Vehicle Registration – Drivers Beware!

It is now just over twelve (12) months since when the requirement to display a registration label on motor vehicles less than 4.5 ton was removed.  We are now seeing one issue as becoming a regular occurrence. The problem is that it is not clear to the prospective driver of a vehicle whether or not the vehicle they are about to drive is currently registered. It is not so obvious that a vehicle is unregistered without the registration label. It is incumbent upon the driver of the vehicle to ensure that the vehicle is registered. The general rule is that all vehicles used on roads must be registered.

How can a driver be sure if the vehicle is registered?

If the vehicle is registered in your name, you should have received a Registration Certificate from the Department of Transport and Main Roads. This Certificate provides details relating to the particulars and type of vehicle, registration number, vehicle identification number (VIN), registered persons details and importantly the expiry date of registration. Strangely the certificate has a disclaimer on bottom of the document that states that certificate does not prove current registration and that you should use the online tool available at www.qld.gov.au/checkrego to confirm if registration is current. A free app is also available to download onto your smart phone called Qld Rego Check.

As is the case with a lot of online tools there is a requirement that you accept the terms of use before being able to conduct a search. The document on this site is not insubstantial. Contained within the terms of use document are a number of clauses which appear to be an attempt to remove any liability from the Department. Effectively, it states that the accuracy of this system cannot be relied upon particularly as it relates to “accuracy, reliability, currency or completeness of the information or the online service”. In the face of that it appears that the online tool cannot provide a driver with 100% confidence that a vehicle is currently registered either.

Armed with that knowledge it seems that the only way to be absolutely certain of currency of vehicle registration is to have a Police Officer or a member of the Department of Transport conduct a check on that particular vehicle just prior to driving it. That scenario is quite simply not practical and unachievable.

What does that all mean?

The responsibility still remains with the driver of the vehicle to ensure the vehicle is registered. If you have viewed the registration certificate and/or conducted the online check then you will at least be able to show the authorities that you have taken all reasonable steps to fulfil your responsibilities as the driver.