When do conditional registrations apply? : VicRoads

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When do conditional registrations apply?

Registration conditions cannot be imposed on vehicles which comply with the standards for registration.

Where VicRoads is satisfied that there is a legitimate need for a vehicle which does not meet standards for registration to access the public road system on a restricted basis, it may be registered subject to conditions that are intended to compensate for the vehicle's deficiencies.

VicRoads has the discretion to impose any reasonable condition, consistent with ensuring safety of all road users.

Conditions will be tailored to suit the particular vehicle and its use and may include:

  • requiring additional or alternative equipment;
  • reducing exposure (e.g. restricting speeds, hours of use, and operating range);
  • requiring additional operative personnel or escort vehicles;
  • specifying additional protective gear for occupants;
  • fitting warning signs;
  • restrictions on towing vehicle masses.


If VicRoads is not satisfied that suitable conditions can be imposed to readily overcome the vehicle's deficiencies, VicRoads may refuse registration of the vehicle.

VicRoads will give a written copy of the registration conditions (known as the Certificate of Approved Operations) to the registered operator of the vehicle. Except if the vehicle is a Recreation Motorcycle, the Certificate of Approved Operations must be carried in the vehicle at all times. The certificate of registration for the vehicle will be amended to indicate that the vehicle is conditionally registered.

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List of Condition Codes and Definitions

Condition Code Definition
A
 A copy of the nominated conditions must be carried in a prominent position in the vehicle at all times, and any signs, labels etc. specified by VicRoads to indicate that the vehicle is conditionally registered, displayed as specified.
B
 The vehicle must not travel on the paved* surface of the highway, except:
(a) where it is impracticable not to do so:
(b) for the purpose of crossing a railway line, bridge, ford or causeway:
(c) for the purpose of crossing the highway by the shortest convenient route; or
(d) where the vehicle is designed for a special function and is performing that function.

* Note: "paved surface of a highway" is any formed part of a highway, whether sealed or not,
which is intended for use by vehicles.
C
 The vehicle must not carry a person other than the driver on a highway.
D
 The vehicle must not tow another vehicle with a laden mass exceeding 250 kg.
E
 Occupants of the vehicle must wear securely on the head a protective helmet of a type approved for motor vehicles under the Road Safety Road Rules Regulations 2009.
F
 The vehicle must not travel on a highway in a built-up area.
G
 The vehicle must not be left standing on the paved part of a highway.
H
 The vehicle must have the words "LEFT-HAND DRIVE" or "DUAL CONTROL" (as appropriate) displayed clearly on its rear in letters at least 75 mm high and in clear contrast with the background.
I
 The vehicle must not be used on a highway between sunset and sunrise unless engaged in fighting fires.
J
 The vehicle must not be used or left standing on a highway without the tines or other dangerous protrusion being covered by a pallet or other means capable of minimising the risk of injury to persons.
K
 The vehicle must only be driven on the highway for the purposes of driving the vehicle to the owner's premises and in the course of registering or preparing it for registration.
L
 The vehicle must only be operated under the terms and conditions set out in a general or individual mass or dimension permit issued under Chapter 4 of the Road Safety (Vehicles) Regulations 2009.
M
 The vehicle must have stop and turn signal lamps, complying with the Standards for Registration, fitted.
N
 The vehicle must meet the lighting and mechanical requirements specified in the Standards for Registration for a trailer when towed on a highway.
O
 The vehicle must have an effective braking system with provision for parking braking.
P
 The vehicle must not be driven on a highway at a speed exceeding 25 km/h.
Q
 The vehicle must not be driven on a highway at a speed exceeding 60 km/h, or 10 km/h less than the speed indicated on a speed restriction sign where this is less than 60 km/h.
R
 An amber side-facing lamp must be fitted to the rearmost extremity of the vehicle and must be lit between sunset and sunrise.
S
 A red rear-facing lamp must be fitted to the rearmost extremity of the vehicle and must be lit between sunset and sunrise.
T
 The vehicle must not be towed by a motor vehicle weighing less than it.
U
 Diagonal contrasting stripes must be placed on the sides of the foremost extremity of the vehicle.
V
 The additional lamps must only be lit when the vehicle is stationary, travelling slowly or against the traffic flow while performing its design function.
W
 The additional lamps must only be lit when the vehicle participates in the movement of an overdimensional load or vehicle or combination of vehicles.
X
 Rubber tyres or track shoes at least 25 mm thick must be fitted to the vehicle wheels or tracks.
Y
 The vehicle must not tow another vehicle.
Z
 The vehicle must comply with a condition or conditions specified by VicRoads Vehicle Safety Standards Section or Vehicle Safety Services Department.
AA
 The vehicle must only be used on highway with a semi-trailer or temporary wheel guards attached which provide effective guarding of the rear wheels of the prime mover.
AB
 A flashing and rotating amber lamp must be fitted to the vehicle and operated while the vehicle is travelling on a highway between sunset and sunrise.
AC
 The additional lamp(s) must not be lit when the vehicle is being used for social, domestic or pleasure purposes.
AD
 The additional lamp(s) must not be operated on highways other than those under the control of the owner or an organisation to which the owner is contracted.
AE
 External rear vision mirrors of adequate size must be fitted to both sides of the vehicle and an internal rear vision mirror fitted where possible to provide the driver with a clear view of the road to the rear and of any following or overtaking vehicle.
AF
 The vehicle must be transported to and from work sites.
AG
 Where the vehicle is dual control, it must be driven from the right-hand position when not actually performing its design function.
AH
 An adult observer must travel in the right-hand front seating position to assist the driver in observing the road ahead and to the right of the vehicle.
AI
 The vehicle must not be used on highways other than those under the control of the owner or person to whom the owner is contracted or that part of a highway immediately adjacent to property under control of the owner or person to which the owner is contracted.
AJ
 The vehicle must not travel on a bridge, railway or tramway.
AK
 The vehicle must not operate on a highway between sunset and sunrise except within a defined and floodlit work area.
AL
 The vehicle must not exceed a speed of 7 km/h when travelling on the paved surface of a highway.
AM
 The vehicle may only be driven on a highway within a defined work area.
AN
 The vehicle may only be driven on a highway within a radius of 25 kilometres of the owner's residence.
AO
 The vehicle must have a flashing rotating amber light operating when the vehicle is operating on a highway.
AP
 The Vehicle must not travel outside of a construction zone within the peak travel hours of 7.00am - 9.00am and 4.00pm - 6.00pm weekdays, within a built up area.

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