Effective from January 2025, New South Wales and Victoria will enact new car registration laws to streamline procedures, reduce paperwork requirements, and foster environmentally friendly car purchases. The laws apply to both new vehicle registration and renewals, with slight differences in certain aspects that require attention from the drivers.
Digital-First System Now Statewide
Modernisation of services is underway as the States move towards the digital-first model of registration. So soon, all of the obsolete physical labels will be removed, and it would be digital proof of registration via the Service NSW apps and VicRoads absorbance. Notifications for expiry, inspection timelines, and payment receipt shall also turn to go electronic.
New Rules for Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
Owners of electric and hybrid vehicles will experience their own set of peculiarities in terms of registration fee calculations. In Victoria, higher charges will still be imposed through the rather contentious distance-based road user charge but revised and capped rates will now apply. In NSW, registration fee reductions and broader exemptions for EVs will still be available into 2025.
Strict Compliance Checks and New Renewal Condition
The regulations also prescribe stricter stipulations in relation to such things as roadworthiness, emissions testing, and vehicle modifications. Random audits will be applied at renewal in some instances, and a failure to comply would mean suspension or cancellation of registration. Vehicle-modifying drivers, especially those working with non-factory parts, will now have to lodge for an updated compliance report.
Fee Revisions and Flexible Payments
Further fee changes are being implemented by the states. Whereas base-line charges look pretty stable, some administrative fees will now be bumped up. More importantly, improved flexibility will be afforded by both NSW and VIC with monthly DD schemes for low-income households to maintain registrations.