You can move an unregistered vehicle on public roads under certain conditions. These include:
- driving it with an unregistered vehicle permit
- driving it without an unregistered vehicle permit
- towing it on a trailer
- towing it behind a registered vehicle
You can purchase an unregistered vehicle permit (UVP) from VicRoads which will allow you to drive the unregistered vehicle within strict guidelines that are stated on the permit. Permits can be purchased by:
- calling VicRoads on 13 11 71 (Mon - Fri 8.30am - 5.00pm, Sat 8.30am - 2.00pm), or;
- visiting a VicRoads Customer Service Centre (Mon - Thu 8.30am - 4.30pm; Fri 8.30am - 5.00pm)
For more information about guidelines, fees and how to apply for a permit, see Unregistered Vehicle Permits.
If you are using your vehicle specifically for getting it registered, you do not need to purchase an unregistered vehicle permit. You must ensure that:
- you drive by the most direct and convenient route to the nearest VicRoads Customer Service Centre
- you carry a current roadworthy certificate in the vehicle at all times whilst you are driving
The nearest VicRoads Customer Service Centre can be determined by:
- the residential address on your licence, or
- from where you got the Roadworthy certificate issued
You still need to obtain an Unregistered vehicle permit if you are driving the vehicle to get it repaired or to get a roadworthy certificate.
You can use a trailer for carrying cars or use the services of a towing company to move the unregistered vehicle.
You can tow the unregistered vehicle behind a registered vehicle. Road Rules Victoria 1999 (no. 295) apply when towing. They are:
- you must safely control the towed vehicle (you can be on a probationary licence)
- the brakes on the towed vehicle must be working when you are using rope, chain or wire
- the maximum space between the vehicles is 4 metres (if either vehicle is a motor cycle, the maximum is 2.5 metres)
- you must display a flag (minimum 30cm square) attached to the rope, chain or wire.
If you want to move an unregistered trailer, you still need to purchase an unregistered vehicle permit. However, if you are taking the trailer to a VicRoads Customer Service Centre for registration, you do not need to obtain a permit.