Non-standard vehicle registration

Conditional registration is for non-standard vehicles that need to access the road network. Non-standard means they don’t meet the vehicle standards in Schedule 1 of the Road Transport (Vehicle Registration) Regulation 2000.

Examples of vehicles that need conditional registration include:

• large lawnmowers
• bulldozers or road construction vehicles operating on a road within a defined work area
• oversized vehicles that need access permits, like concrete pumpers or cranes
• forklifts operating in car parking areas or shopping centres.

Conditional registration is not for vintage, veteran or historic motor vehicles.

Conditional registration

In addition to normal registration processes, conditional registration involves:

• a roadworthy inspection
• evidence supporting your need to use the non-standard vehicle on the road.

Get a roadworthy inspection

You’ll need to get the vehicle inspected at the Access Canberra Motor Vehicle Inspection Station.

Read about roadworthy inspections.

Access Canberra provides 'on-site' inspectors for vehicles that can’t attend the Inspection Station. Call Access Canberra on 02 6207 7236 to book an on-site inspection.

Apply for conditional registration

You will need to visit an Access Canberra Service Centre.

Usage and operation conditions may be placed on the vehicle depending on the type and need. These may include specific routes, lighting or speed restrictions.

Evidence of legitimate need

You’ll also need to provide evidence why the vehicle needs to access the road network.

You will need to illustrate that no complying road vehicle can do the same task. Evidence can include photographs and task descriptions.