With many Queenslanders experiencing a decline in the amount they use their vehicles during COVID-19, the Queensland Government has introduced changes to the vehicle registration cancellation process to make it easier for individuals and businesses to cancel and re-register vehicles.

As part of the changes, any individual or business looking to cancel a vehicle’s registration will have the cancellation fee waived. Similarly, any individual or business looking to re-register the same vehicle will have the new number plate fee waived as well.

Vehicle owners have also been assured that they may keep the same registration plate following the cancellation of registration if they wish, rather than surrender it. The registration plate will be customised for free, allowing owners to re-attach it to the vehicle once the vehicle is re-registered.

The final change that has been made allows owners to re-register their vehicle without a safety certificate or Certificate of Inspection once they decide to re-register it. This can be done if:

• the vehicle’s previous COI was (as at the time of re-registration) within the last 12 months, or within the last 24 months for farm vehicles; and
• the vehicle is being registered to the same registered operator as immediately prior to the cancellation; and
• the vehicle has had no change in vehicle particulars (for example VIN, engine number, make, model, colour).

These changes will also help individuals and businesses that are struggling to pay vehicle registrations due to the financial ramifications of COVID-19.

Registration cancellations are expected to be particularly prominent with passenger vehicles, rental vehicles and heavy vehicle machinery.

These changes came in to affect on 25 April 2020 and will stay in place until six months after the COVID-19 period ends.

All heavy vehicle registration fees will also be frozen for 2020-21.

Source: Department of Transport and Main Roads

28 April 2020