Complaints about the time taken to fix a mistake or issue a refund are matters that all authorities including VicRoads should be able to resolve without the Ombudsman intervening. We conduct compliance activities, including data matching, focused on validating dutiable values declared on applications for registration and transfer. In recognition of Jakes unique circumstances, we asked VicRoads to: - explore how it could apply the concession rate to Jakes registration, - lift the suspension associated with the second renewal. Some of these issues will not be fixed properly without major investment in systems, which will take time and money. Reviewed 10 December 2019. For these reasons, VicRoads is not able to commit to such a project in the short term, but it is a project that it is actively pursuing. While in prison, Jake was no longer considered a concession card recipient. marriage certificate, divorce papers, a statutory declaration), documentary evidence confirming the vehicle was purchased in trust. We will monitor the progress of these steps and complaints about VicRoads consideration of concession card holders. When Evan contacted the Ombudsman about this violation, he provided a copy of a letter from his psychologist. He paid a three-month registration in April 2018 using his concession card. As part of the review of its regulations, provisions for entitlement to concession that exist for some charitable, benevolent or religious entities will be tightened. Melbourne VIC 3001. Victoria recognises many forms of concession applying concessions to pension concession card holders, Department of Veteran Affairs Card holders and Health Care Card holders. Please contact VicRoads on 13 11 71 for more information. Performance by Kutcha Edwards. VicRoads strongly recommend applying for a road closure or traffic management if the flight of the aircraft and its exclusion zone will be over roadways. VicRoads has decided to amend the Notice of Suspension by reducing the associated suspension period by 19 days under s 40(2) of the Road Safety Act 1986 on the basis that the same offence triggered both suspension notices VicRoads hopes this clarifies the situation and should you require further information, please contact VicRoads. Given these developments, the Ombudsman did not make any proposals to VicRoads about its current practices, and will continue to monitor this issue. This exemption may be applied directly at VicRoads at the time of registration or transfer of the vehicle. However, they canhold a diplomatic post at the rank of Consul-General, Consul or Vice Consul. VicRoads will commence applying this provision mid 2019 following an extensive media campaign to ensure customers are aware of their obligations to keep their details up to date.". If you wish to dispute an Infringement Notice, refer to the three options on the reverse of your notice, or contact Fines Victoria by: phone on (03) 9200 8111 (metro Melbourne) phone on 1300 369 819 (regional Victoria on Monday - Friday 8am to 9pm, except public holidays) visiting the Fines Victoria. VicRoads said it would not waive the recent violation because there was no information to indicate the device was faulty. Tractor exemptions. q"WX+GQu@?0>;*yEN+ra#+jqIHzei>=^!HF\[^BPfAs!N}8g4+QJ.7-Nq:(&c*sJ=~N5)t9-;9Q/R@N])Q*"'IY}V)-`c:Y)E3~B-E1 iEuSNc2[/0|^j[gi8Z;-X?#[epI6:cOW9.O%_juCsCJFP?6K&o/A*}/A6 m0L)d!PlTh They told us that VicRoads did not think it was appropriate to withdraw the violation. The Treasurer has, however, approved limited transitional relief for vehicles where there has been an unavoidable delay in their registration or transfer. The camera takes pictures during each trip when tests are recorded to start a vehicle and requested during a trip. registered in the name of St Johns Ambulance Australia (Victoria) Inc, or. Applications for the transfer of registration of a used vehicle into the buyers name must also be lodged with VicRoads. - he did provide a satisfactory breath sample at 10 minutes and 53 seconds. Victoria Police told Joe it would not accept the report because it was a civil matter. These sub-menus are also available on the landing pages for the links. In August 2018 and after Jake had left prison, he went to pay for his registration for June, July and August and paid the concession fee at an Australia Post office. Trevor could not get the concession rate when he went to pay for his renewal because his concession card was issued five days after his registration was due. Under the Act, the exemptions for demonstrator vehicles and service demonstrator vehicles require that they are used 'solely or primarily' as a demonstrator vehicle or a service demonstrator vehicle. This meant 8,512 registrations were suspended and a number of fines issued. Motor vehicle duty exemptions and concessions And to the millions of Victorians who own a car, have a drivers licence and use our roads if your problems with VicRoads are not fixed, make a complaint. Learn what licence and other exemptions are available for driving or