Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Australia / New Zealand
Australia / New Zealand Topics specific to Australia and New Zealand only.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 14 Sep 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Sydney, Aus.
Posts: 230
Renewing NSW rego

Hello,

does anyone out there have any experience of renewing their NSW rego on a vehicle that's out of the country?

I had my rego check done and got the pink slip before shipping the troopy. I'm still in Aus for a few weeks before flying to Cape Town to start my trip, and as I'm within 3 months of the rego expiring I can get another full year sorted before I leave.

My problem is that the lovely people at the RTA are insisting on me buying CTP insurance before they will renew my rego. Even though the vehicle has left the country they want me to be insured to drive here.

So, if anyone has been through this before and figured out a way around it your advice would be appreciated as I could really do without paying for something that is completely pointless.

Thanks,

Paul.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 14 Sep 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Queenstown, New Zealand
Posts: 103
Well that raises an interesting question. Is it completely pointless? What are the geographical limits on CTP? I have no idea since I've never needed to find out. I'd be interested to know.

The CTP covers you if you take the vehicle to another Australian state or territory but I don't know if it extends beyond that.

If anyone in NSW knows the answer it should be the RTA. If you're not happy with their response I guess the only people you can check with are the various insurance companies that are authorised to issue green slips.

I guess the RTA needs to be satisfied that the vehicle will have CTP cover if it's going to be driven in NSW at any time during the extended rego period.

If renewing the NSW registration is going to be too expensive, can you register it somewhere else?
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 15 Sep 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Sydney, Aus.
Posts: 230
I spoke with the NRMA (who I bought my CTP insurance from) and they were helpful. They agree that the CTP is just for Aus and will refund me if I don't need it anymore. The RTA weren't saying that the CTP is needed outside Aus, just that I can't renew my rego without it.

I understand why the system exists like it does and it's a good idea that you can't register a vehicle without having 3rd party insurance if the vehicle remains in the country, but it seems ridiculous that I can't make a stat dec stating that the vehicle won't be driven in Aus or provide evidence that it's currently sat in a container on the way to Cape Town.

So the way forward looks like being to buy the CTP insurance, renew the rego, then cancel the CTP and get a refund. Seems very illogical, but if it saves me $400 then that's what I'll do.

If anyone out there has managed to sort this out with the RTA direct I'd still like to hear how you did it.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 15 Sep 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Queenstown, New Zealand
Posts: 103
Well it's good to know NRMA is taking a sensible approach to the matter.

Enjoy your adventure!
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 17 Sep 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Sydney, Aus.
Posts: 230
Hmmm...thought it was too good to be true. The helpful person at NRMA misunderstood me when I said my vehicle was going overseas, and assumed I was deregistering it.

Apparently this is the only way to get a refund on the CTP. And I've tried different people at the RTA, and always get the same response that it's not possible to renew rego without the CTP.

So another $400 to spend...

Don't you just love the bureacracy.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 17 Sep 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Queenstown, New Zealand
Posts: 103
So are you able to de-register it in NSW and then re-register it in another country during your travels?

Or is this all just getting too ridiculous now?

Sorry I don't have any answers.

Just glad that I'm now living in NZ where I renewed my car registration today. A hell of a lot cheaper than NSW!
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 18 Sep 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Sydney, Aus.
Posts: 230
Yes, it's all just getting too ridiculous.

I think de- then re-registering overseas is going to be expensive with import duty, plus I've already got the carnet sorted out here which has my NSW rego details all over it.

So it looks like I'm going to have to admit defeat and pay up unless anyone else has any bright ideas.

Almost feel like it would have been worth delaying my Africa trip a bit and taking a drive over to WA to register with them - no safety check required, renew online. Too easy, unlike NSW.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 18 Sep 2009
Nigel Marx's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: South Island, New Zealand
Posts: 798
Here in NZ you can rego for overseas, minus the accident comp insurance for the princely sum of NZ$79 a year. Come here first, it'll cost you less than a years NSW rego for paperwork to import and export AND you can have a ride around the shakey isles too.

Cheers bloke,

Nigel in NZ
__________________
The mouth of a perfectly contented man is filled with . -- 2200 BC Egyptian inscription
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 21 Sep 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Sydney, Aus.
Posts: 230
Would be a great idea Nigel, except my truck's already on a boat heading for Cape Town
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 22 Sep 2009
farqhuar's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Oztralia
Posts: 646
Paul, I'm not sure how "flexible" or comfortable you feel about bending the rules but here is an option.

In Victoria - and I'm guessing NSW is similar - around about a month before the rego expires we receive the new paperwork and rego label in the mail. All that is required is for you to pay by credit card to validate the rego - there is no further documentation that you need to receive. The only people who will ever check if the rego has been paid are the local traffic police, if you are stopped for some other infraction of the traffic laws.

So in essence you have everything you need, and if you happen to be overseas then there is nobody any the wiser as to whether or not the rego has actually been paid or not.

