Chapter 2 Registration process

Part 1 Eligibility for registration

6   Registered operator of registrable vehicle

(1)  A person is eligible to be a registered operator of a registrable vehicle if that person is:

(a)  a natural person who has attained the requisite age, or

(b)  a corporation.

(2)  Despite subclause (1), the Authority may record in the Register that a person is a registered operator of a registrable vehicle even though the person has not attained the requisite age if it is satisfied that it is appropriate to do so. Any such person is, for the purposes of this Regulation (including renewal of registration), taken to have been eligible to be a registered operator of the vehicle.

(3)  In this clause, requisite age means:

(a)  in the case of a heavy vehicle—18 years of age, or

(b)  in the case of a light vehicle—16 years of age.

7   Eligible vehicles

(1)  A registrable vehicle is eligible to be registered without conditions if:

(a)  the vehicle complies with the applicable vehicle standards for the vehicle, and

(b)  the requirements of any applicable third party insurance legislation and stamp duty legislation are complied with in respect of the vehicle, and

(c)  the vehicle is owned by, or is under the management of, a person who is eligible to be a registered operator of the vehicle.

(2)  Despite subclause (1), the Authority may refuse to register a registrable vehicle if the Authority is satisfied that:

(a)  the vehicle has been registered in another State or a Territory, and

(b)  the registration in that State or Territory has been cancelled or suspended, and

(c)  the reasons for the cancellation or suspension still exist.

Part 2 Applications for registration

8   Who may apply for registration?

(1)  Application for registration of a registrable vehicle may be made by:

(a)  a natural person who is eligible to be a registered operator of a registrable vehicle, or

(b)  an agent of:

(i)  a natural person who is eligible to be a registered operator of that vehicle, or

(ii)  a corporation.

(2)  If it appears to the Authority that an application for registration of a registrable vehicle is made by an agent, the Authority must not grant the application unless the agent produces:

(a)  evidence of the agent’s identity in a form acceptable to the Authority, and

(b)  a document evidencing the authority of the agent to act as agent of the natural person or corporation seeking registration as a registered operator.

(3)  If more than one natural person is seeking registration as a registered operator of the same light vehicle, any one of those persons may make an application under this clause on behalf of all the persons seeking registration if the Authority is satisfied that the person has the consent of the other persons to make the application on their behalf.

(4)  If more than one natural person or corporation is seeking registration as a registered operator of a light vehicle through an application made by an agent:

(a)  only one agent can act on behalf of all of the natural persons or corporations seeking registration, and

(b)  the agent must produce a document referred to in subclause (2) (b) from each of the natural persons or corporations.

Note. Clause 89 makes provision for the respective rights, liabilities and obligations of multiple registered operators of the one registrable vehicle.

(5)  Nothing in this Regulation authorises more than one person to be recorded, or apply to be recorded, as a registered operator of a heavy vehicle.

9   Form of application

(1)  An application for registration of a registrable vehicle must be in a form approved by the Authority.

(2)  The Authority may require the applicant to provide to the Authority information about:

(a)  the identity and residential address of each natural person or corporation seeking registration (or on whose behalf an agent is seeking registration) as a registered operator of the registrable vehicle, and

(b)  an address for the service of notices, and

(c)  the proposed garage address of the vehicle, and

(d)  fees, premiums, imposts and similar amounts relating to the vehicle under third party insurance legislation and stamp duty legislation that have been paid or that are payable, and

(e)  any other matter relevant to the decision whether to register the vehicle or to record a natural person or corporation on the Register as a registered operator of the vehicle.

Note. Section 4 of the Act defines residential address, in relation to a company or other body corporate, to mean its registered office or any place recorded in the Register as its residential address or business address.

10   Supporting evidence

The Authority may request an applicant for registration of a registrable vehicle to submit evidence, in a form approved to the Authority, verifying:

(a)  the identity of any person seeking registration as a registered operator of the vehicle, and

(b)  the means by which the vehicle came into the ownership, or under the management, of that person, and

(c)  the proposed garage address of the vehicle, and

(d)  that the vehicle complies with the applicable vehicle standards for the vehicle, and

(e)  the acceptability of non-standard or non-complying vehicles, and

(f)  any other information specified by the Authority in the application form.