riding on Tasmanian roads. In the Victorian Budget 2022-23, the Government has proposed the change to introduce a motor vehicle duty exemption for eligible wheelchair accessible commercial passenger vehicles that provide unbooked services. VicRoads had advised them it was a civil matter and VicRoads would not reverse the transfers. transport of disabled, handicapped, incapacitated or injured person (s) and/or wheelchairs. In October 2018, Jake made another payment for short-term registration. You will need to provide: If your current vehicle is registered without fee at the time registering the new vehicle, we will also require a copy of the trade-in contract of sale for this vehicle signed by all parties. Please carefully read the Terms of Service (last updated February 8, 2012). You must be taking possession of a motor vehicle from the registered operator under a security interest you hold. The applicant organisation must write to us with: The applicant/s must prove that both people are/were spouses or domestic partners of each other. VicRoads could legally issue the violations but under the regulations it was not required to issue them. New legislation (Section 50AAAE of the Road Safety Act 1986) requires these drivers to apply for an exemption from the alcohol interlock condition or be relicensed with an alcohol interlock condition (minimum 6-month condition). Different costs apply to goods-carrying vehicles . The Ombudsman did, however, note to VicRoads that it may be that the court too recognised Evan had an overwhelmingly positive record, and on this basis, decided to waive the violation. chicago fire department ranks; nhs jobs with tier 2 sponsorship uk The Ombudsman was able to better understand VicRoads systems capability, how its various units relate to each other, and what improvements were achievable. VicRoads staff also worked with Ombudsman officers to find more short-term and long-term solutions that would support VicRoads practices, and helped to informally resolve individual complaints. Verification of applicant entitlements to the duty exemptions they have received for individual vehicles is also carried out. Responding to the matters raised by the Ombudsman, VicRoads also: - set up a team to investigate additional cases of customers not receiving registration renewal notices six weeks prior to expiry, - posted more information on its website and established a dedicated customer enquiry line, - confirmed address details with more than 7,000 customers and sent more than 10,000 SMS messages to customers whose registration had expired in September 2015, - reviewed its processes and resolved to confirm address details when speaking with customers, - advised it was examining its registration system to identify trends in the non-payment of registration renewals. Michael listed Joe as the disposer rather than May, who was the registered operator and owner of the vehicle. The Ombudsmans proposals about VicRoads processing of refunds and payments, and VicRoads responses are set out below. i nterstate. Please contact VicRoads on 13 11 71 for more information. An LMCT that has already paid duty under the change of use provisions and believes duty does not apply because of this temporary rule change should contact the State Revenue Office on 13 21 61 to discuss options available to seek a refund. Rural (low risk zone) $742.30. review the eligibility date arrangements in light of national practices. VicRoads informed the Ombudsman this would apply to applications where details did not match the Register or where signatures were missing. Stay informed about Victoria's taxation legislation, duties, levies and grants. By bringing people together in an informal setting, we were able to have an open discussion. Over the six month review period, the Ombudsman received 14 complaints about VicRoads transfer of registration process. Scarlett then gave the vehicle to her friend, Michael, who sold the car to Sam. This is problematic. Where appropriate, names of people referenced have been changed. If a participant has a violation recorded or if VicRoads considers they have not followed the rules, their five-month period resets. - had his concession card reactivated shortly after he was released from prison. Although VicRoads does send renewal notices to the registered operators address, VicRoads is not required to do so.16 Complaints are particularly likely to arise when, for whatever reason, a registered operator does not receive a renewal notice, and is subsequently fined for driving an unregistered vehicle or driving without a licence. 