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When can you drive an unregistered vehicle legally?

You can only drive an unregistered vehicle if you're going to get it registered.

Alexandra Koster's headshot
Peta Taylor's headshot

By

Alexandra Koster

&

Peta Taylor

Updated

Fact checked

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You can only drive an unregistered car in Australia if you're heading to get it registered. Make sure you take the most direct route and go to the nearest convenient inspection station.

Driving your unregistered vehicle to get it registered

Whether you're driving to obtain a pink slip (registration renewal) or a blue slip (unregistered vehicle inspection), you are legally permitted to drive your unregistered vehicle on the road. However, keep in mind:

  • You must go to the closest possible registration venue.
  • You must use the shortest and easiest direct route.
  • You cannot make any stops along the way there or back, for example, stopping off for groceries or taking an unnecessary detour.
  • Deviation will likely land you a hefty fine.

You might be asked to provide evidence that you're heading over to get your vehicle registered, so keep proof of your appointment or a receipt showing payment for that day to help get you out of any trouble.

What is an Unregistered Vehicle Permit and can I get one?

In certain situations, you may be forced to drive an unregistered vehicle for a limited amount of time for a very specific purpose. This could be the result of purchasing a vehicle interstate and having to drive it back home to get it registered, or it could be a one-off move of a vehicle from one place to another, or you may need to drive your unregistered racecar on the road.

In Australia, you can apply for an Unregistered Vehicle Permit (UVP) at your road and transport authority. This will allow you to undertake a specific journey or set of journeys over a period of up to 28 days. Keep in mind that this is not intended to replace full vehicle registration and any departure from the approved use will result in the usual fees and consequences. As with any car, you must have the proper official proof that your vehicle is in a safe condition following an inspection. You'll be given a permit and a label that you should keep on display at all times.

Finder survey: How many Australians have driven unregistered vehicles?

Response
No89.26%
Yes8.25%
I have never driven before1.79%
Prefer not to answer0.7%
Source: Finder survey by Pure Profile of 1006 Australians, December 2023

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Alexandra Koster's headshot
Publisher

Alexandra Koster was Finder's publisher for car, home and pet insurance. She has a Tier 1 certification in General Insurance, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Film and Cultural Studies from the University of Sydney. Her hobbies include reading Product Disclosure Statements and deciphering complicated insurance lingo to help people save on their insurance so that they can spend their money on better things – like dogs. See full bio

Peta Taylor's headshot
Co-written by

Associate publisher

Peta Taylor is an associate publisher at Finder, specialising in car insurance. She's been analysing product disclosure statements and publishing articles for car insurance for over a year. Peta has a Bachelor of Communications and Media Studies with a Major in Marketing from the University of Wollongong and a Cert IV in Media Journalism. Peta is part of Finder's car insurance awards team and works alongside editorial and insights experts to bring drivers the best in car insurance products every year. See full bio

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2 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    CarolOctober 6, 2021

    A Short Term Unregistered Vehicle Permit (Tasmania) includes third party insurance. Can I add 3rd party property to this? How much would it cost and what would it cover?

      AvatarFinder
      JamesOctober 14, 2021Finder

      Hi Carol,

      It’s best to contact the provider directly about this, to see if they’ll let you extend the policy so that it meets your needs.

      Regards,
      James

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