Driving an Unregistered Car in NSW: Penalties and the 15-Day Rule

Driving an unregistered registrable vehicle in NSW is an offence under section 68 of the Road Transport Act 2013, carrying a maximum fine of 20 penalty units, though a vehicle left standing on a road, and not driven, is exempt for 15 days after its registration ends.

The offence: driving an unregistered vehicle in NSW

Using an unregistered registrable vehicle on a road is an offence under section 68 of the Road Transport Act 2013 (NSW), titled Prohibition on using unregistered registrable vehicles. The maximum penalty is 20 penalty units, which at NSW's fixed penalty unit value of $110 is currently $2,200. Some secondary sources circulate different section numbers for this offence; section 68 is the correct citation.

The 15-day exemption is for a parked vehicle, not a driving grace period

A registrable vehicle that is left standing on a road, not driven, is exempt from the unregistered-vehicle offence for 15 days after its registration lapses. This exemption covers an unregistered vehicle left standing on a road, such as parked in the street. After those 15 days, leaving it parked on the road is itself an offence unless the person responsible for the road consents. It does not permit you to drive the vehicle during those 15 days. Apart from a direct trip made to get the vehicle registered, such as to the nearest inspection station, service centre or CTP insurer (Road Transport (Vehicle Registration) Regulation 2017 Sch 1 cl 17), driving an unregistered vehicle is an offence from the moment registration expires.

Unregistered means uninsured too

In NSW, compulsory third party (CTP) insurance is tied to the registration period, so a vehicle with lapsed registration is generally also uninsured. A separate offence for using an uninsured motor vehicle on a road is in section 2.1 of the Motor Accident Injuries Act 2017 (NSW), with a maximum penalty of 50 penalty units ($5,500). It is a defence if you had reasonable grounds to believe, and did believe, the vehicle was insured.

CTP cover continues for 14 days after registration expires only if you renew within those 14 days; if you do not, the vehicle is treated as uninsured from the expiry date. There is no 14-day period after registration is cancelled or surrendered.

Getting a permit to drive an unregistered vehicle

An Unregistered Vehicle Permit (UVP) allows an unregistered vehicle to make a specific journey, such as a one-way trip from point A to point B, a return journey, or a multi-day trip, for a maximum of 28 days. A UVP is valid only for the trip stated on it and the time reasonably needed to complete that trip by the most direct route; permits are not issued to cover extra days where a vehicle may simply be using the roads. The permit fee includes CTP insurance, so a valid UVP covers both the registration and insurance gap for the specified trip. The vehicle's number plates must be removed before driving under a UVP, and the permit document and its label must be displayed in the vehicle.

Trailers and other registrable vehicles

Section 68 applies to any registrable vehicle, not only motor vehicles. Under the Road Transport Act, a registrable vehicle means any motor vehicle and any trailer, unless the statutory rules exempt it, so a trailer that should be registered but is not falls under the same offence as an unregistered car. The separate uninsured-vehicle offence under the Motor Accident Injuries Act 2017 does not apply to a trailer.

Related NSW driving topics

For registration offences and permits in every other Australian state and territory, see our unregistered vehicles in Australia guide. For how NSW's compulsory third party insurance scheme works, including claims and time limits, see our NSW motor accident compensation guide. For an overview of NSW driving law topics, see our driving laws hub.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the penalty for driving an unregistered car in NSW?

Up to 20 penalty units under section 68 of the Road Transport Act 2013, which is $2,200 at NSW's current penalty unit value of $110.

Does NSW give a grace period after registration expires?

Only for a vehicle left standing on a road and not driven, which is exempt for 15 days after its registration ends. This is not a driving grace period. Driving an unregistered vehicle is an offence from the day registration lapses, unless it is a direct trip to get the vehicle registered.

Am I also driving uninsured if my NSW registration has lapsed?

Generally yes, since compulsory third party insurance is tied to the registration period in NSW. Cover continues for 14 days after expiry only if you renew within those 14 days. Using an uninsured motor vehicle on a road is a separate offence under section 2.1 of the Motor Accident Injuries Act 2017, with a maximum penalty of 50 penalty units ($5,500).

How do I legally drive an unregistered vehicle in NSW?

You can drive directly to get it registered, for example to the nearest inspection station, service centre or CTP insurer. For any other trip, apply for an Unregistered Vehicle Permit (UVP), which covers a specific journey for up to 28 days and includes CTP cover in the permit fee. You must remove the vehicle's number plates before driving under a UVP.

Does the unregistered vehicle offence apply to trailers?

Yes. Section 68 applies to any registrable vehicle, which under the Road Transport Act means any motor vehicle and any trailer, unless the statutory rules exempt it.