Special Interest Vehicle Concession Scheme guide Guide

A concession (or restricted registration) is available if you are registering a classic or vintage car, a street rod or a historic vehicle. This concession is based on the vehicle having a very strict and limited road use which is reflected in the reduced fees and compulsory third party insurance premium.

This guide sets out the requirements for concessional registration of vehicles under the scheme and explains the conditions under which the scheme operates. Registered operators of concessionally registered special interest vehicles should be familiar with the conditions of use as outlined in the Special Interest Vehicle Concession Scheme Guide and ensure that anyone driving the vehicle is also familiar with these conditions.

If you are unable to print the guide, a printed copy can be requested by calling the Department of Transport and Main Roads on 13 23 80 or at a transport and motoring customer service centre.

• Eligible vehicles

  This concession is available for the following vehicles:

  • historic vehicles:
    • motor vehicles, including motor bikes and tractors that are at least 30 years old
    • heavy trailers (gross vehicle mass (GVM) over 4.5 tonnes) that are at least 30 years old – load-carrying trailers, excluding equipment trailers
    • heavy buses that are at least 25 years old
  • street rods and hot rods:
    • vehicles modified for safe road use and have a body and frame built before 1949
    • replicas of a vehicle that have a body and frame built before 1949
  • historic ambulances and fire-fighting equipment vehicles:
    • retired ambulances and fire-fighting equipment vehicles (no age restriction) that are now used for display

  Left hand drive vehicles

  Left hand drive vehicles may be registered under the scheme if the vehicle is either a:

  • light vehicle (GVM not over 4.5 tonnes) and at least 30 years old
  • heavy vehicle (GVM over 4.5 tonnes) at least 30 years old and has been issued with a Left Hand Drive Exemption Permit by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator.

  In the case of historic ambulances and fire-fighting equipment vehicles, the vehicle must be converted to right hand drive if the vehicle is either a:

  • light vehicle (GVM not over 4.5 tonnes) and less than 25 years old
  • heavy vehicle (GVM over 4.5 tonnes) and less than 30 years old.

  Modified vehicles

  The concession is available to modified vehicles (for example, engine, seating modifications), as long as the:

  • vehicle particulars do not change, for example, make, model, year and chassis number
  • vehicle and eligibility requirements are met
  • modification is certified by an engineer, if required.

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• Eligibility and how to apply

  Eligible applicants

  • Individuals
  • Organisations
  • Incorporated fire brigades or ambulance services
  • Incorporated historical societies that have recognised interest in vehicle heritage and have been approved by the Licensing, Automated Vehicles and Registration unit of Transport and Main Roads

  How to apply

  Complete the special interest vehicle registration concession application (F5392) and take it to your nearest transport and motoring customer service centre or, if you live in a rural area, a QGAP office, Magistrates Court or local police station that provides vehicle registration services—please call to confirm before visiting. You will also need to bring standard evidence of identity and proof of eligibility—refer to the relevant vehicle type below for proof of eligibility requirements.

  The special interest vehicle concession can be applied to multiple eligible vehicles—there is no limit. Please complete a special interest vehicle registration concession application (F5392) for each eligible vehicle.

  Historic vehicles—proof of eligibility

  Club membership—You are required to provide evidence of current membership with an incorporated vehicle club or association to be eligible for this concession. This membership must be maintained while the vehicle is registered under the scheme.

  Transport and Main Roads officers may verify compliance with membership requirements at any time.

  Your club can provide evidence of your current membership, which needs to:

  • be on club letterhead or official documentation containing club details and signed by a club official – we don't accept club membership cards
  • include details of your vehicle such as make, model, year and chassis number.

  For vehicles registered to individual joint names, only one registered operator is required to hold current membership with an incorporated car club or association.  If only the second registered operator has current membership, we will need to swap the registered operator names in the Queensland Vehicle Register for the concession to be applied.

  Club membership for organisations must be in the name of the person responsible for the organisation, for example, the proprietor/business holder or director.

  Dating certificate (if applicable)—A dating certificate is only required if the Department of Transport and Main Roads cannot verify the date of manufacture for your vehicle (from an existing or previous vehicle record, import papers, or from the identification or manufacturer’s plate). If a dating certificate is required, a dating officer (or club official) from an incorporated vehicle club or association will need to certify the vehicle’s authenticity and year of manufacture. This must be on club letterhead or other official club documentation and include details of the vehicle (make, model, year and chassis number).

