The NSW Government announced that registration labels will not be required on light vehicles (under 4.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass) from next year. The stickers, which have been a part of life for NSW motorists for 80 years, will no longer be required from 1 January 2013. South Australia and Western Australia abolished labels some years ago with no apparent problem. Light vehicles include:
- Cars
- Motorcycles
- Light trailers
- Caravans
- Some trucks
- Light buses
- Taxis
NRMA supported the change to simplify the registration process for motorists. We also raised the issue of employee drivers being directed to drive a vehicle without knowing whether it was registered. The Government has committed to providing relief from penalties for driving an unregistered vehicle where an employee is not the registered operator of the vehicle.
Identification of vehicles by authorities will be by number plate recognition, which is now a mature technology. However, vehicle buyers should now check the registration details of any vehicle they are interested in purchasing with the RMS as they will not be able to inspect the registration label. Motorists will still receive a reminder to renew their registration and CTP insurance (green slip).
NRMA have also recommended a substantial education campaign before this change comes into effect to educate vehicle owners about the change.
For more information and questions about this change, visit the RMS website.
