air storage tank, of a vehicle, means a tank fitted to the vehicle for storing compressed air;

Airservices Australia means the body called Airservices Australia established under section 7 of the Air Services Act 1995 of the Commonwealth;

annual adjustment factor means the factor calculated in accordance with clause 10 of Schedule 3;

annual registration fee, in relation to a vehicle to which Schedule 3 applies, means the fee which is payable in respect of a particular financial year for the registration or renewal of registration of the vehicle;

approved application form means a form approved by the Secretary under regulation 16;

approved body means a body declared under regulation 8(1)(e);

approved club means a vehicle club approved under regulation 170;

approved form means a form approved by the Secretary under regulation 19;

articulated bus means a bus consisting of more than one rigid section with passenger access between the sections and the sections connected to one another so as to allow rotary movement between the sections;

association means an association incorporated under the Associations Incorporation Reform Act 2012;

ATM (aggregate trailer mass), of a trailer, means the total maximum mass of the trailer, as stated by the manufacturer, together with the trailer's load and the mass imposed on the towing vehicle by the trailer when the towing vehicle and trailer are on a horizontal surface;

Australian Border Force has the same meaning as in section 4(1) of the Australian Border Force Act 2015 of the Commonwealth;

Australian Border Force vehicle means a vehicle driven by an Immigration and Border Protection worker in the course of that person's work for the Australian Border Force;

Australian court means any court or tribunal of a State or a Territory;

Australian Design Rule (ADR) means national rules in relation to the design and construction of vehicles that are incorporated in a document described as an Australian Design Rule and includes—

(a) a second edition ADR; and

(b) a third edition ADR;

authorised officer has the same meaning as authorised officer for the purposes of this section has in section 13(6) of the Act;

authorised person means a person authorised under regulation 10;

authorised vehicle inspector means a person authorised under regulation 11;

axle group means—

(a) a single axle group; or

(b) a tandem axle group; or

(c) a twinsteer axle group; or

(d) a tri-axle group; or

(e) a quad-axle group; or

(f) an oversize tri-axle group;

B-double combination means a combination consisting of a prime mover towing 2 semi‑trailers;

B-double lead trailer means a semi-trailer that is nominated for use as the lead trailer in a B‑double combination;

B-triple combination means a combination consisting of a prime mover towing 3 semi‑trailers;

B-triple lead trailer means a semi-trailer that is nominated for use as the lead trailer in a B‑triple combination;

B-triple middle trailer means a semi-trailer that is nominated for use as the second trailer in a B-triple combination;

base fee means*—*

(a) in the case of a vehicle to which Schedule 3 applies, the annual registration fee (within the meaning of that Schedule) applicable to that kind of vehicle; or

(b) in the case of any other vehicle, the base registration fee imposed by section 9(2) of the Act;

benevolent organisation means—

(a) a benevolent or religious institution; or

(b) a charitable association or corporation—

the principal purpose of which is to provide assistance to the community or animals but does not include an organisation that operates for profit;

bicycle carrier means a device that can be attached to the rear of a motor vehicle to enable one or more bicycles to be carried by the vehicle, but does not include a trailer;

braking system, of a vehicle, means all the brakes of the vehicle and all the components of the mechanisms by which they are operated;

British Standard means a standard approved for publication on behalf of the British Standards Institution;

Copies of British Standards are available for purchase from Standards Australia at www.standards.org.au.

British Standards Institution means the institution of that name established under Royal Charter in the United Kingdom;

bus means a motor vehicle built mainly to carry people and that seats over 9 adults (including the driver);

bus (type 1) means a rigid bus that has 2 axles and an MRC not exceeding 12 tonnes;

bus (type 2) means—

(a) a rigid bus that has 2 axles and an MRC exceeding 12 tonnes; or

(b) a rigid bus that has 3 or 4 axles;

car means a motor vehicle built mainly to carry people that—

(a) seats not more than 9 adults (including the driver); and

(b) has a body commonly known as a sedan, station wagon, coupe, convertible or roadster; and

(c) has 4 or more wheels;

centre line, in relation to an axle, means—

(a) in the case of an axle consisting of one shaft, a line parallel to the length of the axle and passing through its centre; or

(b) in the case of an axle consisting of 2 shafts, a line that is in the vertical plane passing through the centre of both shafts and that passes through the centres of the wheels on the shafts;

centre of the axle group means—

(a) a line located midway between the centre lines of the outermost axles of the group; or

(b) if the group consists of 2 axles, one of which is fitted with twice the number of tyres as the other axle—a line located one third of the way from the centre line of the axle with more tyres towards the centre line of the axle with fewer tyres;

Figure 1: Illustration showing the centre of a typical tandem axle group fitted with equal numbers of tyres on each axle.

Figure 2: Illustration showing the centre of a typical tandem axle group fitted with unequal numbers of tyres on each axle.

Figure 3: Illustration showing the centre of a tri-axle group.

certificate of approved operations means a certificate issued in respect of a vehicle in accordance with regulation 33 or 187;

certificate of roadworthiness means a certificate issued under Division 5 of Part 6;

certificate of vehicle identity means a certificate issued by an authorised vehicle inspector in respect of a vehicle—

(a) certifying that the vehicle has been inspected; and

(b) verifying the vehicle particulars for the vehicle;

class O field bin combination means a class O field bin that is being towed by a light vehicle or a tractor that has a GVM of less than 4⋅5 tonnes;

class O notice means a notice published by the Secretary under regulation 221;

class O permit means a permit issued by the Secretary under regulation 223;

class O vehicle has the meaning given in regulation 219;

club eligible vehicle means—

(a) a vehicle manufactured more than 25 years before the date of an application under regulation 175(2); or

(b) a replica of a vehicle described in paragraph (a);

club log book means a log book issued by the Secretary under regulation 181(b);

club member means a current member of an approved club;

club permit means a permit issued by the Secretary under regulation 177;

club permit label means a label issued by the Secretary under regulation 181(a);

club permit period means the period specified in regulation 180(1);

conspicuity marking has the same meaning as in ADR 13/00;

converter dolly means a trailer with one axle group or single axle and a fifth wheel coupling, designed to convert a semi-trailer into a dog trailer;

corporation particulars, of a corporation, means—

(a) the name of the corporation; and

(b) the Australian Company Number or Australian Registered Body Number (if applicable); and

(c) the Indigenous Corporation Number (if applicable); and

(d) evidence of incorporation (if applicable); and

(e) the business address of the corporation; and

(f) the address for service of notices, if this is different from the business address; and

(g) the corporation's telephone number and email address;

corresponding registration authority means a person or body appointed under the law of another jurisdiction that has responsibility for the registration of vehicles in that jurisdiction;

Council means the Transport and Infrastructure Council (which consists of Ministers) or any successor body;

current certificate of roadworthiness means a certificate of roadworthiness issued not more than 30 days previously;

customer number, in relation to a registered operator, means a numeric identifier specified by the Secretary that uniquely identifies the registered operator;

daylight means the period in a day from sunrise to sunset;

dealer means a licensed motor car trader within the meaning of the Motor Car Traders Act 1986;

diesel engine means an engine that works on the compression-ignition principle, and which operates on automotive diesel fuel;

dog trailer means a trailer, including a trailer consisting of a semi-trailer and converter dolly, with—

(a) one axle group or single axle at the front that is steered by connection to the towing vehicle by a drawbar; and

(b) one axle group or single axle at the rear;

drawbar means a part of a trailer, other than a semi-trailer, that connects the trailer body to a coupling for towing purposes;

electric-powered vehicle means a vehicle that is powered by one or more electric motors or traction motors that are—

(a) the only propulsion system for the vehicle; or

(b) used in conjunction with another propulsion system for the vehicle;

electric vehicle means a motor vehicle that—

(a) uses one or more electric motors for propulsion; and

(b) is fuelled from an off-vehicle electrical power source, a battery or an electric generator; and

(c) is not fitted with an internal combustion engine that provides—

(i) propulsion; or

(ii) a fuel source for an electric propulsion system;

Reg. 5 def. of electronic identity credential inserted by S.R. No. 67/2023 reg. 5(2).

electronic identity credential has the same meaning as in section 3 of the Service Victoria Act 2018;

eligible beneficiary means a person who is an eligible beneficiary within the meaning of the State Concessions Act 2004;

Reg. 5 def. of eligible veteran inserted by S.R. No. 67/2023 reg. 5(2).

eligible veteran means a person who is—

(a) the holder of an electronic identity credential known as the Veterans Card—Victoria; or

(b) the holder of a Gold Card, being a card issued to a person who is eligible for treatment under Part V or section 104 of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 of the Commonwealth; or

(c) assessed pursuant to Part 2 of Chapter 4 of the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 of the Commonwealth as a veteran who has suffered an impairment resulting from one or more service injuries or diseases, the degree of which constitutes 40 impairment points or more;

emergency brake means a brake designed to be used if a service brake fails;

Reg. 5 def. of emergency vehicle amended by S.R. No. 36/2025 reg. 11(a).

emergency vehicle means any of the following—

(a) a vehicle operated by or on behalf of and under the control of—

(i) an ambulance service created under section 23 of the Ambulance Services Act 1986 or listed in Schedule 1 to that Act; or

(ii) an ambulance service created under a law in force in another jurisdiction;

(b) a vehicle operated as an ambulance by the Australian Defence Force;

(c) a vehicle operated by or on behalf of and under the control of—

(i) Fire Rescue Victoria established under section 6 of the Fire Rescue Victoria Act 1958; or

(ii) the Country Fire Authority appointed under section 6 of the Country Fire Authority Act 1958; or

(iii) a fire service established under a law in force in another jurisdiction;

(d) a fire service unit under the control of—

(i) the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action; or

(ii) the Australian Defence Force;

(e) a vehicle under the control of the Emergency Management Commissioner;

(f) a vehicle under the control of the Victoria State Emergency Service established by section 28 of the Victoria State Emergency Service Act 2005;

(g) a vehicle being used to convey a member of the Australian Army engaged in connection with emergency ordnance disposal procedures;

(h) a vehicle under the control of the Shepparton Search and Rescue Squad Inc. or the Echuca and Moama Search and Rescue Squad Inc.;

(i) a vehicle under the control of Airservices Australia;

escort vehicle means a motor vehicle that is being used for the purpose of—

(a) transporting an authorised officer, a police officer or another person authorised to direct traffic; and

(b) warning other highway users of the presence of a class O vehicle;

examining mechanic, in relation to a licensed tester, means a person employed, engaged or authorised by the licensed tester to examine and test vehicles under Part 6;

Reg. 5 def. of exempt vehicle amended by S.R. No. 36/2025 reg. 11(b).

exempt vehicle, for the purposes of Schedule 1, means a light vehicle that is—

(a) a police vehicle; or

(b) an emergency vehicle; or

(c) being used to convey a person employed in Safe Transport Victoria, the Department or the Victorian Fisheries Authority or a member of staff of the Regulator engaged in connection with the enforcement of one or more of the following Acts, as applicable—

(i) the Accident Towing Services Act 2007;

(ii) the Bus Safety Act 2009;

(iii) the Commercial Passenger Vehicle Industry Act 2017;

(iv) the Fisheries Act 1995;

(v) the Heavy Vehicle National Law (Victoria);

(vi) the Road Safety Act 1986;

(vii) the Road Management Act 2004;

(viii) the Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) Act 1983; or

(d) an Australian Border Force vehicle; or

(e) a Victorian Fisheries Authority vehicle; or

(f) operating in accordance with a permit issued to a person under section 99B of the Act to conduct a non-road activity on a highway;

field bin means a type of bulk bin used for the short-term storage of grain;

fifth wheel coupling means a device, other than an upper rotating element and a kingpin, used with a prime mover, semi-trailer or converter dolly to—

(a) permit quick coupling and uncoupling; and

(b) provide for articulation;

fleet owner means an owner of more than 50 vehicles;

45 day club permit has the meaning given by regulation 174(1);

front fog light means a light used to improve the illumination of the road in case of fog, snowfall, heavy rain or a dust storm;

general identification mark means a unique identifier issued by the Secretary under Subdivision 2 of Division 3 of Part 3;

ground clearance, in relation to a vehicle, means the minimum distance to the ground, measured with the vehicle fully laden, from a point on the underside of the vehicle, except a point on a tyre, wheel, wheel hub, brake backing plate or flexible mudguard or mudflap of the vehicle;

GTM (gross trailer mass) means the mass transmitted to the ground by the axles of a trailer when the trailer is loaded to its GVM and connected to the vehicle towing it;

GTMR means gross trailer mass rating;

guidelines means guidelines made by the Secretary under regulation 9;

heavy trailer means a trailer or semi-trailer which is a heavy vehicle;

high-beam, in relation to a headlight or front fog light fitted to a vehicle, means the light is built or adjusted so that, when the vehicle is standing on level ground, the top of the main beam of light projected is above the low‑beam position;

hydrogen-powered vehicle means a vehicle that—

(a) is powered by a hydrogen fuel system; and

(b) has one or more hydrogen fuel containers fitted to the vehicle as part of the system;

illegally imported, in relation to a motor vehicle or vehicle part, means that the motor vehicle or vehicle part—

(a) is not permitted to be imported into Australia unless it has an approval under—

(i) the Motor Vehicle Standards Act (as in force before its repeal); or

(ii) the Road Vehicle Standards Act; and

(b) has been imported without that approval or in contravention of a condition of that approval;

