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All-terrain vehicles: registration licensing and safety (Factsheet 19)

Published: 12 2011

This factsheet provides an overview of what an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) is and what the registration, driver licensing requirements as well as guidelines for using an ATV safely.

Motor vehicle licensing and registration

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What is motor vehicle licensing?

Sample vehicle licence label. Motor vehicle licensing is commonly (but incorrectly) called 'registration'. Motor vehicle licensing is the payment of a fee for using a motor vehicle on the road. When the fee is paid you receive a label showing the licence's expiry date. This label must be displayed on your vehicle.

What is registration?

Registration is when a vehicle is added to the Motor Vehicle Register and given registration plates.

What is a 'road'?

The definition of a road, in transport law, is very broad. It includes not only streets and highways, but any place the public has access to – including bridges, culverts, beaches, riverbeds, reserve lands, public parks, camping grounds and anywhere else the general public have access with any kind of vehicle.

This doesn't mean that you always have a right to use these areas. What it means is that if you do use these areas – whether you're allowed to or not – the rules relating to registration, licensing and general driver behaviour apply.

An ATV used in any of these places must be properly registered and licensed.