120_hours_of_supervised_driving_exemption_application.pdf VicRoads told her even if she did not receive the renewal notice, it was her responsibility to pay the registration by the due date. A review of concession entitlements confirms that Victorian regulations broadly align with other Australian jurisdictions. VicRoads acknowledged its processes can sometimes lead to unintended outcomes. VicRoads inform a registered operator when an incomplete or incorrect application to transfer form is submitted, and allow the registered operator reasonable time to lodge a transfer dispute before VicRoads finalises the transfer. The first form indicated the vehicles registration was being transferred from Joe to Michael. (Please read VicRoads' standards of acceptable identity for clarification; https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/licences/evidence-of-identity/types-of-identity-documents Frequently Asked Questions VicRoads Manager, Driver Relicensing Services told us: - under the regulations, VicRoads can issue a violation to a participant who fails to provide a satisfactory breath sample, - the regulations do not define what fail means, - VicRoads developed the 10-minute rule to add some leniency to what was otherwise a strict liability violation. Leon also said the transfers were processed using incomplete transfer of registration forms, without certificates of roadworthiness and without the required stamp duty being paid. Program Attendance : Please bring a writing pen and photo ID that identifies you and your current address, as registered with VicRoads. VicRoads proposes to adopt this pilot for all its customer service centres state-wide and work has started to coordinate system changes to bring the waiting time for certain refunds down from 14 to three days. This program was expanded in April 2018, and VicRoads will soon take on primary responsibility for supervising participants under the program. You can request a duty refund in certain circumstances, such as overpayment, sale cancellation, incorrect registration or double payments. Documentation and Evidence of Compliance The following documentation must accompany the application for registration of the vehicle: The Vehicle Import Approval endorsed for the Registering Authority; VicRoads registration renewal notice practices. State of Victoria (State developing a policy of not accepting incomplete transfer of vehicle registration applications and, if required, seek regulatory change to support this policy. NO EXEMPTION IS REQUIRED from VicRoads if the probationary driver is driving an employer's high powered vehicle in the course of his or her employment and at the request of his or her employer. 2. Abdullah then contacted the Ombudsman and provided a copy of a receipt from his bank for the payment, which showed he had paid the full fee of $816.50. T. To obtain this letter, you must write to usrequesting an exemption from motor vehicle duty. Contact NCDMV Customer Service (919) 715-7000. VicRoads explore options for how it could apply discretion under the current regulations. VicRoads explore the ability to record a notation on the Register, where a person appears in possession of a vehicle, so law enforcement authorities can issue an infringement notice to the correct person. VicRoads website outlines the information that needs to be included to transfer registration to a former spouse or domestic partner (see below). When reviewing a violation, VicRoads should consider: VicRoads has agreed with this. 7020 120 hours of supervised driving Undue hardship.pdf - VicRoads Road Safety (Vehicles) Regulations 2009 (Vic), reg 66. Submit application You need to download this form and fill in the correct sections. Since its inception, more than 1.1 million Victorians have signed up to the portal, with, on average, 90,000 new people registering with the portal every month. The camera recorded a worker cleaning the boot of the car and a plastic cover over the drivers seat. This was because the original infringements occurred when Simon was on green P plates and he had accrued too many demerit points. Confirm the number plates are attached to the vehicle. VicRoads can sometimes be quick to charge but slow to refund, leading to financial hardship. To decline a person the concession rate in these circumstances may exacerbate their already difficult circumstances. Road Safety (Vehicle) Regulations 2009 (Vic), reg 81(2). In the context of the regulations review, VicRoads recommend regulation 102 be amended to allow a concession rate to be made available to people who hold a valid concession card as at the date a renewal notice is issued or the date of payment, regardless of which is earlier. Derek then contacted VicRoads, and his vehicle was removed from the unregistered vehicles list. To informally resolve this complaint, the Ombudsman suggested VicRoads offer payment towards the costs Joe and May incurred due to the transfers. All works impacting public transport or occurring on VicTrack and Yarra Tram assets may require consent. We highlighted the importance of considering individual circumstances in administrative decision-making and being flexible so that outcomes reflect the objectives of the law.23 We acknowledged that the 10 minute rule was introduced to provide a level of flexibility, however, we suggested that in exceptional circumstances, such as Jeffreys, VicRoads should consider exercising discretion to waive the violation. This means that specified