Australia
Unregistered Vehicle Penalties Across Australia: State by State Comparison
Independently fact-checked against primary sources (last audited September 28, 2026). · 35 primary sources cited on this page. How we verify our legal content
Driving an unregistered vehicle is an offence in every Australian state and territory, but the penalty, the grace period, and whether driving without compulsory third party insurance is charged as a second, separate offence all vary sharply by jurisdiction, and a 15 day rule that excuses driving in one state can mean the opposite in another.
Two separate problems: unregistered and uninsured
Registration and compulsory third party (CTP) insurance are paid together in most Australian jurisdictions, but they are legally distinct, and most jurisdictions make driving uninsured an offence separate from driving unregistered.
In New South Wales, driving unregistered breaches section 68 of the Road Transport Act 2013. 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); it is a defence to have reasonably believed the vehicle was insured. CTP cover continues for 14 days after registration expires only if the registration is renewed within those 14 days; otherwise the vehicle is treated as uninsured from the expiry date.
In Victoria, the registration offence is section 7 of the Road Safety Act 1986. The registration fee includes the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) charge. If it is paid by the expiry date or within 28 days after it, the owner and driver stay indemnified by the TAC against being sued for injury or death caused by the vehicle; if not, they lose that indemnity for any accident in the gap. The 28 days is not a grace period for driving.
In Queensland, section 10 of the Transport Operations (Road Use Management, Vehicle Registration) Regulation 2021 and section 20 of the Motor Accident Insurance Act 1994 are separate offences, each carrying up to 80 penalty units. CTP cover continues for up to 30 days after registration lapses (section 23 of the 1994 Act), so an unregistered vehicle can attract both offences once that grace period has ended.
In Western Australia, the vehicle licence (registration) offence is section 4 of the Road Traffic (Vehicles) Act 2012. Compulsory third party insurance and the penalty for driving uninsured are a separate topic, covered in our Western Australia motor accident compensation guide.
In South Australia, section 9 of the Motor Vehicles Act 1959 covers driving, or causing to stand, an unregistered vehicle, with a $7,500 maximum and a $502 expiation fee from 1 July 2026. Section 102 of the same Act covers an uninsured vehicle, with a $927 expiation fee and a $10,000 maximum. The same split applies to a parked vehicle: causing an unregistered vehicle to stand carries a $502 fee, and causing an uninsured vehicle to stand $927.
In Tasmania, section 27 of the Vehicle and Traffic Act 1999 is the registration offence, while section 29(1) of the Motor Accidents (Liabilities and Compensation) Act 1973 penalises using a vehicle without paid MAIB premium cover, a separate offence that can carry imprisonment on a first offence even though section 27 cannot.
In the Northern Territory, section 33 of the Traffic Act 1987 is the registration offence (heavy vehicles fall under section 33A instead), and section 34 of the same Act covers driving without a current compulsory third party contribution, with a maximum of 100 penalty units ($19,400) for an individual and statutory minimum fines of 5 penalty units ($970) for a first offence and 10 ($1,940) for a later one. Section 34 does not apply to a vehicle that section 33(3) treats as registered.
In the ACT, section 18 of the Road Transport (Vehicle Registration) Act 1999 is the registration offence, and section 289 of the Motor Accident Injuries Act 2019 (which replaced the repealed 2008 CTP Act from 1 February 2020) is the uninsured vehicle offence, with a maximum of 50 penalty units ($8,000 for an individual) and no infringement penalty, so it is dealt with in court. Both can be charged over the same conduct, but MAI cover has a 14 day period of grace (section 305): if registration is renewed within 14 days of expiry, the vehicle was insured for that gap and only the section 18 offence applies.
