Light vehicles less than 10 years old will from next year no longer need periodic roadworthy inspections

In a major win for Territory motorists, light vehicles less than 10 years old will from next year no longer be required to undergo periodic roadworthy inspections. Read why.

Long queues at MVR Darwin - will soon be a thing of the past

In a major win for Territory motorists, light vehicles less than 10 years old will from next year no longer be required to undergo periodic roadworthy inspections.

The Finocchiaro government has announced that instead, inspections will only be required for light vehicles over 10 years old in the following circumstances:

· When transferring ownership (can be completed by either seller or buyer)

· When re-establishing registration after a lapse of more than 12 months

· When first registering in the Northern Territory (prior to compliance checks for interstate transfers)

The changes include all light vehicles that are 4.5 tonnes (GVM) or less, such as cars, 4WD, mini vans, motorcycles and boat or box trailers (over 750kg). There will be no changes to box or boat trailers under 750kg which will not require roadworthy inspections at any point, as per existing requirements.

Heavy vehicles or commercial passenger vehicles will continue to require annual roadworthy inspections.

All inspections for modified vehicles, individually constructed vehicles, and written-off vehicles must be carried out at a government inspection facility.

Logistics and Infrastructure Minister Bill Yan on the tools making sure his vehicle is fit for the road.

Treasurer Bill Yan said the red tape cutting initiative is a direct result of the government’s Approvals Fast-track Taskforce and its report Saying ‘Yes’ to Business.

“The report identified key hurdles facing businesses and individuals when navigating certification and licensing processes,” Mr Yan said.

“This reform delivers directly on those recommendations, reducing compliance burdens and streamlining red tape for Territorians.”

Mr Yan, who is also the Logistics and Infrastructure Minister, said the change will reduce unnecessary costs for drivers.

“Territorians with well-maintained, newer vehicles shouldn’t have to jump through hoops or fork out for redundant checks,” Mr Yan said.

NT Government Heavy Vehicle motor vehicle registry at Truck central at Wishart Darwin.

“These changes are about using our resources smarter, focusing on active, on-road enforcement to better target unroadworthy vehicles, not penalising responsible motorists.”

Mr Yan said the government’s Transport Inspectors will be freed up for targeted highway and road stop inspections with Territory police Force.

Chief Executive Officer for Austroads Geoff Allan has backed the deployment of the Transport Inspectors

“There is a significant amount of research that shows that while there is some safety benefit in regular vehicle inspections for light vehicles, research also shows that other interventions have greater safety outcomes for the same effort,” he said.

“Research, including by the National Transport Commission, shows the benefit in regular heavy vehicle inspections, especially for wearing components such as tyres, brakes, wipers and shock absorbers.”

Originally published as Light vehicles less than 10 years old will from next year no longer need periodic roadworthy inspections