Special interest registration

The vehicle must have been manufactured 30 years ago or is a replica of a body and frame manufactured at least 30 years prior to the date of application.

At the time of inspection and throughout the SI registration period a Class A vehicle must be kept in good condition.

Imperfect paint will be considered. Patina paint and chipped paint is allowed (within limitations). Vehicle wraps designed to replicate patina paintwork are also allowed.

Vehicle modifications are acceptable subject to being certified where relevant and not affecting compliance with relevant vehicle standards (including Australian Design Rules) and the vehicle remains visually identifiable as the make/model variant.

The department has developed a list of acceptable modification for vehicles on the scheme that broadly retain the character of the vehicle when first in service.

This includes:

• safety enhancements
• exhaust kits
• sump guards
• limited lowering
• disc brake conversions
• transmission changes
• wheels and hub caps
• pinstriping.

For a light vehicle, modifications must be compliant with Vehicle Standards Bulletin (VSB) 14 and Vehicle and Traffic Vehicle Standards Regulations or if a Street Rod Vehicle, the National Guidelines for the Construction and Modification of Street Rods in Australia, or as otherwise acceptable to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles.

For heavy vehicles, modifications must be compliant with VSB 6 and the HVNL Vehicle Standards.

Further information relating to VSB 6 and 14 and the National Guidelines for the Construction and Modification of Street Rods in Australia is available.

Appropriate modification certification is required with this task performed by Approved Vehicle Certifiers (AVC) in Tasmania. A list of AVC’s is available.

Eligibility

• Imperfect paint will now be considered. Patina paint and chipped paint is allowed (within limitations).
• Campervans and motorhomes are included.
• Limited modifications are included.
• Not eligible for business operators, must be in the name of an individual or joint individuals.

Conditions of use

Class A conditions of use includes:

• Restricted to 104 days of use within a 12-month period.
• The registered operator must maintain the Tasmanian registration of at least one non-conditionally registered motor vehicle in their name throughout the registration period of the SI registered vehicle.
• If a hard copy Special Interest and Club Event Vehicle logbook is being used, it must be carried in the vehicle at all times and be completed before the start of each day’s journey.
• The vehicle cannot be used for hire or reward or provide a Passenger Transport Service.
• The vehicle can carry a load or tow a trailer, provided the load contributes to the historical value of the vehicle.

For vehicles modified for competition in rally events conducted on either gravel or tarmac roads as sanctioned by an Approved Motorsport Organisation. The vehicle must be scrutineered and deemed acceptable for competition in gravel or tarmac rally events by the appropriate club or event scrutineer at intervals as required by the motorsport organisation and be appropriately endorsed as a rally vehicle.

The SI applicant must hold and maintain throughout the SI registration, a current Motorsport Australia National Rally or a Clubman Rally Licence or an AASA National Tarmac Rally or National Gravel Rally Licence.

An imported vehicle with Australian Government import conditions imposed that restrict its use beyond that permitted for Class B - Rally, is not considered eligible for the Special Interest Vehicle Registration Scheme.

Note: If an imported vehicle not previously registered in Australia, a copy of the applicable import approval from the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts must be provided. Conditions of import approval may also be included as conditions of SI registration.

Eligibility

• Vehicles granted Non-RAV (Register of Approved Vehicles) import approval, or Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 import approval by the Australian Government may include conditions of use not aligned with the range of use of the SI Scheme. As a result, these SI vehicle approvals will be evaluated on an individual, case-by-case basis.
• For use in organised promotional of a sanctioned rally event, if the vehicle does not have conditions of import imposed.
• The registered operator and driver must hold a current Motorsport Australia National Rally or a Clubman Rally Licence, or an AASA National Tarmac Rally or National Gravel Rally Licence when operating the vehicle on a public street (other than when the vehicle is road tested by a person conducting repairs for the purpose of the repair). The registered operator must maintain the licence while the vehicle is SI registered.

Conditions of Use

Class B conditions of use include:

• Only be used in the course of a rally competition, practice for such competition and driving to/from such competition in accordance with Import Approval.
• Must not be driven to or from a motorsport event, between rally stages (except transport stages) or for any other purpose not nominated in these conditions of use.
• Vehicle use restricted to travel to/from, a rally event, scrutineering, a place for the purpose of repairs or maintenance, practice during daylight hours, or use in the organised promotion of a sanctioned rally event.
• The registered operator must maintain the Tasmanian registration of at least one non-conditionally registered motor vehicle in their name throughout the SI registration period. Vehicles registered in any other name are not considered.
• If a hard copy Special Interest and Club Event Vehicle logbook is being used, it must be carried in the vehicle at all times and be completed before the start of each days journey.

Vehicles adapted or modified exclusively for charitable events (e.g., Variety’s TasBash, etc).

A charitable event is an event in which the sole purpose of the activity is fundraising, donation of goods or provision of free services to the community by or for specific not-for-profit organisation.

Eligibility

• Vehicles that have been adapted or modified exclusively for use in charitable events such as Variety Tasmanian TasBash and other similar recognised charitable events.