Immigration and Border Protection worker has the same meaning as in section 4(1) of the Australian Border Force Act 2015 of the Commonwealth;

indivisible item means an item that cannot be divided without extreme effort, expense or risk of damage to it;

jinker means an axle or axle group that is—

(a) built to support part of a load; and

(b) connected to the vehicle in front of it by the load or a pole or cable;

jurisdiction means an Australian State or Territory;

large indivisible item means an indivisible item that cannot be carried on any vehicle without the vehicle exceeding a dimension limit relevant to the vehicle under Division 1 of Part 5;

lead trailer, in a combination, means the trailer that is, or that is to be, attached to the prime mover;

left, for a vehicle, means to the left of the centre of the vehicle when viewed by a person in the vehicle who is facing towards the front of the vehicle;

legal personal representative means the executor original or by representation or administrator for the time being of a deceased person;

licensed tester means a person who holds a tester's licence;

light combination means a combination that does not include a heavy vehicle;

light motor vehicle means a motor vehicle with an MRC not exceeding 4⋅5 tonnes;

light trailer means a trailer with an MRC not exceeding 4⋅5 tonnes;

light vehicle means a light motor vehicle or light trailer;

load-carrying vehicle means a vehicle that is carrying, or is built to carry, a load;

loaded mass, in relation to a vehicle, means the sum of the mass of the vehicle and the mass of the load on the vehicle that is imposed on the surface on which the vehicle is standing or running;

local zone in respect of a vehicle means the area within a radius of 100 metres from the entrance of the vehicle's garage address on a public road (within the meaning of the Road Management Act 2004);

long combination truck means a truck nominated to haul 2 or more trailers;

low-beam, in relation to a headlight or front fog light fitted to a vehicle, means the headlight or front fog light is built or adjusted so that, when the vehicle is standing on level ground, the top of the main beam of light projected is—

(a) not higher than the centre of the headlight or fog light, when measured at a point 8 metres in front of the vehicle; and

(b) not more than 1 metre higher than the level on which the motor vehicle is standing, when measured at a point 25 metres in front of the vehicle;

Figure 4: Illustration of a low-beam headlight.

low loader means a semi-trailer with a loading deck that is no higher than 1 metre above the ground or, if the semi-trailer has more than one loading deck, with its longest loading deck no higher than 1 metre above the ground;

low loader dolly means a mass-distributing trailer that—

(a) is usually coupled between a prime mover and a low loader; and

(b) consists of a rigid frame; and

(c) does not directly carry any load on itself; and

(d) is equipped with one or more axles, a kingpin and a fifth wheel coupling;

major road means a highway declared under regulation 8(1)(b) as a major road;

manufacturer has the same meaning as in the Australian Consumer Law (Victoria);

medium combination truck means a truck, other than a short combination truck, nominated to haul one trailer;

mobile plant means a motor vehicle with an MRC not exceeding 4⋅5 tonnes (including a tractor) that is—

(a) not designed solely for carrying passengers; and

(b) constructed for the incidental purpose of carrying a load (other than water in the case of concrete pumps and fire engines); and

(c) not a tow truck;

moped means—

(a) a motor cycle or motor trike with an engine cylinder capacity of not over 50 millilitres and a maximum speed of not over 50 kilometres per hour; or

(b) a motor cycle or motor trike with a power source other than a piston engine and a maximum speed of not over 50 kilometres per hour;

motor car trader has the same meaning as in the Motor Car Traders Act 1986;

Motor Vehicle Standards Act means the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 of the Commonwealth;

Motor Vehicle Standards Regulations means the Motor Vehicle Standards Regulations 1989 of the Commonwealth;

MRC (mass rating for charging), in relation to a vehicle, means—

(a) the maximum mass of the vehicle, including any load, recorded on the compliance plate as the GVM, GTMR or ATM of the vehicle; or

(b) if the vehicle has no compliance plate—its operating mass;

mudguard means a fitting or device, with or without a mudflap, that is built and fitted to a vehicle in a way that will, as far as practicable, catch or deflect downwards any stone, mud, water or other substance thrown up by the rotation of the wheel to which the fitting or device is fitted;

multi-combination prime mover means a prime mover nominated to haul 2 or more trailers;

national heavy vehicle number plate means a number plate assigned to a heavy vehicle;

National Transport Commission means the National Transport Commission established by the National Transport Commission Act 2003 of the Commonwealth;

nearer side of the vehicle, in relation to a light or reflector fitted to a vehicle, means the side of the vehicle that is closest to where the light or reflector is fitted;

night means the period beginning at sunset and ending at sunrise;

90 day club permit has the meaning given by regulation 174(2);

operating condition means a condition imposed on a club permit under regulation 187;

operating mass*,* in relation to a vehicle, means the maximum mass of the vehicle, including any load;

operations plate means a plate installed on a vehicle in accordance with regulation 33;

oversize tri-axle group means a group of 3 axles in which the horizontal distance between the centre lines of each axle is 1⋅8 metres;

parking brake*,* of a vehicle, means the brake usually used to keep the vehicle stationary while the vehicle is parked;

passenger car (MA) has the same meaning as in the ADR (Definitions and Vehicle Categories);

personal particulars has the same meaning as in regulation 5 of the Road Safety (Drivers) Regulations 2019[2];

pig trailer means a trailer—

(a) with one axle group or single axle near the middle of its load-carrying surface; and

(b) that connects to the vehicle towing it by a drawbar;

pilot vehicle means a motor vehicle, other than an escort vehicle, being used to warn other highway users of the presence of a class O vehicle;

plug-in hybrid electric vehicle means a motor vehicle that—

(a) uses one or more electric motors for propulsion; and

(b) is fuelled from an off-vehicle electrical power source, a battery, a fuel cell or an electric generator; and

(c) is fitted with an internal combustion engine that provides—

(i) propulsion; or

(ii) a fuel source for an electric propulsion system;

point of articulation means—

(a) the axis of a kingpin for a fifth wheel; or

(b) the vertical axis of rotation of a fifth wheel coupling; or

(c) the vertical axis of rotation of a turntable assembly; or

(d) the vertical axis of rotation of the front axle group, or single axle, of a dog trailer; or

(e) the coupling pivot point of a semi‑trailer;

Figure 5: Illustration of point of articulation—fifth wheel coupling on a converter dolly (forming the front axle group of a dog trailer).

Figure 6: Illustration of point of articulation—fifth wheel on a prime mover.

Figure 7: Illustration of point of articulation—kingpin for fifth wheel.

pole-type trailer means a trailer that is—

(a) attached to the vehicle towing it by means of a pole or an attachment fitted to a pole; and

(b) ordinarily used for transporting loads, such as logs, pipes, structural members or other long objects that are generally capable of supporting themselves like beams between supports;

police vehicle means a vehicle driven by a police officer in the course of the officer's duty;

primary producer means a person—

(a) engaged solely or substantially in agricultural, horticultural, viticultural, dairying, pastoral or other like activities; or

(b) who is the holder of a licence under the Fisheries Act 1995 to take fish for sale;

primary producer vehicle means a vehicle referred to in item 4 of the Table in Schedule 2;

principal grooves, in relation to a tyre, means the wide grooves—

(a) positioned in the central zone of the tyre tread; and

(b) in which tread wear indicators are located;

public auction means an auction that is open to the general public;

quad-axle group means a group of 4 axles, in which the horizontal distance between the centre lines of the outermost axles is more than 3⋅2 metres but not more than 4⋅9 metres;

RAV means the Register of Approved Vehicles kept under section 14(1) of the Road Vehicle Standards Act;

rear fog light means a light used on a vehicle to make it more easily visible from the rear in dense fog;

rear marking plates means rear marking plates that comply with VSB 12;

rear overhang has the meaning given in clause 60 of Schedule 1;

rear overhang line, in relation to a vehicle, has the meaning given in clause 60 of Schedule 1;

recreation motor cycle means a motor cycle with 2 wheels that—

(a) is generally constructed so that it will not cause, or be likely to cause, a danger to its driver or to any person on a highway; and

(b) is so constructed that its driver has a sufficient view of traffic to its front and rear and to both sides to enable the driver to drive it safely; and

(c) has a braking system comprising brakes fitted to both wheels of the vehicle; and

(d) has fixed to it—

(i) one headlamp; and

(ii) one rear red lamp; and

(iii) one rear red brake lamp; and

(e) if fitted with an internal combustion engine, has securely fixed to its engine a silencing device constructed so that—

(i) all the exhaust gases from the engine pass through the silencer in a manner which prevents undue noise; and

(ii) there is no attached cut-out or device capable of producing an open exhaust; and

(f) is not used to carry goods or passengers;

registered vehicle means—

(a) a vehicle registered under Part 2 of the Act; or

(b) a vehicle that is not currently registered under Part 2 of the Act but that was so registered—

(i) in the case of a heavy vehicle with seasonal registration, within the preceding 12 months; or

(ii) in any other case, within the preceding 3 months;

Reg. 5 def. of registration fee amended by S.R. No. 67/2023 reg. 5(1).

registration fee means the fee (if any) for registration or renewal of registration of a vehicle as determined under section 9 of the Act or regulation 116, 117, 118, 119, 120 or 120A;

registration period means the period during which a motor vehicle is registered;

relevant date means—

(a) for a vehicle that is written off by an insurer or self-insurer, the date on which the insurer or self-insurer made a determination under section 16C(1)(b) of the Act in respect of the vehicle; or

(b) for a vehicle that is being demolished or dismantled by a motor wrecker, the date on which the motor wrecker began to demolish or dismantle the vehicle; or

(c) for a vehicle that is in the care, custody or control of a motor car trader, the date on which the vehicle came into the care, custody or control of the motor car trader;

relevant identification information, for a motor vehicle, means—

(a) the registration number of the vehicle (if any); and

(b) the vehicle identifier of the vehicle; and

(c) the make and model of the vehicle; and

(d) whether the vehicle is—

(i) a light motor vehicle other than a motor cycle; or

(ii) a motor cycle;

replica means a light motor vehicle that is an individually constructed vehicle that resembles, as closely as practicable, the appearance and dimensions of the production vehicle on which its design is based;

Individually constructed vehicle and production vehicle are defined in VSB 14.

right, for a vehicle, means to the right of the centre of the vehicle when viewed by a person in the vehicle who is facing towards the front of the vehicle;

Road Vehicle Standards Act means the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018 of the Commonwealth;

Road Vehicle Standards Rules means the Road Vehicle Standards Rules 2019 of the Commonwealth;

seasonal registration means the registration of a heavy vehicle for a period referred to in regulation 58(1)(a)(ii) or 83(2)(b);

second edition ADR means a national standard under the Motor Vehicle Standards Act (as in force immediately before its repeal) incorporated in the Australian Design Rules for Motor Vehicle Safety, Second Edition, originally published by the Commonwealth Department of Transport;

The second edition ADR is available from www.infrastructure.gov.au/vehicles/design/second_edition_adrs.aspx.

service brake, for a vehicle, means the brake normally used to decelerate the vehicle;

short combination prime mover means a prime mover nominated to haul one semi-trailer;

short combination truck means a truck nominated to haul one trailer where, according to the nomination—

(a) the combination has 6 axles or fewer; and

(b) the maximum total mass that is legally allowable for the combination is 42·5 tonnes or less;

side marker light means a light fitted to the side of a vehicle indicating the presence and length of the vehicle when viewed on that side;

single axle means an axle not forming part of an axle group;

single axle group means a group of 2 or more axles, in which the horizontal distance between the centre lines of the outermost axles is less than 1 metre;

slimline club permit number plate means a club permit number plate that has a height of not more than 120 millimetres and a width of not more than 375 millimetres;

slimline number plate means a number plate, other than one issued for a motor cycle or for affixing to a bicycle carrier, that has a height of not more than 120 millimetres and a width of not more than 375 millimetres;

special purpose vehicle means—

(a) a vehicle (other than a caravan, a mobile home, a mobile library, a mobile workshop, a mobile laboratory or a mobile billboard) built, or permanently modified, for a primary purpose other than the carriage of goods or passengers; or

(b) any of the following vehicles—

(i) a forklift;

(ii) a straddle carrier;

(iii) a mobile cherry picker;

(iv) a mobile crane;

special work vehicle means a motor vehicle that—

(a) is a light motor vehicle not constructed as a tractor; and

(b) is primarily constructed and used for off-road transportation; and

(c) is undertaking agricultural, maintenance or service tasks; and

(d) does not comply with an ADR;

specially constructed motor vehicle means a vehicle that is—

(a) not designed primarily for carrying passengers or goods on a highway; and

(b) determined by the Secretary to be a specially constructed motor vehicle;

sport device and associated equipment includes, but is not limited to, the following and any associated equipment—

(a) a glider;

(b) a yacht;

(c) a rowing shell;

(d) a dragon boat;

(e) surf skis;

(f) a canoe;

(g) a kayak;

sporting body means an association or corporation the principal purpose of which is to facilitate and coordinate the sporting activities of its members;

spring brake means a brake using one or more springs to store the energy needed to operate the brake;

standard number plate means a number plate that, at the time of issue, is of the design, size, colour and material of number plates generally issued by the Secretary;

standards for registration means—

(a) in relation to a heavy vehicle—the heavy vehicle standards within the meaning of the Heavy Vehicle National Law (Victoria) and, if the heavy vehicle is a bus, Division 19 of Part 7 of Schedule 1; or

(b) in relation to any other vehicle—the Vehicle Standards, other than Division 19 of Part 7 of Schedule 1;

street rod vehicle means a vehicle that has been modified for safe road use and that—

(a) has a body and frame that were built before 1949; or

(b) is a replica of a vehicle the body and frame of which were built before 1949;

tandem axle group means a group of at least 2 axles in which the horizontal distance between the centre lines of the outermost axles is at least 1 metre but not more than 2 metres;

temporary club log book means a form for recording vehicle use issued by the Secretary under regulation 178;

temporary club permit means a permit issued by the Secretary under regulation 178;

tester's licence means a licence issued by the Secretary under regulation 233;

the Act means the Road Safety Act 1986;

third edition ADR means—

(a) a national standard under the Motor Vehicle Standards Act as in force before the repeal of that Act; or

(b) a national road vehicle standard made under section 12 of the Road Vehicle Standards Act as in force from time to time;

The third edition ADR is available from www.infrastructure.gov.au/vehicles/design/adr_online.aspx.

towing vehicle, for a trailer, means the motor vehicle towing the trailer;

trade plate means a plate supplied by the Secretary under Subdivision 2 of Division 3 of Part 3;

transfer fee means the fee (if any) for transfer of registration of a vehicle payable under regulation 121;

transport accident charge means a charge payable under Part 7 of the Transport Accident Act 1986;

tread wear indicators, in relation to a tyre, means projections within a groove of the tyre that indicate the degree of wear on the tyre's tread;

tri-axle group means a group of at least 3 axles in which the horizontal distance between the centre lines of the outermost axles is more than 2 metres but not more than 3⋅2 metres;

truck (type 1) means a truck that has—

(a) 2 axles and an MRC not exceeding 12 tonnes; or

(b) 3 axles and an MRC not exceeding 16·5 tonnes; or

(c) 4 or more axles and an MRC not exceeding 20 tonnes;

truck (type 2) means a truck that has—

(a) 2 axles and an MRC exceeding 12 tonnes; or

(b) 3 axles and an MRC exceeding 16·5 tonnes; or

(c) 4 or more axles and an MRC exceeding 20 tonnes;

turntable means a bearing built to carry vertical and horizontal loads (other than a bearing that allows quick separation of its upper and lower rotating elements) that is used to connect and allow articulation between—

