Vehicle Registration Rules Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

Quick Answer: In the ACT you don’t need an annual inspection like NSW, All you just need to make sure you pay your rego renewal on time.

Here’s a summary of the registration rules for a car in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT):

Registration Requirement: All vehicles driven on ACT roads must be registered, with some exceptions for temporary use or specific vehicle types (agricultural, towed).
Eligibility: Only registered operators (individuals or businesses) can register vehicles.
Transferring Registration: If buying a used car already registered in the ACT, you have 14 days to transfer registration to your name.
Moving to ACT: If moving to the ACT from another state or territory and bringing your registered car, you have 3 months to register it in the ACT.
Inspections: In some cases, vehicle inspections (roadworthiness and identity) might be required before registration.
Registration Period: You can choose registration periods of 3, 6, or 12 months.
Fees: Registration fees vary depending on vehicle type, emissions, and chosen registration period.

What is Checked During inspection?

There are two main types of inspections that might be required during vehicle registration in Canberra, depending on the situation:

Roadworthiness Inspection (Certificate of Inspection):

This inspection focuses on the vehicle’s safety and roadworthiness. Here are some of the key areas mechanics will typically check:

Brakes: Functionality, wear and tear on pads and discs/drums.
Steering and Suspension: Condition of components, alignment, any leaks.
Tyres: Tread depth, overall condition, correct inflation pressure.
Lights and Indicators:Operation of headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, and hazard lights.
Windscreen and Windows:Cracks, chips, visibility issues.
Seatbelts:Functionality and proper operation.
Body and Chassis:Rust, damage, leaks, modifications that might affect safety.
Fluid Levels:Engine oil, brake fluid, coolant.
Emissions:Exhaust gas emissions might be tested depending on the vehicle’s age and type.

Vehicle Identity Inspection:

This inspection verifies that the vehicle you’re registering matches the information on the registration papers.

Here’s what they typically check:

Matching the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the car with the one on the registration documents.
Verifying the engine number matches records (may not apply to all vehicles).
Body Modifications,Ensuring any modifications comply with regulations and are properly documented.

Important Notes:

Not all vehicle registrations require inspections. New cars typically don’t need inspections if registered within a certain timeframe of purchase.
You can find information about whether your vehicle needs an inspection and how to book one on the Access Canberra website:
It’s always recommended to have your car serviced and in good working order before any registration inspection to avoid potential issues.

Important Resources:

Access Canberra – Vehicle registration and transfer:
Access Canberra – Vehicles registered interstate:

Remember: This is a general overview. It’s always best to consult the official ACT government resources for the latest information and any specific requirements that might apply to your situation.