What Happens If Your REGO Has Expired? Fines, Penalties, and Next Steps in Australia

Driving with expired registration ("rego") is a serious offence in every Australian state and territory.

But what actually happens?

How big are the fines?

And how do you fix the situation safely?

 

This guide explains the consequences state by state, using only official government information, and provides AUCN's practical advice for buyers and owners.

 

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🟩1. First: What Does "Expired REGO" Mean?

 

When a vehicle's registration expires:

         •       it is no longer legally allowed on public roads

         •       compulsory CTP insurance may also lapse (varies by state)

         •       you may need inspections to re-register

         •       driving it exposes you to major fines and serious liability

 

An expired rego is not the same as having a defect or suspended licence —

it is a full loss of legal road authority.

 

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🟦 2. What Happens If You Drive an Unregistered Vehicle in Australia

 

Across all states, driving an unregistered vehicle can result in:

 

🟥 Major fines

 

Ranging from approx $500 to over $2,000+ depending on state.

 

🟥 Loss of CTP protection

 

In many states (e.g., NSW), you may be personally liable for injuries if you crash.

 

🟥 Vehicle can be grounded

 

Police may issue a defect notice or vehicle grounding until registration is renewed.

 

🟥 Demerit points (in some states)

 

E.g., NSW can issue points depending on circumstances.

 

🟥 Penalties for uninsured vehicle (if CTP separate)

 

Some states treat this as a separate offence.

 

These outcomes differ across states, so below is a detailed breakdown.

 

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🟦 3. State-by-State Consequences of Expired Registration

 

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NSW — Service NSW / Transport for NSW

 

Official reference:

https://www.service.nsw.gov.au

 

Driving an unregistered vehicle results in:

         •       Fine for unregistered vehicle

         •       Fine for uninsured vehicle (if CTP expired)

         •       Possible additional penalties

         •       No CTP coverage → personal liability in accident

         •       Vehicle grounding in serious cases

 

Combined fines can exceed $1,500+.

 

NSW enforcement is particularly strict due to automatic number plate recognition cameras (ANPR).

 

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VIC — VicRoads

 

Official reference:

https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au

 

Driving unregistered in VIC can result in:

         •       Major fine for operating an unregistered vehicle

         •       Additional penalties if unroadworthy

         •       No TAC personal injury coverage (if crash occurs)

 

Police roadside enforcement is common.

 

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QLD — TMR (Transport and Main Roads)

 

Official reference:

https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/registration

 

Fines apply for:

         •       driving unregistered

         •       driving uninsured (CTP)

         •       operating defective or unsafe vehicle

 

Combined penalties can exceed $1,600+.

 

QLD also requires a Safety Certificate to re-register in many cases.

 

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WA — Department of Transport

 

Official reference:

https://www.transport.wa.gov.au

 

Driving unregistered can lead to:

         •       large fines

         •       potential vehicle impoundment in extreme cases

         •       no insurance coverage

 

WA also states clearly that CTP does not apply if rego has lapsed.

 

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SA — Service SA

 

Official reference:

https://www.sa.gov.au

 

South Australia issues:

         •       fines for unregistered

         •       fines for uninsured

         •       possible vehicle defect notices

 

SA offers "unregistered vehicle permits" but misuse leads to penalties.

 

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TAS — Transport Tasmania

 

Official reference:

https://www.transport.tas.gov.au

 

Consequences include:

         •       listed fines for unregistered operation

         •       uninsured vehicle penalties

         •       exposure to personal liability in accident claims

 

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ACT — Access Canberra

 

Official reference:

https://www.accesscanberra.act.gov.au

 

ACT penalties include:

         •       fines for unregistered operation

         •       uninsured vehicle penalties

         •       possible roadside grounding of vehicle

 

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NT — NT MVR (Motor Vehicle Registry)

 

Official reference:

https://nt.gov.au/driving/rego

 

Driving unregistered in NT brings:

         •       fines

         •       uninsured penalties

         •       increased liability in the event of a crash

 

NT is strict due to large regional road network.

 

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🟩 4. What If You Accidentally Missed Your REGO Renewal?

 

If your rego expired recently, most states allow you to renew without starting from zero, but rules differ.

 

✔ If expired only a few days/weeks

 

In NSW, VIC, QLD:

You can often renew online (CTP required in NSW).

 

✔ If expired for 3+ months

 

Some states treat this as a full cancellation.

 

For example:

         •       NSW: after 3 months → registration is cancelled

         •       VIC: often treated as full cancellation

         •       QLD: may require new Safety Certificate

 

✔ If rego has been expired for long

 

You may need:

         •       identity checks

         •       safety checks

         •       vehicle inspection (Blue Slip in NSW, RWC in VIC, Safety Certificate in QLD)

 

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🟦 5. What You Must Do If Your REGO Has Already Expired

 

This is the safe sequence recommended by AUCN:

 

🟩 Step 1 — Do NOT drive the vehicle

 

Even to the mechanic.

Use:

         •       tow truck

         •       mobile inspector

         •       unregistered vehicle permit (if allowed)

 

🟩 Step 2 — Check your state's renewal rules

 

Based on whether cancellation has occurred.

 

🟩 Step 3 — Get required inspections

 

Depending on state:

         •       NSW → Blue Slip

         •       VIC → RWC

         •       QLD → Safety Certificate

 

🟩 Step 4 — Renew registration and CTP

 

(CTP needed in NSW/QLD/ACT)

 

🟩 Step 5 — Confirm with a REGO check

 

Verify registration has gone active before driving.

 

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🟦 6. AUCN Buyer Advice: If You're Buying a Car with Expired REGO

 

Many private sellers try to offload cars with expired rego, because:

         •       the car may fail inspection

         •       they want to avoid paying fees

         •       the car may be unroadworthy

         •       it may have hidden PPSR risks

         •       it may have valuation issues

 

AUCN strongly recommends:

 

❌ Do not buy a car with expired rego unless you:

         •       run a full AUCN report

         •       confirm PPSR status

         •       factor in inspection costs

         •       check seller identity

         •       negotiate the price downward significantly

 

An expired rego often signals deeper issues.

 

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🟩 7. FAQ — Expired REGO in Australia

 

Can I drive to the inspection station?

 

In most states: No, unless you have a temporary or unregistered vehicle permit.

 

Does expired rego mean the vehicle is unroadworthy?

 

Not necessarily, but often yes — many sellers let rego lapse because the car won't pass inspection.

 

Will CTP insurance cover me if rego expired?

 

In many states (NSW, VIC, QLD): No.

 

Can police detect expired rego automatically?

 

Yes — ANPR cameras are widely used in NSW, QLD, VIC.

 

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🟦 8. AUCN Final Advice

 

Expired rego can turn into:

         •       huge fines

         •       loss of insurance

         •       legal liability

         •       mechanical inspection cost

         •       safety risk

 

AUCN recommends:

 

If your rego expires — don't drive.

Fix REGO → run AUCN history check → verify safety → then use the car.

 

This protects you legally and financially.