Permits For Driving Unregistered Cars  

Moving unregistered vehicles

You can apply for an unregistered vehicle permit to drive an unregistered vehicle on the road. This is only for special circumstances when you need to move the vehicle from one place to another. The vehicle must be in a safe condition — if it is not in a safe condition it must be transported or towed behind a tow truck.

For example, if you are unable to drive directly from an approved inspection station to a Department of Transport and Main Roads customer service centre, you must complete an Unregistered Vehicle Permit Application form (F3523). A permit is also required if your vehicle is refused registration.

Depending on the journey and type of vehicle, a permit may be issued for up to seven days. However, the application must be for the most direct route in the shortest possible time. A permit will be granted only for the length of time required to make the journey and is valid until midnight on the last day of the journey.

Note: a permit is not issued for 24 hours from the time of purchase (for example, if purchased at 4pm it will still expire at 12 midnight). Permits are calculated on the number of calendar days required and a fee is charged for each day the permit is issued.

To apply for a permit you will need to submit a completed application form stating the vehicle identification number or engine number and a Class 22 compulsory third party insurance certificate, issued in the applicants name, covering the vehicle or motorbike for the duration of the permit. You will need to pay a fee for the compulsory third party insurance. A Class 22 compulsory third party insurance can only be obtained from an insurance company or agent.

Compulsory third party insurance is not required for a caravan/trailer permit when towed by:

a Queensland registered motor vehicle
an unregistered motor vehicle driving on the road with a Queensland unregistered vehicle permit.
For all compulsory third party insurance information, including premium rates and links to the individual insurers, view the Motor Accident Insurance Commission website.

When moving a vehicle from interstate to Queensland, an unregistered vehicle permit must be issued by the state or territory where the journey starts. A new permit must be obtained from the interstate authority if a vehicle has been moved from Queensland to another state and is being returned to Queensland. All states and territories (excluding Western Australia) have reciprocal arrangements so that a vehicle may travel through other states and territories with a Queensland-issued permit.

Note: standard number plates must be surrendered before an unregistered vehicle permit will be issued. Customised or personalised plates must be removed while using the permit. You could be fined for having number plates attached while using an unregistered vehicle permit.