3Interpretation

### 3 Interpretation > > (1)  In this Act, unless the contrary intention appears –[*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 71 of 2001, s. 4, Applied:01 Jan 2002\]*](/view/html/inforce/2002-01-01/act-2001-071#GS4@Hpa@EN) [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 34 of 2020, Sched. 1, Applied:01 Jul 2021\]*](/view/html/inforce/2021-07-01/act-2020-034#JS1@Ja9@GC1@Hpa@EN) > > > > > [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 34 of 2020, Sched. 1, Applied:01 Jul 2021\]*](/view/html/inforce/2021-07-01/act-2020-034#JS1@Ja9@GC1@Hpa@EN) ***ADR*** means – > > > > > > > > (a) the vehicle standards (Australian Design Rules) determined under the MVSA and as amended or replaced from time to time; or > > > > > > > > > (b) a national road vehicle standard determined under section 12 of the *Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018*, as amended or replaced from time to time; > > > > > ***ancillary certificate*** means one of the following: > > > > > > > > (a) a certificate authorising the holder to provide driving instruction for reward; > > > > > > > > > (b) a certificate authorising the holder to drive a public passenger vehicle; > > > > > ***articulated*** for a vehicle, means – > > > > > > > > (a) the vehicle consists of a motor vehicle and a trailer; and > > > > > > > > > (b) the trailer is pivoted to the motor vehicle; and > > > > > > > > > (c) part of the trailer (not being a pole, drawbar or similar device) is superimposed on the motor vehicle; > > > > > ***Australian driver licence*** means a licence (including a driver licence receipt) issued under this Act or a corresponding law authorising the holder to drive a motor vehicle; > > > > > ***authorised officer*** means a person authorised by the Commission under [section 9(2) of the](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1925-038#GS9@Gs2@EN) [Traffic Act 1925](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1925-038) to exercise the power or perform the function in reference to which the expression is used; > > > > > [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 69 of 2001, s. 4, Applied:10 Dec 2001\]*](/view/html/inforce/2001-12-10/act-2001-069#GS4@Hpa@EN) ***automatic statutory penalty*** means a penalty that, under an Act of this or any other State or a Territory, is imposed on an offender automatically if certain circumstances apply and not by order of a court; > > > > > ***axle*** means one or more shafts positioned in a line across a vehicle on which one or more of the wheels intended to support the vehicle turn; > > > > > ***bus*** means a motor vehicle that is designed and constructed to carry passengers and has seating capacity for more than 9 adults, including the driver; > > > > > ***camper van*** means a motor vehicle that is constructed principally for use as a dwelling; > > > > > ***class*** for an Australian driver licence, means – > > > > > > > > (a) in the case of a driver licence issued under this Act – a class established by the regulations; and > > > > > > > > > (b) in the case of an Australian driver licence issued under a corresponding law – a class established under a corresponding law; > > > > > ***class A light vehicle*** means – > > > > > > > > (a) a motor vehicle constructed for use primarily for the carriage of passengers (other than a bus or a motor cycle); or > > > > > > > > > (b) a camper van; or > > > > > > > > > (c) [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 40 of 2000, s. 4, Applied:14 Aug 2000\]*](/view/html/inforce/2000-08-14/act-2000-040#GS4@EN) a truck with a GVM of less than 3 tonnes; > > > > > ***combination*** means a motor vehicle connected to one or more trailers; > > > > > ***Commission*** means the Transport Commission established under the [Transport Act 1981](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1981-020) ; > > > > > ***Consumer Price Index*** means the Consumer Price Index (All Groups) for Hobart published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics or, if that Index is suspended or discontinued, any index published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics that measures price inflation for the household sector in Hobart; > > > > > ***Contracting State*** means a foreign country that is a signatory to the United Nations Convention on Road Traffic, Geneva, 1949; > > > > > ***contravention*** includes a failure to comply; > > > > > ***corresponding law*** means a law of another State or Territory of Australia dealing with either or both the following subjects: > > > > > > > > (a) the driving of motor vehicles on roads; > > > > > > > > > (b) the use of motor vehicles and trailers on roads; > > > > > ***demerit points offence*** means an offence that attracts a