11   Lodgment of application, supporting evidence and payment

(1)  An applicant for registration of a registrable vehicle must submit to the Authority:

(a)  the application for registration, and

(b)  any supporting evidence required by the Authority, and

(c)  payment or evidence of payment of any applicable fees, premiums, imposts and similar amounts relating to the vehicle under third party insurance legislation and stamp duty legislation and the registration charge applicable to the vehicle and the applicable scheduled fee for registration of the vehicle.

(2)  In addition to any applicable scheduled fee for the registration of the vehicle, the applicant must also submit to the Authority payment of any applicable gazetted fee for the issue of number-plates.

(3)  An eligible pensioner is not required to pay any applicable scheduled fee or applicable gazetted fee for the registration of a vehicle or the issue of a number-plate.

(4)  An applicant is not required to pay any applicable gazetted fee if the Authority is of the opinion that:

(a)  the applicant was the registered operator of a registrable vehicle that was destroyed or rendered beyond repair as a consequence of damage caused to the vehicle by an occurrence that gave rise to an emergency, and

(b)  the vehicle to which the application relates is a replacement for the damaged vehicle, and

(c)  in the circumstances of the case it would be inappropriate to require payment of the fee.

(5)  In this clause:

emergency has the same meaning as it has in the State Emergency and Rescue Management Act 1989.

Note. “emergency” is defined in the State Emergency and Rescue Management Act 1989 to mean an emergency due to an actual or imminent occurrence (such as fire, flood, storm, earthquake, explosion, accident, epidemic or warlike action) which:

(a)  endangers, or threatens to endanger, the safety or health of persons in the State, or

(b)  destroys or damages, or threatens to destroy or damage, property in the State,

      being an emergency which requires a significant and co-ordinated response.

12   Duration of registration

(1)  Subject to subclauses (2) (b) and (3):

(a)  a heavy vehicle may be registered for any of the following periods:

(i)  3 months, or

(ii)  6 months, or

(iii)  one year, and

(b)  a light vehicle may be registered for one year.

(2)  An applicant for registration of a registrable vehicle must:

(a)  nominate an appropriate period specified in subclause (1), or

(b)  if seeking to register a seasonal vehicle—nominate the period for which registration is sought.

(3)  An applicant may nominate, and the Authority may approve, a different period of registration for any heavy vehicle or light vehicle than that referred to in subclause (1) if:

(a)  the Authority considers that it is necessary to do so to achieve a common registration expiry date for vehicles in a fleet, or

(b)  the Authority considers it appropriate to do so in the circumstances.

13   Determination of applications

(1)  The Authority may refuse an application for registration of a registrable vehicle if:

(a)  the vehicle is not an eligible vehicle, or

(b)  a provision of this Regulation prevents approval of the application, or

(c)  the applicant has not complied with a provision of the Act or this Regulation in relation to the registration of the vehicle (including any requirement to submit or pay any fee), or

(d)  the Authority reasonably believes that:

(i)  the vehicle or a part of the vehicle is or may be stolen, or

(ii)  information given in the application for registration is false or misleading, or

(iii)  there are unpaid fines or pecuniary penalties arising out of the use of the vehicle in Australia, or

(iv)  the vehicle is being used for an unlawful purpose, or

(e)  the Authority is not satisfied that the vehicle’s garage address is in this State, or

(f)  the applicant fails to comply with the requirements of or under a law in force in this State relating to certificates of roadworthiness for, or inspection of, registrable vehicles, or

(g)  the Authority is, for any reason whatever, of the opinion that the applicant is not a fit and proper person to be the holder of the registration for the vehicle.

(2)  If the Authority approves an application, it must register the registrable vehicle in the name of each person seeking registration (or on whose behalf registration is sought) as a registered operator.