  Street rods and hot rods—proof of eligibility

  Club membership—You are required to provide evidence of current membership with the Australian Street Rod Federation (ASRF) at the time of application. This membership must be maintained while the vehicle is registered under the scheme.

  Transport and Main Roads officers may verify compliance with membership requirement at any time.

  Supporting documentation—The Queensland State Director of the ASRF must supply documentation certifying that the applicant is a current member of the ASRF and the vehicle was manufactured before 1949 or is a replica of a vehicle manufactured before 1949. This needs to:

  • be on ASFR letterhead or official documentation and signed by a ASFR official – we don’t accept ASRF membership cards
  • certify the above and include details of your vehicle such as make, model, year and chassis number.

  For vehicles registered to individual joint names, only one registered operator is required to hold current membership with the ASFR.  If only the second registered operator has current membership, we will need to swap the registered operator names in the Queensland Vehicle Register for the concession to be applied.

  Compliance—Street rods must comply with all the specifications contained in the ASRF Queensland Street Rod Guidelines.

  Modifications—If a street rod that is registered under the Special Interest Vehicle Registration Concession Scheme is modified in any way, it must be certified and replated under the LH9 or LH10 section of the Queensland Code of Practice – Vehicle Modifications.

  Historic ambulances and fire-fighting equipment vehicles (no age limit)—proof of eligibility

  There is no age restriction for historic ambulances and fire-fighting equipment vehicles.

  To be eligible for registration under the Special Interest Vehicle Concession Scheme, historic ambulances and fire-fighting equipment vehicles must be registered in the name of one of the following:

  • an incorporated fire brigade
  • an incorporated ambulance service
  • a current member of an incorporated ambulance historical society or fire brigade historical society (proof of this membership is required on letterhead or other official documentation).
  • a current member of an incorporated vehicle club if vehicle is 30 years of age or more (proof of this membership is required on letterhead or other official documentation).

  Club membership exemptions

  If you are unable to access an appropriate club within a reasonable distance of your vehicle's garaged address, you may be eligible for an exemption from the club membership requirement. All exemptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Contact your nearest transport and motoring customer service centre or QGAP office, Magistrates Court or local police station that provides vehicle registration services for more information.

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• Conditions of use for special interest vehicles

  The following conditions of use are imposed by the Department of Transport and Main Roads when we grant any application to pay a concessional registration fee for a special interest vehicle under the Transport Operations (Road Use Management-Vehicle Registration) Regulation 2021.

  Using a special interest vehicle is restricted. The vehicle must not be used for:

  • General purposes – for example, to commute to and from the registered operator's place of employment, running down to the shops, and other forms of everyday vehicle use.
  • Hire or reward – a fee cannot be charged for use of the vehicle, and the owner cannot receive any consideration or reward for supplying the vehicle.
  • Providing a booked hire service – to use your vehicle to provide a booked hire service you need to meet the requirements of a booked hire service licences.

  You and anyone driving your special interest vehicle must only use the vehicle for:

  • participating in incorporated vehicle club rallies or events (of your own car club, another car club or the Australian Street Rod Federation), including impromptu events as long as the event has been sanctioned by your own car club.
    • a rally is a social event where a parade of special interest vehicles travel together for competition or to meet at an agreed location. Rallies and events must be listed before the event in the incorporated club newsletter or on the incorporated club's website or social media page (or in another manner approved by the club or Australian Street Rod Federation, such as the club calendar of events). Information such as location (start and end), meeting time and date of the event should be included.
    • an impromptu event that has been initiated by a club member involving one or more vehicles. To attend an impromptu event, each club must comply with the following:
      • send an invitation to the wider club members to attend the event
      • either
        • the car club or Australian Street Rod Federation committee must endorse the event in advance
        • comply with published club guidelines as to what is a valid event, where they exist
      • before the event, list it in the newsletter, on the website, or social media page (or in another manner approved by the club or Australian Street Rod Federation, such as the club calendar of events).

  Note: Incorporated vehicle clubs should maintain a register of endorsed impromptu events. This register should contain information on the impromptu event, such as location (start and end), meeting time and date.