demerit point or demerit points; > > > > > ***demerit points schedule*** means the prescribed schedule of demerit points offences setting out the number of demerit points attracted by each offence; > > > > > ***demerit points scheme*** means the scheme established by Division 4 of Part 3; > > > > > ***document*** includes a metallic, plastic or any other medium on which words, letters, numbers or symbols are written or imprinted; > > > > > ***driver licence*** means a licence (including a driver licence receipt) issued under this Act that authorises the holder of the licence to drive one or more classes of motor vehicle; > > > > > ***driver licence receipt*** means a receipt issued after an application for an Australian driver licence and payment of the applicable fee authorising the person in whose favour the receipt is issued to drive one or more classes of motor vehicle; > > > > > [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 71 of 2001, s. 4, Applied:01 Jan 2002\]*](/view/html/inforce/2002-01-01/act-2001-071#GS4@Hpb@EN) ***escort vehicle*** means a vehicle that is being used – > > > > > > > > (a) to transport a police officer or an authorised officer; and > > > > > > > > > (b) to warn other road users of the presence of an oversize vehicle or combination; > > > > [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 68 of 2007, s. 14, Applied:19 Dec 2007\]*](/view/html/inforce/2007-12-19/act-2007-068#GS14@EN) [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 38 of 2017, s. 66, Applied:03 Dec 2018\]*](/view/html/inforce/2018-12-03/act-2017-038#GS66@Hpa@EN) [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 68 of 2007, s. 14, Applied:19 Dec 2007\]*](/view/html/inforce/2007-12-19/act-2007-068#GS14@EN) [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 38 of 2017, s. 66, Applied:03 Dec 2018\]*](/view/html/inforce/2018-12-03/act-2017-038#GS66@Hpa@EN) > > > > > [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 69 of 2001, s. 4, Applied:10 Dec 2001\]*](/view/html/inforce/2001-12-10/act-2001-069#GS4@Hpb@EN) ***excessive speeding offence*** means a speeding offence where the prescribed speed limit is exceeded by 38km/h or more; > > > > > ***foreign driver licence*** means a licence – > > > > > > > > (a) issued under the law of a foreign country; and > > > > > > > > > (b) held by an international visitor who is ordinarily resident in that country; and > > > > > > > > > (c) authorising the holder of the licence to drive a motor vehicle in that country; > > > > > ***full licence*** means an Australian driver licence that is neither a learner licence nor a provisional licence; > > > > > ***goods*** means any object, material or substance and includes an animal or a bird; > > > > [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 22 of 2001, s. 4, Applied:01 Nov 2001\]*](/view/html/inforce/2001-11-01/act-2001-022#GS4@Hpa@EN) > > > > > [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 34 of 2020, Sched. 1, Applied:01 Jul 2021\]*](/view/html/inforce/2021-07-01/act-2020-034#JS1@Ja9@GC1@Hpb@EN) ***GCM*** for a motor vehicle, also known as the gross combination mass for a motor vehicle, means the greatest possible sum of the maximum loaded mass of the motor vehicle and of any vehicles that may be towed by it at the same time – > > > > > > > > (a) as specified on the RAV for that vehicle; or > > > > > > > > > (b) if it is not specified on the RAV, as specified by the vehicle’s manufacturer on an identification plate on the vehicle; or > > > > > > > > > (c) if it is not specified on the RAV or an identification plate, or if the specification is not appropriate because the motor vehicle has been modified, as certified by a vehicle registration authority; > > > > [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 38 of 2010, s. 6, Applied:14 Dec 2010\]*](/view/html/inforce/2010-12-14/act-2010-038#GS6@Hpa@EN) [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 34 of 2020, Sched. 1, Applied:01 Jul 2021\]*](/view/html/inforce/2021-07-01/act-2020-034#JS1@Ja9@GC1@Hpb@EN) > > > > > [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 22 of 2001, s. 4, Applied:01 Nov 2001\]*](/view/html/inforce/2001-11-01/act-2001-022#GS4@Hpa@EN) [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 38 of 2010, s. 6, Applied:14 Dec 2010\]*](/view/html/inforce/2010-12-14/act-2010-038#GS6@Hpb@EN) [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 34 of 2020, Sched. 