Can You Drive An Unregistered Vehicle In Perth, WA?
It’s that sinking feeling. You’ve just glanced at your rego, or found an old reminder, and realised... it’s expired.
Your first thought is probably, "Can I still quickly drive to the shops?" or "Can I at least get it to a mechanic?"
Let's be clear: in Western Australia, driving an unregistered vehicle on any public road is illegal.
It’s not just a small slap on the wrist. We’re talking heavy fines, demerit points, and the biggest risk of all: you have no insurance.
This article will break down the exact rules in WA, your very limited options, and what to do if your car is unregistered and you simply don't want the hassle or expense of re-registering it.
The High Cost of Getting Caught: Penalties in WA
Getting caught by police driving an unregistered car will land you with a severe fine and demerit points.
But the fine is not the worst part.
When your registration expires, your Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance is also invalid. This is the insurance that covers you if you injure someone in an accident.
If you have a crash, even a small one, you are personally responsible for all the costs. If someone is injured, that could be hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. It’s a financial risk that's simply not worth taking.
Is There a Registration Grace Period in WA?
This is a common question, and the answer is important.
The WA Department of Transport (DoT) may give you a grace period for payment (usually 3 months after the expiry date before they cancel the registration completely), but this is not a grace period for driving.
The moment your registration expires (at midnight on the due date), your car is considered unregistered and uninsured. Driving it, even the day after it expires, is illegal.
The Only Legal Way to Move an Unregistered Car in WA
So, how do you get it to a mechanic? The only legal way is with a Temporary Movement Permit (TMP).
This is a special, one-off permit you must get from the WA Department of Transport before you drive. It allows you to move the vehicle for one specific, pre-approved journey.
Valid reasons for a TMP include:
- Taking it to a pre-booked vehicle inspection (to "pass the pits").
- Taking it to a mechanic for repairs that are needed for registration.
A TMP is not for general driving. You can't use it to drive to the shops, visit a friend, or go to work.
What About Parking an Unregistered Car on the Street?
Thinking of just leaving it on the verge or the road? That's also illegal.
Local councils (like the City of Perth or your local shire) can and do issue heavy fines for unregistered vehicles parked on public property. They can even tow the vehicle away and charge you for it.
Your unregistered car must be stored on private property, like in your garage, carport, or backyard.
The Hassle of Re-Registering a Lapsed Vehicle in WA
If your car's registration has been expired for more than three months, you can't just pay and go. You will need to take it for a full inspection at an Authorised Inspection Station (AIS)—what everyone in Perth calls "going over the pits."
This is where the real problem starts.
The inspection is designed to find any fault, big or small. This often leads to a long list of expensive repairs (tyres, brakes, oil leaks, rust) that you must fix before it can be re-registered.
That old car has just become a "money pit." Ask yourself: Is this car really worth the time, the stress, and the hundreds or even thousands of dollars in repairs?
Skip the Hassle: Get Cash for Your Unregistered Car
You have a car that's unregistered. It’s a target for council fines. You can't legally drive it. And getting it registered sounds like an expensive nightmare.
There is a much, much easier option.
Sell it to WA Car Removal.
Why Selling to WA Car Removal is Your Best Option
- We Buy It 'As-Is'
No rego? No roadworthy? No problem. We buy cars in any condition, registered or not. - We Offer the Best Cash for Cars
Don't spend money on repairs—get paid instead! At WA Car Removal, we offer the best cash for cars in Perth, paid to you on the spot. - FREE Car Removal Perth
This is the best part. You don't need a Temporary Movement Permit or risk driving it. Our professional tow trucks will provide FREE Car Removal Perth from anywhere in Perth. - No Paperwork Headaches
We are experts at this. We handle all the necessary disposal and transfer paperwork, making the entire process simple and stress-free for you.
How to Sell Your Unregistered Car in 3 Easy Steps
- Call Us for a Free Quote: Call us on 0422 622 617 or fill out our online form. Tell us about your car, and we’ll give you our best cash offer.
- Schedule Your Free Removal: We work around you. Pick a time that suits you—we can often come the same day.
- Get Paid Cash! We arrive at the agreed time, you get your cash, and we tow your problem car away. It's that simple.
Don't Risk It – Get Cash Instead
Driving an unregistered car in Perth just isn't worth the huge risk. The fines, demerit points, and danger of driving uninsured are a recipe for financial disaster.
If your car's rego is expired and it's becoming a "money pit" or a target for council fines, make the smart call.
Contact WA Car Removal today. Get a top-dollar cash offer and a free, fast removal.
Call us now at 0422 622 617 or visit www.wacarremovals.com.au to get your instant quote!