One-off increase in motor vehicle weight tax for light motor vehicles

From 9 August 2010, a one-off increase in the motor vehicle weight tax applies for light vehicles. There is provision for energy efficient vehicles to be exempt from this tax increase. Eligible carers and registered operators of vehicles modified for wheelchair transport may apply for a refund of the additional charge. See Light motor vehicle weight tax for information.

National charging reforms for heavy vehicles and trailers

National changes to registration and charging for heavy vehicles and trailers are being introduced throughout Australia. See National charging reforms to see how these changes affect you.

Stamp duty exemption on caravans and camper trailers

The NSW Government has announced that stamp duty on caravans and camper trailers will be abolished from 1 July 2009. For further information please visit the OSR website.

Short Term Registration

Short Term Registration options are now available on most light vehicles for renewals.

Customers may renew their registration at myRTA.com, via the Interactive Voice Response system on 1300 360 782, by mail to RTA, PO. Box 21, Parkes NSW 2870 or at any motor registry.

The options include six months registration on light vehicles up to 4.5 tonnes, including motorcycles and trailers, and three months on trailers. To take advantage of short term rego, your CTP insurance policy (green slip) period of cover and registration period must match.

Note: The green slip 'use by' date for Short Term Registration renewal for light vehicles is 21 days after the registration expiry date. Renewals made more than 21 days after expiry date can only be for 12 months, and a 12-month green slip is required. If you have any questions regarding the 'use by' date of your green slip, contact your CTP insurer.

Both the green slip and an e-Safety Check (formerly known as a pink slip) must be received by the RTA electronically before short term registration can be processed online or by phone. Hard copy e-Safety Check inspection reports can be accepted in motor registries. Currently, insurers do not issue hard copy green slips for six-month terms. Discussions are underway with the insurers on this issue.

A single registered operator for a vehicle

From 19 May 2008 only a single registered operator is required for each vehicle, either a person or a corporation, when registration is established or transferred. Names of second operators, trading names and names of unincorporated organisations will no longer be accepted. A new courtesy name field is available if an operator elects to record additional information such as the name of a business or organisation.

Registrations established before that date with more than one name recorded will continue, until the registration is transferred or re-established.

Registering a vehicle in one name ensures effective enforcement of traffic, road transport and other laws, including toll collection. It identifies the person or corporation responsible for the operation of each vehicle.

Pilot Long Term Registration

To reduce the need for transactions when nothing has changed, from 1 July 2008 the pilot Long Term Registration option is available for selected major fleet customers. They can establish a new vehicle registration for a two- or three-year term, and get a label for that period. These customers will still be able to pay by annual instalments, but can manage their own payments electronically so that they do not need to come to us. Depending on how it works, longer term registration may be offered more widely in the future.

Individual customers who are buying a second-hand vehicle with a Long Term Registration are advised to check the registration details using myRTA.

New inspection arrangements

From 1 July 2008 the period for vehicle safety inspection exemption for new light vehicles is extended from three to five years. Most light vehicles, including passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, motorcycles, panel vans, caravans, trailers and heavier four-wheel drive vehicles can be renewed without an inspection report within the first five years of the month and year on the compliance plate.. Your renewal notice will indicate if an inspection is required.

From 1 July 2008, e-Safety Check replaces the traditional paper-based scheme (pink slips). All Authorised Inspection Stations will transmit the inspection report to the RTA electronically.