Conditions of Use

Class C conditions of use include:

• For use on public roads in a recognised charitable event.
• To drive to or from a place for the purpose of repairs or maintenance for participation in the charitable event.
• The registered operator must maintain the Tasmanian registration of at least one non-conditionally registered motor vehicle in their name throughout the SI registration period. Vehicles registered in any other name are not considered.
• If a hard copy Special Interest and Club Event Vehicle logbook is being used, it must be carried in the vehicle at all times and be completed before the start of each days journey.

For a light vehicle, modifications must be compliant with Vehicle Standards Bulletin (VSB) 14 and Vehicle and Traffic Vehicle Standards Regulations, or if a Street Rod Vehicle, the National Guidelines for the Construction and Modification of Street Rods in Australia, or as otherwise acceptable to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles. Modifications to a heavy vehicle are required to comply with Vehicle Standards Bulletin 6 or be approved by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator.

To apply for SI registration, download the Guidelines and Application Form for Special Interest Vehicle Registration.

See application form on how to apply depending on the class of SI you are applying for.

SI vehicle registration receives an exemption from motor tax and road safety levy and a reduced MAIB premium.

The SI number plates or Personalised plates incur a fee payable at the time of issue at Service Tasmania. Personalised plates will incur a fee to reissue a registration certificate.

An invitation to renew the registration of an SI registered vehicle will be forwarded to the registered operator prior to the expiry date. It is the registered operator’s responsibility to maintain SI registration or undertake other forms of registration prior to use on a road or road related area.

The vehicle will not require another inspection prior to SI renewal, however the condition of the vehicle and registered operator conditions of SI must remain compliant with the eligibility requirements of the particular SI registration vehicle class.

SI vehicle registration is not transferable, even if the new operator meets eligibility requirements. This includes transferring to or from joint operators.

Where a change of nominated operator is required, the SI registration must be cancelled and the plates returned. The SI Logbook issued to the vehicle must be returned at the time of cancellation. The vehicle can then be re-inspected and new registration obtained following the application process relevant to each class.

The Registrar of Motor Vehicles reserves the right to review the continued applicability of SI vehicle registration. If a breach of conditions of SI registration occurs or the vehicle is allowed to deteriorate or does not meet the vehicle eligibility or registered operator conditions of SI registration, suspension or cancelation of registration may be initiated.

What are the requirements for Class A Special Interest Registration

Before being assessed for Special Interest registration, the vehicle must first be found to meet roadworthy requirements outlined in the relevant light or heavy vehicle inspection manual to ensure that the vehicle is safe to use on the road.

To meet eligibility requirements for SI Class A the vehicle must be at least 30 years of age or be a replica of a body and frame manufactured at least 30 years prior to the date your SI application.

Calculating the 30-year requirement - For the purpose of SI eligibility the vehicle age is calculated from the vehicle manufactured date, regardless of any applicable date of compliance.

All vehicles on SI registration must comply with the requirements.

More information on determining the date of manufacture, can be found in the Special Information Bulletin – Vehicle Manufacture Date for Registration Purposes (PDF 300.3 KB).

How often can I use a vehicle on Special Interest registration?

• Class A - 104 days of use over a 12-month period.
• Class B – Exclusively in rally events conducted by an approved motorsport organisation sanctioned National or International rally, promotion of a rally event, travelling to and from such events or travelling to and from a place for repairs (subject to any import approval conditions).
• Class C - To drive to, from and during charitable events.

All vehicle use must be recorded in the Logbook.

What if I sell the vehicle with Special Interest registration?

Registration cannot be automatically transferred.

If you are selling your vehicle you must:

• cancel your registration
• return your “SI” plates
• return your logbook.

The new operator will need to make a new application if they wish the vehicle to stay on the Scheme.

What are the requirements for Patina Paint?

Patina refers to the natural, aesthetic aging of a vehicle that adds character but does not impact its safety or functionality. Anything beyond this, such as crash damage including dents , would not be considered acceptable patina and could lead to rejection of the vehicle during an inspection. If these issues exist, the car will likely need repairs or restoration before it can be considered eligible for SI registration.

Another term commonly used for the patina of an automobile is "character marks" or "age marks." These terms highlight the natural wear and tear that a vehicle acquires over time, giving it a unique, lived-in look without necessarily implying damage.

Other terms that could be used include:

• "Vintage wear"
• "Natural aging"
• "Weathered finish"
• "Aged appearance"

These terms convey the idea that the vehicle has been well-used and shows signs of its history, often adding charm or authenticity, especially in classic or vintage cars.

1. Types of Patina:

• Surface: Light wear, mild oxidation, and fading of the paint that adds a unique dappling or inconsistent finish.
• Paint loss: Worn through areas of paint where the exposed surface may be subject to discolouration but is stable or preserved and is consistent with the car’s history without affecting its integrity.
• Natural Wear and Tear: Paint chips and very minor scuffs or scratches accumulated over time that add to the character, but not dents or unrepaired crash damage.
• Faux: a wrap finish applied to a vehicle to create the visual effect of patina.