  • participating in processions for which a Special Events Permit has been issued under the Transport Operations (Road Use Management – Accreditation and Other Provisions) Regulation 2015.
  • exhibiting the vehicle in displays, fetes or similar functions conducted for religious, charitable or educational purposes.
  • ceremonial purposes (such as weddings, formals, funerals) involving immediate and de facto family members, or as part of a sanctioned incorporated club event, provided this is not done for fee or reward. Immediate and de facto family means parents, grandparents, sons, daughters, grandchildren, adopted children and adopted grandchildren, but not extended family members such as aunts, uncles, nephews and nieces.
  • preparing for, proceeding to, and returning from any of the above activities, including events in other states and territories in which the club is directly involved with.
  • direct travel to and from an approved inspection station to get a safety certificate or certificate of inspection before offering the vehicle for sale.
  • travel in order to have the vehicle repaired is allowed. There is no distance restriction, however, such travel must be reasonable and justifiable by the vehicle operator.
  • road testing within a 30km radius from the place where the vehicle is garaged or is being repaired. The purpose of the travel must be to road test the vehicle following repair or restoration, or for general vehicle maintenance and not for any other purpose. This does not include use as an everyday means of transport. A passenger may travel in your vehicle to assist with road testing—only if your vehicle can legally carry passengers.

  Find out about what to carry in your vehicle to support your reason for travel.

  Carrying passengers

  Vehicles with a special interest vehicle concession are permitted to carry passengers when travelling to and from an event permitted for special interest vehicle use (for example a rally, fete or procession). The vehicle must be able to legally carry passengers and all safety requirements must be met.

  Buses are permitted to carry non-fare paying passengers for journeys (joy-rides) from an event (for example, a fete) and return provided the length of the journey does not exceed 5km. Payment of any kind cannot be received for these journeys.

  Carrying a load and/or towing a trailer

  Heavy motor vehicles over 4.5t GVM are permitted to carry a load provided the loaded GVM or gross combination mass (GCM) does not exceed 50% of the maximum permitted mass for the vehicle configuration. This mass is based on the lesser of:

  • Individual axle ratings
  • Tyre manufacturer's limits
  • Manufacturer's GVM or GCM
  • Regulation mass limits.

  Motor vehicles (light and heavy) are permitted to tow a trailer with a load as long as you comply with the above usage for special interest vehicles and adhere to the vehicle's towing capacity.

  Any load carried must be in relation to or part of the reason for the vehicle's use under the special interest vehicle scheme or required as part of the vehicle's display, for example, promotional items, signage, shade gazebo, chairs. You cannot carry a load for hire or reward.

  Lighting

  If your special interest vehicle does not have permanent lighting, you must carry a removable lighting system with the vehicle at all times and use that system whenever lighting would normally be required. Carbide lights are acceptable where that type of light was originally fitted.

  Seatbelt exemptions for historic vehicles

  In Queensland, an exemption from seatbelt requirements for historic vehicles manufactured with no seatbelts only applies for children 7 years and over. Children under 7 years of age are not permitted to travel in a vehicle unless they are restrained in a properly fastened and adjusted Australian Standard approved child restraint.

  Your historic vehicle will need to have approved restraint/s and anchorage point/s installed for children under 7 years of age to be able to travel in the vehicle. This modification must be performed by an Approved Person and must have certification and a modification plate attached to the vehicle.

  For more information about the rules for child restraints by age and how to get seatbelts and anchor points installed.

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• What to carry in your vehicle

  We recommend you carry paperwork that supports your reason for travel. This could include:

  • club newsletter
  • club calendar of events.

  Alternatively, you may provide digital proof in the form of events listed on a club website or social media page.

  If your vehicle is being used and displayed for a funeral event, we understand there may not be enough time to include this as an event on an official club newsletter or calendar of events. In this instance, a funeral notice or an order of service would be suitable to support your reason for travel.

  If you use your concessionally registered special interest vehicle, or permit it to be used, in breach of the conditions of the Special Interest Vehicle Concession Scheme, you may face a fine or risk having your concession withdrawn.

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• Penalties and compulsory third party insurance

  The reduced registration fee and compulsory third-party insurance premium reflect the limited permitted use of your concessionally registered Special Interest Vehicle. If you use your vehicle, or permit it to be used, in breach of the conditions of the Special Interest Vehicle Concession Scheme, you may face a fine or risk having your concession withdrawn.