(a) a prime mover and a semi-trailer; or

(b) the steering axle or axle group of a dog trailer and the body of the trailer; or

(c) a fifth wheel coupling and the vehicle to which it is mounted;

twinsteer axle group means a group of 2 axles—

(a) with single tyres; and

(b) fitted to a motor vehicle; and

(c) connected to the same steering mechanism; and

(d) the horizontal distance between the centre lines of which is at least 1 metre, but not more than 2 metres;

unladen mass means the mass of a vehicle without any load;

unregistered vehicle permit means a permit issued by the Secretary under regulation 149;

urban area means an area declared under regulation 8(1)(c);

used, in relation to a vehicle referred to in regulation 44(g), means—

(a) previously registered in Victoria or elsewhere; or

(b) used in Victoria or elsewhere in circumstances in which it was not required to be registered, otherwise than in connection with the delivery and sale of the vehicle;

usual information means—

(a) the relevant identification information for the vehicle; and

(b) the relevant date for the vehicle; and

(c) any other information required by the Secretary by notice in writing; and

(d) the date on which the information in paragraphs (a) to (c) is given to the Secretary;

vacuum brakes means vacuum-operated or vacuum-assisted brakes;

vacuum storage tank, of a vehicle, means a tank fitted to the vehicle for storing air at low pressure;

VASS approval certificate means a vehicle assessment signatory scheme certificate issued by an authorised vehicle inspector—

(a) specifying the components of the vehicle inspected; and

(b) certifying that—

(i) the construction of or a modification to the vehicle has been inspected; and

(ii) the vehicle complies with—

(A) the standards for registration; or

(B) the applicable Vehicle Standards; or

(C) an applicable VSB; or

(D) the applicable guidelines;

vehicle club includes a vehicle association but excludes a club or association which solely or primarily conducts its operations over the Internet;

vehicle defect label means a label affixed to a vehicle which has been issued with a vehicle defect notice;

vehicle defect notice means a notice issued under Part 7;

vehicle defect notice clearance certificate means a certificate issued by an authorised vehicle inspector, certifying that—

(a) the vehicle has been inspected; and

(b) the defects set out in the vehicle defect notice issued in relation to the vehicle have been rectified;

vehicle inspection centre means a place specified in an authorisation under regulation 11;

vehicle particulars, in relation to a vehicle, means the following details*—*

(a) the make, model and year of the vehicle;

(b) the registration number or registration permit number of the vehicle (if any);

(c) the vehicle identifier;

(d) the engine identification number of the vehicle (if any);

(e) the colour of the vehicle;

(f) the body type of the vehicle;

Vehicle Standards means the standards set out in Schedule 1;

Victorian Fisheries Authority means the Victorian Fisheries Authority established under Part 2 of the Victorian Fisheries Authority Act 2016;

Reg. 5 def. of VIV certificate amended by S.R. No. 129/2022 reg. 6.

VIV certificate means a vehicle identity validation certificate issued by an authorised vehicle inspector, certifying that—

(a) the vehicle is the original vehicle to which the relevant vehicle identifier was assigned; and

(b) any damage, condition or damaged part or component which caused the vehicle to be recorded on the register of written-off vehicles has been repaired, restored or replaced in accordance with—

(i) manufacturer standards for the vehicle; or

(ii) if there are no manufacturer standards for the vehicle, in accordance with industry standards; and

(c) any other damaged part or component which is safety related but did not form the basis for the vehicle to be recorded on the register of written-off vehicles has been repaired, restored or replaced in accordance with—

(i) manufacturer standards for the vehicle; or

(ii) if there are no manufacturer standards for the vehicle, in accordance with industry standards;

VSB means Vehicle Standards Bulletin;

VSB 14 means the VSB titled "VSB 14—National Code of Practice for Light Vehicle Construction and Modification", as published from time to time by the Commonwealth Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications;

VSB 14 is available from www.infrastructure.gov.au/
vehicles/vehicle_regulation/bulletin/index.aspx.

VSB 6 means the VSB titled "VSB 6—National Code of Practice for Heavy Vehicle Modifications", as published from time to time by the Commonwealth Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications;

VSB 6 is available from www.nhvr.gov.au.

VSB 12 means the VSB titled "VSB 12—National Code of Practice Rear Marking Plates for all motor vehicles over 12 tonnes GVM and all trailers over 10 tonnes GTM", as published from time to time by the Commonwealth Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications;

VSB 12 is available from www.infrastructure.gov.au/
vehicles/vehicle_regulation/bulletin/index.aspx.

warning light means a light fitted to a vehicle designed specifically to warn road users of the vehicle's presence on a road;

wheelbase, in relation to a vehicle, means the distance from the centre line of the vehicle's foremost axle to the vehicle's rear overhang line;

yellow includes amber;

zero and low emission vehicle means any of the following that is not a mobile plant, a motor cycle or a heavy vehicle—

(a) an electric vehicle;

(b) a hydrogen-powered vehicle;

(c) a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.

6 Interpretation—vehicles, combinations and loads

(1) In these Regulations, unless the context otherwise requires, a reference to a vehicle includes a reference to a combination.

(2) In these Regulations, unless the context otherwise requires, a reference to a vehicle includes a reference to any load carried by that vehicle while on a highway.

7 Interpretation—distance between parallel lines

In these Regulations, a reference to a distance between 2 lines that are parallel means the distance measured at right angles between the lines.

Division 3—Powers of the Secretary

8 Secretary may declare matters for the purposes of Regulations

(1) The Secretary, by notice published in the Government Gazette, may declare the following—

(a) an area to be an agricultural vehicle area of operation for the purposes of these Regulations;

(b) a highway to be a major road for the purposes of these Regulations;

(c) an area to be an urban area for the purposes of these Regulations;

(d) a modification to a light vehicle to be an approved modification for the purposes of regulation 35;

(e) a body to be an approved body for the purposes of regulation 245(1)(b);

(f) the operating mass of a light vehicle for the purposes of these Regulations.

(2) A declaration under subregulation (1)(a) may designate an agricultural vehicle area of operation to be one of the following zones—

(a) Zone 1;

(b) Zone 2;

(c) Zone 3;

(d) Zone 4.

9 Secretary may make guidelines

(1) The Secretary may from time to time make guidelines for the purposes of these Regulations.

(2) The Secretary may from time to time make guidelines for authorised vehicle inspectors for the purposes of the following regulations—

(a) regulation 25(2)—inspection and certification of vehicles for the purposes of verifying compliance with the standards for registration;

(b) regulation 35—inspection and certification of modified vehicles;

(c) regulation 37—installation and certification of alternative fuel systems;

(d) regulation 42(2)—inspection and certification of vehicles for the purposes of verifying the identity of vehicles;

(e) regulation 113—inspection and certification of written-off vehicles;

(f) regulation 275—inspection and certification for clearance of vehicle defect notices.

(3) The Secretary may from time to time make guidelines for licensed testers for the purposes of the following regulations—

(a) regulation 262—examination, testing and certification of vehicles;

(b) regulation 263—completion of test reports.

(4) The guidelines must not be inconsistent with—

(a) the Act; or

(b) these Regulations.

10 Authorised persons

(1) The Secretary may authorise an eligible person to be an authorised person for the purposes of carrying out functions under the following regulations—

(a) regulation 244(3);

(b) regulation 246;

(c) regulation 264.

(2) For the purposes of subregulation (1), the following are eligible persons—

(a) an authorised officer;

(b) a person who is an authorized officer within the meaning of the Environment Protection Act 1970.

(3) If an authorised person is authorised to carry out inspections under subregulation (1), the Secretary must give the person a paper document that specifies the inspections that the person has been authorised to conduct.

(4) An authorised person may enter the premises of a licensed tester during business hours for the purpose of ensuring the licensed tester's compliance with these Regulations and the terms and conditions of the tester's licence.

(5) An authorised person who carries out a function in accordance with subregulation (1) must produce an identity card on request.

11 Secretary may authorise vehicle inspectors

(1) The Secretary may authorise in writing a person to be an authorised vehicle inspector for the purposes of these Regulations.

(2) An authorisation under subregulation (1) is subject to the terms and conditions specified by the Secretary.

(3) An authorisation under subregulation (1) may specify that a place is a vehicle inspection centre at which an authorised vehicle inspector may conduct vehicle inspections.

(4) The Secretary must ensure that the location of a vehicle inspection centre is published on an Internet website maintained by the Department.

(5) An authorisation under subregulation (1) is personal and cannot be transferred.

12 Secretary may give written directions to authorised vehicle inspectors

(1) The Secretary may give written directions to authorised vehicle inspectors for the issue of—

(a) a certificate of approved operations; and

(b) a certificate of vehicle identity; and

(c) a VASS approval certificate; and

(d) an AFSA certificate; and

(e) a VIV certificate; and

(f) a vehicle defect notice clearance certificate.

(2) A written direction must not be inconsistent with—

(a) the Act; or

(b) these Regulations.

13 Secretary may require authorised vehicle inspectors to comply with guidelines and written directions

The Secretary may require authorised vehicle inspectors to comply with guidelines and written directions for the issue of—

(a) a certificate of approved operations; and

(b) a certificate of vehicle identity; and

(c) a VASS approval certificate; and

(d) an AFSA certificate; and

(e) a VIV certificate; and

(f) a certificate of roadworthiness; and

(g) a vehicle defect notice clearance certificate.

14 Secretary may revoke an authorisation

(1) The Secretary may revoke an authorisation under regulation 11 if the Secretary believes on reasonable grounds that the authorised vehicle inspector has—

(a) been charged with or found guilty of an offence of dishonesty; or

(b) engaged in conduct that indicates—

(i) a pattern of incompetence; or

(ii) negligence in a particular matter; or

(c) not complied with the terms and conditions specified in the authorisation under regulation 11; or

(d) not complied with any relevant guidelines made under regulation 9; or

(e) not complied with a written direction given by the Secretary under regulation 12.

(2) Before the Secretary revokes an authorisation under subregulation (1), the Secretary must give the authorised vehicle inspector a written notice stating—

(a) the reasons for the decision to revoke; and

(b) the date on which the decision takes effect; and

(c) the authorised vehicle inspector's rights to an internal and external review of the decision under Division 12 of Part 2.

(3) If the Secretary gives a notice under subregulation (2), the authorisation is suspended from the date specified in the notice.

15 Action on revocation of authorisation

(1) If a person's authorisation under regulation 11 is revoked, the person must advise the Secretary of any unused certificate serial numbers given to the person by the Secretary.

(2) The Secretary must refund the fee paid by the person for each unused certificate serial number of which the Secretary is advised.

16 Approved application forms

(1) The Secretary may approve application forms for the purposes of regulations 41, 71, 73, 89, 91, 92, 93, 94, 101, 102, 103, 148, 154, 169, 175, 189, 198, 224, 232 and 237.

(2) The Secretary must ensure that approved application forms under subregulation (1) are—

(a) available at the offices of the Department; or

(b) published on an Internet website maintained by the Department.

17 Information to be provided in or with approved application forms

The Secretary may require the following information to be included in or to accompany an approved application form under regulation 16(1)—

(a) the vehicle particulars;

(b) the personal particulars or corporation particulars of the applicant;

(c) the customer number of the applicant, if known;

(d) evidence verifying the information in the approved application form;

(e) any additional information the Secretary considers necessary to enable the Secretary to decide whether or not to grant the application.

18 Incomplete applications

(1) The Secretary may return an application to the applicant if—

(a) the information in the application is incomplete; or

(b) the evidence accompanying the application is—

(i) incomplete, or

(ii) inadequate; or

(iii) not in a form acceptable to the Secretary; or

(c) the Secretary requires additional information to decide the application or verify the information in the application; or

(d) the relevant fee or charge was—

(i) not paid; or

(ii) not paid in full.

(2) If the Secretary returns an application under subregulation (1), the Secretary must—

(a) advise the applicant of the reasons for returning the application; and

(b) return or refund any fee or charge that accompanied the application (if applicable).

(3) The return of an application to the applicant by the Secretary under subregulation (1) does not constitute a refusal of the application or give the applicant rights to an internal and external review under Division 12 of Part 2.

19 Approved forms of notices, reports, labels and certificates

The Secretary may approve forms of—

(a) notices for the purposes of regulations 81, 147 and 268; and

(b) reports for the purposes of regulation 254; and

(c) labels for the purposes of regulations 67, 68, 69, 105, 106, 181 and 269 and clauses 144A and 144B of Schedule 1; and

(d) certificates for the purposes of regulations 25, 33, 36, 38, 43, 56, 113, 187, 253 and 275.

20 Information to be included in notices, reports, labels and certificates

If the Secretary approves a form of notice, report, label or certificate under regulation 19, the Secretary may—

(a) specify information to be included in the notice, report, label or certificate; and

(b) require evidence to accompany and verify the information in the notice, report, label or certificate; and

(c) specify a number or range of numbers, or other relevant details, sufficient to identify the notice, report, label or certificate.

21 Supply of certificates

(1) On the payment of the relevant fee specified in Schedule 4, the Secretary must give to an authorised vehicle inspector—

(a) original forms of certificate; or

(b) electronic forms of certificate.

(2) Forms given by the Secretary under subregulation (1) remain the property of the Secretary.

Part 2—Vehicle registration

Division 1—Exemption from registration

22 Exemptions from registration

For the purposes of section 7(1) of the Act, the following motor vehicles and trailers are exempt from registration under Part 2 of the Act—

(a) a motor vehicle being towed;

(b) a trailer that is used exclusively—

(i) as an agricultural implement; or

(ii) to transport the combs of a grain header;

(c) a trailer that is a bulk bin used exclusively to hold grain;

(d) a trailer that is constructed and used exclusively to carry bulk fruit bins;

(e) a trailer towed by an agricultural machine operating as an agricultural machine;

(f) a trailer under tow by a tow truck;

(g) a trailer (other than a trailer specifically constructed to carry a boat) that is not used in the course of trade and that—

(i) weighs less than 200 kilograms unladen; and

(ii) is not wider than the width of its towing vehicle as produced by the manufacturer; and

(iii) is not more than 3 metres long, including its drawbar and any load;

(h) a trailer operated by Lifesaving Victoria Limited ACN 102 927 364 to transport inflatable rescue boats to the water's edge that is not intended for use on public roads.