Offence, penalty, grace period and permits by jurisdiction
| Jurisdiction | Offence section | Penalty (as published) | Grace period | Permits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | s68 Road Transport Act 2013 | Up to 20 penalty units ($2,200 at $110/unit) | 15 days, parked on a road only, never driving; direct trip to get registered allowed; CTP continues 14 days only if renewed within them | Unregistered Vehicle Permit for a specific journey, up to 28 days, includes CTP |
| Victoria | s7 Road Safety Act 1986 | 25 penalty units first offence, 50 later ($5,227.50 / $10,455 at $209.10/unit) | None for driving; TAC indemnity kept if the fee is paid within 28 days of expiry | Registration permit under the regulations (s7); contact VicRoads |
| Queensland | s10 Transport Operations (Road Use Management, Vehicle Registration) Regulation 2021 | Up to 80 penalty units ($13,816 at $172.70/unit) | None for driving; CTP continues up to 30 days (Motor Accident Insurance Act 1994 s23) | Unregistered vehicle permit, up to 7 days, CTP required (Part 4); s11 trip to inspect or register with an insurance certificate carried |
| Western Australia | s4 Road Traffic (Vehicles) Act 2012 | 10 penalty units ($500 at $50/unit) plus a court-ordered 6 month licence charge | 15 days after expiry, excuses driving itself | s13 permit, for example to or from a licensing or inspection place or a repairer |
| South Australia | s9 Motor Vehicles Act 1959 | $7,500 court maximum; $502 expiation from 1 July 2026 | None; the 30 day CTP period under s99A(8)(a) keeps the policy in force, not the registration | UVP, up to 3 days, $12 to $72 depending on purpose and vehicle or trailer |
| Tasmania | s27 Vehicle and Traffic Act 1999 | First offence up to 20 penalty units ($4,260 at $213/unit, fine only); later offence up to 40 penalty units ($8,520) or 3 months | None; reg 128 allows a direct trip to register or inspect | Short Term Unregistered Vehicle Permit, 28 day window, $11.76 to $62.46 |
| Northern Territory | s33 Traffic Act 1987 | Up to 20 penalty units or 12 months ($3,880 at $194/unit) | None; registration expires at midnight on the due date; s33(3) direct trips to a pre-arranged inspection workshop or the nearest Registrar's office or police station | s137 temporary licence (short-term permit), up to 7 days, $54.05, or $37.05 plus one week's registration over 4.5 tonnes; s137B pastoral permit, 12 months |
| ACT | s18 Road Transport (Vehicle Registration) Act 1999 | Up to 20 penalty units ($3,200 at $160/unit); $750 infringement penalty | 15 days, parked only, never driving; MAI cover continues 14 days only if renewed within them (s305) | UVP under s7; private car $45.50 day or $52.30 up to 7 days (1 July 2026), including the UVP liability contribution |
The 15 day trap: driving allowed in WA, parking only in NSW and the ACT
Do not carry a 15 day rule learned on one state's page over to another. In Western Australia, section 4(3) of the Road Traffic (Vehicles) Act 2012, read with regulation 16 of the Road Traffic (Vehicles) Regulations 2014, excuses using, meaning driving, the vehicle for 15 days after its licence expires.
In New South Wales, the 15 day exemption applies only to a vehicle left standing on a road and not driven. After those 15 days, leaving it parked on the road is itself an offence unless the person responsible for the road consents. Driving it is an offence from the moment registration lapses, apart from a direct trip to get it registered. The ACT's section 18(3) works the same way: the 15 day exemption covers only a vehicle left parked. Access Canberra's guidance is that even where registration expired less than 12 months ago (after 12 months it lapses), an unregistered vehicle permit is required to drive the vehicle, including to a required roadworthy inspection.
South Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory give no grace period for driving after registration expires. South Australia's section 9 has no time-based carve-out, and its separate 30 day period under section 99A(8)(a) keeps the CTP policy in force, not the registration. In Tasmania, neither the Act nor the regulations provide a period of grace, but regulation 128 of the Vehicle and Traffic (Driver Licensing and Vehicle Registration) Regulations 2021 allows a vehicle to be driven or towed by the most direct route to a registration office, inspection station or weighbridge to get it registered, and from there to where it is kept or to a repair shop after failing inspection. Section 29(1C) of the Motor Accidents (Liabilities and Compensation) Act 1973 gives the same trips a defence to the premium offence.
