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Buying or selling a used vehicle

If you are buying a used car it's worth considering whether your car's safety and design features are likely to protect you and harm other road users in a crash.

Conditional registration

Conditional registration is a registration scheme for non-standard vehicles that previously were exempt or unable to be registered. Conditional registration gives you the benefit of compulsory third party insurance in the event of a crash occurring on a road causing personal injury.

Industry codes of practice

The Department of Transport and Main Roads has produced codes of practice for approved inspection stations and approved persons to use when inspecting vehicles for a safety certificate or certifying a vehicle modification.

Light vehicle modifications

Modifications to light vehicles can be approved in three ways: minor, complex or specific modifications. The Motor vehicle modifications booklet provides legal and safety guidelines for people wishing to modify vehicles with a gross mass up to and including 4.5 tonnes from the manufacturer's original specifications. The guidelines also include motorbikes.

Projecting loads

Drivers of cars, utilities and trucks transporting loads that project beyond the outer edge/s of their vehicle or trailer must obey the laws governing the safe moving of these loads. These laws have been developed to protect all road users.

Safe towing

Towing is very different from everyday driving—it requires additional driving skills and safety precautions. As a driver, you have a legal responsibility to drive to suit the conditions. This also applies when you are towing a trailer or caravan. Also, the towing vehicle, trailer and its load must meet all legal and safety requirements.

The special interest vehicle concession

The Department of Transport and Main Roads created the special interest vehicle scheme for registration of vintage cars or street rods that are rarely used. The special interest vehicle guide outlines the conditions and requirements of the scheme.

Written-off vehicles

The Department of Transport and Main Roads is working to reduce the number of stolen and written-off vehicles being fraudulently registered. The department has set up three main safeguards to help consumers and businesses protect themselves against purchasing vehicles that have been written-off or stolen.