See also regulation 147, which provides for the Secretary to give an exemption from the requirement to be registered in certain circumstances.

Division 2—Eligibility for registration

23 Registered operators

A person is eligible to be the registered operator of a vehicle if—

(a) the person is—

(i) an individual who—

(A) in the case of a heavy vehicle, is aged 18 years or older; or

(B) in the case of a motor cycle, is aged 18 years or older; or

(C) in the case of any other vehicle, is aged 16 years or older; or

(ii) a corporation; and

(b) that person owns or manages the vehicle.

24 Eligible vehicles

(1) A vehicle is eligible to be registered without conditions if—

(a) the vehicle complies with the standards for registration that apply to the vehicle; and

(b) the requirements of the Transport Accident Act 1986, the Duties Act 2000 and the Zero and Low Emission Vehicle Distance-based Charge Act 2021 are complied with in relation to the vehicle.

(2) Despite subregulation (1), the Secretary may refuse to register a vehicle if the Secretary is satisfied that—

(a) the vehicle has been registered in another State or a Territory; and

(b) the registration in that State or Territory has been cancelled or suspended; and

(c) the reasons for the cancellation or suspension still exist.

(3) If the Secretary refuses to register a vehicle under subregulation (2), the Secretary must give the applicant for registration written notice of the applicant's rights to internal and external review of the decision under Division 12 of this Part.

Division 3—Vehicle Standards and certification

25 Compliance with standards for registration

(1) The Secretary may accept as evidence that a vehicle complies with the standards for registration—

(a) an identification plate relating to the vehicle; or

(b) a letter to that effect issued by the manufacturer of the vehicle; or

(c) a certificate issued by an authorised vehicle inspector; or

(d) that the vehicle is entered on the RAV.

(2) In the absence of evidence referred to in subregulation (1), the Secretary may require an authorised vehicle inspector to—

(a) inspect the vehicle; and

(b) issue a VASS approval certificate, if the authorised vehicle inspector is satisfied that the vehicle complies with the standards for registration.

26 Secretary may require new vehicle identifiers and engine identification numbers to be stamped or displayed

(1) This regulation applies if it appears to the Secretary or a police officer that the vehicle identifier or engine identification number appears to have been altered, defaced, removed, substituted or tampered with.

Section 3(1) of the Act defines police officer.

(2) The Secretary may require—

(a) the applicant for registration of the vehicle; or

(b) if the vehicle is already registered, the registered operator of the vehicle—

to cause a new vehicle identifier or engine identification number, specified by the Secretary, to be stamped or displayed in accordance with the standards for registration.

27 Duplicate vehicle identifiers and engine identification numbers on vehicles to be registered

(1) This regulation applies if a vehicle identifier or an engine identification number on a vehicle for which registration is sought is the same as a vehicle identifier or an engine identification number of another vehicle that is already registered by the Secretary or registered in another jurisdiction.

(2) The Secretary may require the applicant for registration of the vehicle to cause the duplicated vehicle identifier or engine identification number to be overstruck and a new vehicle identifier or engine identification number, specified by the Secretary, to be stamped or displayed on the vehicle in accordance with the standards for registration.

28 Duplicate vehicle identifiers on registered motor vehicles

(1) This regulation applies if a vehicle identifier on a registered motor vehicle is the same as a vehicle identifier of another vehicle registered by the Secretary or registered in another jurisdiction.

(2) The Secretary may require the registered operator of the vehicle to cause the duplicated vehicle identifier to be overstruck and a new vehicle identifier, specified by the Secretary, to be stamped or displayed on the vehicle in accordance with the standards for registration.

29 Duplicate engine identification numbers—engine substitution

(1) This regulation applies if an engine identification number on an engine substituted for the engine of a registered motor vehicle is the same as an engine identification number of another vehicle registered by the Secretary or registered in another jurisdiction.

(2) The Secretary may require the registered operator of the vehicle in which the engine has been substituted to cause the duplicated engine identification number to be overstruck and a new engine identification number, specified by the Secretary, to be stamped or displayed on the vehicle in accordance with the standards for registration.

30 Offence to alter, deface, remove, substitute or tamper with a vehicle identifier or engine identification number

A person must not alter, deface, remove, substitute or tamper with a vehicle identifier or an engine identification number of a vehicle other than with the Secretary's written permission.

31 Inspection of vehicle identifiers and engine identification numbers

(a) the vehicle identifier or engine identification number of a registered vehicle is altered, defaced, removed, substituted or tampered with; or

(b) the engine of a registered motor vehicle is removed and another engine substituted.

(2) Within 7 days of an incident referred to in subregulation (1), the registered operator of the vehicle must inform the Secretary about the incident.

(3) The registered operator of the vehicle must present the vehicle to the Secretary or an authorised vehicle inspector for inspection, if requested by the Secretary.

32 Non-complying and non-standard vehicles

A vehicle that does not comply with the standards for registration may be conditionally registered if—

(a) the vehicle has an operations plate attached to it in accordance with regulation 33; or

(b) the vehicle is entered on the RAV; or

(c) a certificate of approved operations has been issued in relation to the vehicle in accordance with regulation 33; or

(d) an identification plate has been affixed to the vehicle.

33 Installation of operations plate and issue of certificate of approved operations

(1) If a vehicle does not comply with the standards for registration, the Secretary, an authorised officer or an authorised vehicle inspector may—

(a) install an operations plate on the vehicle; or

(b) issue a certificate of approved operations in relation to the vehicle.

(2) For the purposes of subregulation (1), an operations plate or a certificate of approved operations must indicate—

(a) any deficiencies in the vehicle's operating characteristics; and

(b) any conditions imposed, or to be imposed, by the Secretary on the vehicle's registration.

34 Vehicles equipped with camera mounts

(1) A vehicle that does not comply with the standards for registration only because it is equipped with a camera mount is taken to comply with the standards for registration if—

(a) the vehicle is solely used for filming—

(i) on a highway that is closed to the general public; or

(ii) under the supervision of a police officer; and

(b) any side projection caused by the camera mount and camera does not exceed 1 metre; and

(c) any front or rear projection caused by the camera mount and camera does not exceed 1·2 metres; and

(d) the total height of the vehicle, including the camera mount and camera, complies with regulation 203; and

(e) the camera mount does not move relative to the vehicle during filming.

(2) In this regulation—

camera mount means a structure temporarily fixed to the exterior of a vehicle that is used to support a camera.

35 Requirements for modified vehicles

A person who modifies a vehicle must ensure that—

(a) if the vehicle complied with the standards for registration immediately before the modification, the vehicle continues to comply with those standards; and

(b) for a heavy vehicle—

(i) the modification is certified by an authorised officer or an authorised vehicle inspector as complying with VSB 6; or

(ii) the modification is otherwise acceptable to the Regulator; and

(c) for a light vehicle—

(i) the modification complies with any relevant guidelines made under regulation 9(1); or

(ii) an authorised vehicle inspector has issued a VASS approval certificate for the vehicle; or

(iii) the modification is otherwise acceptable to the Secretary.

36 Form and issue of VASS approval certificate

(1) A VASS approval certificate must be in the approved form.

(2) An authorised vehicle inspector must not issue a VASS approval certificate for the purposes of regulation 35 unless—

(a) the vehicle has been inspected in accordance with the guidelines made under regulation 9(2) and written directions given under regulation 12; and

(b) records of the inspection of the vehicle are kept in accordance with the guidelines made under regulation 9(2) and written directions given under regulation 12.

37 Requirements for motor vehicles installed with alternative fuel systems

A person who modifies a motor vehicle to install an alternative fuel system must ensure that—

(a) if the motor vehicle complied with the standards for registration immediately before the modification, the motor vehicle continues to comply with those standards; and

(b) the motor vehicle complies with Part 11 of Schedule 1; and

(c) an authorised vehicle inspector has issued an AFSA certificate for the vehicle.

38 Form and issue of AFSA certificate

(1) An AFSA certificate must be in the approved form.

(2) An authorised vehicle inspector must not issue an AFSA certificate for the purposes of regulation 37 unless—

(a) the motor vehicle has been inspected in accordance with the guidelines made under regulation 9(2) and written directions given under regulation 12; and

(b) records of the inspection of the motor vehicle are kept in accordance with the guidelines made under regulation 9(2) and written directions given under regulation 12.

Division 4—Application for registration

39 Names in which vehicles must not be registered

A motor vehicle or trailer must not be registered in—

(a) a business name; or

(b) the names of more than one person; or

(c) the name of an unincorporated body or group.

40 Who may apply for registration

(1) An application for registration of a vehicle may be made by—

(a) an individual who is eligible to be the registered operator of the vehicle; or

(b) an agent of—

(i) an individual who is eligible to be the registered operator of the vehicle; or

(ii) a corporation.

(2) If it appears to the Secretary that an application for registration of a vehicle is made by an agent, the Secretary must not grant the application unless the agent produces—

(a) evidence of the agent's identity in a form acceptable to the Secretary; and

(b) written evidence of appointment as the agent of the applicant.

41 Form of application

(1) An application for registration of a vehicle must be in the approved application form.

(2) An applicant must provide the following information—

(a) the personal particulars or the corporation particulars of the person seeking registration as the registered operator of the vehicle;

(c) the proposed garage address of the vehicle.

42 Supporting evidence

(1) The Secretary may require an applicant for registration of a vehicle to submit evidence, in a form acceptable to the Secretary, verifying the following—

(a) the identity of the applicant;

(c) the means by which the vehicle came into the ownership, or under the management, of the applicant;

(d) if the vehicle is a heavy vehicle, that the proposed garage address of the vehicle will be the principal depot or base of operations of the vehicle;

(e) if the vehicle is not a heavy vehicle, that the proposed garage address of the vehicle will be the place where the vehicle is normally kept;

(f) that the vehicle complies with the standards for registration;

(g) the vehicle's intended use;

(h) the applicant's entitlement to pay a concessional fee for registration;

(i) any other information required in the form approved for the purposes of regulation 41 or 43 or in a certificate referred to in regulation 44.

(2) If the applicant is unable to submit evidence in a form acceptable to the Secretary to verify the vehicle particulars of the vehicle, the Secretary may require an authorised vehicle inspector to—

(a) inspect the vehicle; and

(b) issue a certificate of vehicle identity for the vehicle in accordance with regulation 43.

43 Form and issue of certificate of vehicle identity

(1) A certificate of vehicle identity must be in the approved form.

(2) An authorised vehicle inspector must not issue a certificate of vehicle identity for the purposes of regulation 42(2) unless—

(a) the vehicle has been inspected in accordance with the guidelines made under regulation 9(2) and written directions given under regulation 12; and

(b) records of the inspection of the vehicle are kept in accordance with the guidelines made under regulation 9(2) and written directions issued under regulation 12.

44 Secretary may require certificates etc. to accompany application for registration

For the purposes of regulation 42(1)(f), the Secretary may require an applicant for registration of a vehicle to submit any of the following to verify that the vehicle complies with the standards for registration—

(a) a letter from the manufacturer of the vehicle stating that the vehicle complies with the standards for registration;

(b) a VASS approval certificate under regulation 25(2);

(c) a certificate of vehicle identity under regulation 43;

(d) if the vehicle is individually constructed, personally imported or modified—a VASS approval certificate under regulation 36;

(e) if the vehicle has an alternative fuel system—an AFSA certificate under regulation 38;

(f) if the vehicle is entered on the register of written-off vehicles—a VIV certificate under regulation 113;

(g) if the vehicle is—

(i) a used vehicle that is not a specially constructed motor vehicle; or

(ii) a used vehicle that is not a recreation motor cycle; or

(iii) a used heavy trailer—

a certificate of roadworthiness under regulation 258;

(h) if a vehicle defect notice has been issued for the vehicle—a vehicle defect notice clearance certificate under regulation 275.

45 Inspection of vehicles and verification of supporting evidence for registration

(1) For the purpose of verifying any of the matters specified in regulation 42, the Secretary may require an applicant for registration of a vehicle to make an appointment—

(a) to submit the vehicle for inspection by the Secretary or an authorised vehicle inspector; or

(b) to provide the supporting evidence under regulation 42 and any documents required under regulation 44 to the Secretary.

(2) An applicant who is required to make an appointment under subregulation (1) must pay the following fees, specified in Schedule 4, as the case requires—

(a) the fee to make an appointment under this regulation;

(b) the fee to change the time or place of an appointment under this regulation;

(c) the relevant fee for the inspection of the vehicle.

46 Payment for application for registration

An applicant for registration of a vehicle must lodge the following with the Secretary—

(a) any applicable duty for the vehicle under the Duties Act 2000;

(b) the registration fee;

(c) the appropriate transport accident charge for the vehicle;

(d) the relevant administrative fee (if any);

(e) the relevant fee specified in Schedule 4 for number plates to be issued under regulation 60 (if required);

(f) the relevant fee specified in Schedule 4 for labels to be issued under regulation 69 (if required);

(g) the relevant fee fixed by the Secretary under section 5AE of the Act (if any).

47 Inspection of vehicles generally

(1) The Secretary, by written notice given to a person, may require the person to present a vehicle for inspection by the Secretary, an authorised officer or an authorised vehicle inspector at a time and place specified in the notice if—

(a) in the case of an unregistered vehicle, the person has control over the vehicle and an application for registration of the vehicle was previously refused; or

(b) in the case of a registered vehicle, the person is the registered operator of the vehicle.

(2) At least 24 hours before the date specified in the notice, a person given a notice under subregulation (1) may request the Secretary to change the time or place of inspection.

(3) If requested under subregulation (2) to change the time or place of an inspection, the Secretary must consider the request and—

(a) if it is reasonable to do so, change the time or place of inspection as requested; and

(b) give the person who made the request written notice—

(i) specifying the new time or place for the inspection; or

(ii) confirming the original time or place for the inspection.