In the Northern Territory, registration expires at midnight on its due date with no grace period. Section 33(3) of the Traffic Act does treat a vehicle as registered while it is driven by the shortest practicable route to a nearby repair workshop with a Motor Vehicles Act inspector, where presentation was arranged in advance, or to the nearest Registrar's office or police station to register it.
Victoria and Queensland also give no grace period for the driving offence itself. Victoria's 28 day window protects only the TAC indemnity, and Queensland's 30 day period continues CTP cover, not registration.
Permits to drive an unregistered vehicle
Where a permit exists, it is for a specific, limited purpose, not general use.
NSW's Unregistered Vehicle Permit (UVP) covers a specific journey for up to 28 days and includes CTP cover; the vehicle's number plates must be removed before driving under it. In Victoria, the section 7 offence does not apply to a vehicle used as specified in a registration permit granted under the regulations; contact VicRoads for the conditions.
Queensland's unregistered vehicle permit under Part 4 of the Transport Operations (Road Use Management, Vehicle Registration) Regulation 2021 runs for up to 7 days, requires CTP insurance for the permit term and is refused for written-off or non-compliant vehicles. Separately, section 11 allows driving or towing to an inspection or to register the vehicle, only for that purpose and, for a vehicle that needs CTP, only with a current certificate of insurance carried in the vehicle.
In Western Australia, outside the 15 days, a permit under section 13 of the Road Traffic (Vehicles) Act 2012 can authorise driving or towing to or from a place where vehicles are licensed or examined, to or from a repairer, or for a purpose specified in the permit or prescribed by regulation.
South Australia's UVP runs for up to 3 days for an inspection, repairs, an event or relocation, with fees from 1 July 2026 of $12 to $72 depending on the purpose and whether it is a vehicle or a trailer, applied for through mySAGOV, form MR2 at Service SA, or by phone. Tasmania's Short Term Unregistered Vehicle Permit covers the minimum days needed within a 28 day window, at $62.46 for a vehicle, caravan or trailer over 500kg, or $11.76 for a lighter trailer; it is not needed for a regulation 128 trip.
The Northern Territory's section 137 temporary licence (short-term permit) covers a specified route for up to 7 days, at $54.05 for a vehicle under 4.5 tonnes, or $37.05 plus one week's registration for a heavier one. A trip covered by section 33(3) of the Traffic Act needs no permit, and a separate section 137B pastoral vehicle permit covers a 12 month period.
The ACT's UVP under section 7 of the Road Transport (Vehicle Registration) Act 1999 also requires a UVP liability contribution under sections 332 and 333 of the Motor Accident Injuries Act 2019. As at 1 July 2026, a private car permit costs $45.50 for a day (up to 12 hours) or $52.30 for up to 7 days, each including a $32.10 permit fee and the MAI insurance component.
Checking a vehicle's registration status
Several jurisdictions run an online registration check: Queensland through its transport department, South Australia through a free online check by plate on sa.gov.au (or mySAGOV), Tasmania through the Tasmanian Vehicle Registration Check at transport.tas.gov.au/rego-status/search, the Northern Territory through its registration check page and the NT Rego app, and the ACT through Access Canberra's free online check by number plate. In Western Australia, confirm a vehicle's licence status with the transport department. Confirm current status directly with the relevant authority before assuming a vehicle is registered.
For the offence, penalty, permit and grace-period detail behind each figure in this guide, see the state pages linked below. For registration and reporting rules generally, see the Australia driving laws hub. For how compulsory third party insurance claims work once you are covered, see the motor accident compensation hub.
Unregistered vehicle rules by state and territory
- Driving an unregistered car in NSW
- Driving an unregistered car in Victoria
- Driving an unregistered vehicle in Queensland
- Driving an unregistered car in WA
- Driving an unregistered vehicle in South Australia
- Driving an unregistered vehicle in Tasmania
- Driving an unregistered vehicle in the NT
- Driving an unregistered car in the ACT
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the penalty for driving unregistered the same in every Australian state?
