SPECIAL INTEREST VEHICLE SCHEME GUIDE
A registration concession has been provided to veteran and vintage vehicle owners since the fifties. The concession was extended in the late seventies to also accommodate "classic historic" vehicles, that is, those built at least 30 years ago. Street Rods with a body and frame built prior to 1949 or replicas with a modification plate were accepted into the scheme sometime later along with historic retired ambulances and fire-fighting equipment. The veteran, vintage, classic and historic concession was reviewed in 1998 and has since been referred to as the Special Interest Vehicle (Registration Concession) Scheme.
About the Guide
This guide sets out the requirements for registering vehicles under the scheme and explains the conditions under which the scheme operates. Registered operators of special interest vehicles should be familiar with the conditions of use as outlined within this guide and ensure that anyone driving the vehicle is also familiar with these conditions.
The types of vehicle eligible to participate in the scheme
Vehicles with both right-hand drive (RHD) and left-hand drive (LHD) that fall within one ofthe following categories may be registered under the scheme:-
1. Historic vehicles (including tractors) at least 30 years old;
2. Historic ambulances and Fire-fighting equipment;
3. Street Rods.
Special Notes:
If a special interest vehicle does not have permanent lighting, the operator 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.
Registered operators who move premises may apply to a Queensland Transport Customer Service Centre Manager for a letter authorising the use of the vehicle on a road from the garage address to the new premises (one way trip). Proof of moving residence will be required. You will need to check with your CTP insurer to ensure you are covered for the journey.
Failure to comply with the conditions of the Special Interest Vehicle Scheme is an offence and serious consequences may result.
1. Registering your historic vehicle under the Special Interest Vehicle Scheme
You will need to follow the standard registration procedures for a vehicle as well as completing a Vehicle Registration Concession Application (form F3937) and providing the following documents as proof of eligibility:
• Club Membership: Evidence of current membership with an incorporated car club or association must be provided at the time of application for the concession. Where a genuine reason is provided for not meeting this requirement, it may be waived by Queensland Transport.
• Dating Certificate: A dating officer (or club official) of an incorporated car club or association must inspect the vehicle to certify that it was manufactured at least 30 years ago. This certificate which must be on club letterhead or other official club documentation must identify the vehicle and the year of manufacture. Queensland Transport, Special Interest Vehicle Scheme Guide, 2008
Restricted vehicle use: Vehicles registered under the scheme have certain limitations placed
on their use. This is reflected in the reduced fees and compulsory third party insurance
premium. Registered operators must confine their vehicle’s use to:-
.. Participating in rallies organised by incorporated car clubs;
.. Participating in processions for which a Special Events Permit has been issued under the Transport Operations (Road Use Management –Accreditation and Other Provisions)
Regulation 2005;
.. Exhibiting the vehicle in displays, fetes or similar functions conducted for religious, charitable or educational purposes;
.. Ceremonial purposes (weddings, formals) involving immediate family members provided this is not done for fee or reward. Immediate family means parents, grandparents, sons, daughters, grandchildren but not extended family relationships such as nephews and nieces
.. Preparing for, proceeding to, and returning from the above activities;
.. Travel in order to have the vehicle repaired. There is no distance restriction in these circumstances however such travel must be reasonable and openly justified by the vehicle operator;
.. Road testing within a 15 kilometre radius from the place where the vehicle is garaged. The purpose of the travel must be to road test the vehicle following repair or restoration and not for any other purpose. This does not include use as a means of transport;
.. Buses are permitted to carry non-fare paying passengers for journeys (joy-rides) from an event (e.g. fete) and return provided the length of the journey does not exceed 5 kilometres. Payment of any kind cannot be made for these journeys;
.. Heavy vehicles over 4.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass (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:
1. Individual Axle ratings 3. Manufacturer's GVM or GCM
2. Tyre Manufacturer's limits 4. Regulation Mass Limits
The load carried must be in relation to or part of the reason for the vehicle's use under
the scheme.
2. Historic ambulances and historic fire fighting equipment
To be eligible for Special Interest Vehicle Concession Scheme registration, historic
ambulances and fire fighting equipment less than 30 years old 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).
For historic ambulances and historic fire fighting equipment manufactured at least 30 years ago, the registered operator may be one of the above or a current member of an incorporated car club or association. The use of these vehicles is subject to the same restrictions as outlined in Section 1.
Note: Incorporated historical societies operating historic vehicles for heritage purposes may apply to the Senior Business Manager (Policy Advice), PO Box 673, Fortitude Valley, Qld 4006 for entry into the scheme.
Number Plates
Registered operators of vehicles registered under the Special Interest Vehicle Scheme are issued with an S series plate as shown below:
Registered operators with previously issued ‘square’ motor vehicle plates as shown above may continue to use them. However, should these plates be cancelled or in need of replacement, they cannot be reissued. Another option for registered operators of a Special Interest Vehicle is to attach one of the many and varied personalised plate products such as the re-issued black and white plates.
http://www.transport.qld.gov.au/Home/Registration/Motor_vehicles/Street_rods_and_vintage_cars/