Quick Answer: In the Tasmania you don’t need an annual inspection for most motor vehicles – you just need to make sure you pay your rego renewal on time.
While there’s plenty of government information available online about vehicle and driver licensing, it can sometimes feel difficult to navigate – especially when you’re looking at law and legislation. To help you understand the vehicle registration rules in Tasmania, we’ve covered the key points in this article – so you can get an overview, then dig deeper into any specific point that’s relevant to you!
Motor Vehicle Registration Requirements Tasmania
- Registration Requirement: All vehicles driven or parked on public Tasmanian roads must be registered, with exceptions for temporary permits or towed unregistered vehicles.
- Eligibility: Individuals over 16 years old or bodies corporate (companies) can register vehicles.
- New Vehicle Registration: You have 30 days to register a new car. Proof of purchase, identity check, and a pre-registration inspection are required.
- Used Vehicle Registration: You have 14 days to transfer registration to your name when buying a used car already registered in Tasmania.
- Moving to Tasmania: If bringing a registered car from interstate, you have 3 months to register a vehicle in Tasmania. A vehicle inspection might be required.
- Registration Period: Choose 3, 6, or 12-month registration periods.
- Fees: Registration fees depend on vehicle type, emissions, chosen registration period, and any concessions (e.g., electric vehicles).
- Inspections: A pre-registration inspection by an Approved Inspection Station (AIS) is mandatory for new vehicle registrations and interstate transfers.
What is checked during a vehicle registration inspection in Tasmania?
In Tasmania, a pre-registration inspection is mandatory for new vehicle registrations and vehicles being registered from interstate. This inspection focuses on ensuring the vehicle meets safety standards and is roadworthy.
Here’s a breakdown of what’s typically checked during a Tasmanian registration inspection on a car or light vehicle:
Key Safety Components:
- Brakes: Functionality, wear and tear on pads and discs/drums.
- Steering and Suspension: Condition of components, alignment, any leaks.
- Tyres: Tread depth, overall condition, correct inflation pressure.
- Lights and Indicators: Operation of headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, and hazard lights.
- Windscreen and Windows: Cracks, chips, visibility issues.
- Seatbelts: Functionality and proper operation.
- Body and Chassis: Rust, damage, leaks, modifications that might affect safety.
- Fluid Levels: Engine oil, brake fluid, coolant (proper levels and no leaks).
Additional Checks (may vary):
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): Matching the VIN on the car with the one on the registration documents.
- Engine Number (in some cases): Verifying the engine number matches records (may not apply to all vehicles).
- Odometer Reading: Verifying the odometer reading is accurate and consistent with records.
- Modifications (in some cases): Ensuring any modifications comply with regulations and are properly documented.
Tips:
- Make sure your car is in good working order before any rego check with a car service.
- If buying a second hand car, make sure you get a Pre-purchase Inspection to make sure the car is accident free and not in need of major mechanical work.
Important Notes:
- It’s recommended to have your car serviced and in good working order before the inspection to avoid potential issues.
- You can be a registered operator of a vehicle in Tasmania if you have a driver licence and are over 16 years old for light vehicles, over 18 years old for a heavy vehicle, or if you are a body corporate.
It’s important to remember that this is a general overview. It’s always best to consult the official Tasmanian government authority resources for the latest information and any specific requirements that might apply to your situation.
Written By
Matt Banks
Matt is the founder of Autohero.com.au and has been hooked on cars and repairs ever since childhood.
A veteran in automotive since leaving school, Matt has completed his trade as a panel beater and is across all things with wheels.
His first car was a 1967 FORD XR Wagon followed by a string of collectable Holden’s.
Have a question for Matt? leave a comment below.
is 3rd party insurance included with Tasmanian registration? if not How is insurance enforced in Tasmania while driving on their roads.
3rd party insurance is optional, but personal injury is compulsory.
I am a victorian resident but want to buy a car i tasmania – can I do so and register it even though not a Tas resident?
Hi Janine,
It depends on where you plan to use the car, if you are going to take the car back to Victoria, you will need to register the car in Victoria.
Cheers
Matt
What do you do if your registration has expired or is overdue
Hi Tania,
Contact you local mechanic in your state and they can tell you the steps to follow.
If you dont know one, use this link below to help locate a local mechanic that specialises in rego checks.
https://www.autohero.com.au/service/rego-check/
Cheers
Matt
Your vehicle must be registered by you in the same State that your drivers license is issued.
I’ve had massive issues after buying a camper from NSW that did not have a ‘mod plate’, seemingly not required in NSW but apparently a legal requirement in Tas, even though it has passed NSW red and blue slip RWC in NSW since it was new AND has a clause on reg paper noting it was modified to a 5 seater camper. I’m now faced with costly engineering inspections that are informing me I need to make significant, further costly adjustments. So, is safety a geographically defined concept?? Ludicrous, frustrating situation. Don’t buy a camper in NSW if you want to register it interstate. Make sure you have ALL papers regarding modifications.
Rant over!!
Yep, I hear you!
Its tricky navigating all the state laws, should be national scheme to make life easier and safer for van buyers!
Cheers
Matt
‘INSURANCE’ Hi, my thoughts on the said subject is this ‘insurance’ I have ALWAYS been taught that
Having two insurance is illegal what ever land has vehicles in, so why is it not so here!!
The government has taken third party under it’s wing.
BUT the said govenment in this case (Tasmania)ARE not underwriters, so this means that insurance comp’s
when they say fully comprehensive insurance that is not the case ?
So this means that the govenment are taken money from the drivers illegaly, and the insurance companies are lying about fully comprehensive cover, BECAUSE the govenment have taken the third party cover to them selves.
Which is not correct, Both parties are lying.