No. The penalties in this guide range from a $500 fine in Western Australia, plus a court-ordered charge equal to a 6 month licence fee, to a maximum of $13,816 in Queensland at its current penalty unit value. South Australia pairs a $7,500 court maximum with a $502 on-the-spot expiation fee. Check the relevant state page for the exact figure.
Does a 15 day grace period let me drive an unregistered vehicle?
It depends entirely on the state. Western Australia's 15 day rule excuses driving. The 15 day rules in New South Wales and the ACT cover only a vehicle left parked, never one being driven. South Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory give no grace period, although Tasmania (regulation 128) and the Northern Territory (Traffic Act section 33(3)) allow a direct trip to register or inspect the vehicle.
Is driving unregistered the same offence as driving uninsured?
No. Registration and CTP insurance are legally separate even where the fees are paid together, and in NSW, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, the Northern Territory and the ACT driving uninsured is its own offence. Whether both apply to the same drive depends on the insurance grace: in NSW and the ACT, if registration is renewed within 14 days of expiry the vehicle was insured for that gap, and in Queensland and South Australia CTP cover continues for up to 30 days, so during those windows only the registration offence applies.
Can I legally drive a vehicle that is not registered?
Only in limited cases. Every state and territory offers a limited-purpose permit, such as for an inspection, repairs or relocation. Western Australia also excuses driving for 15 days after the licence expires, and NSW, Queensland, Tasmania and the Northern Territory allow a direct trip to get the vehicle inspected or registered without a permit, on conditions that differ by state.
Why does the Northern Territory use both penalty units and revenue units?
Because they are separate systems. Penalty units, $194 from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027, price fines such as the unregistered-vehicle offence. Revenue units price administrative fees, such as a copy of a police crash report, at a different rate. The two are never interchangeable.
Updates
Independently fact-checked against the cited primary sources
The Law Behind This Article
This article rests on the statutory provisions below, held in our own legal record and retrieved from the official source. Tap a section to read the operative text.
Legislation Act 2001 (ACT)
s 133Penalty unitsIn forcecited in 11 of our articles
(1) In a law, if a penalty for an offence is expressed as a number (whether whole or fractional) of penalty units, the penalty for the offence is a fine of that number of penalty units. (2) A penalty unit is— (a) for an offence committed by an individual—$160; or (b) for an offence committed by a corporation—$810. (3) The Attorney-General must review the amount of a penalty unit at least once every 4 years after the day this subsection commences. (4) This section is a determinative provision. Note See s 5 for the meaning of determinative provisions, and s 6 for their displacement.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-09-28 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislation.act.gov.au
Also relied on in: Firearms Licensing in the Australian Capital Territory: Gun Licence Categories, Fees and Renewal (2026), Recording Phone Calls in the ACT: What the Law Requires, Home Security Cameras and CCTV Law in the ACT
Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999 (NSW)
s 17Penalty unitsIn forcecited in 7 of our articles
Unless the contrary intention appears, a reference in any Act or statutory rule to a number of penalty units (whether fractional or whole) is taken to be a reference to an amount of money equal to the amount obtained by multiplying $110 by that number of penalty units. Division 4A Non-association and place restriction orders
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-09-28 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislation.nsw.gov.au
Also relied on in: AVO in NSW: ADVO and APVO Explained, NSW Public Sector Whistleblower Protections: The Public Interest Disclosures Act 2022, Unpaid Fines in NSW: Revenue NSW Reviews, Payment Plans, WDOs and Enforcement
Motor Accident Injuries Act 2017 (NSW)
s 2.1Offence of using uninsured motor vehicle on roadIn forcecited in 2 of our articles
