FormulaNova said..
Its pretty easy to get a NSW rego inspection done anywhere in Aus. Service NSW even provide a list somewhere of places that can do them and if I remember correctly they will even accept something similar if you can justify that you can't get anywhere else.
They do this so that NSW vehicles can be re-registered if they are not in their home state at the time..
Not sure about a list by Service NSW, got a pointer for it ?
Any NSW Pink slip check interstate is only on a temporary basis. Only possible if you are temporarily away from your permanent residence in NSW. They won't accept an interstate inspection from a non NSW authorized tester if you live permanently (or predominantly) outside of NSW. Moving to WA for six months is considered permanently in WA for those 6 months. And they won't accept it more than once, unless you have a very good reason.
My reference to Qld stations is that there are a few places close to the border, but inside Qld, that hold NSW accreditation to do the testing. If you go to these places you get a fully complaint NSW rego check and it isn't considered to be an interstate check. I don't reckon there is anywhere in WA that does that, maybe there is, but I never found one.
If you are a grey nomad and your NSW rego runs out whilst you are temporarily in WA (for less than 3 months) you can get WA based inspection and certification, which NSW will consider. But they won't accept this year in year out, and if you are living in WA for more than 3 months and do this then legally you have no insurance and no rego.
Been there done it. Both ways NSW to WA and WA to NSW. And the Qld thing. You can't get NSW plates issued whilst you are in Qld, but you can get NSW pink slip in certain places in the southern gold coast. Fortunately you can get a temporary permit to drive from Brisbane to NSW - from either Qld or NSW. So if you buy a car or trailer or (a solar powered tractor from a weirdo dude) in Qld and want to register it in NSW you can drive it with no plates from Qld to NSW on a single permit. Single journey, limited time, defined route, normal permit requirements - but single permit to drive across states and within a different state.
Also when you change plates over between states you shouldn't pay stamp duty. They might try to charge you it as if it is a new rego, but you don't have to pay, sometimes it takes them a few keyboard clicks and a chat with Karen, the supervisor, to work it out as you stand there questioning their knowledge of their own tax laws.
The question as to how many people ignore the laws is a different one. If you don't get pulled over by the cops and don't have a crash you'll likely get away with inter state plates forever.
- But then if you rob banks and don't get caught by the cops or shot by the bank security you'll likely get away with it forever as well.
Doesn't mean its legal.
If you do have a crash on dodgy plates then third party persons insurance is covered by the state (to the third party), but you will likely be pursued by the insurance companies through the courts and you are liable to pay them for their costs of any third party expenses. Any insurance premiums you paid will have a been a waste on money.