Zero and Low Emissions Vehicles

Zero and Low Emissions Vehicles (ZLEV)

On 18 October 2023, the High Court handed down its decision in relation to the Victorian Zero and Low Emission Vehicles (ZLEV) road-user charge.

Since then, customers have no longer been required to pay ZLEV-related invoices or provide vehicle odometer readings.

As a result of the High Court’s decision, customers who previously complied with the requirements of the ZLEV scheme and made payments of the road-user charge were eligible for a full refund. We wrote to eligible customers directly in January 2024 to advise them of how to apply for their refund.

Refunds for the ZLEV scheme closed on Sunday 30 June 2024.

Eligible customers who have not received their cheque or who attempted to accept the offer after this date should email us at [email protected] with any questions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are eligible ZLEV customers being refunded in full?

Yes, all eligible ZLEV customers were refunded in full, including card payment fees and interest. The ZLEV scheme closed on 30 June and all authorised customers were contacted and received their refunds via cheque.

How long will it take to receive my refund?

We have written to all eligible customers and sent cheques for the full refund amount. The cheque is issued in the name of the registered operator of the ZLEV at the time the road user charge was invoiced.

All customers can expect to receive their refund within 2 to 3 weeks of submitting their request. If you have any queries please email [email protected].  

How long do I have to claim my refund?

The ZLEV scheme closed on 30 June 2024. All eligible ZLEV customers had until this date to claim their refund. If you have any queries please email [email protected].

Can I request my refund by visiting a Customer Service Centre or over the phone?

No. The only way to request your refund was to follow the instructions and accept the terms and conditions outlined in the letter sent to all eligible ZLEV customers.

How much interest will I be paid?

We calculated interest payable using 'compounding interest' paid annually at the end of each financial year on each road user charge invoice, starting on the date it was paid by the registered operator of the ZLEV. We have used the annualised average Victorian CPI figures detailed below to determine interest.

4.0% - 1/7/2021 to 30/6/2022
6.9% - 1/7/2022 to 30/6/2023
6.3% - 1/7/2023 to 1/3/2024

Note: interest will be calculated up to and including 1 March 2024. Any customer who submits their refund request after 1 March 2024 will not be subject to an additional interest refund calculation.

How do I know my refund is correct?

All myVicRoads customers can view their past invoices in their myVicRoads account if they wish to validate their refund amount. 

Please note these invoices will not reflect card payment fees or calculated interest.

I paid a ZLEV road-user charge on behalf of someone else. Am I eligible for a refund?

No. Only the registered operator of the ZLEV at the time the road-user charge was paid was eligible.

If I previously owned a ZLEV and paid the road-user charge, am I eligible for a refund?

Yes. You are eligible for a refund if you were the registered operator of a ZLEV and you paid the road-user charge invoice(s). You should have received a letter of offer or a cheque in the mail already. If not, please email [email protected].

Why are you issuing refunds by cheque and not electronically?

Due to the complexity of calculating the refunds and the volume of eligible customers the quickest and most efficient way of processing refunds was via cheque.

Some of the banks offer a mobile cheque deposit service which means you can process your cheque securely and conveniently using your mobile phone. Please check with your bank if this option is available.

Was this page helpful?

 

Please tell us why (but don't leave your personal details here - message us if you need help or have questions).