Online registrations move for off-road vehicles expected to result in better facilities
A new online registration service for off-road vehicles is expected to make it easier to know how many people are venturing off the beaten path and which areas need attention.
ORV services were added to the Department for Transport and Major Infrastructure’s DoTDirect platform after the Control of Vehicles (Land Areas) Act 1978 was updated to remove the requirement for in-person registrations.
The law requires all ORVs, such as ATVs and all-terrain vehicles, to be registered before use in permitted ORV areas throughout the State.
Revenues from registration fees will be re-deposited into the State Government’s Land Vehicle Account for the construction, improvement and maintenance of ORV sites.
Previously, property owners were required to sign a statutory declaration confirming they met age and ownership requirements and agreeing to comply with relevant noise and safety requirements.
These requirements remain, but the process is now streamlined and can be completed online.
Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley said WA’s off-road vehicle community and local governments had been championing the change.
“The new process will be easier and more convenient, with revenues from registration fees reinvested into the community through the creation of new ORV sites and maintenance of existing sites,” he said.
The WA Motor Trade Association said the requirement to visit a registration center in person meant small numbers of vehicles were registered, limiting the government and local authorities’ ability to know how many ORVs there were and where they were being used.
It also hindered police’s ability to investigate illegal activity, identify stolen vehicles and return them to their owners.
Improved registration data is expected to help government and local authorities better understand demand for off-road vehicles and make more informed decisions about where to invest in maintenance, upgrades and the development of new facilities.
Making registration easier will also lead to more funding for these facilities.
MTA WA general manager Neil Le Febvre said the changes would simplify the process for owners and help deliver better outcomes for drivers and communities.
Requiring owners to attend a licensing center in person creates a significant barrier and contributes to very low registration rates, he said.
“MTA WA is actively calling for a simpler and more accessible registration process for off-road vehicles,” Mr Le Febvre said.
“We need better information on ORV use to support smart planning and investment. The data helps inform key decision-makers to ensure funding is directed to where it is needed most and ensure the sector can continue to grow.”
The reforms were also expected to provide long-term benefits to drivers through improved facilities and infrastructure.
“Each registration contributes directly to the fund allocated to off-road vehicles,” said Mr Le Febvre. “The more vehicles registered, the more funds can be made available to maintain existing areas, improve facilities and develop new places for driving.”
He said MTA WA would continue to advocate for mandatory registration of off-road vehicles at the first point of sale.
“Moving registration online is a significant step forward, but we believe registering at the initial point of sale is the best way to ensure vehicle registrations accurately reflect actual usage across the State,” he said.
Newly registered vehicle owners will also be able to choose between having a registration tag or license plate.
Owners can register their ORV at: Transport.wa.gov.au/licensing/vehicle/license-vehicle/license-register-off-road/register-off-road.
