Planning a Getaway? Travellers Warned to Check Registration Before Long Trips
Caravanning trips have surged in popularity since 2020, with many Australians discovering the beauty of camping holidays while overseas travel was not an option. However, some newcomers to the caravanning lifestyle are unfamiliar with Australia’s strict laws around roadworthiness and lapsed registrations, leaving them exposed to hefty fines.
Travellers can protect themselves by keeping up to date with all regulations and ensuring their caravan is compliant before they begin their trip.
Caravan Registration
A caravan must be registered to legally travel on Australian roads. If found to be towing an unregistered caravan, there are significant consequences which may include:
- a monetary fine
- loss of demerit points
- the caravan being impounded
- denied insurance claims in the event of an accident
- ineligibility for TAC cover in the event of an accident
The amount of the fine for driving an unregistered caravan varies from state to state, and may differ depending on the number of axles, and the driver’s previous driving record.
What If Registration Lapses While Travelling Interstate?
If the registration is due to expire while on the road, most states provide the option to renew online. The caravan must not be driven until the renewal fee has been paid.
Long Expired Registrations
In most states, registrations that have been expired for more than 3 months are cancelled, and the caravan must be reregistered. Owners should check the rules of the state their caravan was registered in, but this process usually requires a safety certificate and new number plates.
If an owner discovers their caravan registration is long expired while travelling interstate, a temporary movement permit may be required to legally tow the caravan home. Compulsory third-party insurance is required for this trip.
To avoid registration issues altogether, owners may choose to set up automatic renewal.
Permits for Towing an Unregistered Caravan
Sometimes it’s necessary to tow an unregistered caravan, for example, following its sale, or if it needs repairs and/or maintenance to get it roadworthy. To legally relocate an unregistered van, an Unregistered Vehicle Permit (UVP) must be obtained from the relevant state traffic authority. Permits are valid for between 1 and 7 days, depending on the distance to the destination, and the driver must take the most direct route. Compulsory third-party insurance is required when towing an unregistered caravan.
Caravan Roadworthiness
Routine traffic stops can catch caravan owners out if their van is found to be unroadworthy. The Road Safety Act applies nationally, and police can issue significant fines for caravans that fail a compliance inspection.
Roadside caravan checks will look for:
- working taillights, indicators, and reflectors
- visible number plates
- tow mirrors
- coupling and safety chains
- tyre condition
- ATM/GVM weight compliance
What if a Caravan is Deemed Unroadworthy Mid-Travel?
When a caravan fails to comply with a roadside safety inspection, the police may direct the owner to head to the nearest town where they can arrange for the required repairs or adjustments to be made. In the case of substantial non-compliance issues, the police may impose other conditions or restrictions.
Plan For a Safe and Problem-Free Trip
Hybrid caravans can provide owners with many happy years of travel adventures and family memory-making, but they do require proper care and maintenance. In addition, they can sit idle for months at a time, which can make it easy to forget to pay the rego.
Getting everything in order before every trip can save headaches on the road. Before setting off, caravan owners are advised to:
- book the caravan in for a professional service- address any issues that could impact a roadside safety check
- ensure the registration is up to date and not due to expire while away
- keep all relevant documentation, including safety certificates and service records.