(4) A person must comply with a notice given under subregulation (1) or (3), as the case requires.

(5) The Secretary may require a person to pay the following relevant fees specified in Schedule 4—

(a) a fee to change the time or place of a vehicle inspection required under this regulation;

(b) the fee for a vehicle inspection to be conducted under this regulation.

48 Decision about application

(1) The Secretary must refuse an application for registration of a vehicle if—

(a) the vehicle is not eligible to be registered under regulation 24; or

(b) a provision of the Act or these Regulations prevents approval of the application; or

(c) it appears to the Secretary that a vehicle identifier of the vehicle is a copy or has been altered, defaced, removed, substituted or tampered with without lawful authorisation.

(2) The Secretary may refuse an application for registration of a vehicle if—

(a) the applicant is not adequately identified in the application; or

(b) the applicant has not complied with a provision of the Act, these Regulations, the Transport Accident Act 1986, the Duties Act 2000 or the Zero and Low Emission Vehicle Distance-based Charge Act 2021 in relation to the registration of the vehicle, including the payment of any fees or charges required to be paid under the Act, these Regulations or the Zero and Low Emission Vehicle Distance-based Charge Act 2021 in relation to the registration or inspection of the vehicle; or

(c) the vehicle is not—

(i) fitted with an identification plate; or

(ii) entered on the RAV; or

(d) the Secretary reasonably believes that—

(i) the vehicle or a part of the vehicle is or may be stolen; or

(ii) information given in the application is false or misleading; or

(iii) there are unpaid fines or pecuniary penalties arising out of the use of the vehicle in Australia; or

(iv) the vehicle or a part of the vehicle has or may have been illegally imported.

(3) If the Secretary approves an application for registration of a vehicle, the Secretary must register the vehicle in the name of the proposed registered operator specified in the application.

(4) If the Secretary refuses an application for registration of a vehicle, the Secretary must give the applicant written notice of—

49 Conditional registration

(1) If a vehicle does not comply with the standards for registration and any circumstance in regulation 32(a) to (d) applies, the Secretary may register the vehicle conditionally.

(2) The Secretary may refuse to register a vehicle conditionally if—

(a) the vehicle does not bear an operations plate or identification plate relating to the vehicle; or

(b) a certificate of approved operations has not been issued for the vehicle; or

(c) the vehicle is not entered on the RAV.

(3) In determining any conditions to impose on the registration of a vehicle, the Secretary must take into account the nature and extent of the vehicle's non-compliance with the standards for registration.

(4) The Secretary may vary any conditions that the Secretary has imposed on the conditional registration of a vehicle.

(5) The Secretary must give the registered operator of a conditionally registered vehicle written notice of the conditions and any variation of the conditions imposed under this regulation.

(6) If the Secretary refuses to register a vehicle conditionally, the Secretary must give the applicant for registration written notice of—

(7) If the Secretary imposes or varies conditions on the registration of a vehicle, the Secretary must give the applicant for registration written notice of—

(8) A person must not use, or permit the use of, a vehicle that is conditionally registered under this regulation (other than a recreation motor cycle or a vehicle that has been fitted with an operations plate) without carrying a certificate of approved operations in the vehicle.

50 Use of registered recreation motor cycles

A recreation motor cycle that is a registered vehicle must only be used—

(a) on highways that are—

(i) located outside built-up areas, as defined by speed zones of less than 100 kilometres per hour; and

(ii) not declared as freeways or arterial roads under the Road Management Act 2004; or

(b) in an area that is not a road solely for the training and assessment of a holder of a motor cycle learner permit by an organisation approved by the Secretary for that purpose.

51 Dealer certification scheme

(1) The Secretary may enter into an arrangement with a person engaged in the sale, distribution or management of vehicles under which the Secretary agrees to delegate to that person, or specified employees of that person, specified powers of the Secretary in relation to the registration of vehicles.

(2) An arrangement may be made subject to and in accordance with conditions imposed by the Secretary.

(3) The Secretary may require the person to pay the following fees for each vehicle to be registered—

(a) the relevant fee specified in Schedule 4 for the inspection of the vehicle by a dealer;

(b) the relevant administrative fee.

Division 5—Registration

Subdivision 1—Register

52 Information to be recorded in the register

(1) For the purposes of the definition of the register in section 3(1) of the Act, the register is maintained by the Secretary in accordance with this Subdivision.

(2) If the Secretary registers a vehicle, the Secretary must record in the register the following details in relation to the vehicle—

(a) the name of the vehicle's registered operator;

(b) the customer number of the vehicle's registered operator;

(c) the vehicle particulars;

(d) any other identification details for the vehicle the Secretary considers appropriate;

(e) the vehicle's garage address;

(f) the residential address or business address of the vehicle's registered operator;

(g) the postal or email address for the service of notices on the vehicle's registered operator;

(h) the start date and expiry date of the vehicle's registration;

(i) if the vehicle is conditionally registered, information designating the conditions of registration.

(3) The Secretary may record in the register other information in respect of a vehicle for the purposes of—

(a) registration; or

(b) the Act and these Regulations; or

(c) the Zero and Low Emission Vehicle Distance-based Charge Act 2021; or

(d) the Heavy Vehicle National Law (Victoria).

(4) The Secretary must ensure the register contains details required under this regulation for all vehicles—

(a) that are currently registered; or

(b) that have been registered within the previous 24 months.

53 Changes to be recorded in the register

(1) If the Secretary is notified under the Act or these Regulations of a change in the information recorded in the register about a vehicle, the Secretary must alter the register accordingly.

(2) The Secretary may require evidence in a form acceptable to the Secretary verifying that the changes referred to in subregulation (1) are correct.

54 Power to correct an error or omission in the register

(1) The Secretary may alter the register to correct an error or omission if the Secretary is satisfied on reasonable grounds that the alteration is necessary to ensure the accuracy of the information in the register.

(2) If the Secretary alters the register in accordance with subregulation (1), the Secretary—

(a) must not erase, delete or render illegible the original entry in the register that is altered; and

(b) must record in the register the date on which the alteration was made.

(3) The Secretary may require evidence in a form acceptable to the Secretary for the purposes of subregulation (1).

55 Registered operator may search the register

The registered operator of a vehicle is entitled, on payment of the relevant fee payable under regulation 122—

(a) to search the register in relation to the registered operator's vehicle; and

(b) to obtain from the Secretary a certificate as to any matter appearing in the register in relation to the vehicle.

Subdivision 2—Certificates

56 Certificates of registration

(1) If the Secretary registers a vehicle, the Secretary must issue to the applicant a certificate of registration for the vehicle that includes the following—

(a) the name of the vehicle's registered operator;

(b) the address for the service of notices on the vehicle's registered operator;

(c) the vehicle's registration number;

(d) the make of the vehicle;

(e) the vehicle's vehicle identifier or, if the vehicle does not have a vehicle identifier, the vehicle's engine identification number;

(f) if the vehicle is a heavy vehicle, the applicable vehicle charging category under Schedule 3;

(g) the expiry date of the vehicle's registration;

(h) if the vehicle has seasonal registration, the start date of the registration.

(2) The Secretary may include in a certificate of registration any other information the Secretary considers appropriate.

57 Replacement of certificate of registration

On payment of the relevant fee specified in Schedule 4, the Secretary may issue a replacement certificate of registration to a vehicle's registered operator if the Secretary is satisfied the original certificate is lost, damaged, destroyed or stolen.

Subdivision 3—Registration period

58 Period of registration

(1) A vehicle may be registered—

(a) in the case of a heavy vehicle—

(i) for a period of 3 months, 6 months or 12 months, as nominated by the applicant for registration; or

(ii) for seasonal registration for a period or periods of not less than 3 months and not more than 9 months, as nominated by the applicant for registration; or

(b) in the case of a light trailer, for a period of 12 months; or

(c) in the case of a light motor vehicle, for a period of 3 months, 6 months or 12 months, as nominated by the applicant for registration.

(2) An applicant for registration of a vehicle may nominate, and the Secretary may approve, a period of registration for the vehicle different from the period specified in subregulation (1) so that the expiry date for the vehicle's registration is the same as, or different from, the expiry date of registration for one or more other vehicles registered, or to be registered, in the name of—

(a) the applicant; or

(b) the applicant's spouse or domestic partner.

Subdivision 4—Registration numbers

59 Registration numbers

(1) If the Secretary registers a vehicle, the Secretary must assign a distinguishing registration number to the vehicle.

(2) A registration number may consist of one or more numbers or letters or a combination of both.

(3) A person who is the registered operator of a vehicle, or who is seeking registration as the registered operator of a vehicle, may apply to the Secretary for the assignment to the vehicle of—

(a) a registration number that is or was the registration number of another vehicle that is or was registered in the person's name; or

(b) a registration number for which the person is the owner of the registration number rights; or

(c) a registration number that is displayed on a national heavy vehicle number plate assigned to the vehicle in another jurisdiction.

(4) The Secretary may assign a number under subregulation (3), and do everything necessary to make the assignment effective, if, subject to subregulation (5), the person pays the relevant fee specified in Schedule 4.

(5) A person does not have to pay the fee referred to in subregulation (4) if—

Reg. 59(5)(a) substituted by S.R. No. 67/2023 reg. 6.

(a) the vehicle is a consular vehicle to which item 15 of the Table in Schedule 2 applies; or

(b) the vehicle is a commercial passenger vehicle and is compliant (within the meaning of regulation 9(4) of the Commercial Passenger Vehicle Industry Regulations 2018[3]); or

(c) the vehicle is a licensed tow truck within the meaning of section 3(1) of the Accident Towing Services Act 2007; or

(d) the registration number to be assigned is displayed on a national heavy vehicle number plate assigned to the vehicle in another jurisdiction.

Subdivision 5—Number plates

60 Number plates

(1) On payment by the registered operator of a vehicle of the relevant fee specified in Schedule 4, the Secretary must issue to the registered operator—

(a) in the case of a vehicle other than a motor cycle or trailer, 2 number plates bearing the registration number assigned to the vehicle; or

(b) in the case of a motor cycle or trailer, one number plate bearing the registration number assigned to the motor cycle or trailer.

(2) If the Secretary cancels registration number rights under regulation 74(a) and assigns a new registration number to the vehicle under regulation 75(2)(b), the Secretary must issue—

(a) in the case of a vehicle other than a motor cycle or trailer, 2 number plates bearing the registration number assigned to the vehicle; or

(b) in the case of a motor cycle or trailer, one number plate bearing the registration number assigned to the motor cycle or trailer.

61 Replacement of lost, stolen etc. number plates

(1) The registered operator of a vehicle must apply to the Secretary for a replacement number plate within 14 days after the registered operator of the vehicle—

(a) informs a police officer or an authorised officer that the vehicle's number plate has been lost, damaged, destroyed or stolen; or

(b) is informed by the Secretary, a police officer or an authorised officer that the vehicle's number plate has been lost, damaged, destroyed or stolen.

(2) On receiving an application under subregulation (1), the Secretary may issue to the registered operator of the vehicle a replacement number plate on payment of—

(a) for the replacement of the number plate with a standard number plate, the relevant fee specified in Schedule 4; or

(b) for the replacement of a national heavy vehicle number plate, the relevant fee specified in Schedule 4; or

(c) for the replacement of the number plate with a non-standard number plate, the relevant fee specified in Schedule 4 and the fee fixed by the Secretary under section 5AE of the Act (if any).

Section 3(1) of the Act defines non-standard number plate.

62 Number plates are property of the State

(1) A number plate issued by the Secretary remains the property of the State.

(2) Subregulation (1) does not apply if—

(a) the number plate is a national heavy vehicle number plate; and

(b) the number plate is issued in another jurisdiction; and

(c) the vehicle is registered in that jurisdiction.

(3) A national heavy vehicle number plate issued in another jurisdiction becomes the property of the State when the vehicle is registered in Victoria.

63 Affixing and maintaining number plates

(1) The registered operator of a vehicle must ensure each number plate issued by the Secretary for the vehicle is permanently affixed to the vehicle and maintained in accordance with this regulation.

(2) The registered operator of a vehicle must ensure that each number plate is affixed to the vehicle so that, when the vehicle is on level ground—

(a) the number plate is at all times in an upright position parallel to the vehicle's axles; and

(b) the number plate is at all times not more than 1⋅3 metres above ground level; and

(c) in the case of a motor cycle, the centre of the number plate is at all times at least 30 centimetres above ground level; and

(d) any numbers or letters on the number plate are clearly visible from a distance of 20 metres from the number plate at any point within the space produced by a horizontal arc of 90 degrees and a vertical arc of 45 degrees, as indicated by the shaded areas in Figure 8.

(3) The registered operator of a vehicle must ensure that—

(a) in the case of a vehicle other than a motor cycle, trailer or agricultural machine, one number plate is affixed to the front of the vehicle and another to its rear; or

(b) in the case of a motor cycle or trailer, the number plate is affixed to the rear of the motor cycle or trailer; or

(c) in the case of an agricultural machine—

(i) one number plate is affixed to the rear of the vehicle; and

(ii) one number plate is affixed to the front of the vehicle, if practicable.

(4) The requirements in subregulation (2) do not apply to a number plate for a vehicle if—

(a) due to the construction of the vehicle it is not practicable to comply with the requirements; and

(b) the number plate is affixed in a way that complies as far as practicable with the requirements.

(5) The registered operator of a vehicle must ensure that any cover on a number plate—

(a) is clear, clean, untinted and flat over its entire surface; and

(b) has no reflective or other characteristics that would prevent the successful operation of a device approved for use under a law relating to the detection of traffic offences; and

(c) does not prevent the number plate from being legible.

(6) The registered operator of a vehicle must ensure that no substance or object is applied or fixed to a number plate of the vehicle if the substance or object would prevent the production of a clear photograph of the number plate by a photographic or electronic detection device.

(7) If a vehicle is fitted with a bicycle carrier, any number plate required to be affixed to the rear of the vehicle may instead be securely affixed to the bicycle carrier.

Figure 8: Number plates must be clearly visible from 20 metres at all points within the shaded arcs marked "A".

64 Obligation if towing another vehicle

(a) a motor vehicle (the towing vehicle) is towing another vehicle (the towed vehicle) that is not required to be registered; and

(b) the towed vehicle is obscuring the rear number plate of the towing vehicle.

