Who pays road user charges?
You must pay road user charges (RUC) if your vehicle:
- is over 3500kg (gross laden weight)
- uses diesel or other fuel not taxed at source.
How you pay the charges
To pay the charges, you purchase a RUC licence, based on the vehicle type and weight.
- For most diesel cars, utes and vans, you need a distance licence, which you purchase in 1000km units (or multiples of 1000). You must buy a new licence before you’ve driven all the distance covered by the previous licence.
- If you carry heavier than normal loads for a short distance, you can purchase a supplementary licence in 50km units.
Before buying a diesel vehicle
Make sure the vehicle has a current RUC licence. The licence should be sold with the vehicle. As a new owner you’ll be liable for any unlicensed distance if the licence isn’t current. How can you check the licence is current?
Refunds that may apply to RUC vehicles
In certain circumstances you may be eligible for a refund of RUC. Circumstances include where you were issued with an RUC licence less than two years ago and you regularly use the vehicle off road. Find out whether you can get a refund.
You may also be eligible for refunds if you’re using petrol, LPG or CNG in your RUC licensed vehicle, as you’ve already paid the tax on these fuels when you purchased them. See whether you’re eligible for an excise duty refund.
Want to know more?
Contact us with any further questions on road user charges.
