3 times you can drive unregistered
Chances are you know vehicles must have a current registration to be driven or ridden legally on roads in Australia. But is there ever a time when you can drive unregistered, like in an emergency?
Forget trips to the emergency department. Unfortunately, you’ll need to make alternative transport arrangements. There are, however, three other situations where you can drive unregistered, but you’ll have to apply for a special temporary permit through Service SA.
So, when can I drive unregistered?
Under the Unregistered Vehicle Permit, you can drive unregistered for up to three days, subject to meeting all the conditions of the permit. Keep in mind you’ll need to reapply for another permit to use the vehicle for longer than this period.
We’ve listed below the three situations where motorists can drive an unregistered vehicle on roads in South Australia but remember, the driver must have a current temporary permit and, of course, the vehicle must be roadworthy.
1. If the driver needs to take the vehicle in for repairs.
2. The vehicle is in a car rally.
3. The vehicle needs to be moved to a different location for storage.
There are a few important things to remember before driving unregistered with the temporary permit. For instance, if you must drive an unregistered vehicle for the purpose of placing it in storage, make sure you’re relocating it to private property, as it’s an offence to park an unregistered vehicle on a public road.
Owners of vintage and classic vehicles driving in a car rally, like RAA Bay to Birdwood in October, can register their vehicle as part of the Conditional Registration Scheme, which allows owners to drive their vehicles for 90 days in a calendar year. So, technically these cars are still registered, but not for everyday use.
According to RAA Senior Manager of Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain, strict rego rules don’t apply in these situations, but it’s strongly advised that motorists always keep on top of their vehicle’s registration schedule.
“Any vehicle driven on the road, whether registered or not, must also be roadworthy and not be a hazard to others,” Charles says.
Permit parameters
Always carry the Unregistered Vehicle Permit while you’re driving.
“This is your proof of legal exemption should you be stopped or caught by a safety camera on the road,” Charles says.
Forget quick dashes to the shops or stopping at a mate’s house. The permit requires you to drive directly to your destination. For example, if you’re headed to the repairers, you must drive straight there and not stop. Remember, the permit only covers the direct trip you’ve specified to Service SA.
Final word
If you don’t have an Unregistered Vehicle Permit and you’re caught driving unregistered, you may be fined $502 and receive a $108 Victims of Crime Levy.
Remember, if the vehicle has been unregistered for more than 30 days, you no longer have Compulsory Third Party insurance, which means you’ll be fined an additional $927 and the $108 Victims of Crime Levy if you’re caught driving the vehicle on the road unregistered and uninsured.
While the good old days of rego stickers have passed, you don’t need a sticker to stick to your rego schedule. Depending on your preferences, you can receive reminders via mail or visit mySAGOV and sign up for digital renewal notices to receive reminders via email or SMS.