A vehicle issued with a Defect Notice must not be used on a highway (road or road related area) after the time and date specified on the Defect Notice, and its further movement to another location may be restricted in accordance with terms specified on the Defect Notice.
If the items on a Defect Notice are not rectified within 28 days from the date the defect notice was issued, the registration may be suspended.
If the vehicle has been repaired and the registration has not been suspended, the vehicle may be used on the highway (road or road related area) to:
- take it from the place of repair to a licensed tester
- examine and test it
- return it after it has been tested
- take it to VicRoads to be inspected or to have the defect notice cleared.
While the registration is suspended, the vehicle is considered to be unregistered and must not be driven on the road, unless it is being used on a highway (road or road related area) by a Licensed Vehicle Tester for the purpose of examination and testing.
If repairs are required for a suspended vehicle, the vehicle must be towed or taken by trailer to the place of repair, test or inspection. Where the vehicle needs to be presented to VicRoads for inspection or clearance of Defect Notice, it must be towed or taken by trailer.
If the action required in a Defect Notice has not been taken within the period specified in the notice, VicRoads may cancel the vehicle’s registration.