14   Conditional registration

(1)  The Authority may register a registrable vehicle conditionally if:

(a)  the vehicle does not comply with an applicable vehicle standard for the vehicle, or

(b)  the Authority considers it appropriate for some other reason to register the vehicle conditionally.

(2)  The Authority may refuse to register a registrable vehicle conditionally under subclause (1) (a) if the vehicle does not bear an operations plate or identification plate relating to the vehicle, or a certificate of approved operations has not been issued or accepted by the Authority in respect of the vehicle.

(3)  In determining the conditions to be imposed on the registration of a registrable vehicle that does not comply with an applicable vehicle standard for the vehicle, the Authority must take into account the nature and extent of any failure of the vehicle to meet the requirements of the applicable vehicle standards for the vehicle.

(4)  The Authority may at any time vary any conditions that it imposes on the registration of a registrable vehicle.

(5)  The Authority must notify a registered operator in writing of the conditions, or any variation of the conditions, applicable to the conditional registration of a registrable vehicle. Any such conditions or variation of conditions have effect only on the notification of the registered operator.

Part 3 The Register

15   Maintenance of the Register

(1) General matters to be recorded in respect of vehicle
If the Authority registers a registrable vehicle it must record in the Register, in respect of the vehicle:

(a)  the name of the person who owns or manages the vehicle, and

(b)  the identification details of the vehicle, and

(c)  the vehicle’s garage address, and

(d)  each registered operator’s name, residential address, and the address for the service of notices (if any), and

(e)  the expiry date of the registration, and

(f)  if the vehicle is conditionally registered—the conditions of registration, and

(g)  the vehicle’s GVM (if applicable to the vehicle concerned), and

(h)  the vehicle’s GCM (if applicable to the vehicle concerned), and

(i)  in the case of a heavy vehicle—the vehicle’s nominated configuration, and

(j)  the name, if appropriate, of any insurer providing third party insurance in respect of the vehicle.

Note. Section 4 of the Act defines residential address, in relation to a company or other body corporate, to mean its registered office or any place recorded in the Register as its residential address or business address.

(2) Other matters that may be recorded
The Authority may record in the Register other information for:

(a)  the purposes of the Act and this Regulation, or

(b)  the purposes of another Act, or

(c)  other purposes that the Authority considers to be appropriate.

Note. See, for example, clauses 44 (5) and 78 (1).

(3) Changes in description or configuration to be recorded
The Authority must record in the Register any change in the registrable vehicle’s description or nominated configuration that is recorded in the Register of which it has been notified under the Act, the Road Transport (Heavy Vehicles Registration Charges) Act 1995 or this Regulation unless the Authority is satisfied that the information is false.

(4) Evidence may be required to verify description and configuration changes
The Authority may require evidence in a form acceptable to the Authority verifying that the changes notified under subclause (3) are correct.

(5) Register to record information over previous 24 months
The Authority must ensure that the Register contains details of all registrable vehicles that are currently registered, or that have been registered within the previous 24 months.

(6) Requests for Register searches
A registered operator of a registrable vehicle is entitled to request a search of the Register, and to obtain a certificate as to any matter appearing in the Register, in respect of the vehicle, on payment of any applicable gazetted fee for the search.

(7) Register information subject to Information Privacy Principles
A request for information about the particulars of a registrable vehicle, or a registered operator or former registered operator, of a registrable vehicle, must be treated by the Authority in accordance with the Information Privacy Principles in section 14 of the Privacy Act 1988 of the Commonwealth.

(8) How Information Privacy Principles apply
For the purposes of the application of the Information Privacy Principles to a request for information referred to in subclause (7):

(a)  the information requested is taken to be personal information, and

(b)  the Authority is taken to be the collector of the information in relation to information it collects and a record-keeper in relation to records of information in its possession or control.

(9) Recording of dealing restrictions
Without limiting subclause (2), the Authority may also record in the Register information for the purpose of identifying a dealing restriction with respect to a registrable vehicle.

