ACT Car Registration Fees in 2024: A Complete Breakdown

Navigating the costs associated with registering a motor vehicle in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) can seem overwhelming, but having a clear grasp of these expenses will help you avoid unexpected fees or penalties. Vehicle registration in the ACT consists of several essential components, including the registration fee itself, a government fee, Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance, and stamp duty. Below, we break down these costs and provide detailed tables to ensure you’re fully informed.

Establishment Fee

If you’re registering a vehicle in the ACT for the first time, you’ll encounter an establishment fee. This one-time charge of $106 applies to any motor vehicle that hasn’t previously been registered in the ACT. While relatively small, it’s essential to account for this fee when budgeting for your vehicle’s registration.

Electric Vehicles

The ACT government has introduced incentives to encourage the use of electric vehicles (EVs). If you’ve purchased an electric car between May 2021 and June 2024, you are eligible for two years of free registration. Once the initial period ends, the standard registration fees will apply.

Here’s what you can expect to pay after the free period, including CTP insurance and government fees:

CTP Insurance for Electric Vehicles

The cost of CTP insurance (compulsary car insurance) for electric vehicles varies by provider, as shown below:

Government Fee Component for Electric Vehicles

The government fee component includes several mandatory charges, totaling $137. Here’s the breakdown:

Registration Fee Component for Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicles are subject to a flat registration fee, regardless of engine size:

These costs reflect the ACT government’s efforts to support eco-friendly transportation, while maintaining necessary safety and insurance obligations.

Passenger Vehicles

For traditional passenger vehicles, registration fees vary depending on the car’s tare weight (the weight of the car without passengers or cargo). Lighter vehicles have lower fees, while heavier ones contribute more to road maintenance and safety services. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the costs involved:

CTP Insurance for Passenger Vehicles

Depending on the weight of your car, CTP insurance costs will vary:

Tare Weight up to 975 kg

Tare Weight from 976 kg to 1,154 kg

Tare Weight from 1,155 kg to 1,504 kg

Tare Weight from 1,505 kg to 2,504 kg

Government Fee Component for Passenger Vehicles

Similar to electric vehicles, passenger vehicles are subject to a government fee of $137. Here’s how that breaks down:

Registration Fee Component for Passenger Vehicles

As mentioned earlier, registration fees for passenger cars vary based on the weight of the vehicle. Below is a detailed table outlining these costs:

Stamp Duty

Stamp duty in the ACT is linked to your vehicle’s CO2 emissions and dutiable value (the value of the car for tax purposes). The more environmentally friendly your car, the lower your stamp duty.

Performance Rating and CO2 Emissions

Duty Amount for Vehicles Valued Below $45,000

Duty Amount for Vehicles Valued at $45,000 or More

Luxury Car Tax (LCT)

If you’re purchasing a high-end vehicle, you may also need to consider the Luxury Car Tax (LCT). This federal tax is applied to vehicles with a value exceeding the LCT threshold. As this tax is levied by the Australian Taxation Office, it applies nationwide, including the ACT.

For your convenience, we have written a separate article on Luxury Car Tax to help you determine if your vehicle is subject to this tax and how to calculate it.

By understanding these various costs, you’ll be better equipped to plan your vehicle registration in the ACT and avoid any unexpected fees. Whether you’re registering an electric vehicle and benefiting from reduced fees, or calculating stamp duty for a passenger car, knowing the breakdown of these charges will make the process smoother and more predictable.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How much is 3-month rego in the ACT?

  In the ACT, the cost of 3-month vehicle registration will depend on the tare weight of your car. For example, for a passenger vehicle weighing up to 975 kg, 3-month rego would cost approximately $85.45. Heavier vehicles will incur higher fees. Make sure to check the weight class of your vehicle to get an accurate cost.

• How much is stamp duty on a car in the ACT?

  Stamp duty in the ACT is calculated based on your vehicle’s CO2 emissions and its value. For cars emitting under 130 g/km of CO2, there is no stamp duty. For higher emissions, the duty ranges from $1 to $4.25 per $100 of the car’s value. If your vehicle is worth more than $45,000, additional charges apply.

• How much is car rego in the ACT?

  The cost of car registration in the ACT varies based on the weight of the vehicle. For example, registration for a car weighing up to 975 kg is $341.80 per year, while vehicles weighing over 1,505 kg cost $622.70 annually. Additional fees, such as CTP insurance and government charges, will also apply.

• How often do you pay rego in the ACT?

  In the ACT, you can pay your vehicle registration either every 3 months, 6 months, or 12 months, depending on your preference. The frequency of payment doesn’t affect the overall yearly cost, but it does allow more flexibility in managing expenses.