(1) A person who—(a) uses a motor vehicle that is not an insured motor vehicle on a road, or (b) causes or permits another person to use such a motor vehicle on a road, is guilty of an offence.Maximum penalty—50 penalty units. (2) It is a defence to proceedings for an offence against this section if the defendant establishes that at the time the motor vehicle was used on the road the defendant had reasonable grounds for believing and did in fact believe that the motor vehicle was an insured motor vehicle.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-09-28 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislation.nsw.gov.au
Also relied on in: Driving an Unregistered Car in NSW: Penalties and the 15-Day Rule
s 2.7Commencement and duration of third-party policyIn forcecited in 2 of our articles
(1) A third-party policy taken to have been issued for a motor vehicle has effect for the period for which the licensed insurer who is taken to have issued the policy is on risk in accordance with this section. (2) In this section—new insurer means the licensed insurer whose insurance is later in time. old insurer means the licensed insurer whose insurance is earlier in time. period of grace means the period of 14 days after the registration, or renewal of registration, of a motor vehicle expires. period of registration means the period, not exceeding one year, for which the registration or renewal of registration of a motor vehicle is effected, but if, within that period, the registration or renewal of registration is cancelled or surrendered, it means the period for which the registration or renewal of registration is actually in force. (3) The old insurer and the new insurer may be the same licensed insurer or different licensed insurers. (4) In the case of the registration (but not the renewal of registration) of a motor vehicle, the licensed insurer is on risk for the period of registration of the motor vehicle.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-09-28 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislation.nsw.gov.au
Road Transport Act 2013 (NSW)
s 68Prohibition on using unregistered registrable vehiclesIn forcecited in 2 of our articles
(1) A person must not use an unregistered registrable vehicle on a road.Maximum penalty—20 penalty units. (2) Subsection (1) does not apply to the use of a registrable vehicle on a road if—(a) the vehicle belongs to a class of vehicle prescribed by the statutory rules referred to in section 21 as a vehicle to which this Act or Chapter does not apply, or (b) the use is otherwise permitted by this Act or under the statutory rules. (3) Subsection (1) does not apply to a registrable vehicle that was left standing on a road—(a) within the period of 15 days after the date on which that vehicle ceased to be registered or to be exempted from being registered, or (b) with the consent of the responsible person for the road. (4) If Transport for NSW cancels the registration of a vehicle under section 84 or 104C, subsection (1) does not apply in relation to the vehicle until the day on which the registered operator of the vehicle is given notice by Transport for NSW of the cancellation. (5) In this section—registrable vehicle includes—(a) an incomplete or partially constructed vehicle, and (b) the remains of a vehicle.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-09-28 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislation.nsw.gov.au
Cited in 7 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2025
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- [2024] NSWCCA 134 (NSW Court of Criminal Appeal 2024, [2024] NSWCCA 134)
- [2020] NSWCA 217 (NSW Court of Appeal 2020, [2020] NSWCA 217)
- [2018] NSWCCA 232 (NSW Court of Criminal Appeal 2018, [2018] NSWCCA 232)
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Traffic Act 1987 (NT)
s 33Driving unregistered vehicleIn forcecited in 2 of our articles
(1) A person shall not: (a) drive; or (b) employ, permit or suffer a person to drive, on a public street or public place a motor vehicle which is not registered. Penalty: 20 penalty units or imprisonment for 12 months. (2) An inspector or a member of the Police Force who has reason to believe that a motor vehicle is not registered may remove a number plate which is attached to that vehicle. (3) For the purposes of this section: (a) a visiting motor vehicle in relation to which there is in force a policy of insurance complying with the provisions of a law in force in a State or another Territory of the Commonwealth requiring the owner or driver of a motor vehicle to be insured against liability in respect of the death of or bodily injury to a person caused by or arising out of the use of the motor vehicle; and (aa) a motor vehicle being driven by the shortest practicable route to a repair workshop: (i) that is located within a reasonable distance in the circumstances; and (ii) that has the services of an inspector appointed under the Motor Vehicles Act 1949; and (iii) where arrangements for the presentation of the vehicle have been made in advance, for the purpose of the vehicle
