Defect notices
If you have a heavy vehicle that has been issued a defect notice you will need to follow the instructions specific to the notice as the process to clear the notice may differ between a heavy vehicle and a light vehicle.
A defect notice is a formal notice advising the registered operator of a vehicle, that the vehicle is not suitable to be used on a public street in its current condition.
If you have received a defect notice, it is because you are the registered operator of a vehicle. An authorised officer may issue a defect notice when a vehicle is considered to be unsuitable for use on a public street in its current condition.
The defect notice is sent to the registered operator because it is their responsibility to ensure the vehicle is roadworthy.
A defect notice can be issued by:
If a registered operator receives a defect notice, they should follow the instructions on the defect notice.
The instructions will tell the operator what they need to do to fix the problem with the vehicle.
The instructions will also give a deadline for fixing the problem with the vehicle.
If the register operator wants to keep using the vehicle on public streets, they must:
If the registered operator does not want to keep using the vehicle on public streets they can surrender the vehicle’s number plates at Service Tasmania.
Sometimes.
The defect notice will:
The operator must comply with any conditions on use listed on the defect notice.
The operator must not use the vehicle after the deadline unless they have cleared the defect notice.
Defect notices that are not cleared by the deadline will be followed up by the Registrar of Motor Vehicles.
The registration of the vehicle may be suspended or cancelled if the defect notice is not cleared by the deadline.
If the registration is suspended or cancelled the vehicle must not be used on a public street or parked on a public street.