  You may also risk serious insurance implications if your vehicle is involved in a crash whilst being used contrary to the conditions of this scheme. If there is damage to your vehicle, yourself or others, your compulsory third party insurance and comprehensive insurance may become null and void.

  Compulsory third-party insurance

  The compulsory third-party insurance scheme in Queensland is regulated by the Motor Accident Insurance Commission. The Department of Transport and Main Roads acts as a collection agent only for compulsory third-party insurance premiums on behalf of licensed insurance companies.

  Enquiries about the cost of compulsory third party insurance or about the scheme or premiums should be directed to the Motor Accident Insurance Commission website, or phone 1800 287 753 or email maic@maic.qld.gov.au.

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• Change of address

  To move your vehicle from its current garaging address to a new garaging address, please apply for a letter of authority at your nearest transport and motoring customer service centre or, if you live in a rural area, a QGAP office, Magistrates Court or local police station that provides vehicle registration services.

  This letter will authorise you to move your special interest vehicle to your new address in a one way trip. Proof of your new garage address will be required (purchase document, rental agreement or completed Queensland Garage Address Statement form (F4408). Please also check with your compulsory third party insurer to ensure you are covered for the journey.

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• Interstate recognition

  Vehicles travelling to interstate club events can operate under the same conditions as Queensland, when using the vehicle interstate.

  Interstate visitors who hold a valid authority or permit from their home state or territory can use their special interest vehicle in Queensland (subject to the conditions of use where the vehicle is registered).

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• Number plates

  Special interest vehicles are issued standard S series plates. You can choose either a standard S plate or USA style S plate for your vehicle. Motorcycles are issued a small S plate.

  Special interest vehicle standard number plate examples

  Plate image	Description
  	Standard S plate – For motor vehicles and large trailers
  	USA style standard S plate – For motor vehicles and large trailers
  	Small standard S plate – For motorcycles
  	Previously issued standard special interest vehicle square historic, veteran and vintage S plates – already attached to a special interest vehicle. These plates cannot be reissued or replaced.
  	Previously issued standard special interest Q plates – already attached to a special interest vehicle. These plates cannot be reissued or replaced.

  Other plates that may be used on a special interest vehicle

  • Standard green on white plates already fitted to the vehicle under the existing registration
  • Green on white plates that have been customised or personalised
  • Personalised plates, including traditional Q plates. Find out more on the PPQ website or call 136 356 for more information.

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• Removing a special interest vehicle concession

  When to remove the concession

  If you are no longer eligible for a concession, you must notify the Department of Transport and Main Roads in writing within 14 days of becoming ineligible.

  The special interest vehicle concession must be removed:

  • if the vehicle is to be used for any purpose other than those listed under the conditions of use for Special Interest Vehicle concessional registration

  or

  • the registered operator is no longer a current member of an incorporated car club or association

  or

  • the vehicle registration is being transferred and the new registered operator does not meet the requirements of the special interest vehicle concession scheme guide.

  How to remove the concession

  Obtain a 'change of class' letter from your Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurer (not required if removing the concession at transfer or registration renewal). Complete the change of vehicle particulars notification form (F3524) and take it to your nearest transport and motoring customer service centre or, if you live in a rural area, a QGAP office, Magistrates Court or local police station that provides vehicle registration services—please call to confirm before visiting.

  If the concession is to be removed upon renewal, we will need a written statement from the registered operator requesting to remove it.

  You will need to remove and surrender your special interest vehicle plates and purchase standard plates at the time of application, if applicable also complete the Standard Number Plate/s Replacement Application (F3540). Personalised plates do not need to be surrendered.

  A change of class and any associated changes to the purpose of use made during the currency of the registration period is effective from the date indicated on the insurer's change of class letter.

  If a concession is removed from a vehicle partway through the registration period, you may be responsible for paying the difference between the concession rate and the full registration rate. This amount is calculated based on the time remaining in the registration period.

Special Interest Vehicle Concession Scheme guide, 24 Sep 2024, [https://oss-uat.clients.squiz.net/transport/registration/fees/concession/special-interest]

This document is uncontrolled when printed. Before using the information in this document you should verify the current content on https://oss-uat.clients.squiz.net/transport/registration/fees/concession/special-interest.