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Compulsory third party insurance

It’s an offence to drive your vehicle unless it’s covered by compulsory third party insurance (CTPI).

As part of your vehicle registration fee in the Northern Territory (NT), CTPI is included and is mandatory.

Even if you have comprehensive insurance for theft, property damage and third party insurance from a service provider, you must still pay for CTPI with your registration.

This includes vehicles for hire or rental.

To find out more about CTPI in the NT, go to the Motor Accidents Compensation Commission website.

Classes of third-party insurance

Class	Vehicle type and use
A	Vehicle under 4.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass and only used for private purposes
B	Vehicle designed to carry goods more than 4.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass
C	Commercial passenger vehicle eg. taxi, minibus, motor omnibus or tourist vehicle
D	Motorcycle
E	Self-drive hire car, goods truck or bus
F	Trailer
G	Miscellaneous eg. tow truck, club registered vehicle or pastoral permit
H	Traders plate
J	Visiting vehicle
K	Temporary licences
L	Vehicles registered under the interstate Road Transport Act

Interstate vehicles and trailers

You can apply for CTPI for your visiting vehicle, including trailers. If you don't already have it on your interstate registration.

To check if you're covered, answer the questions below.

Before you apply

You must:

get a vehicle inspection and compliance check
provide evidence of identity and a copy of your registration certificate for proof of ownership.

How to apply

Follow these steps:

Step 1. Fill in an R39 application for CTPI for a visiting vehicle or trailer PDF (221.4 KB).

Step 2. Submit your application with supporting documents at an MVR office.

You must also pay the fee by cash, EFTPOS, BasicsCard, Visa or Mastercard.

Step 3. Once your application has been processed, you will receive a receipt of your CTPI.

You must keep it with you at all times while driving in the NT.

Overseas vehicles

You can apply for CTPI for your visiting vehicle if you don't already have it issued within Australia.

Before you apply

You must:

get a vehicle inspection and compliance check
provide a current certificate of registration:
- from your vehicle’s registered country
- in your name or the applicant’s
provide a copy of a carnet (international customs document) or Federal Office of Road Safety import approval and any other customs documents
provide evidence of identity.

How to apply

Follow these steps:

Step 1. Fill in the R39 application for CTPI for a visiting vehicle or trailer PDF (221.4 KB).

Step 2. Submit your application with supporting documents at an MVR office and pay the fee.

You can pay by cash, EFTPOS, BasicsCard, Visa or Mastercard.

Step 3. Once your application has been processed, you will be given a receipt of your CPTI.