Seasonal vehicle licences
If you own a heavy vehicle that's used for seasonal work such as seeding or harvesting, now you only have to pay the licence for the time the vehicle is being used.
A seasonal licence means that during the off-season, you can allow the licence to lapse until you need to use the vehicle again.
Depending on the vehicle, you could save thousands of dollars a year.
Frequently asked questions
What is seasonal vehicle licensing?
What are the changes under the new seasonal licensing scheme?
I'm the owner of a heavy vehicle used in seasonal work. How do the changes help me?
How do I apply for a seasonal licence?
What is seasonal vehicle licensing?
Seasonal vehicle licensing applies to the way in which owners of certain heavy vehicles used in seasonal work are able to license these vehicles. Seasonal work is defined as work, such as farming or cray-fishing, which goes into hiatus for one or more periods of the year due to weather or economic factors.
What are the changes under the new seasonal licensing scheme?
Vehicle owners now have the option to license heavy vehicles over 4.5 tonne Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) for a minimum of three months and will only need to pay fees for the period in which the vehicle is in use.
It may cost a lot less for the owners of heavy vehicles used in seasonal work to license their heavy vehicles, as these owners will be able to nominate the period for which the licence is required, rather than paying fees for a vehicle that is not in use. There must be a minimum two month break between each nominated seasonal licence period.
Owners may apply for the issue of a seasonal licence for a minimum of three months, with the option to extend the licence for further periods as required. The vehicle licence can be extended for a minimum period of one month or any period over a month as nominated by the owner.
If your current vehicle licence has a concession you may need to check if a seasonal licence is the best option for you, as concession rates will no longer apply to vehicles that are seasonally licensed.
I’m the owner of a heavy vehicle used in seasonal work. How do the changes help me?
Under the seasonal vehicle licensing scheme, your vehicle’s licence can be allowed to lapse for a maximum period of up to 12 months without the need for the vehicle to be inspected prior to re-licensing.
You will not be required to return the vehicle’s number plates during the period in which the licence is lapsed unless you do not wish to re-license the vehicle at the end of the 12-month period.
If you are a farmer experiencing drought-related hardship, seasonal vehicle licensing may assist you by reducing the cost of licensing your heavy vehicles.
Depending on the vehicle, you could potentially save thousands of dollars a year.
How do I apply for a seasonal licence?
Complete an Application for Seasonal Licensing form (pdf 544kb) available online or at regional licensing centres and authorised agents.
The form asks you to state your current details, the use of the vehicle and the length of time you want to license it. You’ll also need to nominate the date(s) your seasonal work is expected to start each year.
The Department will send you a renewal notice six weeks prior to a nominated date. You can lodge the form at any licensing centre or agency.
If your application is approved you will need to surrender the existing number plates. In return you will receive a set of specially coloured seasonal plates.
Where can I go for more information or help?
For more information please telephone the Customer Contact Centre on 13 11 56.
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