(10) Effect of recorded dealing restrictions
Despite any other provision of this Regulation, if a dealing with respect to a registrable vehicle contravenes a dealing restriction recorded in the Register in respect of the vehicle, the Authority may:

(a)  if the dealing requires the approval of the Authority—refuse to approve the dealing, and

(b)  refuse to record details of the dealing in the Register, and

(c)  refuse to exercise any other function of the Authority in connection with that dealing.

(11) Definitions
In this clause:

dealing, in relation to a registrable vehicle, means:

(a)  the registration of the vehicle, or

(b)  the renewal of the registration of the vehicle, or

(c)  the transfer of the registration of the vehicle.

dealing restriction, in relation to a registrable vehicle, means any restriction on a dealing with respect to the vehicle that the Authority has determined should apply to the vehicle.

Part 4 Registration documents

16   Certificates of registration

(1)  If the Authority registers a registrable vehicle, the Authority must issue to the applicant a certificate of registration for the vehicle that includes:

(a)  the name of each registered operator, and

(b)  the address (if any) for the service of notices on a registered operator of the vehicle, and

(c)  the garage address of the vehicle, and

(d)  the registration number of the vehicle, and

(e)  the make of the vehicle, and

(f)  the vehicle’s VIN or, if there is no VIN, any chassis number and engine number of the vehicle, and

(g)  the vehicle’s GVM (if applicable to the vehicle concerned), and

(h)  the vehicle’s GCM (if applicable to the vehicle concerned), and

(i)  in the case of a heavy vehicle—the applicable charging category for the vehicle under the Road Transport (Heavy Vehicles Registration Charges) Act 1995, and

(j)  in the case of a light vehicle—the applicable motor vehicle tax for the vehicle under the Motor Vehicles Taxation Act 1988, and

(k)  the expiry date of the registration, and

(l)  if the vehicle is conditionally registered—the conditions to which registration of the vehicle is subject.

(2)  The Authority may also include in a certificate of registration such other information as the Authority considers is appropriate.

(3)  On payment of any applicable gazetted fee, the Authority may issue a replacement certificate of registration to the person in whose name the certificate was issued if the Authority is satisfied that the original certificate is lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed.

(4)  A certificate of registration and any renewal of such a certificate issued under this Chapter is to bear the imprint of the Authority’s cash register or such other endorsement as may be approved by the Authority recording the payment of any fee or other money payable under the Act or any other Act or this Regulation in connection with the registration or renewal.

17   Registration labels

(1)  If the Authority registers a registrable vehicle it must issue a registration label.

(2)  A registration label:

(a)  issued in respect of a motor vehicle (other than a motor vehicle referred to in paragraph (b)) must include:

(i)  the registration number of the vehicle, and

(ii)  its make, and

(iii)  its model or body type (whichever is the more descriptive), and

(iv)  its VIN or, if there is no VIN, any chassis number and engine number, and

(v)  the expiry date of the vehicle’s registration, and

(vi)  if the vehicle is conditionally registered—the conditions to which registration of the vehicle is subject, in coded form, and

(vii)  the vehicle’s GVM (if applicable to the vehicle concerned), and

(viii)  the vehicle’s GCM (if applicable to the vehicle concerned), and

(ix)  if the vehicle is a heavy vehicle—the applicable charging category for the vehicle under the Road Transport (Heavy Vehicles Registration Charges) Act 1995 in coded form, or

(b)  issued in respect of a trailer or a motor vehicle without a windscreen or fixed windows must be in a form approved by the Authority.

Note. In relation to subclause (2) (a) (vi), a list of codes will be available from the Authority.

A registered operator will receive full written explanation of the conditions applying to the vehicle when the registration label is issued.