1, Applied:01 Jul 2021\]*](/view/html/inforce/2021-07-01/act-2020-034#JS1@Ja9@GC1@Hpb@EN) ***GVM*** for a vehicle, also known as the gross vehicle mass for a vehicle, means the maximum loaded mass of the vehicle – > > > > > > > > (a) as specified on the RAV for that vehicle; or > > > > > > > > > (b) if it is not specified on the RAV, as specified by the vehicle’s manufacturer on an identification plate on the vehicle; or > > > > > > > > > (c) if it is not specified on the RAV or an identification plate, or if the specification is not appropriate because the vehicle has been modified, as certified by a vehicle registration authority; > > > > [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 30 of 2013, Sched. 1, Applied:10 Feb 2014\]*](/view/html/inforce/2014-02-10/act-2013-030#JS1@Ja7@GC1@Hpa@EN) > > > > > [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 30 of 2013, Sched. 1, Applied:10 Feb 2014\]*](/view/html/inforce/2014-02-10/act-2013-030#JS1@Ja7@GC1@Hpa@EN) ***heavy vehicle*** has the same meaning as in the [Heavy Vehicle National Law (Tasmania) Act 2013](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-2013-030) ; > > > > > [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 5 of 2017, s. 4, Applied:01 Jun 2017\]*](/view/html/inforce/2017-06-01/act-2017-005#GS4@Hpa@EN) ***hire and drive vehicle*** means a motor vehicle that is used to operate a hire and drive passenger service, within the meaning of the [Passenger Transport Services Act 2011](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-2011-059) ; > > > > > [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 29 of 2002, s. 4, Applied:21 Oct 2002\]*](/view/html/inforce/2002-10-21/act-2002-029#GS4@Hpa@EN) ***identification number*** means – > > > > > > > > (a) a VIN; or > > > > > > > > > (b) a chassis number on a vehicle; or > > > > > > > > > (c) an engine number on a vehicle; > > > > > [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 22 of 2001, s. 4, Applied:01 Nov 2001\]*](/view/html/inforce/2001-11-01/act-2001-022#GS4@Hpb@EN) [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 34 of 2020, Sched. 1, Applied:01 Jul 2021\]*](/view/html/inforce/2021-07-01/act-2020-034#JS1@Ja9@GC1@Hpc@EN) ***identification plate*** means a plate placed on a vehicle, authorised to be placed on a vehicle or taken to have been placed on a vehicle, under the MVSA; > > > > > ***international driving permit*** means a permit issued by – > > > > > > > > (a) a competent authority of a Contracting State or a subdivision of such a State; or > > > > > > > > > (b) an association duly empowered by such an authority – > > > > > > in accordance with the United Nations Convention on Road Traffic, Geneva, 1949; > > > > > ***international visitor*** means a person who – > > > > > > > > (a) is ordinarily resident in a foreign country; and > > > > > > > > > (b) is not a permanent resident of Australia; > > > > > ***learner licence*** means a driver licence issued under this Act, or a licence or permit issued under a corresponding law, authorising a person to drive a motor vehicle for the purpose of learning to drive, or demonstrating capacity to drive, a motor vehicle of a particular class; > > > > > ***light vehicle*** means a motor vehicle or a trailer that is not a heavy vehicle; > > > > > ***manufacturer*** includes a manufacturer's agent; > > > > > [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 71 of 2001, s. 4, Applied:01 Jan 2002\]*](/view/html/inforce/2002-01-01/act-2001-071#GS4@Hpc@EN) ***mass*** includes weight; > > > > > ***medical examination*** includes an examination to determine mental fitness to drive a motor vehicle; > > > > [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 3 of 2010, Sched. 1, Applied:01 Jul 2010\]*](/view/html/inforce/2010-07-01/act-2010-003#JS1@Ja71@GC1@Hpa@EN) > > > > > ***motor bike*** means a motor vehicle that runs on 2 wheels and, if a side-car supported by a third wheel is attached, includes the attached side-car; > > > > > ***motor cycle*** means a motor bike or a motor trike; > > > > > ***motor tax*** means tax imposed under Part 5; > > > > > ***motor trike*** means a motor vehicle that – > > > > > > > > (a) runs on 3 wheels symmetrically arranged in relation to the vehicle's longitudinal median axis; and > > > > > > > > > (b) is constructed and controlled like a motor bike; > > > > > ***motor vehicle*** means a vehicle that is built to be propelled by a motor that forms part of the vehicle but does not include – > > > > > > > > (a) an aircraft; or > > > > > > > > > (b) a motor vehicle that travels only on a railway, tramway or other fixed track; or > > > > > > > > > (c) [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 17 of 2023, s. 6, Applied:01 Jul 2024\]*](/view/html/inforce/2024-07-01/act-2023-017#GS6@Hpb@EN) [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 17 of 2023, s. 6, Applied:01 Jul 2024\]*](/view/html/inforce/2024-07-01/act-2023-017#GS6@Hpa@EN) a pedal cycle with an electrically powered auxiliary motor (or motors) with a power output (or combined power output) of not more than 200 watts