Vehicle registration fees in Queensland may seem like a confusing topic, but it is important to know about these costs to ensure that you are financially prepared and do not incur unnecessary fees or penalties. When registering your vehicle in Queensland, you will encounter several costs, including:
- Registration Fee
- Traffic Improvement Fee
- Compulsory Third Party (CTP) Insurance
- Stamp Duty
- Plate Fee
Let’s break down these fees.
Registration Fee until 15 September 2025
The vehicle registration fee in Queensland depends on the number of cylinders or type of engine. There is currently a 20% discount on registration fees for light vehicles to ease cost-of-living pressures. This applicable only to cars registered between 16 September 2024 until 15 September 2025.
| Vehicle Type | Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| Vehicle with 1, 2, or 3 cylinders, electric, or steam | $226.80 |
| Vehicle with 4 cylinders | $288.45 |
| Vehicle with 5 or 6 cylinders | $456.75 |
| Vehicle with 7 or 8 cylinders | $639.65 |
| Vehicle with 9 to 12 cylinders | $750.20 |
Traffic Improvement Fee
The traffic improvement fee is a flat annual fee charged to all vehicles.
| Fee Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Traffic Improvement Fee | $50.30 |
Compulsory Third Party (CTP) Insurance
CTP insurance is mandatory and covers insurance and compensation for injuries and damage sustained due to accidents.
| Vehicle Type | CTP Cost |
|---|---|
| Cars amd station wagons (Class 1) | $386.80 |
| Light commercial not over 4.5t GVM (Class 6) | $430.80 |
Plate Fee
The standard plate fee covers the cost of issuing or replacing number plates.
| Fee Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Standard Plate Fee (Issue/Replace) | $35.05 |
Stamp Duty
Stamp duty is calculated based on the vehicle’s dutiable value and engine type. It is paid to the State Revenue Office when purchasing a new vehicle or transferring an old one.
| Vehicle Type | Up to $100,000 | Over $100,000 |
|---|---|---|
| Hybrid/Electric | $2 per $100 | $4 per $100 |
| 1 to 4 cylinders | $3 per $100 | $5 per $100 |
| 5 or 6 cylinders | $3.50 per $100 | $5.50 per $100 |
| 7 or more cylinders | $4 per $100 | $6 per $100 |
To give you a better idea, let’s calculate the stamp duty for a hybrid vehicle with a dutiable value of $120,000:
- Divide the dutiable value by 100: $120,000 / 100 = $1,200.
- Multiply the result by the stamp duty rate for vehicles over $100,000: $1,200 x $4 = $4,800.
The stamp duty for a hybrid vehicle with a dutiable value of $120,000 is $4,800.
Luxury Car Tax
Luxury Car Tax is a federal tax imposed on vehicles with a value above the LCT threshold. As this tax is federal, it is paid to the Australian Taxation Office.
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 fees, you can better plan your finances and avoid any surprises when registering your vehicle in Queensland.