Crashes, insurance and registration in Victoria

By the end of this topic you can

• You can carry out your legal duties straight after a crash.
• You can decide when a crash must be reported to police.
• You can make a crash or breakdown scene safer.
• You can explain what your registration payment covers.
• You can list the steps and paperwork to register a car.

What you need to know and understand

• After any crash you must stop immediately and help anyone who is injured.
• You must give your name, address, the vehicle's registration number and the owner's name to the others involved, and to police if they attend.
• If someone is injured and police are not there, you must report the crash to the nearest police station.
• If property is damaged and the owner or police are not present, you must also report it to the nearest police station.
• Failing to stop and help after a crash where someone is killed or injured can bring a fine of more than $200,000, up to 10 years' jail and losing your licence for at least two years.
• Registration renewal has two parts: the registration fee and the TAC charge, which is third party insurance for people injured on the roads.
• You must not drive a vehicle that is unregistered or unroadworthy.
• A roadworthy certificate is current for 30 days after it is issued.

Straight after a crash

Police may ask drivers in a crash where someone died or was injured for a blood sample to check for alcohol and drugs. Drivers taken to hospital after a crash must also give a breath sample.

1. Stop immediately and turn on your hazard lights.
2. Check for danger: other traffic, fuel leaks or fire. Turn off the ignition of damaged vehicles if safe.
3. Call 000 if anyone is hurt or the road is blocked, and help injured people as best you can.
4. Swap details: name, address, registration number and the owner's name.
5. Report to the nearest police station if someone is injured and police did not attend, or if you damaged property and the owner is not there.

If you break down

• Pull as far left as you can, ideally in an emergency breakdown area, and switch on hazard lights.
• Leave by the passenger side if you can, avoid crossing the road and stand clear, behind a barrier if possible.
• If it is not safe to get out, stay in the car with your seatbelt on and call for roadside help.
• When passing someone else's breakdown, slow down and give them room.

Registration, roadworthies and insurance

To register a car in Victoria you must be at least 16, have it garaged in Victoria and provide evidence of identity. For a used car you need a current roadworthy certificate; a brand-new car does not need one. You book an appointment with VicRoads, usually bring the car for inspection, and pay fees that may include the registration charge, the TAC charge, number plates and motor vehicle duty.

A roadworthy check covers safety items such as tyres, brakes, steering, seatbelts, lights and the windscreen. It does not prove the car is mechanically reliable. If a car fails, you have 14 days to fix the problems and get it rechecked without paying for a new test.

The TAC charge covers people injured in transport accidents. It is not cover for damage to cars or property, so owners usually arrange separate car insurance for that. Our Managing risk as a new Victorian driver guide covers how to avoid crashes in the first place.

Common mistakes

• Driving off after a minor bump without leaving details. You must stop and exchange information.
• Not reporting damage to a parked car because no one saw it. Report it to the nearest police station.
• Standing behind a broken-down car on a busy road. Get well clear of traffic.
• Buying a used car without a current roadworthy certificate, then being unable to transfer or register it.

Test yourself: Crashes, insurance and registration in Victoria

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• New Driver Crash Risk in Victoria
• Driving with Trams in Victoria
• Learning to Drive in Victoria