or such other wattage as is prescribed; or > > > > > > > > > (ca) [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 8 of 2014, s. 4, Applied:11 Sep 2014\]*](/view/html/inforce/2014-09-11/act-2014-008#GS4@EN) a power-assisted pedal cycle within the meaning of the relevant ADR; or > > > > > > > > > (d) a self-propelled lawn or grass mower constructed and used solely for mowing lawn or grass that is not capable of travelling at a speed of more than 10 kilometres an hour; or > > > > > > > > > (e) a self-propelled wheelchair that is not capable of travelling at a speed of more than 10 kilometres an hour; or > > > > > > > > > (f) a self-propelled vehicle – > > > > > > > > > > > > (i) not capable of travelling at a speed of more than 10 kilometres an hour; and > > > > > > > > > > > > > (ii) designed for off-road work in construction, maintenance or warehouse operation; and > > > > > > > > > > > > > (iii) [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 104 of 2001, s. 20, Applied:01 Jan 2002\]*](/view/html/inforce/2002-01-01/act-2001-104#GS20@Hpa@EN) only used on a public street for the purpose of loading or unloading another vehicle, loading or unloading the vehicle onto another vehicle or manoeuvring at a work site; or > > > > > > > > > (g) a vehicle of a class excluded by regulation from the ambit of this definition; > > > > > [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 34 of 2020, Sched. 1, Applied:01 Jul 2021\]*](/view/html/inforce/2021-07-01/act-2020-034#JS1@Ja9@GC1@Hpd@EN) ***MVSA*** means the [Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1989-065) of the Commonwealth, as in force immediately before its repeal; > > > > > ***national schedule of demerit points*** means the part of the demerit points schedule set apart as the national schedule of demerit points; > > > > > ***nominated configuration*** for a heavy vehicle, means the configuration nominated by the registered operator (or the applicant for registration) as the configuration in which the vehicle will be operated for the registration period; > > > > > [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 10 of 2008, s. 4, Applied:25 Aug 2008\]*](/view/html/inforce/2008-08-25/act-2008-010#GS4@Hpa@EN) ***novice driver*** means a person who has never held – > > > > > > > > (a) a full licence in relation to a motor vehicle; or > > > > > > > > > (b) a foreign driver licence equivalent to a full licence in relation to a motor vehicle; > > > > > [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 10 of 2008, s. 4, Applied:25 Aug 2008\]*](/view/html/inforce/2008-08-25/act-2008-010#GS4@Hpa@EN) ***novice licensing stage*** means any of the novice licensing stages prescribed in the regulations that a novice driver or novice rider is required to complete before obtaining a full licence; > > > > > [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 10 of 2008, s. 4, Applied:25 Aug 2008\]*](/view/html/inforce/2008-08-25/act-2008-010#GS4@Hpa@EN) ***novice rider*** means a person who has never held – > > > > > > > > (a) a full licence in relation to a motor cycle; or > > > > > > > > > (b) a foreign driver licence equivalent to a full licence in relation to a motor cycle; > > > > > [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 5 of 2017, s. 4, Applied:01 Jun 2017\]*](/view/html/inforce/2017-06-01/act-2017-005#GS4@Hpb@EN) ***offensive advertising notice***, in relation to a vehicle, means a notice, served under [section 33(2)](#GS33@Gs2@EN) on the registered operator of the vehicle, that has not been revoked under [section 33(4)](#GS33@Gs4@EN) ; > > > > > [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 71 of 2001, s. 4, Applied:01 Jan 2002\]*](/view/html/inforce/2002-01-01/act-2001-071#GS4@Hpd@EN) ***overmass*** means having a mass, including any load, that exceeds a prescribed mass limit under this Act; > > > > > [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 71 of 2001, s. 4, Applied:01 Jan 2002\]*](/view/html/inforce/2002-01-01/act-2001-071#GS4@Hpd@EN) ***oversize*** means having a dimension, including any load, that exceeds a prescribed dimension limit under this Act; > > > > > ***passenger vehicle*** means a vehicle designed and constructed primarily for the carriage of passengers; > > > > > [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 38 of 2010, s. 6, Applied:14 Dec 2010\]*](/view/html/inforce/2010-12-14/act-2010-038#GS6@Hpc@EN) ***personalised number plate*** means a number plate issued by the Registrar that – > > > > > > > > (a) contains a specific registration number; or > > > > > > > > > (b) does not meet the specifications of a number plate that is generally issued under this Act on payment of the basic fee prescribed for the issue of number