(2) The requirement under regulation 63(1) to have a number plate affixed to a vehicle to which this regulation applies includes a requirement that the registration number of the towing vehicle is displayed, by painting or otherwise, on the rear of the towed vehicle, as required by regulation 63(2)(d).

(3) For the purposes of section 72(3) of the Act, a person who complies with subregulation (2) is using an identifying number in prescribed circumstances.

65 Offence—use of vehicles and number plates

(1) A driver of a vehicle must not use the vehicle on a highway unless—

(a) the vehicle bears number plates affixed and displayed in accordance with this Division; or

(b) an authority under regulation 66 applies to the vehicle.

(2) Unless exempt under these Regulations or under any other law, the registered operator of a vehicle must ensure that the vehicle is not used on a highway without bearing number plates that—

(a) have been issued by the Secretary or, in the case of a national heavy vehicle number plate, issued in another jurisdiction; and

(b) display a registration number properly assigned to the vehicle; and

(c) are affixed and displayed in accordance with this Division.

(3) For the purposes of subregulation (2), a registered operator of a vehicle is exempt if the vehicle bears number plates affixed and displayed in accordance with an authority under regulation 66.

66 Authority given by Secretary

(1) The Secretary may authorise the affixture and display of multiple number plates on a vehicle for the purpose of testing the ability of equipment used for road safety enforcement or tolling purposes to read number plates under various weather and light conditions.

(2) The authority must be in writing and may—

(a) apply in respect of a particular case or a class of cases as specified in the authority; and

(b) specify the manner in which number plates may be affixed and displayed; and

(c) be subject to any specified conditions.

Subdivision 6—Labels for vehicles with alternative fuel systems

67 Label to be affixed to hydrogen-powered vehicle

A hydrogen-powered vehicle must have fixed conspicuously to each number plate—

(a) in the case of a heavy vehicle, a label that complies with Vehicle Standards Guide 27—Labelling requirements for Hydrogen and Electric-powered vehicles, published from time to time by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator; or

(b) in the case of a light vehicle, a label that complies with clause 144A of Schedule 1.

68 Label to be affixed to electric-powered vehicle

An electric-powered vehicle must have fixed conspicuously to each number plate—

(a) in the case of a heavy vehicle, a label that complies with Vehicle Standards Guide 27—Labelling requirements for Hydrogen and Electric-powered vehicles, published from time to time by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator; or

(b) in the case of a light vehicle, a label that complies with clause 144B of Schedule 1.

Regulations 47A and 47B of the Road Safety (Vehicles) Interim Regulations 2020 continue to have effect in relation to labels that were affixed to the front and rear number plates of electric powered passenger cars and hybrid vehicles before the revocation of those Regulations—see section 28(2)(e) of the Interpretation of Legislation Act 1984.

69 Issue of labels for light vehicles with alternative fuel systems

On payment by the registered operator of a light vehicle of the relevant fee specified in Schedule 4, the Secretary must issue to the registered operator—

(a) if the vehicle is a hydrogen-powered vehicle, labels that comply with clause 144A of Schedule 1; or

(b) if the vehicle is an electric-powered vehicle, labels that comply with clause 144B of Schedule 1.

Subdivision 7—Obligations

70 Obligations of registered operators

(1) The registered operator of a vehicle must notify the Secretary within 14 days after a change in—

(a) the vehicle's garage address; or

(b) the operator's name, residential address or postal or email address for service of notices.

(2) If a change is made to a vehicle that affects its details as recorded in the register, the registered operator must notify the Secretary of the change within 14 days.

(3) If a change is made to a vehicle, or to its use, that would incur liability for an additional fee or charge, the registered operator must ensure the vehicle is not used until—

(a) the Secretary has been notified of the change; and

(b) the additional fee or charge has been paid.

A change from rigid truck to prime mover.

(4) Subregulations (2) and (3) do not apply to a primary producer vehicle that is being used to carry primary produce, without fee or reward, to a primary producer—

(a) to assist in the relief of an emergency within the meaning of section 3 of the Emergency Management Act 2013; or

(b) to assist a benevolent organisation or sporting body.

(5) If requested by the Secretary, the registered operator of a vehicle must give the Secretary information to demonstrate that the garage address recorded in the register for the vehicle is the vehicle's actual garage address.

(6) If requested by the Secretary, a registered operator must give the Secretary evidence acceptable to the Secretary of—

(a) the correct tare mass of the vehicle; and

(b) the proportion of the correct tare mass carried on each tyre of the vehicle and on each axle of the vehicle.

Regulation 129 sets out grounds on which the Secretary may suspend the registration of a vehicle. The grounds for suspension include failure by the registered operator to give the Secretary information or evidence relating to the registration of the vehicle when requested by the Secretary.

Division 6—Registration number rights and non‑standard number plates

Subdivision 1—Registration number rights

71 Sale of registration number rights

(1) A person may apply to the Secretary to buy registration number rights in respect of a particular registration number in the approved application form.

(2) The Secretary may sell registration number rights in respect of a particular registration number to a person who has applied to the Secretary for those registration number rights.

(3) The sale of registration number rights is subject to the terms and conditions determined by the Secretary and notified to the purchaser at the time of purchase.

72 Refusal to sell registration number rights

The Secretary may refuse to sell registration number rights in respect of a particular registration number if—

(a) the Secretary has agreed with the Commonwealth or an authority responsible for registering vehicles in another jurisdiction not to sell the registration number; or

(b) in the Secretary's opinion, the registration number—

(i) may be mistaken for another registration number; or

(ii) may give a misleading impression that a vehicle on which the registration number is displayed is owned or operated by a department or agency of the Commonwealth or of a State or Territory, including a police force, a defence force, an official security organisation or a road authority; or

(iii) is offensive or inappropriate for public display; or

(c) the display of the registration number is prohibited by law; or

(d) the Secretary otherwise determines that it is reasonable to withhold the registration number from sale.

73 Transfer of registration number rights

(1) A person to whom registration number rights are transferred must, within 14 days after the transfer, give the Secretary notice of the transfer in accordance with subregulation (2).

(2) Notice of the transfer must be in the approved application form and signed by—

(a) the person or the legal personal representative of the person from whom the registration number rights have been transferred; and

(b) the person acquiring the registration number rights.

(3) For the purposes of subregulation (2)(a), a legal personal representative must establish to the satisfaction of the Secretary—

(a) the person's identity; and

(b) the person's authority to represent the estate of the deceased person.

(4) Registration number rights are transferred when—

(a) a transfer of registration occurs in accordance with Division 8 of this Part; and

(b) the number plates for the registration number rights are assigned to the vehicle.

74 Grounds for cancellation of registration number rights

The Secretary may cancel registration number rights in respect of a registration number if—

(a) in the Secretary's opinion, the registration number—

(i) may be mistaken for another registration number; or

(ii) may give a misleading impression that a vehicle on which the registration number is displayed is owned by a department or agency of the Commonwealth or of a State or Territory, including a police force, a defence force, an official security organisation or a road authority; or

(iii) is offensive or inappropriate for public display; or

(iv) was issued in error; or

(b) display of the registration number is prohibited by law; or

(c) the Secretary reasonably believes the rights have not been lawfully acquired or were acquired by fraud, misrepresentation or other dishonest means.

75 Notice of cancellation of registration number rights

(1) If registration number rights are cancelled by the Secretary under regulation 74, the Secretary must give written notice to the owner of the registration number rights—

(a) stating that the registration number rights have been cancelled; and

(b) informing the owner of those rights that the owner may seek compensation under regulation 76.

(2) If the registration number in respect of which the registration number rights have been cancelled under regulation 74 has been assigned to a vehicle, the Secretary must—

(a) give written notice to the registered operator of the vehicle—

(i) informing the operator that the rights have been cancelled; and

(ii) directing the operator to return all number plates bearing the registration number to the Secretary within the time stated in the notice; and

(b) assign a new registration number to the vehicle.

(3) A person given a notice under subregulation (2)(a) must comply with the notice.

76 Compensation

(1) An owner of registration number rights cancelled under regulation 74(a) may apply in writing to the Secretary for compensation.

(2) The amount of compensation payable by the Secretary for the cancellation of the rights is the amount determined by the Secretary to be the fair market value of—

(a) the registration number rights; and

(b) any number plate bearing the registration number.

(3) If the Secretary makes a decision under subregulation (2), the Secretary must give written notice to the applicant of—

Subdivision 2—Non-standard number plates and slimline number plates

77 Non-standard number plates

(1) A person may apply to the Secretary for the issue of non-standard number plates.

(2) An owner of registration number rights in respect of a registration number may apply to the Secretary for the issue of non-standard number plates bearing that registration number.

(3) The Secretary may issue non-standard number plates to the applicant on payment by the applicant of the fee fixed in accordance with section 5AE of the Act (if any).

78 Issue of non-standard number plates for commercial passenger vehicles

(1) A registered operator of a commercial passenger vehicle may apply to the Secretary for the issue of non-standard number plates that identify the vehicle as a commercial passenger vehicle.

(2) An applicant under subregulation (1) must pay the fee fixed by the Secretary under section 5AE of the Act (if any).

(3) If the Secretary is satisfied that the vehicle is a commercial passenger vehicle used to provide a booked commercial passenger vehicle service within the meaning of the Commercial Passenger Vehicle Industry Act 2017, the Secretary may issue non‑standard number plates to the applicant subject to any conditions the Secretary thinks fit.

(4) The issue of non-standard number plates to an applicant under subregulation (3) does not, in itself, confer on that applicant registration number rights in the registration number displayed on the non-standard number plates.

79 Slimline number plates

(1) A person may apply to the Secretary for the issue of slimline number plates.

(2) An applicant under subregulation (1) must pay—

(a) the relevant fee for standard number plates specified in Schedule 4; and

(b) the fee fixed by the Secretary under section 5AE of the Act (if any).

(3) The Secretary may issue slimline number plates to the applicant on payment by the applicant of the fees referred to in subregulation (2).

(4) The issue of slimline number plates to an applicant under subregulation (3) does not in itself confer on the applicant registration number rights in respect of the registration number displayed on the slimline number plates.

Subdivision 3—Authorised agents

80 Authorisation of agents

(1) The Secretary, in writing, may authorise a person to be an agent of the Secretary for the purposes of—

(a) issuing number plates; or

(b) selling registration number rights.

(2) An authorisation under subregulation (1) is subject to the terms and conditions (if any) specified by the Secretary.

Division 7—Renewal of registration

81 Notice of renewal of registration

(1) The Secretary may send the registered operator of a vehicle a notice of renewal of registration stating that the registration of the vehicle will expire if the registration of the vehicle is not renewed on or before the date specified in the notice.

(2) If the Secretary fails to send a notice of renewal of registration for a vehicle, the failure does not affect—

(a) the expiry of the vehicle's registration; or

(b) the obligation of the registered operator of the vehicle to renew the registration of the vehicle, if the operator intends to use the vehicle on a highway after the vehicle's existing registration expires.

82 Application for renewal of registration

The registered operator of a vehicle may apply for renewal of the vehicle's registration by giving to the Secretary—

(a) the registration fee; and

(b) the appropriate transport accident charge for the vehicle; and

(c) any evidence requested by the Secretary to support the registered operator's entitlement to pay a concessional fee for registration.

83 Period of renewal of registration

(1) An applicant for renewal of registration of a light motor vehicle may nominate a period of renewed registration as specified in regulation 58(1)(c), even if the fee for the renewal is nil.

(2) An applicant for renewal of registration of a heavy vehicle may nominate—

(a) a period of renewed registration as specified in regulation 58(1)(a)(i); or

(b) seasonal registration by specifying a period or periods totalling not less than 3 months and not more than 9 months to start—

(i) within 12 months after the expiry date of the previous seasonal registration; or

(ii) on a date specified by the registered operator in the application for renewal of registration.

84 Renewal of registration

(1) On an application under regulation 82, the Secretary may renew the registration of a vehicle—

(a) in the case of a vehicle in respect of which a nomination has been made under regulation 83(2)(b), within 12 months after the expiry of registration of the vehicle; or

(b) in any other case, within 3 months after the expiry of registration of the vehicle.

(2) The expiry date of a renewed period of registration must be calculated as if the renewal had commenced—

(a) in the case of a vehicle in respect of which a nomination has been made under regulation 83(2)(b), on the first day of the nominated period; or

(b) in any other case, on the day after the day recorded in the register as the expiry date of the period of registration.

(3) Subregulations (1) and (2) do not have the effect of retrospectively registering a vehicle.

(4) The Secretary may decide not to renew the registration of a vehicle if circumstances are such that, if an application for registration of the vehicle were being made, the Secretary would refuse to register the vehicle.

(5) If the Secretary decides not to renew the registration of a vehicle under subregulation (4), the Secretary must give the applicant written notice of—

85 Return of number plates

(1) The Secretary, by written notice to the registered operator of a vehicle, may request the registered operator of that vehicle to return the vehicle's number plates to the Secretary by the date specified in the notice if—

(a) the period during which the vehicle's registration may be renewed has expired and the registration has not been renewed; or

(b) new number plates have been assigned to the vehicle under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (Victoria); or

(c) non-standard number plates have been issued in respect of the vehicle in accordance with regulation 78 and the Secretary is satisfied that the vehicle is no longer a commercial passenger vehicle.

(2) If the registered operator of a vehicle is given a notice under subregulation (1), the registered operator must return the vehicle's number plates to the Secretary no later than the date specified in the notice.

Division 8—Transfer of registration

Subdivision 1—Requirements for transfer of registered vehicles

86 Division not applicable in certain circumstances

For the purposes of this Division, a disposal and an acquisition of a registered vehicle does not include—

(a) a temporary passing of possession of the vehicle to a person who is not intended to become its registered operator; or

(b) the hiring of the vehicle (other than under a hire-purchase agreement).

87 Certificate of roadworthiness not required for certain vehicles

A person disposing of or acquiring a registered vehicle is not required to give a certificate of roadworthiness or evidence of that certificate to the Secretary for the following vehicles—

(a) a light trailer;

(b) a specially constructed motor vehicle;

(c) a recreation motor cycle.