(3)  A registration label must be affixed:

(a)  in the case of a motor vehicle fitted with a windscreen or fixed windows:

(i)  to the lower left (or near side) portion of the front windscreen, or

(ii)  to any fixed window on the left (or near) side of the vehicle, and

(b)  in the case of a caravan or other trailer:

(i)  on or adjacent to the vehicle’s number-plate in such a manner that the characters on the number-plate are not obscured, or

(ii)  if the vehicle has a fixed rear window or a hinged rear window that is to be closed when the caravan or other trailer is being towed—to that window, in a location as close as possible to the vehicle’s number-plate, and

(c)  in any other case—on or adjacent to the vehicle’s rear number-plate in such a manner that the characters on the number-plate are not obscured.

(4)  Despite subclause (3), the registration label must be affixed so that the information on the label is readable from the outside of the vehicle.

(5)  Despite subclause (1), the Authority is not required to issue a registration label in respect of a registrable vehicle that is operated by a State or Territory or the Commonwealth or by an authority of a State or Territory or the Commonwealth.

(6)  If necessary, and on payment of any applicable gazetted fee, the Authority may issue a registration label to the person in whose name a registrable vehicle is registered to replace a registration label that has been lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed.

Part 5 Number-plates

Division 1 Interpretation

18   Definitions

In this Part:

number includes a letter of the alphabet.

plate holder, in relation to a number-plate, means:

(a)  in the case of a trader’s plate—the trader to whom the trader’s plate has been issued, or

(a1)  in the case of a special number-plate—a special plate holder within the meaning of clause 21, or

(b)  in the case of any other number-plate—each registered operator of the registrable vehicle in respect of which the number-plate has been issued.

vehicle number-plate means a number-plate other than a bicycle-rack number-plate.

19   Application of Part to trader’s plates

This Part (except Division 5) does not apply to trader’s plates.

Note. Part 2 of Chapter 4 provides for the issue and use of trader’s plates.

Division 2 Issue of number-plates

20   Number-plates generally

(1)  If the Authority registers a registrable vehicle it must assign a distinguishing registration number to the vehicle.

(2)  The Authority must, on payment of the applicable scheduled fee for the issue of a vehicle number-plate or number-plates, issue:

(a)  for each motor vehicle registered by the Authority (other than a motor vehicle referred to in paragraph (b) or (c))—2 vehicle number-plates bearing the registration number assigned to that motor vehicle, and

(b)  for each motor bike or trailer registered by the Authority—at least one vehicle number-plate bearing the registration number assigned to that motor bike or trailer, and

(c)  for each other registrable vehicle registered by the Authority—such number of vehicle number-plates as the Authority considers appropriate.

(3)  A vehicle number-plate is to conform to such specifications as the Authority may require and must display:

(a)  the matter “NSW” and such words (if any) as the Authority may determine with the approval of the Minister, or

(b)  the words “New South Wales” and such other words (if any) as the Authority may determine with the approval of the Minister.

21   Special number-plates

(1)  The Authority may enter into an agreement with any person under which that person (referred to as a special plate holder) has an exclusive right to use, subject to the payment of any applicable gazetted fee, a specified combination of numbers on a special number-plate.

Note. A special number-plate is defined in the Dictionary to mean a number-plate with a number that is comprised of:

(a)  one to 6 letters only, or

(b)  one to 6 numbers only, or

(c)  a combination of one or more letters with one or more numbers, being a combination that does not exceed 6 letters and numbers, and:

(i)  that is not routinely issued by the Authority, or

(ii)  that the Authority has determined should be treated as a special number.

(2)  Such an agreement may be expressed to have effect indefinitely or for a definite period.

(3)  The rights exercisable by a special plate holder under such an agreement may not be assigned to any other person except with the approval of the Authority.

(4)  Clause 23 applies to a special number-plate in the same way as it applies to any other number-plate, despite the provisions of any agreement under this clause.

22   Bicycle rack number-plates

(1)  A registered operator of a motor vehicle (other than a motor bike or a motor trike) may apply for a bicycle rack number-plate.

(2)  On receipt of such an application and the payment of any applicable gazetted fee, the Authority may issue, in addition to the vehicle number-plates issued under clause 20, a bicycle rack number-plate having the distinguishing number of the registration of the registrable vehicle on which the number-plate is, by means of the bicycle rack, to be placed.