plates; > > > > > [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 7 of 2002, s. 8, Applied:01 Nov 2002\]*](/view/html/inforce/2002-11-01/act-2002-007#GS8@EN) ***photograph*** includes any visual representation derived from a photographic image or process, including a digitalised electronic or computer-generated image or process; > > > > > [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 7 of 2002, s. 8, Applied:01 Nov 2002\]*](/view/html/inforce/2002-11-01/act-2002-007#GS8@EN) ***photographic detection device*** means a device, or a device of a kind, specified in a declaration under [section 56D](#GS56D@EN) ; > > > > [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 104 of 2001, s. 20, Applied:01 Jan 2002\]*](/view/html/inforce/2002-01-01/act-2001-104#GS20@Hpb@EN) [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 76 of 2003, Sched. 1, Applied:01 Jan 2004\]*](/view/html/inforce/2004-01-01/act-2003-076#JS1@Ja76@GC1@EN) > > > > > [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 71 of 2001, s. 4, Applied:01 Jan 2002\]*](/view/html/inforce/2002-01-01/act-2001-071#GS4@Hpe@EN) ***pilot vehicle*** means a vehicle that – > > > > > > > > (a) is being used to warn other road users of the presence of an oversize vehicle or combination; and > > > > > > > > > (b) is not an escort vehicle; > > > > > [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 27 of 2022, s. 4, Applied:23 Jun 2023\]*](/view/html/inforce/2023-06-23/act-2022-027#GS4@Hpa@EN) ***portable device*** includes, but is not limited to – > > > > > > > > (a) a mobile phone; and > > > > > > > > > (b) another device, or item, that is prescribed for the purposes of this definition; > > > > > [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 27 of 2022, s. 4, Applied:23 Jun 2023\]*](/view/html/inforce/2023-06-23/act-2022-027#GS4@Hpa@EN) ***portable device offence*** means an offence under the [Traffic Act 1925](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1925-038) of a driver or rider – > > > > > > > > (a) operating a portable device while the display of the device is visible to the driver or rider; or > > > > > > > > > (b) holding a portable device; or > > > > > > > > > (c) having a portable device resting on the body of, or the clothing being worn by, the driver or rider; or > > > > > > > > > (d) intentionally looking at the display of a portable device being operated by another person; or > > > > > > > > > (e) performing, or failing to perform, a prescribed action in respect of a portable device; > > > > > ***prime mover*** means a motor vehicle designed and constructed to tow a semi-trailer; > > > > > ***probationary licence*** means a driver licence issued as a probationary licence – > > > > > > > > (a) to a person who applies for a driver licence following a period of disqualification from driving ordered by an Australian court; or > > > > > > > > > (ab) [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 33 of 2017, s. 4, Applied:01 Jan 2018\]*](/view/html/inforce/2018-01-01/act-2017-033#GS4@EN) to a person who applies for a driver licence in prescribed circumstances; or > > > > > > > > > (ac) [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 33 of 2017, s. 4, Applied:01 Jan 2018\]*](/view/html/inforce/2018-01-01/act-2017-033#GS4@EN) to a person who has completed a period of suspension, or disqualification, in prescribed circumstances; or > > > > > > > > > (b) to replace an equivalent licence issued under a corresponding law; > > > > > ***provisional licence*** means – > > > > > > > > (a) a driver licence issued under this Act as a provisional licence; or > > > > > > > > > (b) an equivalent licence issued under a corresponding law; > > > > [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 60 of 2011, Sched. 1, Applied:01 Jul 2013\]*](/view/html/inforce/2013-07-01/act-2011-060#JS1@Ja15@GC1@Hpa@EN) > > > > > [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 60 of 2011, Sched. 1, Applied:01 Jul 2013\]*](/view/html/inforce/2013-07-01/act-2011-060#JS1@Ja15@GC1@Hpa@EN) ***public passenger vehicle*** means, except as the regulations or any of the regulations may otherwise provide, a motor vehicle that is – > > > > > > > > (a) used to operate a regular passenger service within the meaning of the [Passenger Transport Services Act 2011](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-2011-059) ; or > > > > > > > > > (b) used to operate a passenger service, within the meaning of the [Passenger Transport Services Act 2011](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-2011-059) , having the following characteristics:  > > > > > > > > > > > > (i) the passenger service is a transport concern within the meaning of that Act; > > > > > > > > > > > > > (ii) the passenger service is available for use by any member of the general public; > > > > > > > > > > > > > (iii) the passengers, or any of them, have to pay a fare within the meaning of that Act; > > > > > [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 34 of 2020, Sched. 