Motorists who let their registration lapse will now be sent an SMS reminder as another safeguard to stop people accidentally driving unregistered vehicles on the State’s roads.
The Minns Labor Government is introducing the new text reminder to make NSW roads safer and help people who have forgotten their registration renewal avoid fines. Last year, more than 50,000 motorists were fined for driving unregistered and uninsured.
A new campaign has begun urging vehicle owners to sign up for digital registration reminders through Service NSW. It’s part of a broader initiative to make it easier for people to remember to renew their registration and reduce the number of people driving unregistered.
Almost one million people are already taking advantage of digital reminders, receiving notifications via email, their MyServiceNSW Account inbox and the Service NSW app six weeks before, two weeks before and one day after their registration expires.
Motorists who opt in for digital reminders will now receive an additional SMS notification the day after their registration expires to both remind them to renew – and stop them driving an unregistered vehicle by mistake.
This instant phone notification is an extra, convenient contact method in case people miss an email.
Digital registration reminders are optional and customers who don’t opt in will continue to receive a paper reminder in the mail about six weeks before vehicle registration is due.
Messages encouraging up to 4.5 million people to sign up for digital vehicle registration reminders will be sent throughout May and June.
Motorists who fail to renew their vehicle registration must not drive their vehicle on roads until the registration is renewed. Vehicle registration ensures vehicles are roadworthy and have compulsory third party CTP insurance in case of a crash.
For more information and to opt in to digital vehicle registration reminders, visit the Service NSW website or click on ‘Registrations’ in the Service NSW app.
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government, Jihad Dib said:
“Thousands of motorists are fined each year for driving an unregistered car and I want to make sure a forgotten payment doesn’t cost you a fine.
“We know people lead busy lives and can carry huge mental to-do lists, and the reality is many vehicle registrations are not renewed on time because paperwork is misplaced or simply forgotten.
“By introducing an overdue SMS notification one day after expiry as a final reminder to get your registration sorted, we could save you hundreds of dollars in fines while keeping everyone safe on our roads.
“This is a simple idea that could make a huge difference to people; by giving drivers this option we are offering you a convenient reminder in the palm of your hand.
“It’s quick and easy to sign up via the Service NSW website or app and means you receive a range of email and phone reminders before and one day after your rego is due.”
Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said:
“We understand that people are busy and it’s easy for rego renewal to slip down the to-do list, but the consequences of missing it can be serious.
“Driving unregistered doesn’t just risk a fine, it means being uninsured and putting yourself and others at risk on our roads.
“These SMS reminders are a simple, practical way to help people stay on top of their rego and avoid an honest mistake.
“I encourage everyone to sign up through the Service NSW app. It’s quick, easy and helps keep you and others safe on our roads.”