88 Certificate of roadworthiness not required in certain circumstances

(1) A person disposing of or acquiring a registered vehicle is not required to give a certificate of roadworthiness or evidence of that certificate to the Secretary if—

(a) the person disposing of the vehicle is—

(i) a person whom the Secretary is satisfied is the spouse or domestic partner of the person acquiring the vehicle; or

(ii) a person whom the Secretary is satisfied is the former spouse or domestic partner of the person acquiring the vehicle, provided that—

(A) the disposal and acquisition arises from the breakdown of the person's marriage or domestic relationship; and

(B) no other person is to acquire an interest in the vehicle; or

(b) the person acquiring the vehicle is—

(i) a surviving spouse or domestic partner acquiring the vehicle due to an entitlement to the whole or part of a deceased person's estate; or

(ii) a person for whom the vehicle was acquired by another person as a nominee or trustee when the person was a minor, provided that the person is no longer a minor; or

(iii) the former spouse or domestic partner of the person disposing of the vehicle; or

(iv) a dealer; or

(v) a person whom the Secretary is satisfied, in accordance with subregulation (2), is a legal personal representative of a deceased person who was the registered operator of the vehicle; or

(c) the acquisition of the vehicle is—

(i) by way of sale at public auction by an agent of the person disposing of the vehicle; or

(ii) in accordance with an order of an Australian court or another legal process; or

(iii) a repossession or a restoration under regulation 93.

(2) To be considered a legal personal representative of a deceased person for the purposes of subregulation (1)(b)(v), a person must establish to the satisfaction of the Secretary—

(a) the person's identity; and

(b) the person's authority to represent the estate of the deceased person.

Subdivision 2—Obligations of persons disposing of registered vehicles

89 Obligations of persons disposing of registered vehicles

(1) A person who disposes of a registered vehicle (a disposer) to another person (an acquirer), immediately after disposing of the vehicle, must complete an application for transfer of registration as the disposer in the approved application form.

(2) The disposer must give the acquirer—

(a) a completed application for transfer of registration; and

(b) a current certificate of roadworthiness for the vehicle, unless exempt under regulation 87 or 88.

(3) This regulation is subject to regulation 90.

90 Obligations of dealers disposing of registered vehicles to persons who are not dealers

(1) A dealer who disposes of a registered vehicle to a person who is not a dealer must give to the person a current certificate of roadworthiness for the vehicle before the person takes possession of the vehicle, unless exempt under regulation 87 or 88.

(2) A dealer who disposes of a registered vehicle to a person who is not a dealer must lodge with the Secretary within 14 days after disposing of the vehicle—

(a) a completed application for transfer of registration; and

(b) any applicable duty; and

(c) the applicable transfer fee; and

(d) evidence that a current certificate of roadworthiness has been obtained for the vehicle, unless exempt under regulation 87 or 88.

(3) Subregulations (1) and (2) do not apply if an agent of the dealer disposes of the dealer's registered vehicle, by way of sale at public auction, to a person who is not a dealer and the person who acquires the vehicle is given, before or at the time of the sale, a notice stating that—

(a) the person selling the vehicle is acting as an agent on behalf of the dealer; and

(b) the person acquiring the vehicle will be required to comply with regulation 91(1).

(4) If subregulation (3) applies, the dealer must comply with regulation 89.

Subdivision 3—Obligations of persons acquiring registered vehicles

91 Obligations of persons acquiring registered vehicles other than under legal process

(1) Subject to subregulation (2), a person who acquires a registered vehicle must, within 14 days of receiving an application for transfer of registration from the disposer—

(a) complete the application for transfer of registration as the acquirer; and

(b) lodge the completed application with the Secretary, accompanied by—

(i) evidence satisfactory to the Secretary that a current certificate of roadworthiness has been obtained for the vehicle, unless exempt under regulation 87 or 88; and

(ii) any applicable duty; and

(iii) the applicable transfer fee.

(2) A person, other than a dealer or a person given a notice under regulation 90(3), who acquires a vehicle from a dealer is not required to comply with subregulation (1) but must, as soon as practicable after acquiring the vehicle—

(a) complete an application for transfer of registration as the acquirer in the approved application form and give it to the dealer; and

(b) unless the dealer agrees otherwise, pay to the dealer any applicable duty and the applicable transfer fee.

(3) This regulation does not apply to a vehicle acquired in accordance with an order of an Australian court or another legal process.

92 Obligations of persons acquiring possession under court order or other legal process

If a person acquires possession of a registered vehicle in accordance with an order of an Australian court or another legal process, the person must—

(a) complete an application for transfer of registration as the acquirer in the approved application form; and

(b) within 14 days after acquiring possession of the vehicle, lodge with the Secretary—

(i) the completed application for transfer of registration as the acquirer in the approved application form; and

(ii) evidence of the court order made or other legal process conducted; and

(iii) any applicable duty; and

(iv) the applicable transfer fee.

93 Repossession and restoration

(1) A holder of a security interest registered under the Personal Property Securities Act 2009 of the Commonwealth in relation to a registered vehicle must lodge with the Secretary a completed application for transfer of registration as the acquirer in the approved application form within 14 days after taking possession of the vehicle from the registered operator.

(2) If a person referred to in subregulation (1) subsequently disposes of the vehicle, the person must lodge with the Secretary a further completed application for transfer of registration as the acquirer in the approved application form within 14 days after disposing of the vehicle.

(3) An application for transfer of registration under subregulation (2) must be accompanied by the relevant fee specified in Schedule 4.

94 Application for transfer of registration by legal personal representative

If the registered operator of a vehicle is deceased, the registered operator's legal personal representative, within 90 days after becoming the legal personal representative, must give the Secretary—

(a) evidence to the satisfaction of the Secretary of the registered operator's death; and

(b) evidence to the satisfaction of the Secretary to establish—

(i) the person's identity; and

(ii) the person's authority to represent the estate of the registered operator; and

(c) a completed application for transfer of registration in the approved application form; and

(d) the transfer fee.

95 Mandatory refusal to record transfer

(1) The Secretary must refuse to record a transfer of registration of a vehicle if—

(a) an order of an Australian court prohibits the sale or disposal of the vehicle or transfer of its registration; and

(b) the Secretary has been given notice of the court order.

(2) Despite subregulation (1), the Secretary is not required to refuse to record a transfer of registration if—

(a) the court order is not adequate to enable the Secretary to identify the vehicle; or

(b) the prohibition applies only to a particular sale or disposal of the vehicle, and that sale or disposal occurred before the court order was made.

Section 9AE of the Act provides that, if directed by the Director, Fines Victoria under section 89(1)(c)(iii) of the Fines Reform Act 2014, the Secretary must not transfer to any other person any registration of a vehicle if certain circumstances apply.

96 Discretionary refusal to record transfer

(1) The Secretary may refuse to record a transfer of registration of a vehicle if the Secretary is satisfied of any of the following—

(a) the vehicle is the subject of a vehicle defect notice that—

(i) prohibits use of the vehicle or imposes conditions on its use; and

(ii) has not been cleared; and

(iii) has led to suspension of the vehicle's registration, due to the notice not being cleared by the date specified in the notice;

(b) the vehicle is not fitted with an identification plate or not entered on the RAV;

(c) a vehicle identifier has been altered, defaced, removed, substituted or tampered with, without lawful authorisation;

(d) the vehicle is registered on the condition that its registration not be transferred;

(e) the transferee is not adequately identified in the application for transfer;

(f) the requirements of the Act and these Regulations relating to the transfer of registration have not been complied with;

(g) the ownership, possession, control or description of the vehicle as recorded in the register is uncertain;

(h) the Secretary would refuse an application to register the vehicle under regulation 48(1) or (2);

(i) the vehicle was issued with non‑standard number plates under regulation 78 and the vehicle is no longer a commercial passenger vehicle.

(2) The Secretary may record a transfer of registration of a vehicle despite the failure of one of the parties to the transfer to meet a requirement of these Regulations relating to the transfer of registration if—

(a) the proposed new registered operator has possession of the vehicle; and

(b) the Secretary considers it appropriate to record the transfer in the circumstances.

97 Notice of refusal to record transfer

(1) If the Secretary refuses to record a transfer of registration of a vehicle under this Division, the Secretary must give the applicant for transfer written notice of—

(2) Subregulation (1) does not apply if the Secretary has been directed not to record the transfer of registration of the vehicle by the Director, Fines Victoria under the Fines Reform Act 2014.

98 Secretary may make entry in register pending application for transfer

If the Secretary is advised by the registered operator of a vehicle that the vehicle has been disposed of, the Secretary may make an entry in the register to that effect until an application for transfer of registration is received.

99 Secretary may cancel transfer of registration in cases of fraud

(1) The Secretary may cancel a transfer of registration of a registered vehicle if satisfied on reasonable grounds that the transfer is fraudulent.

(2) If the Secretary cancels a transfer of registration under subregulation (1), the Secretary may alter the register to reverse any entry relating to the fraudulent transfer.

Division 9—Written-off vehicles

100 Application of Division

This Division applies to motor vehicles, including motor cycles, that are light motor vehicles designed solely or principally for the transport on roads of people, animals or goods.

The terms insurer, self-insurer, written-off vehicle, interstate written-off vehicles register, motor wrecker, statutory write-off and repairable write-off are defined in section 16B of the Act.

101 Obligations of insurers and self-insurers in relation to write-offs

(1) If a motor vehicle is written off, anywhere in Australia, in the course of the business carried on by an insurer, the insurer must lodge with the Secretary the information specified in subregulation (3) in the approved application form.

(2) If a motor vehicle is written off, anywhere in Australia, by a self-insurer, the self-insurer must lodge with the Secretary the information specified in subregulation (3) in the approved application form.

(3) The information specified for the purposes of subregulations (1) and (2) is—

(a) the usual information; and

(b) whether the motor vehicle is a statutory write-off or a repairable write-off; and

(c) a statement of the event or circumstances that, in the opinion of the insurer or self‑insurer, resulted in the motor vehicle being a statutory write-off or repairable write-off, described by reference to codes or terms approved by the Secretary from time to time; and

(d) the location and severity of the damage to the motor vehicle, described by reference to codes or terms approved by the Secretary from time to time; and

(e) the date on which the information in paragraphs (a) to (d) is lodged with the Secretary.

(4) An insurer or self-insurer must lodge with the Secretary the information specified in subregulation (3)—

(a) before the insurer or self-insurer disposes of the motor vehicle and within 7 days after the relevant date; or

(b) within the later time approved by the Secretary and notified to the insurer or self‑insurer, either generally or in a particular case.

(5) Despite subregulations (1) and (2), an insurer or self-insurer is not required to lodge information with the Secretary under this regulation if information about the write-off of the motor vehicle has been lodged for entry on an interstate written-off vehicles register.

102 Obligations of motor wreckers in relation to write‑offs

(1) A motor wrecker must lodge with the Secretary the usual information in the approved application form for any motor vehicle that is demolished or dismantled in the course of the business carried on by the motor wrecker.

(2) A motor wrecker must lodge with the Secretary the usual information required by subregulation (1)—

(a) before the motor wrecker disposes of the part or parts of the motor vehicle on which the vehicle identifier is located and within 7 days after the relevant date; or

(b) within the later time approved by the Secretary and notified to the motor wrecker, either in a particular case or generally.

(3) Despite subregulations (1) and (2), a motor wrecker is not required to lodge information with the Secretary under this regulation if—

(a) information about the motor vehicle has been lodged with the Secretary by an insurer or self‑insurer under regulation 101; or

(b) the registered operator of the motor vehicle has lodged with the Secretary written notice that the registered operator has written off the motor vehicle.

103 Obligations of motor car traders in relation to write‑offs

(1) A motor car trader must lodge with the Secretary the usual information in the approved application form for each motor vehicle that is in the care, custody or control of the motor car trader in the course of the business carried on by the motor car trader, if the motor car trader knows, or ought reasonably to know, that the motor vehicle is a written-off vehicle which has not already been reported to the Secretary.

(2) A motor car trader must lodge with the Secretary the usual information required by subregulation (1)—

(a) before the motor car trader disposes of the motor vehicle and within 7 days after the relevant date; or

(b) within the later time approved by the Secretary and notified to the motor car trader, either in a particular case or generally.

(3) Despite subregulations (1) and (2), a motor car trader is not required to lodge information with the Secretary under this regulation if—

(a) information about the motor vehicle has been lodged with the Secretary by an insurer or self-insurer under regulation 101; or

(b) the person who was the registered operator of the motor vehicle has lodged with the Secretary written notice that the person has written off the motor vehicle.

104 Obligation to disclose information to purchaser of written-off vehicle

(1) A person who sells a written-off vehicle must inform the purchaser in writing whether the motor vehicle is entered on the register of written-off vehicles or on an interstate written-off vehicles register.

(2) A motor car trader is taken to have complied with this regulation if the motor car trader includes the information referred to in subregulation (1) in a notice attached to the relevant motor car in accordance with section 52 of the Motor Car Traders Act 1986.

105 Obligation of insurer or self-insurer to affix notices or labels to write‑offs

(1) An insurer or self-insurer must affix to a motor vehicle that is a statutory write-off a notice or label in the approved form within 7 days after the relevant date.

(2) Subregulation (1) does not apply if a notice or label in the approved form is already affixed to the motor vehicle.

106 Obligation of motor wrecker or motor car trader to affix notices or labels on write‑offs

(1) A motor wrecker or motor car trader, who knows or ought reasonably to know that a motor vehicle in the care, custody or control of the motor wrecker or motor car trader in the course of the person's business is a motor vehicle that is a statutory write-off, must affix to the motor vehicle a notice or label in the approved form within 7 days after the relevant date.

(2) Subregulation (1) does not apply if a notice or label in the approved form is already affixed to the motor vehicle.

107 Entering vehicles on the register of written‑off vehicles

The Secretary must enter details of a motor vehicle on the register of written-off vehicles if—

(a) information about the vehicle is given to the Secretary by any of the following—

(i) an insurer or self-insurer under regulation 101;

(ii) a motor wrecker under regulation 102;

(iii) a motor car trader under regulation 103;

(iv) the registered operator of the motor vehicle following a determination under section 16C(1)(b) of the Act;

(v) the person who was the registered operator of the vehicle; or

(b) the Secretary otherwise considers that the motor vehicle has been written off.