1, Applied:01 Jul 2021\]*](/view/html/inforce/2021-07-01/act-2020-034#JS1@Ja9@GC1@Hpe@EN) ***RAV*** means the Register of Approved Vehicles kept under section 14(1) of the RVSA; > > > > > [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 68 of 2001, s. 4, Applied:01 Dec 2001\]*](/view/html/inforce/2001-12-01/act-2001-068#GS4@Hpa@EN) [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 27 of 2022, s. 4, Applied:23 Jun 2023\]*](/view/html/inforce/2023-06-23/act-2022-027#GS4@Hpb@EN) ***red light offence*** means an offence, under the [Traffic Act 1925](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1925-038) , of a driver or rider entering an intersection contrary to a red traffic light or red traffic arrow; > > > > > ***register*** means a register kept under this Act; > > > > [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 3 of 2010, Sched. 1, Applied:01 Jul 2010\]*](/view/html/inforce/2010-07-01/act-2010-003#JS1@Ja71@GC1@Hpb@EN) > > > > > [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 3 of 2010, Sched. 1, Applied:01 Jul 2010\]*](/view/html/inforce/2010-07-01/act-2010-003#JS1@Ja71@GC1@Hpb@EN) ***registered health care practitioner*** means – > > > > > > > > (a) a person registered under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (Tasmania) in the psychology profession; and > > > > > > > > > (b) a person registered under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (Tasmania) in the optometry profession; and > > > > > > > > > (c) an occupational therapist registered or licensed as such under the law of a State or Territory; > > > > > ***registered operator*** of a motor vehicle or a trailer means – > > > > > > > > (a) the person recorded in the register of motor vehicles and trailers as the person responsible for it; or > > > > > > > > > (b) if the registration of a motor vehicle or a trailer has expired, or been cancelled, the person last recorded as the registered operator unless that person has notified the Registrar that he or she is no longer responsible for the motor vehicle or trailer; > > > > > ***Registrar*** means the Registrar of Motor Vehicles; > > > > > ***registration number*** includes a number, letter, series of numbers or letters or combination of numbers and letters; > > > > > [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 27 of 2022, s. 4, Applied:23 Jun 2023\]*](/view/html/inforce/2023-06-23/act-2022-027#GS4@Hpc@EN) ***registration offence*** means one of the following offences: > > > > > > > > (a) an offence under [section 27](#GS27@EN) , [31](#GS31@EN) , [32](#GS32@EN) or [32A](#GS32A@EN) ; > > > > > > > > > (b) an offence prescribed for the purposes of this definition; > > > > > [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 29 of 2002, s. 4, Applied:21 Oct 2002\]*](/view/html/inforce/2002-10-21/act-2002-029#GS4@Hpb@EN) ***regulations*** means the regulations made and in force under [section 45](#GS45@EN) ; > > > > > [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 29 of 2002, s. 4, Applied:21 Oct 2002\]*](/view/html/inforce/2002-10-21/act-2002-029#GS4@Hpb@EN) ***repairable write-off*** has the meaning given by [section 3A](#GS3A@EN) ; > > > > > ***restricted driver licence*** means a driver licence issued by order of an Australian court subject to conditions limiting the circumstances in which the driver is authorised to drive a motor vehicle; > > > > > [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 60 of 2011, Sched. 1, Applied:01 Jul 2013\]*](/view/html/inforce/2013-07-01/act-2011-060#JS1@Ja15@GC1@Hpb@EN) ***restricted hire vehicle*** has the same meaning as in the [Taxi and Hire Vehicle Industries Act 2008](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-2008-030) ; > > > > > ***rigid*** for a motor vehicle, means it is not articulated; > > > > > [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 38 of 2017, s. 66, Applied:03 Dec 2018\]*](/view/html/inforce/2018-12-03/act-2017-038#GS66@Hpb@EN) ***road safety disqualification notice*** has the same meaning as in the [Road Safety (Alcohol and Drugs) Act 1970](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1970-077) ; > > > > > [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 34 of 2020, Sched. 