2. Acceptability:

The general idea is that patina is acceptable if it doesn't:

• compromise the safety of the vehicle
• affect the functionality of the car
• amount toexcessive damage or degradation to a point where it detracts significantly from the vehicle’s appeal and historic value

For classic or vintage cars, authentic patina is often more appreciated than a perfect restoration, as it highlights the car’s history and character.

3. Reasons for Rejection:

1. The vehicle is not 30 years of age or a replica of a body and frame manufactured at least 30 years ago. Day and month of manufacture is also considered to determine vehicle eligibility.
2. The vehicle as presented is not in good condition including that it is not clean inside and out (required to facilitate a detailed inspection of condition) and demonstrating a high level of attentive maintenance. Refer to Note 1.
3. The exterior body has:
   1. Structural rust, (Refer to Note 2) or
   2. rusted through non-structural panels or components, or
   3. severe body deterioration, or
   4. extensive surface corrosion, or

• unrepaired crash damage, or
• visible repairs, or
• visible holes in panels, including where badges were affixed, or
• removable components (for example a soft top, targa top, cargo tarps, hard lids) that are not fully secure and/or are not weatherproof, or

1. non-metallic parts (for example, a vinyl roof) that are loose or damaged.
2. Painted finishes (all exterior other than exterior load-carrying surfaces, or interior load-carrying areas that are not visible when the boot lid or hatch is closed) are:
3. in an incomplete state of repair (for example, primed but not painted), or
4. missing paint or displaying paint loss to an extent that is inconsistent with the vehicle’s age, use, or presentation as a special interest vehicle. Minor chips or wear consistent with regular use, or aged patina that is stable and intentionally preserved, are acceptable, or
5. exhibiting untreated or deteriorated surfaces (including patina) in a condition that fails to adequately protect the vehicle from further corrosion, tarnishing, or degeneration. Refer to Note 3 and 4.
6. Exterior colour mismatch is visible due to panel, component, mouldings/trim replacement. Refer to Note 5.
7. Electroplated, polished or metallic components are in poor condition (although are not required to display their original lustre and small scratches consistent with age are permitted).
8. Any body part is attached with tape or other temporary means.
9. Number plates other than those issued to the vehicle under the current registration scheme are displayed.
10. Windows, or motorcycle wind deflector, have visible scratches and blemishes that detract from the overall appearance of the vehicle.
11. The interior has:
12. ripped, torn or badly worn seats or interior trim or temporary repairs to interior trim is visible, or
13. headlining or floor coverings that are incomplete, dirty, or in poor repair, or
14. severe cracking or fading of the dashboard, or
15. no floor coverings fitted (where originally factory fitted), or

• no door handles, or window winder control hardware fitted, or
• interior trim secured in place by temporary means.
• Rear wheels are not of a matching style and size on each side of the vehicle.
• Front wheels are not of a matching style and size on each side of the vehicle.
• Wheel trims, where fitted, are damaged (minor kerb type scuffing is acceptable) and are not of a matching style on each side of the vehicle.

Notes:

1. Where there is doubt regarding vehicle condition or SI eligibility, a Vehicle Examiner should contact Vehicle Standards Unit and provide photographs of the area of the vehicle that is subject to question.
2. Where there is rust present, refer to the ‘Checking for rust’ appendix in the Light Vehicle Inspection Manual – Appendices document for further information.
3. Patina is a diverse term and refers to localised worn through paint from normal vehicle use, washing and polishing over time, or a weathered finish on painted surfaces due to age and exposure to the elements subsequently affecting vehicle appearance. Patina is also a natural, often thin and non-destructive layer of surface discoloration, not to be confused with rust. Patina includes faux patina.
4. Treatment does not include applied primers.
5. Intentional colour variation such as multi tone finishes replicating that of a manufacturer, harlequin colour shifting paint finishes, or as part of artwork or graphics is permitted.

Special Interest (SI) registered cars and motorbikes can now display any style of personalised plate.  
SI vehicle operators who already own personalised plates can visit a Service Tasmania Centre to return their SI plates and apply to use personalised plates.

Alternatively, you can order a personalised plate and have it applied to your existing SI vehicle.

How to change to a personalised plate?

Replacing existing SI plates with existing TasPlates, custom plates or old-style personalised plates that you own:

1. Return special interest plates to a Services Tasmania Centre.
2. Complete an application for replacement certificate of registration and/or number plates (PDF 198.2 KB).
3. Pay the fee.

Replacing existing SI plates with new TasPlates:

1. Order personalised plates from the TasPlates website.
2. Once you receive the TasPlates return special interest plates to a Service Tasmania Centre.
3. Complete an application for replacement certificate of registration and/or number plates (PDF 198.2 KB).
4. No fee.

What classification of my SI vehicle can I use my personalised plates for?

Class A, B and C.

What is not included in personalised plates on SI registration?

Vintage Cars.

Can a personalised plate be transferred from one SI vehicle to another?

Yes.

Please contact Vehicle Registration on (03) 6166 3262 or via email vehicle.registration@stategrowth.tas.gov.au.

The new Special Interest Vehicle Logbook is currently being developed and will be available from 19 January 2026.