Section 16D(2A) of the Act states that, in entering a motor vehicle on the register of written-off vehicles, the Secretary is entitled to rely on a determination made by an insurer or self-insurer under section 16C(1)(b) that a written-off vehicle is a statutory write-off or a repairable write-off and is not required to make any enquiries of the Secretary's own in relation to the matter before entering the motor vehicle on the register.

108 Register of written-off vehicles

For the purposes of section 16D(1) of the Act, the vehicles that must be included on the register of written-off vehicles are light motor vehicles that—

(a) are the subject of a determination made under section 16C(1)(b) of the Act; and

(b) are not more than 15 years old on the date of the determination; and

(c) have not sustained only cosmetic damage due to the direct impact of hail stones.

109 Information to be included if motor vehicle entered on the register of written-off vehicles

(1) If the Secretary enters details of a motor vehicle on the register of written-off vehicles, the Secretary must, as part of the entry, record on the register—

(a) in the case of details of the motor vehicle that are entered on the register on the basis of information provided to the Secretary under regulation 101, 102 or 103—

(i) the information provided under that regulation; and

(ii) the date on which the entry was made on the register; or

(b) in any other case—

(i) the relevant identification information for the motor vehicle; and

(ii) whether the motor vehicle is a statutory write-off or a repairable write-off; and

(iii) the relevant date in relation to the motor vehicle, if known; and

(iv) information relating to the damage or condition that caused the motor vehicle to be written off; and

(v) the date on which the entry was made on the register.

(2) The Secretary may record as part of an entry on the register of written-off vehicles any other information about a motor vehicle that the Secretary considers appropriate.

110 Removal or amendment of entries on the register of written‑off vehicles

(1) The following persons may apply to the Secretary for an entry of a motor vehicle on the register of written-off vehicles to be removed or amended—

(a) a person who gave the Secretary notice that the motor vehicle was a written-off vehicle;

(b) a person who was the registered operator of the motor vehicle when it became a written‑off vehicle or, if the registration of the motor vehicle was already cancelled, the registered operator immediately before that cancellation;

(c) a person who was the spouse or domestic partner of a person referred to in paragraph (a) or (b) when the notice was given or the motor vehicle became a written‑off vehicle (as the case requires).

(2) The Secretary may require an applicant under subregulation (1) to lodge with the Secretary evidence, in a form acceptable to the Secretary—

(a) of the applicant's personal particulars or corporation particulars; or

(b) that the applicant is a person referred to in subregulation (1); or

(c) of the vehicle particulars, condition, ownership, possession or control of the vehicle.

(3) If, after considering the application, the Secretary is satisfied that the motor vehicle was not a written-off vehicle when it was entered on the register, the Secretary may remove the entry relating to that motor vehicle.

(4) If, after considering the application, the Secretary is satisfied that the motor vehicle did not satisfy the criteria for the category of written-off vehicle under which the motor vehicle was registered when it was entered on the register, the Secretary may amend the entry—

(a) in the case of a statutory write-off—by amending the entry to a repairable write-off; or

(b) in the case of a repairable write-off—by amending the entry to a statutory write-off.

(5) If the Secretary refuses the application, the Secretary must give the applicant written notice of—

(a) the applicant's right to internal review of the decision under Subdivision 2 of Division 12 of this Part; and

(b) the applicant's right under section 16E of the Act to appeal against the refusal.

111 Certified extract of information from the register of written-off vehicles

On payment of the appropriate fee in Schedule 5, a person may obtain from the Secretary a certified extract of the following information entered on, or derived from, the register of written-off vehicles—

(a) the date of the most recent determination under section 16C(1)(b) of the Act in relation to a motor vehicle;

(b) any information entered on, or derived from, the register that relates to the nature or extent of damage to a motor vehicle;

(c) a description of the type of write-off applicable to a motor vehicle entered on the register.

112 Registration of written-off vehicles

The Secretary may only register a vehicle to which section 16F(3) or (4) of the Act applies, following an application for registration under this Part, if—

(a) the application for registration is made more than 15 years after the date of manufacture of the vehicle; or

(b) in the case of a vehicle whose vehicle identifier is the same as that of a vehicle entered on an interstate written-off vehicles register as a repairable write-off, the application for registration is not made more than 15 years after the date of manufacture of the vehicle and—

(i) the Secretary has been given a VIV certificate in the approved form, issued for the vehicle not more than 3 months before the date of the application for registration; or

(ii) if the Secretary does not require a VIV certificate, the Secretary is satisfied that—

(A) the interstate written-off vehicles register records that the vehicle has been inspected to confirm it is the vehicle to which the relevant vehicle identifier was assigned; and

(B) the vehicle has since been registered in that jurisdiction; or

(c) in any other case, the Secretary has been given a VIV certificate in the approved form, issued for the vehicle not more than 3 months before the date of the application for registration.

A vehicle to which section 16F(3) or (4) of the Act applies has the same vehicle identifier as a vehicle entered on the register of written-off vehicles (or on an equivalent interstate register) as a repairable write-off. A vehicle that has the same vehicle identifier as a statutory write-off cannot be registered—see section 16F(1) and (2) of the Act.

113 Form and issue of VIV certificates

(1) A VIV certificate must be in the approved form.

(2) An authorised vehicle inspector must not issue a VIV certificate for the purposes of regulation 112 for a vehicle unless—

(a) the vehicle has been inspected in accordance with the guidelines made under regulation 9(2) and written directions given under regulation 12; and

(b) records of the inspection of the vehicle are kept in accordance with the guidelines made under regulation 9(2) and written directions given under regulation 12.

114 Renewal of registration of written-off vehicles

The registration of a vehicle referred to in regulation 112 may be renewed in accordance with Division 7 of this Part.

Division 10—Fees

115 Fees for registration and renewal of registration of heavy vehicles

(1) Subject to subregulations (2) and (3), the fee for registration or renewal of registration of a heavy vehicle of a category referred to in Schedule 3 is the relevant fee calculated in accordance with that Schedule, unless this Part otherwise provides.

(2) A fee for registration or renewal of registration of a heavy vehicle is not payable if, under Schedule 2, the calculated fee for registration of the vehicle is "nil".

Firefighting and emergency response vehicles are subject to a "nil" fee under item 14 of the Table in Schedule 2. A fee for registration or renewal of registration is not payable for those vehicles under Schedule 3.

(3) If a fee payable under Schedule 3 is greater than the fee that would be payable under Schedule 2 for a heavy vehicle described in item 3, 4, 6, 7, 12, 14 or 15 of the Table, the fee is to be reduced by the amount of the difference.

116 Fees for registration and renewal of registration of motor cycles

Reg. 116(1) amended by S.R. No. 67/2023 reg. 7.

(1) The fee for registration or renewal of registration of a motor cycle is 20% of the base registration fee unless a lesser fee or nil fee applies to the motor cycle under regulation 120A or Schedule 2.

(2) Despite subregulation (1), the fee for registration or renewal of registration of a recreation motor cycle is the relevant fee in Schedule 2.

117 Fees for registration and renewal of registration of mobile plant

The fee for registration or renewal of registration of a mobile plant is 50% of the base registration fee.

Reg. 118 amended by S.R. No. 67/2023 reg. 8.

118 Fee for registration or renewal of light trailers

The fee for registration or renewal of registration of a light trailer that has an MRC not exceeding 4⋅5 tonnes is 20% of the base registration fee unless a lesser fee or nil fee applies to the light trailer under Schedule 2.

119 Fees for registration or renewal of registration of zero and low emission vehicles

The fee for registration or renewal of registration of a zero and low emission vehicle is—

(a) nil, if the fee that would otherwise be payable under section 9(2) of the Act or Schedule 2 is less than $100; or

(b) in any other case, the fee that would otherwise be payable under section 9 of the Act or Schedule 2, less $100.

120 Concessional registration fees for registration and renewal of registration

(1) A concessional fee for registration or renewal of registration applies to a vehicle of a category referred to in Schedule 2.

(2) Schedule 2 has effect.

(3) If a motor vehicle is not to be used except for social, domestic or pleasure purposes and—

(a) the vehicle is registered or to be registered in the name of a person who on the day of payment of the fee for registration or at the commencement of the period of registration, whichever is earlier, is an eligible beneficiary or the spouse or domestic partner of an eligible beneficiary; and

(b) the provisions of this subregulation are not, at the commencement of the period of registration, being applied to—

(i) any other motor vehicle registered in the name of the applicant; or

(ii) if the applicant is not an eligible beneficiary, any motor vehicle registered in the name of the applicant or the applicant's spouse or domestic partner—

the fee to be paid for registration or renewal of registration of the vehicle is 50% of the fee that would otherwise be payable under section 9(2) of the Act.

Reg. 120A inserted by S.R. No. 67/2023 reg. 9.

120A Fees for registration and renewal of registration of light motor vehicles for eligible veterans

(1) For a light motor vehicle to which subregulation (2) applies, the fee for registration or renewal of registration of the vehicle is—

(a) nil, if the fee that would otherwise be payable under section 9(2) of the Act is less than $100; or

(b) in any other case, the fee that would otherwise be payable under section 9(2) of the Act, less $100.

(2) The light motor vehicle is not used except for social, domestic or pleasure purposes and—

(a) the vehicle is registered or to be registered in the name of a person who is—

(i) an eligible veteran; or

(ii) a spouse, domestic partner or carer of an eligible veteran; and

(b) the vehicle is not a vehicle to which a concessional fee for registration or renewal of registration under regulation 120 applies or has been applied; and

(c) the provisions of this regulation have not been applied to—

(i) any other vehicle registered in the name of the eligible veteran; or

(ii) any other vehicle registered in the name of the spouse, domestic partner or carer of the eligible veteran.

(3) The fee under subregulation (1) is to be applied to the vehicle from the date of commencement of registration, or renewal of registration, after the person notifies the Secretary that they are—

(a) an eligible veteran; or

(b) a spouse, domestic partner or carer of an eligible veteran.

121 Fees for the transfer of registration

The fee payable for the transfer of registration of a vehicle is the relevant fee specified in Schedule 4.

122 Search and extract fees

(1) The fee payable for a search of, or extract from, the Secretary's records relating to registration of a vehicle or information relating to a vehicle on the register of written-off vehicles is the relevant fee specified in Schedule 5.

(2) If, in respect of a particular vehicle, a search of, extract from, or certificate in respect of information on, both the register of vehicles and the register of written-off vehicles is made or issued, the relevant fee in Schedule 5 is payable in respect of each of those registers.

(3) The Secretary may enter into an agreement with—

(a) a public authority, the Chief Commissioner of Police, a municipal council, an insurer, a self-insurer, a motor vehicle wrecker, a motor car trader, a tolling operator or an auction house for the Secretary to provide extracts for fees that—

(i) are less than the fees prescribed in subregulation (1); and

(ii) do not exceed the costs incurred by the Secretary for providing the extracts; or

(b) a person for the purposes of historical research or the supply of statistical information on reasonable terms acceptable to the Secretary and not exceeding the costs incurred by the Secretary for providing that service.

123 Refunds

(1) If the registration of a vehicle is cancelled, the Secretary may refund part of the registration fees calculated in accordance with the following formula—

**R** is the amount of the refund (in dollars); and

**A** is the unexpired number of days of duration of the registration; and

**B** is the total number of days for which the registration was granted; and

**C** is the amount paid for the registration (in dollars).

(2) If there is a change in the use or description of a registered vehicle as a result of which a lower registration fee is payable, the Secretary must refund the difference in fees in accordance with the following formula—

**R** is the amount of the refund (in dollars); and

**A** is the unexpired number of days of duration of the registration after the change; and

**B** is the total number of days for which the registration was granted; and

**C** is the amount of the difference in fees (in dollars).

(3) The Secretary may require a person to pay the relevant fee specified in Schedule 4 for processing the refund.

(4) The Secretary may deduct the fee referred to in subregulation (3) from any refund.

(5) The Secretary is not required to refund an amount that would be payable if the amount of refund is equal to or less than the fee referred to in subregulation (3).

(6) The Secretary is not required to refund part of the registration fee for a registered vehicle if there is a change to the registered operator of the vehicle after the commencement of the period of registration.

124 Reduction, waiver or refund of fees

The Secretary may reduce, waive or refund, in whole or in part, a fee specified under section 5AE or 9(2) of the Act or listed in Schedule 4 or 6, if the Secretary believes there are special circumstances that justify the reduction, waiver or refund of the fee.

125 Application of certain fees

(1) The following fees received by the Secretary must be paid by the Secretary into the Roads Fund established under section 39B of the Transport Integration Act 2010—

(a) fees payable under items 2, 3, 5 to 16, 22, 25, 27, 28 and 33 to 36 of Schedule 4;

(b) the fee payable under regulation 122;

(c) administrative fees other than a fee charged for a service provided in connection with the registration of a light motor vehicle for a period of 3 or 6 months;

(d) the fee payable for the replacement of a non‑standard number plate referred to in regulation 61(2)(c);

(e) the fee payable for the issue of non-standard number plates referred to in regulation 77(3);

(f) the fee payable for the issue of non-standard number plates for commercial passenger vehicles referred to in regulation 78(2);

(g) the fee payable for the issue of slimline number plates referred to in regulation 79(2);

(h) the fee payable for the issue of slimline club permit number plates referred to in regulation 194(3);

(i) any fee payable for new standard club permit number plates or slimline club permit number plates referred to in regulation 194(6).

Administrative fee is defined in regulation 5 and includes the fee for a club log book (regulation 189(e)) and the fee for a replacement club log book (regulation 193).

(2) A fee charged for a service provided in connection with the registration of a light motor vehicle for a period of 3 or 6 months must be paid by the Secretary into the Consolidated Fund in accordance with section 97(a) of the Act.

Division 11—Expiry, surrender, suspension and cancellation of registration

Subdivision 1—Expiry

126 Expiry of registration

The registration of a vehicle expires at the end of the day recorded in the register as the vehicle's registration expiry date.

Subdivision 2—Surrender

127 Surrender of registration

(1) The registered operator of a vehicle may surrender the registration of the vehicle.

(2) The surrender of registration under subregulation (1) may be made—

(a) personally; or

(b) by an agent who produces written evidence that they are the registered operator's agent.

128 Cancellation of registration following surrender of registration

On the surrender of registration under regulation 127, the Secretary must cancel the registration of the vehicle.

Subdivision 3—Suspension