(3)  A bicycle rack number-plate issued under this clause is to conform to such specifications as the Authority may determine and must display:

(a)  the matter “NSW” and “bike rack” and such other words as the Authority may determine with the approval of the Minister, or

(b)  the words “New South Wales” and “bike rack” and such other words as the Authority may determine with the approval of the Minister.

(4)  For the purposes of this Regulation:

(a)  a bicycle rack number-plate issued under this Regulation is taken to be issued for use on a motor vehicle, and

(b)  a bicycle rack number-plate displayed, in accordance with this Regulation, on a bicycle rack on a motor vehicle is taken to be placed on the motor vehicle concerned, and

(c)  in determining whether a bicycle rack number-plate has the same number as a vehicle number-plate issued under this Regulation, the following are to be disregarded:

(i)  any words and matter displayed on the vehicle number-plate as required by clause 20 (3),

(ii)  the words “NSW–THE PREMIER STATE” (if displayed on the vehicle number-plate),

(iii)  the words and matter displayed on the bicycle rack number-plate as required by subclause (3).

(5)  A bicycle rack number-plate displayed on a motor vehicle must be illuminated, at all times when the vehicle is driven between the hours of sunset and sunrise, with a white light so as to render visible at a distance of 20 metres each number on the plate.

23   Authority may alter distinguishing number of registration

(1)  The Authority may at any time alter the distinguishing number of the registration of a registrable vehicle.

(2)  Without limiting subclause (1), the Authority may alter the distinguishing number of a registrable vehicle if:

(a)  the distinguishing number comprises one to 6 numbers only, and

(b)  a registered operator of the vehicle is a corporation, and

(c)  the Authority is satisfied that a significant change in the ownership or control of the corporation has occurred since that distinguishing number was allocated to that vehicle.

(2A)  Without limiting subclause (1), the Authority may alter the distinguishing number of a registrable vehicle if the Authority considers that:

(a)  there is an error of any kind in the vehicle number-plate issued for the vehicle, or

(b)  there has been an error of any kind in the issuing of a vehicle number-plate for the vehicle.

(3)  On or before altering the distinguishing number of the registration of a registrable vehicle under this clause, the Authority must give written notice to each registered operator of the vehicle requiring the registered operator to return to the Authority, within such period as is specified in the notice, any vehicle number-plate issued under this Regulation in respect of the vehicle.

(4)  A registered operator of a registrable vehicle must comply with any notice given to the registered operator under subclause (3).

Maximum penalty (subclause (4)): 20 penalty units.

(5)  On receipt of a vehicle number-plate returned in accordance with the requirements of a notice referred to in subclause (3) (and, if a bicycle rack number-plate is also returned, on receipt of that number-plate), the Authority is to issue to a registered operator of the registrable vehicle concerned a replacement number-plate bearing the distinguishing number, as altered, of the registration of the vehicle for each number-plate that is returned.

Division 3 Use of number-plates

24   Display of number-plates

(1)  Unless otherwise approved by the Authority, a registered operator of a registered registrable vehicle must ensure that a vehicle number-plate issued by the Authority for the vehicle is permanently affixed to the vehicle so that (assuming the vehicle to be on level ground):

(a)  the number-plate is at all times:

(i)  in an upright position that is substantially parallel to the vehicle’s axles, and

(ii)  not more than 1.3 metres above ground level, and

(b)  the numbers on the number-plate are clearly visible from a distance of 20 metres at any point within an arc of 45 degrees from the surface of the number-plate above or to either side of the vehicle, as shown in figures 1 and 2 of diagram 1 (in relation to heavy vehicles) and figures 1 and 2 of diagram 2 (in relation to light vehicles), and

(c)  any cover on the number-plate:

(i)  is clear, clean, untinted and flat over its entire surface, and

(ii)  has no reflective or other characteristics that would prevent the successful operation of a device approved for use under a law relating to the detection of traffic offences, and

(d)  in the case of a motor vehicle—one number-plate is affixed to the front of the vehicle and another to its rear, and

(e)  in the case of a motor bike or trailer—at least one number-plate is affixed to its rear, and

(f)  in the case of a motor vehicle for which number-plates of different sizes are issued—the larger of the number-plates is affixed to the rear of the vehicle.

