Dog ate your registration renewal notice? Might not go down with the Magistrate...

Driving an unregistered vehicle is a serious offence that can have far-reaching and catastrophic consequences. It’s a scary thought when you think about what could happen if your vehicle is unregistered.

Your compulsory third party insurance (green slip) isn’t valid if your car isn’t registered. This means if you’re involved in a crash, you could be held personally liable for compensation to anyone who was hurt. And that’s the kind of thing that can ruin you financially – not just now, but well into your future.

Driving an unregistered and uninsured vehicle is an offence attracting on the spot infringement notice fines of at least $1032 ($516 for being unregistered and $516 for being uninsured). If the matter goes to court, the maximum fine is $2200 for driving unregistered and $5500 for driving uninsured. Ouch.

Some people think that it’s too expensive to register their car – maybe it’s old and not worth much anyway. Maybe they only drive short distances and not very often. Maybe they just don’t think they’ll get caught.

Or maybe they just didn’t open their mail, or changed address and forgot to tell Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority).

None of these excuses will wash with the police or the rest of the legal system.

The only time you can legally drive an unregistered car is to get the car registered – such as driving directly to your inspection station or to a motor registry. And you must use the most direct or convenient route.

Better still, get it organised before your registration expires. You can renew your rego online, by phone, by mail or in person at a motor registry. For further information, click here. Safeguard yourself by always informing Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority) if you move address. If you hold a NSW driver licence, you can do this online here.

TALK TO US Here at GEARED, we love to read your comments and suggestions – even your complaints! You can send us questions, suggestions for articles... anything you like, to geared@rta.nsw.gov.au

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