Introduction
You can drive your interstate or overseas registered vehicle if you can meet all of the requirements set by the Motor Vehicle Registry.
Read more about applying for a temporary licence for an unregistered vehicle.
You should also read the rules about visiting drivers and traffic offences.
Interstate registered vehicles
You can drive your interstate vehicle in the Northern Territory (NT) if:
- it is in the NT for less than 3 months.
- it has current number plates and has current interstate registration for the length of its stay in the NT.
- it has compulsory third party insurance (CTPI) within Australia
- you can apply for CTPI for your visiting vehicle if you don't already have this insurance on your interstate registration. Find out how to apply for CTPI.
You must drive your interstate vehicle on a public road or street under the same conditions, restrictions or limitations that are placed on your interstate registration.
If you plan to drive in the NT for more than 3 months
You must transfer your vehicle if you will drive your interstate vehicle for more than 3 months. Otherwise, it may be deemed unregistered and uninsured even if it has current registration interstate.
NT residents driving interstate registered vehicles
If you have applied for or have a current NT driver licence, you must transfer your interstate vehicle within 28 days of arriving in the NT.
Towing interstate trailers
If you also have a trailer registered interstate, you can apply for CTPI if you don’t already have one.
Overseas-registered vehicles
You can drive your overseas-registered vehicle in the Northern Territory (NT) if it:
- is in the NT for less than 3 months
- is registered in another country for the length of its stay in the NT
- has number plates required by the law of that country
has a policy of compulsory third party insurance (CTPI) issued within Australia.
You must drive your overseas vehicle on a public road or street under the same conditions, restrictions or limitations that are placed on your registration.
If the vehicle first entered Australia in the NT
You must have your vehicle inspected at a government inspection facility for compliance and an NT roadworthy inspection.
You must also apply for CTPI for your visiting vehicle if you don't already have this insurance issued within Australia. Find out how to apply for CTPI.
Before you apply, you must do the following:
- provide a current certificate of registration from the country where the vehicle is registered, in the name of the applicant, for the vehicle
- provide a copy of a carnet (international customs document) or Federal Office of Road Safety import approval, and any other customs documents
If the vehicle is staying in the NT for longer than 3 months
You must transfer your vehicle to the NT if you have been driving your overseas vehicle for more than 3 months.
Otherwise, it may be deemed unregistered and uninsured even if it has current registration overseas.
Read more about how to transfer your vehicle.
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.
You must keep this with you at all times while driving in the NT.