NSW rego fees to be cut

A proposed shake-up of the NSW vehicle registration system could cut the cost of registering a caravan in that state, which boasts some of the highest RV rego fees in Australia.

A caravan over 2.5 tonnes currently costs $449 to register in NSW, compared to around $175 in Queensland and less than $50 in Victoria.

NSW Road Minister Duncan Gay recently announced what he calls “the biggest proposed changes to light vehicle registration in NSW in 90 years”.

The proposed changes would encourage motorists to drive vehicles with high safety standards as determined by the ANCAP safety rating system.

“(They) would also recognise cleaner vehicles, safer motorcycles and would also reduce registration charges for most caravans and light trailers,” he said.

“It currently costs more to register caravans in NSW than in other states. A new charging system to reduce caravan registration costs would also acknowledge they are generally used much less on NSW roads than regular passenger vehicles.”

Caravans are currently subject to the same 'weight tax' as motor vehicles in NSW, despite being used significantly less. The Government proposes to change the way caravan registration fees are determined to a 'base fee' plus a 'cost per kg' charge, to make the system fairer.

There are approximately 279,000 caravans registered in NSW.

To provide feedback on the proposed changes (before July 24), click here.