Diagram 1—Heavy vehicles

Diagram 2—Light vehicles

(2)  Subclause (1) (a), (b), (d) and (e) do not apply to a vehicle number-plate of a registrable vehicle if:

(a)  due to the construction of the vehicle it is not practicable to comply with those paragraphs, and

(b)  the number-plate is affixed in a manner that complies so far as practicable with those paragraphs.

(3)  Subclause (1) (b) does not apply to the rear vehicle number-plate of a registrable vehicle if:

(a)  the rear number-plate of the registrable vehicle is obscured by a vehicle that is being towed by the registrable vehicle, and

(b)  the towed vehicle displays a rear number-plate in accordance with subclause (1) or, when the towed vehicle is not required to display a rear number-plate, the registration number of the registrable vehicle is displayed at the rear of the towed vehicle in a manner that complies so far as practicable with subclause (1).

Division 4 Transfer, exchange, reservation and interchange of number-plates

25   Reservation and interchange of number-plates

(1)  The Authority may approve the reservation of any number-plate in respect of a registrable vehicle, subject to the payment of any applicable gazetted fee for each 12 month period (or part of that period in excess of 21 days) that the number-plate is to be held.

(2)  On the payment of any applicable gazetted fee, the Authority may approve the interchange between registrable vehicles of vehicle number-plates issued under this Regulation.

26   Transfer of number-plate to another vehicle

The Authority may transfer a vehicle number-plate of a registrable vehicle to another registrable vehicle if:

(a)  the registration of the registrable vehicle from which the number-plate is to be transferred was cancelled following an application under clause 41 for the surrender of the registration, and

(b)  where the vehicle has one registered operator—the same person is (or is to be) the registered operator of the registrable vehicle to which the number-plate is to be transferred, and

(c)  where the vehicle has more than one registered operator—the Authority is satisfied that each operator who is living consents to the transfer, and

(d)  where the vehicle from which the number-plate is to be transferred has more than one registered operator—the Authority is satisfied that all the registered operators have consented to the transfer, and

(e)  the Authority is paid any applicable gazetted fee for the transfer.

27   Exchange of number-plates

If a registered operator of a registered vehicle surrenders a vehicle number-plate to the Authority, the Authority may issue another set of vehicle number-plates with a different number from the number of the surrendered number-plate subject to the payment of any applicable scheduled fee for that issue.

Division 5 Damaged, destroyed or missing number-plates

28   Damaged number-plates

(1)  If any number-plate issued under this Regulation becomes damaged, a plate holder must, as soon as is practicable:

(a)  notify the Authority of the fact of such damage, and

(b)  surrender to the Authority the number-plate and, unless otherwise approved by the Authority, any other number-plate with the same number issued under this Regulation.

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

(2)  The Authority may request a plate holder to pay any applicable scheduled fee for replacing a damaged number-plate.

(3)  On the application of a plate holder who has surrendered vehicle number-plates under this clause, the Authority may issue replacement vehicle number-plates having the same number as the surrendered number-plates on payment of any applicable gazetted fee (in the case of a special number-plate), or any applicable scheduled fee (in any other case), for the issue.

(4)  If a bicycle rack number-plate is surrendered under this Regulation, the plate holder may apply for, and the Authority may issue, a new bicycle rack number-plate with the same number as the surrendered bicycle rack number-plate on payment of any applicable gazetted fee for the issue.