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-09-28 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislation.nt.gov.au
Also relied on in: Driving an Unregistered Vehicle in the NT: Penalties Under the Traffic Act
Motor Vehicles Act 1959 (SA)
s 102Duty to insure against third party risksIn forcecited in 2 of our articles
(1) A person must not drive an uninsured motor vehicle, or cause an uninsured motor vehicle to stand, on a road. Maximum penalty: $10 000. (1a) However, subsection (1) does not apply to a person who drives a motor vehicle, or causes a motor vehicle to stand, if the person proves that the person— (a) drove the motor vehicle, or caused the motor vehicle to stand, in prescribed circumstances; and (b) did not know that the motor vehicle was uninsured. (1b) For the purposes of subsection (1a), a person may prove a matter referred to in that subsection by furnishing to the Commissioner of Police a statutory declaration in accordance with any requirements prescribed by the regulations. (1c) It is a defence to a charge of an offence against subsection (1) if the defendant was not a registered owner or the registered operator of the vehicle and the defendant proves that the defendant did not know, and could not reasonably be expected to have known, that the vehicle was uninsured. (2) If an uninsured motor vehicle is driven or found standing on a road, the owner of the vehicle is guilty of an offence. Maximum penalty: $10 000.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-09-28 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislation.sa.gov.au
Also relied on in: Driving an Unregistered Vehicle in South Australia: Fines and the CTP Grace Trap
s 16Permits to drive vehicles without registrationIn forcecited in 2 of our articles
(1) Where— (a) the Registrar is unable to determine an application for registration of a motor vehicle without delay; or (b) the Registrar determines that an application for registration of a motor vehicle should be granted but is unable to effect registration without delay; or (c) the owner of a motor vehicle— (i) applies for a permit after the Registrar declines an application for registration of the vehicle; or (ii) applies for a permit authorising the vehicle to be driven on roads without registration in prescribed circumstances or in circumstances in which it is, in the opinion of the Registrar, unreasonable or inexpedient to require the vehicle to be registered, and pays the prescribed fee and the appropriate insurance premium, the Registrar may issue to the owner of the vehicle a permit, subject to such terms and conditions as the Registrar thinks fit to impose, authorising the vehicle to be driven on roads without registration during the period specified in the permit.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-09-28 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislation.sa.gov.au
s 9Duty to registerIn forcecited in 2 of our articles
(1) A person must not drive an unregistered motor vehicle, or cause an unregistered motor vehicle to stand, on a road. Maximum penalty: $7 500. (1a) However, subsection (1) does not apply to a person who drives a motor vehicle, or causes a motor vehicle to stand, if the person proves that the person— (a) drove the motor vehicle, or caused the motor vehicle to stand, in prescribed circumstances; and (b) did not know that the motor vehicle was unregistered. (1b) For the purposes of subsection (1a), a person may prove a matter referred to in that subsection by furnishing to the Commissioner of Police a statutory declaration in accordance with any requirements prescribed by the regulations. (1c) It is a defence to a charge of an offence against subsection (1) if the defendant was not a registered owner or the registered operator of the vehicle and the defendant proves that the defendant did not know, and could not reasonably be expected to have known, that the vehicle was unregistered. (3) If an unregistered motor vehicle is driven or found standing on a road, the owner of the vehicle is guilty of an offence. Maximum penalty: $7 500.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-09-28 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislation.sa.gov.au
s 99AInsurance premium to be paid on applications for registrationIn forcecited in 2 of our articles
