Conditional - concessional registration
- Description
- Interchangeable trailers
- Three-axle buses
- Plant trailers
- Farm vehicles - Customer provides
- For interchangeable trailers
- For three-axle buses
- For plant trailers
- For farm vehicles - Customer receives
- Payment
Description
Concessional registration is a 40% motor tax rebate issued to heavy vehicles, with specific requirements and used for limited purposes on the public streets.
Vehicles that have concessional registration are required to display distinctive registration plates depending on vehicle specifications.
Where a vehicle ceases to be eligible for concessional registration the concessional registration plates must be returned within 14 days after notification.
Interchangeable trailers
An interchangeable trailer is a goods-carrying semi-trailer which:
- is towed only by a prime mover registered in the name of the operator of the trailer
- is in excess of the number of prime movers registered in the operator's name
- will not travel more than 20,000 kilometres in a 12-month period (records need to be kept).
When an interchangeable trailer is sold, the new registered operator must:
- re-apply for the rebate, or
- return the number plate and be issued with a standard plate.
Where an interchangeable trailer is no longer used for that purpose the operator will be required to pay the balance of Motor Tax which is calculated automatically by the Motor Registry System. C plates are returned and a new set issued.
Three-axle buses
If the Registrar is satisfied that a three-axle bus with a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) exceeding 12 tonnes is to be used for low-distance transportation, a rebate of the Motor Tax can be granted. Low distance means less than 60,000 kilometres during the 12 months starting from the issue or renewal of registration.
The rebate:
- can only be granted when registration is issued or renewed
- is automatically calculated by the Motor Registry System.
The entitlement to the rebate can be withdrawn by the Registrar of Motor Vehicles by notice in writing if:
- the bus is no longer being used for low-distance transportation, or
- the registered operator is to change and the vehicle is not to be used for low-distance transportation.
Plant trailers
A plant trailer is a trailer, other than a semi trailer which:
- has a GVM exceeding 4.5 tonnes but not exceeding 10 tonnes.
- is designed and constructed to carry plant and machinery which is owned and used by the registered operator of the trailer.
Where a plant trailer is no longer used for that purpose the operator will be required to pay the balance of Motor Tax. The amount to be paid is calculated automatically by the Motor Registry System.
Farm vehiclesTrailers with a GVM exceeding 4.5 tonnes and commercial goods vehicles used for farming purposes may be eligible for a 40% rebate on Motor Tax.
The exception to farm vehicles having conditional registration is when the GVM is greater than or equal to 16 tonnes. These vehicles are registered as heavy vehicles rather than conditional registration.
See also Duty exemptions.
Customer providesThe customer needs to undertake the following through Service Tasmania shops. Follow the procedure for New vehicles - other including the appropriate application or other documentation.
- Application for Interchangeable Trailer Concession
- Application for 3-axle Bus Concession
- Application for Plant Trailer Concession
- confirmation of primary production
- statutory declaration for the rebate of motor tax
The customer will receive the following:
- certificate registration and validated label
- red and yellow 'C' number plates (for trailers only one plate required).
The customer needs to pay:
- replacement plate fee.