29   Lost, stolen or destroyed number-plates

(1)  If any vehicle number-plate issued under this Regulation is lost, stolen or destroyed, a plate holder must, as soon as is practicable after discovering the loss, theft or destruction:

(a)  give written notification of the loss, theft or destruction to the Authority, and

(b)  deliver to the Authority any other number-plate (including a bicycle rack number-plate) with the same number issued under this Regulation unless it too has been lost, stolen or destroyed.

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

(2)  If a bicycle rack number-plate is lost, stolen or destroyed, the plate holder must, as soon as practicable after discovering the loss, theft or destruction, notify the Authority in writing accordingly.

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

(3)  The Authority may request any such plate holder:

(a)  to forward evidence, in a form acceptable to the Authority, verifying the loss, theft or destruction of the number-plate and stating the circumstances connected with it, and

(b)  if a vehicle number-plate is lost, stolen or destroyed—to pay any applicable scheduled fee for replacing a lost, stolen or destroyed number-plate.

(4)  If a number-plate is lost, stolen or destroyed or is delivered to the Authority by the plate holder under subclause (1) (b), the Authority may issue a new number-plate with a number different from the number-plate it replaces on payment of any applicable scheduled fee for the issue.

30   Recovery of lost or stolen number-plates

(1)  A person who recovers a lost or stolen number-plate must, as soon as is practicable after recovering the number-plate, give notification of the recovery to the Authority and, unless otherwise directed by the Authority, must also deliver the recovered number-plate to the Authority.

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

(2)  In this clause:

lost includes mislaid or unable to be found for any reason.

Part 6 Renewal of registration

31   Notice for renewal of registration

(1)  A notice of renewal of registration is a notice:

(a)  addressed to a registered operator of a vehicle, and

(b)  stating that, if registration of a registrable vehicle is not renewed on or before a specified date, the registration of the vehicle will expire.

(2)  If the Authority fails to send a notice of renewal, that failure does not affect:

(a)  the expiry of the vehicle’s registration, or

(b)  the obligation of a registered operator to renew the registration of a vehicle that the operator intends to be used on a road or road related area after the expiry of its existing registration.

32   Renewal of registration

(1)  A registered operator may apply for renewal of the registration of a registrable vehicle by submitting to the Authority:

(a)  an application for renewal of registration in the form approved by the Authority, and

(b)  the amount of the registration charge applicable to the vehicle and the applicable scheduled fee for renewal of registration for the relevant period, and

(c)  payment or evidence of payment of any applicable third party insurance premium required by third party insurance legislation in respect of the vehicle.

(2)  An applicant for renewal of registration of a registrable vehicle must:

(a)  if seeking to register the vehicle for a period that differs from the current registration period—nominate a period specified in clause 12 (1), or

(b)  if seeking to register the vehicle for a period referred to in clause 12 (2) to which paragraph (a) does not apply—nominate the period for which registration is sought.

(3)  The registration of a registrable vehicle may be renewed:

(a)  not more than 3 months after the expiry of registration of the vehicle, or

(b)  in the case of a period nominated under subclause (2) (b)—not more than 12 months after the expiry of registration of the vehicle.

(4)  The expiry date of a renewed period of registration must be calculated as if the renewal had commenced:

(a)  on the day after the day recorded in the register as the expiry date of the period of the registration being renewed, or

(b)  in the case of a registrable vehicle nominated under subclause (2) (b)—on the first day of the nominated period.

(5)  Subclauses (3) and (4) do not have the effect of retrospectively registering a registrable vehicle.

(6)  Subject to subclause (7), the Authority must renew the registration of a registrable vehicle.

(7)  The Authority may refuse to renew the registration of a registrable vehicle if the circumstances are such that if an initial application for registration of the vehicle were being made the Authority would refuse the application under clause 13 (1).

(8)  If:

(a)  the period during which the registration of a registrable vehicle may be renewed has expired, and

(b)  the registration of the vehicle has not been renewed, and

(c)  the Authority requests by written notice the registered operator of the vehicle to return the number-plates of the vehicle,

      the operator must return the number-plates to the Authority within 14 days of the date specified in the notice.

Maximum penalty (subclause (8)): 20 penalty units.