(1) An applicant for— (a) the registration of a motor vehicle; or (b) an exemption from registration in respect of a motor vehicle; or (c) a permit in respect of a motor vehicle, must at the time of application pay to the Registrar the premium upon a policy of insurance in terms determined by the CTP Regulator for the motor vehicle in respect of which the application is made. (2) The approved insurer for a motor vehicle in respect of which an application for registration is made will be— (a) in the case of an application to register a new motor vehicle—the approved insurer selected by the CTP Regulator in accordance with a scheme determined by the Minister; or (b) in any other case— (i) the approved insurer selected by the applicant for registration; or (ii) if the applicant for registration fails to select an approved insurer—the approved insurer selected by the CTP Regulator in accordance with a scheme determined by the Minister.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-09-28 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislation.sa.gov.au
Vehicle and Traffic Act 1999 (Tas)
s 27Requirement for registrationIn forcecited in 2 of our articles
(1) Subject to subsection (3), a person must not use, or permit the use of, a motor vehicle or a trailer on a public street unless the vehicle is registered under this Act.Penalty: In the case of – (a) a first offence – a fine not exceeding 20 penalty units; and (b) a second or subsequent offence – (i) for a body corporate – a fine not exceeding 200 penalty units; and (ii) for an individual – a fine not exceeding 40 penalty units or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months. (2) The court may impose an additional fine on a person convicted of an offence against subsection (1) not exceeding the amount of motor tax payable for registration of the vehicle or combination for a registration period of 12 months. (3) Subsection (1) does not apply to – (a) a vehicle of a class that is exempt from registration under this Act; or (b) a vehicle for which a short term unregistered vehicle permit is in force authorising its use on a public street; or (c) the use of a vehicle in circumstances in which its use is authorised by a trade plate; or (d) the use of a vehicle in circumstances in which the regulations permit its use without registration.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-09-28 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislation.tas.gov.au
Also relied on in: Driving an Unregistered Vehicle in Tasmania: Penalties and the MAIB Premium Offence
Road Safety Act 1986 (Vic)
s 7Offence if vehicle or trailer not registeredIn forcecited in 2 of our articles
(1) A person must not— (a) use on a highway a motor vehicle or a trailer; or (b) own a motor vehicle or a trailer which is used on a highway— unless that motor vehicle or trailer is registered under this Part or exempted from registration under the regulations or is used as specified in a registration permit granted in accordance with the regulations. (2) A person must not— (a) use a motor vehicle or trailer in breach of any condition of its registration; or (b) being the registered operator of a motor vehicle or a trailer, permit or allow it to be so used or employ a person to so use it. (3) A person who contravenes subsection (1) or (2) is guilty of an offence and liable to a penalty not exceeding— (a) in the case of an individual— (i) 25 penalty units for a first offence; (ii) 50 penalty units for a second or subsequent offence; (b) in the case of a body corporate— (i) 125 penalty units for a first offence; (ii) 250 penalty units for a second or subsequent offence. (5) A person may not be convicted of more than one offence under subsection (1) or subsection (2) in respect of the same circumstances.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-09-28 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislation.vic.gov.au
Also relied on in: Driving an Unregistered Car in Victoria: Penalties Under Section 7
Road Traffic (Administration) Act 2008 (WA)
s 7AbbreviationsIn forcecited in 4 of our articles
In provisions of a road law dealing with penalties for offences — (a)these abbreviations are used — Disq for minimum period of disqualification; Max for maximum fine; Min for minimum fine; PU for penalty unit or penalty units; and (b)a reference to a number of PU is a reference to an amount (in dollars) that is that number multiplied by 50.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-09-28 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislation.wa.gov.au
