New NSW toll relief could save you hundreds – are you eligible?
There's now a $60 weekly cap on tolls, plus eligible drivers can claim a 40% rebate for charges as far back as 2022.
Rego, tolls, insurance, fuel – the cost of owning a car in Australia isn't cheap.
The NSW government has said that catching public transport is up to 4 times cheaper than travelling in your car.
Catching a bus or train though simply isn't a viable option for many people living in Australia's most populated state.
The quality of public transport in NSW has deteriorated in recent years, especially in recently privatised areas, according to the current Labor government.
New $60 a week toll cap
To address some of these ongoing issues, and provide cost-of-living relief, the NSW government has introduced a new $60 weekly cap on tolls, starting in January 2024.
If you're eligible, you'll be able to claim a rebate of up to $340 every quarter. You can claim via Service NSW.
You need to have linked your personal toll account to your MyServiceNSW Account before you claim for the first time. If you don't have a MyServiceNSW Account, you can create an account online.
Several Finder staff did this and it only took us a few minutes to claim the rebate.
Who is eligible?
To be eligible, you must:
- Be a NSW resident,
- Hold a personal toll account with a NSW toll service provider, taking private trips; and
- Spend more than $60 a week from your individual tag or licence plate on tolls on eligible trips.
Taxis, rideshare vehicles, cars used for business and heavy vehicles aren't eligible.
Tolls paid on the following roads count towards your spend:
- M5 South-West (unless you claim for the M5 South-West Cashback Scheme)
- Westlink M7
- Hills M2
- NorthConnex
- WestConnex
- Sydney Harbour Bridge
- M5 South-West (unless you claim for the M5 South-West Cashback Scheme)
- Westlink M7
- Hills M2
- NorthConnex
- WestConnex
- Sydney Harbour Bridge
- Sydney Harbour Tunnel
- Lane Cove Tunnel
- Eastern Distributor
- Cross City Tunnel
- Military Road E-Ramp (Falcon Street off-ramp of the Warringah Freeway)
- Sydney Harbour Tunnel
- Lane Cove Tunnel
- Eastern Distributor
- Cross City Tunnel
- Military Road E-Ramp (Falcon Street off-ramp of the Warringah Freeway)
83% of Australians have never had to make a claim on their CTP insurance. Unlike other states, CTP insurance isn't bundled with your rego in NSW.
40% rebate for the 2022-23 financial period
Many NSW drivers may also be eligible for a 40% rebate for money spent on tolls in the 2022-23 financial year.
If you've spent more than $375 a year on tolls between July 2022 and June 2023, the NSW government will give you 40% back.
For example, a Finder team member, who lives in the Central Coast, spent $985 in 2022-23 and was able to claim $394 back.
Claims close 30 June 2024 so make sure you claim before then.
40% rebate for the 2023-24 financial period
Similar rules apply for this financial year. If you've spent more than $402 a year on tolls, you can claim a 40% rebate. You can claim it once a quarter.
Claims close 30 June 2025, so you've still got a while to take advantage of this rebate.
Looking for more ways to cut down on your car costs? Check out our car insurance guide.