1, Applied:01 Jul 2021\]*](/view/html/inforce/2021-07-01/act-2020-034#JS1@Ja9@GC1@Hpf@EN) ***RVSA*** means the *Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018* of the Commonwealth; > > > > > ***schedule of local demerit points offences*** means the part of the demerit points schedule set apart for demerit points offences that are included in neither the national schedule of demerit points nor the schedule of recognised interstate demerit points offences; > > > > > ***schedule of recognised interstate demerit points offences*** means the part of the demerit points schedule set apart for demerit points offences under a corresponding law that are recognised under the regulations; > > > > > [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 27 of 2022, s. 4, Applied:23 Jun 2023\]*](/view/html/inforce/2023-06-23/act-2022-027#GS4@Hpd@EN) ***seatbelt offence*** means an offence under the [Traffic Act 1925](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1925-038) of a driver or rider – > > > > > > > > (a) failing to wear a properly adjusted or fastened seatbelt; or > > > > > > > > > (b) failing to ensure that a passenger is restrained as required; or > > > > > > > > > (c) performing, or failing to perform, a prescribed action in respect of the restraint of a person in a vehicle; > > > > > ***semi-trailer*** means a trailer (including a pole-type trailer) that has – > > > > > > > > (a) one axle group or single axle towards the rear; and > > > > > > > > > (b) a means of attachment to a prime mover that would result in some of the load being imposed on the prime mover; > > > > > [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 104 of 2001, s. 20, Applied:01 Jan 2002\]*](/view/html/inforce/2002-01-01/act-2001-104#GS20@Hpc@EN) ***senior police officer*** means – > > > > > > > > (a) the Commissioner of Police; or > > > > > > > > > (b) the Deputy Commissioner, or an Assistant Commissioner, of Police; or > > > > > > > > > (c) a police officer of or above the rank of inspector; > > > > > ***short term unregistered vehicle permit*** means a permit authorising the use, on a temporary basis, of an unregistered vehicle on public streets, or a particular public street; > > > > > [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 38 of 2010, s. 6, Applied:14 Dec 2010\]*](/view/html/inforce/2010-12-14/act-2010-038#GS6@Hpd@EN) ***specific registration number*** means a combination of numbers or of letters, or of numbers and letters, that is requested as the registration number to be issued on a number plate; > > > > [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 71 of 2001, s. 4, Applied:01 Jan 2002\]*](/view/html/inforce/2002-01-01/act-2001-071#GS4@Hpf@EN) [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 30 of 2013, Sched. 1, Applied:10 Feb 2014\]*](/view/html/inforce/2014-02-10/act-2013-030#JS1@Ja7@GC1@Hpb@EN) [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 48 of 2000, s. 4, Applied:01 Oct 2000\]*](/view/html/inforce/2000-10-01/act-2000-048#GS4@EN) [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 68 of 2001, s. 4, Applied:01 Dec 2001\]*](/view/html/inforce/2001-12-01/act-2001-068#GS4@Hpb@EN) [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 104 of 2001, s. 20, Applied:01 Jan 2002\]*](/view/html/inforce/2002-01-01/act-2001-104#GS20@Hpd@EN) > > > > > [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 104 of 2001, s. 20, Applied:01 Jan 2002\]*](/view/html/inforce/2002-01-01/act-2001-104#GS20@Hpd@EN) [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 27 of 2022, s. 4, Applied:23 Jun 2023\]*](/view/html/inforce/2023-06-23/act-2022-027#GS4@Hpe@EN) ***speeding offence*** means an offence under the [Traffic Act 1925](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1925-038) of a driver or rider exceeding – > > > > > > > > (a) [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 27 of 2022, s. 4, Applied:23 Jun 2023\]*](/view/html/inforce/2023-06-23/act-2022-027#GS4@Hpg@EN) [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 27 of 2022, s. 4, Applied:23 Jun 2023\]*](/view/html/inforce/2023-06-23/act-2022-027#GS4@Hpf@EN) the prescribed speed-limit applying to the driver or rider for the length of road where the driver or rider is driving; or > > > > > > > > > (b) [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 27 of 2022, s. 4, Applied:23 Jun 2023\]*](/view/html/inforce/2023-06-23/act-2022-027#GS4@Hph@EN) the prescribed speed-limit applying to the driver or rider in particular circumstances; > > > > > [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 29 of 2002, s. 4, Applied:21 Oct 2002\]*](/view/html/inforce/2002-10-21/act-2002-029#GS4@Hpc@EN) ***statutory write-off*** has the meaning given by [section 3A](#GS3A@EN) ; > > > > > ***temporary upgrade permit*** means a permit to use a registered motor vehicle in a combination that is not consistent with its nominated configuration; > > > > > [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 29 of 2002, s. 4, Applied:21 Oct 2002\]*](/view/html/inforce/2002-10-21/act-2002-029#GS4@Hpd@EN) ***total loss*** means a vehicle