Also relied on in: Window Tint Laws in Western Australia (2026): VLT Limits, Regulation 260 and Penalties, Western Australia Child Car Seat Laws: Fines, Demerit Points and Exemptions, Driving an Unregistered Car in WA: Penalties and the 15 Day Rule
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Sources and References
- Road Transport Act 2013 (NSW) s68, prohibition on using unregistered registrable vehicles, including the 15-day left-standing-on-a-road exemption(legislation.nsw.gov.au).gov
- Motor Accident Injuries Act 2017 (NSW) s2.1, using an uninsured motor vehicle; s2.7, 14-day period of grace(legislation.nsw.gov.au).gov
- Road Transport (Vehicle Registration) Regulation 2017 (NSW) Sch 1 cl 17, driving by the most direct route to obtain registration(legislation.nsw.gov.au).gov
- Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999 (NSW) s17, penalty unit value(legislation.nsw.gov.au).gov
- NSW Government, unregistered vehicle permits (UVP)(nsw.gov.au).gov
- Road Safety Act 1986 (Vic) s7, offence if vehicle or trailer not registered(legislation.vic.gov.au).gov
- Transport Accident Act 1986 (Vic) s109(1) and s109(4), transport accident charge and 28-day payment deeming (authorised version 157)(legislation.vic.gov.au).gov
- Transport Accident Commission, indemnity provided by the transport accident charge(tac.vic.gov.au).gov
- Department of Justice and Community Safety (Vic), penalties and values(justice.vic.gov.au).gov
- Transport Operations (Road Use Management, Vehicle Registration) Regulation 2021 (Qld), s10, s11 and Part 4 Division 1 (unregistered vehicle permits), current as at 21 September 2026(legislation.qld.gov.au).gov
- Motor Accident Insurance Act 1994 (Qld), s20, driving uninsured vehicle, and s23, 30-day period of grace(legislation.qld.gov.au).gov
- Queensland Department of Local Government, Water and Volunteers, value of a penalty unit(dlgwv.qld.gov.au).gov
- Road Traffic (Vehicles) Act 2012 (WA), section 4, vehicle licences, and section 13, permits, version 01-j0-00(legislation.wa.gov.au).gov
- Road Traffic (Vehicles) Regulations 2014 (WA), regulation 16, 15 day post-expiry use exemption, version 01-au0-00(legislation.wa.gov.au).gov
- Road Traffic (Administration) Act 2008 (WA) s7, penalty unit in a road law equals $50(legislation.wa.gov.au).gov
- Motor Vehicles Act 1959 (SA) s9, duty to register; s16, permits; s99A(8)(a), CTP period of grace; s102, duty to insure(legislation.sa.gov.au).gov
- SAPOL, Expiable Offences and Fees (Traffic), effective 1 July 2026(police.sa.gov.au).gov
- SA Government, Vehicle registration fees (unregistered vehicle permit fees), effective 1 July 2026(sa.gov.au).gov
- SA Government, Check a vehicle or boat registration(sa.gov.au).gov
- Vehicle and Traffic Act 1999 (Tas) s27, Requirement for registration(legislation.tas.gov.au).gov
- Vehicle and Traffic (Driver Licensing and Vehicle Registration) Regulations 2021 (Tas), reg 126, Short Term Unregistered Vehicle Permit, and reg 128, driving to and from a place of registration(legislation.tas.gov.au).gov
- Motor Accidents (Liabilities and Compensation) Act 1973 (Tas) s29(1) and (1C), Prohibition on use of motor vehicle without premium cover(legislation.tas.gov.au).gov
- Tasmania Department of Justice, Penalty units indexed amounts (one penalty unit is $213 from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027)(justice.tas.gov.au).gov
- Transport Tasmania, Registration fees (Short Term Unregistered Permit)(transport.tas.gov.au).gov
- Traffic Act 1987 (NT), sections 33 (including 33(3)), 33A, 34 (as in force 10 February 2026)(legislation.nt.gov.au).gov
- Motor Vehicles Act 1949 (NT), sections 137 (temporary licences) and 137B (pastoral vehicle permits)(legislation.nt.gov.au).gov
- Northern Territory Attorney-General and Justice, Penalty Units ($194 from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027)(agd.nt.gov.au).gov
- Northern Territory Government, Registration Fees (temporary licence fees)(nt.gov.au).gov
- Northern Territory Government, Check Your Vehicle Registration(nt.gov.au).gov
- Road Transport (Vehicle Registration) Act 1999 (ACT), sections 7 and 18(legislation.act.gov.au).gov
- Motor Accident Injuries Act 2019 (ACT), sections 289, 305, 332, 333, 615(legislation.act.gov.au).gov
- Legislation Act 2001 (ACT), section 133, penalty units(legislation.act.gov.au).gov
- Road Transport (Offences) Regulation 2005 (ACT), schedule 1, parts 1.5 and 1.18 (infringement penalties)(legislation.act.gov.au).gov
- Access Canberra, Unregistered vehicle permits (types and fees as at 1 July 2026)(accesscanberra.act.gov.au).gov
- Access Canberra, Renewing Vehicle Registration(accesscanberra.act.gov.au).gov