Another alternative if you have already paid the CTP/rego would be to tell the NSW RTA you have lost your plates, ask for a replacement set, receive them and then cancel the rego. This way you have a spare set of plates you can use, together with the original (or a copy of the) rego papers and you can obtain a refund from NRMA insurance. I understand some may not feel comfortable with this but the reality is that your NSW rego is worthless overseas - all it does is provide a registration number that customs personel can use to fill in on your entry/exit paperwork. You are still going to need to purchase local traffic accident insurance in each country you travel through, regardless.
__________________
Garry from Oz - powered by Burgman

Last edited by farqhuar; 22 Sep 2009 at 02:19. Reason: Extra information.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 22 Sep 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Sydney, Aus.
Posts: 230
Thanks for the info Garry. I'm fairly comfortable with bending the rules when they're worthless bureaucratic bullsh1t so might look into this a bit more.

My main complaint was the need to pay CTP, when like you say I'll have to pay for local insurance over in Africa.

I've already paid the rego and CTP. As a foreigner here I didn't know that the new sticker gets sent out, I thought I would only get that when I paid. If I'd known that I would probably just not have paid and put the new sticker in the window. How many African cops are going to know the difference anyway.

Once again, thanks for the info
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 22 Sep 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Queenstown, New Zealand
Posts: 103
Farquhar, I have no idea how the system works in Victoria but in NSW it is impossible to renew registration without a current pink slip (proof of roadworthiness) and a current green slip (proof of CTP cover).

I know the pink slip can now be done online, not sure about the green slip, but if you don't have all the documentation you don't get the registration certificate. And the rego label is meaningless if it doesn't have the RTA's imprint.

The only exception is that vehicles under a certain age don't require the pink slip.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 23 Sep 2009
farqhuar's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Oztralia
Posts: 646
Quote:
Originally Posted by flying biker View Post
Farquhar, I have no idea how the system works in Victoria but in NSW it is impossible to renew registration without a current pink slip (proof of roadworthiness) and a current green slip (proof of CTP cover).

I know the pink slip can now be done online, not sure about the green slip, but if you don't have all the documentation you don't get the registration certificate. And the rego label is meaningless if it doesn't have the RTA's imprint.
Ahh, so it's still as tough as it ever was eh! I last lived in NSW 19 years back and given how much easier things have gotten in Vic since then I figured NSW might have progressed with the times too.

Good point about the rego label, though I wonder how many African nations will consider it meaningless without the RTA imprint? Given that Vic ones no longer have imprints - I honestly don't think they would be any the wiser.
__________________
Garry from Oz - powered by Burgman
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 23 Sep 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Sydney, Aus.
Posts: 230
As I've already paid the rego / CTP and therefore have a label with the imprint, getting an extra set of plates then returning them and cancelling the rego without giving the label back would be the way to go.

Seems doable but obviously against the rules. One consideration is also that having a fake rego would likely invalidate any local 3rd party insurance if it was needed. Not sure what the chances are of African cops calling the RTA to check though, but you never know.

More importantly my final destination after Africa is through Europe to the UK. I would think that they're much more likely to check, and the vehicle definately has to have current rego to get 3rd party insurance there.

Mind, I drive legally on a UK licence here and the RTA and DVLA (UK equivalent) still haven't figured out how UK licence holders can be given NSW demerit points, so they obviously don't speak with each other all that often!
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 23 Sep 2009
farqhuar's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Oztralia
Posts: 646
Paul, I've taken a number of vehicles overseas - most recently last year when I rode from Korea to Italy.

I take a very pragmatic view of these things. The biggest risk in travelling is the risk to your own life and limb by riding/driving in local conditions where traffic rules are non-existent/different to what we are used to.

If you are prepared to risk this then everything else is fairly trivial by comparison - I assume any local insurance is worthless and will not cover me once the going gets tough, it's therefore just another "traveller's tax".

With this attitude / approach, it's therefore up to me to make sure I drive defensively and / or have sufficient funds to cover getting myself out of any traffic problems (i.e. cash settlements with aggrieved parties / local officials).

As far as getting 3rd party insurance for Europe goes I was never asked for any, and never bothered obtaining any, except for Russia and Croatia and they simply just looked at my rego papers. You should still have these even if you cancel your rego - if NSW RTA even bothers to asks for them when you cancel your rego just politely explain that you have lost/mislaid them.

Again, it depends on your own perspective of where you sit on the risk/reward spectrum.
__________________
Garry from Oz - powered by Burgman
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Aussie's- What to do when your Rego runs out??? tnt go east West and South Asia 13 11 Apr 2008 05:43
Vechile Rego Tubarao North Africa 3 26 Feb 2008 21:45
sa rego non resident. kiwiron sub-Saharan Africa 2 31 Oct 2007 00:15
cross country rego radioactiveangel Trip Transport 1 18 Aug 2006 00:09
germany to oz rego? radioactiveangel Trip Paperwork 5 1 Aug 2006 20:49

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 03:13.