that – > > > > > > > > (a) is damaged by collision, fire, flood, accident, trespass, dismantling, demolition or other event to the extent that its fair salvage value plus the cost of repairing the vehicle for use on a public street would be more than the fair market value of the vehicle immediately before the event that caused the damage; or > > > > > > > > > (b) has been stolen and not recovered; or > > > > > > > > > (c) is of a class of vehicle prescribed by the regulations to be a total loss; > > > > > ***trade plate*** means a number plate authorising the use, on a temporary basis, of an unregistered vehicle to which the number plate is attached for the purposes of a trade or business; > > > > > [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 30 of 2013, Sched. 1, Applied:10 Feb 2014\]*](/view/html/inforce/2014-02-10/act-2013-030#JS1@Ja7@GC1@Hpc@EN) ***traffic offence*** means an offence against this Act or the [Heavy Vehicle National Law (Tasmania) Act 2013](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-2013-030) involving the driving or use of a motor vehicle or a trailer; > > > > > ***trailer*** means a vehicle that is built to be towed, or is towed, by a motor vehicle but does not include – > > > > > > > > (a) a trailer that travels only on a railway, tramway or other fixed track; or > > > > > > > > > (b) a motor vehicle that is being towed; or > > > > > > > > > (c) a motor bike side-car; or > > > > > > > > > (d) a vehicle excluded by regulation from the ambit of this definition; > > > > > ***truck*** means a rigid motor vehicle that is designed and constructed to carry goods; > > > > > [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 10 of 2008, s. 4, Applied:25 Aug 2008\]*](/view/html/inforce/2008-08-25/act-2008-010#GS4@Hpb@EN) ***unaccompanied driver offence*** means an offence prescribed in the regulations as an unaccompanied driver offence; > > > > > ***use*** of a motor vehicle or a trailer on a public street includes driving it on a public street and a person who parks or stops a motor vehicle or a trailer on a public street is taken to be using the vehicle on the public street while the vehicle remains parked or stationary (whether or not the person remains on, or in the vicinity of, the vehicle); > > > > > ***vehicle*** means a motor vehicle or a trailer; > > > > > [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 22 of 2001, s. 4, Applied:01 Nov 2001\]*](/view/html/inforce/2001-11-01/act-2001-022#GS4@Hpc@EN) ***vehicle registration authority*** means – > > > > > > > > (a) the Registrar; or > > > > > > > > > (b) the authority responsible for registering vehicles under a corresponding law; > > > > > [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 29 of 2002, s. 4, Applied:21 Oct 2002\]*](/view/html/inforce/2002-10-21/act-2002-029#GS4@Hpe@EN) ***VIN*** means a vehicle identification number allocated to a vehicle in accordance with the relevant ADR; > > > > > [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 71 of 2001, s. 4, Applied:01 Jan 2002\]*](/view/html/inforce/2002-01-01/act-2001-071#GS4@Hpg@EN) ***weighing device*** means a weighbridge or a portable weighing device; > > > > > [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 71 of 2001, s. 4, Applied:01 Jan 2002\]*](/view/html/inforce/2002-01-01/act-2001-071#GS4@Hph@EN) ***wheelchair*** means a vehicle consisting of a chair mounted on 2 or more wheels, or a vehicle of a prescribed kind, constructed to transport a person who is unable to walk or has difficulty in walking but does not include a pram, stroller or trolley; > > > > > [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 71 of 2001, s. 4, Applied:01 Jan 2002\]*](/view/html/inforce/2002-01-01/act-2001-071#GS4@Hpi@EN) [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 29 of 2002, s. 4, Applied:21 Oct 2002\]*](/view/html/inforce/2002-10-21/act-2002-029#GS4@Hpf@EN) ***wheel load*** means the mass transmitted to a road by the tyre of a vehicle wheel; > > > > > [*\[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 29 of 2002, s. 4, Applied:21 Oct 2002\]*](/view/html/inforce/2002-10-21/act-2002-029#GS4@Hpg@EN) ***written-off vehicle*** means a statutory write-off or a repairable write-off. > > > (2)  This Act is to be read together with the [Traffic Act 1925](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1925-038) as a single Act and accordingly – > > > > > > (a) words and expressions used in this Act that are defined under the [Traffic Act 1925](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1925-038) (and not in this Act) have, unless the contrary intention appears, the same respective meanings; and > > > > > > > (b) a reference to "this Act" extends, unless the contrary intention appears, to both Acts.