The conditional registration scheme allows certain vehicles that do not comply with the construction and equipment requirements of the Australian Design Rules (ADRs) and Vehicle Standards, limited access to the road network to perform specific functions. If a vehicle that complies with the construction and equipment requirements of the ADR’s can be used, conditional registration is not offered.
Only the vehicles listed in the Conditional Registration Guide (Vehicle Sheets) may be registered under the conditional registration scheme. If there is no sheet for your vehicle, it cannot be granted conditional registration. For a full list of vehicles eligible for conditional registration, together with the equipment requirements and conditions of approved operations, click the link to Conditional Registration – Vehicle Sheets at the bottom of this page or call Roads and Maritime Services’s Contact Centre on 13 22 13.
Examples of conditionally registered vehicles include:
- Agricultural vehicles
- Construction vehicles
- Recreational vehicles (on Stockton Beach Only)
- Street rods
- Purpose built vehicles
- Oversnow vehicles
Historic vehicles manufactured 30 or more years ago are eligible for conditional registration if the operator belongs to an Roads and Maritime Services -recognised historic vehicle club, and the vehicle has not been altered except for certain safety features or period accessories. The vehicle's use of the road network is restricted to club events.
Vehicles built on a truck-based chassis are not eligible for conditional registration, except as historic vehicles.
Roads and Maritime Services will apply operating conditions to all conditionally registered vehicles to overcome the vehicle's deficiencies and/or restrict their use of the road network. If suitable operating conditions cannot be imposed on a vehicle to overcome or moderate performance deficiencies when travelling on the road network, then the vehicle will not be registered under this scheme.
Conditionally registered vehicles are issued with a registration certificate and label, a set of number plates and a Certificate of Approved Operations that outlines the conditions imposed on the vehicle when driven on a road or road related area such as:
- Footpaths and nature strips,
- Service station driveways,
- Public and private car parks and access areas,
- Private roads on which the public are normally invited to drive,
- Drive in fast food outlets and other drive-in commercial areas used by the public.
The Certificate of Approved Operations is required by law and must be carried in the vehicle at all times for enforcement purposes.
Note: Vehicles registered under the Conditional Registration Scheme still need to display a registration label.
Under NSW road transport law, motor vehicles must be registered, issued an Unregistered Vehicle Permit (UVP), or be exempt from registration to be used on roads or road related areas. Vehicles exempt from registration under NSW road transport law cannot be conditionally registered or issued with an UVP.
For specific information about how road transport law and insurance liability may affect you, yours or other motor vehicles, or your land please seek independent legal advice.
Obtaining a conditional registration
You need to go to a motor registry, or send an authorised representative, to obtain conditional registration for your vehicle.
What you need to provide:
- Proof of your identity, or if you're registering the vehicle in the name of a company or organisation, proof that the company or organisation is a legal entity.
- Proof of entitlement to register the vehicle.
- A document that proves the vehicle is roadworthy (eg a safety check report, or a Customer Declaration of Roadworthiness for specific vehicles). See 'Inspection requirements' below, for more information.
- A completed Application for Conditional Registration form, available from the Registration Forms link below.
- Payment for the applicable fee. The fee includes an administration fee, number plate fee and CTP insurance. However, you should be aware that this insurance only covers you on roads or road-related areas (eg footpaths, nature strips, public driveways, public carparks etc), but not on private property.
Inspection requirements
Most conditionally registered vehicles require a Customer Roadworthiness Declaration. However:
- Historic vehicles also require a Historic Vehicle Declaration or pink slip.
- Street Rods also require a Street Rod Declaration and a Safety Inspection Report issued by the NSW Street Rod Committee or its inspection agents.
Managing a conditional registration
Renewals
Roads and Maritime Services sends the vehicle's registered operator a courtesy reminder four to six weeks before the renewal is due. Registration can be renewed at any motor registry. Bring the renewal notice, evidence of roadworthiness and the renewal fee.
Transfers
Conditional registrations cannot be transferred. If you sell the vehicle, the conditional registration must be cancelled and the plates returned. The new operator can then apply for a new conditional registration.
Cancellation
Simply use the Cancel Registration Advice on the back of the Certificate of Registration. There is no cancellation fee, and no refund for the number plate or administration fees. However, a Cancellation Letter will be sent so that you can have the unused portion of your CTP insurance refunded.