notices sent by VicRoads will be deemed to have been served. The driver of an enforcement vehicle has the same exemption from the road rules as a police officer or the driver of an ambulance ( Road Safety Road Rules 2009 (Vic) r 306A), that is A provision of these Rules does not apply to the driver of an enforcement vehicle if - (a) in the circumstances (i) the driver is taking reasonable care; and A person can receive a concession rate on one vehicle registered in their name or the name of a spouse of domestic partner. Abdullah asked VicRoads to refund him the $147.50 difference. Some complaints about the program indicated VicRoads did not withdraw violations where: VicRoads can choose to record a violation where it is unclear who is in possession of the vehicle. On reporting the theft, James said the police advised that the vehicles could not be reported as stolen because they were no longer in the company name; and in the case of the personal vehicles, in Leons name. The Victorian Ombudsman pays respect to First Nation custodians of Country throughout Victoria. VicRoads review the scenarios outlined in its business rules that do not constitute a dispute specifically, when a registered vehicle is removed from a property as a result of a domestic argument so that circumstances of family violence are not precluded from its processes. It is an offence to drive an unregistered vehicle on a Victorian road. is marked with the name of the registered operator or relevant department. "The concerns raised about the processing of refunds highlights a number of potential deficiencies with VicRoads management of refund requests and complaints. Evans driver licence was subject to an alcohol interlock device condition. The Ombudsman reviewed six months worth of 2018 complaint data about VicRoads. Sometime later, Valerie logged into her VicRoads account and saw a letter stating VicRoads had suspended her registration from October. The case study below was included in the Ombudsmans 2018 report, Complaints to the Ombudsman: resolving them early. VicRoads is reviewing and refining guidance for staff on the application of its discretion and it has identified a potential amendment to the Road Safety Act 1986 (Vic). Spent convictions will still show up on a driver history report issued by VicRoads because VicRoads has an exemption allowing disclosure of spent convictions in these reports, including to an employer or prospective employer or a vehicle insurer. The first violation was in the first month for not producing a sample. Sarah paid to register her vehicle for 12 months in October 2017 and then cancelled the registration in February 2018. This issue was the subject of numerous complaints and media commentary in November 2015 as a result of people being fined for driving unregistered vehicles when they had not realised their renewal was due. At the time, VicRoads said: "VicRoads agrees that the registration processes can be improved. VicRoads recently conducted a pilot program at its Broadmeadows and Dandenong customer service centres aimed at refining its approach to reviewing refund requests. Road management authorities in other states offer assistance or alternatives when severe hardship can be demonstrated or if a person does not own a car.13. So it is not surprising that my office gets so many complaints about VicRoads, over 800 in the last financial year. Vehicle_transfer_form.pdf - Application for transfer of Special work vehicle (Type O) applications can be made by someone conditionally registered or to be registered in the name of a primary producer to operate on a highway at any distance from the registered operator's residence or residential address, and used or to be used solely in the business of the registered operator as a primary producer. This is to limit the need for these customers to visit a service centre or post an application to VicRoads. Sarah wrote to VicRoads to request this refund on 27 February 2018, and provided her bank details. VicRoads explore the option of a pro-rata concession discount for all VicRoads fees eligible for concession discounts. - has started a review of its business rules, work instructions and website content to ensure applications are considered taking into account the individual factors before exercising discretion to transfer vehicle registration, where transfer requirements are incomplete. Adam said he had resided at the same address for 16 years, and could not reasonably have known about the returned mail or that there was any need to confirm his address with VicRoads. Emily contacted the Ombudsman on behalf of her partner, Jarrad. What exemptions are available? Derek paid the concessional rate to renew his vehicle registration for 12 months in November 2017. VicRoads also gave Derek a reference number to use in his application to Fines Victoria for a review of the infringement issued to him. Where a person is issued a concession card before they pay their registration renewal, but not before the date of renewal, the regulations dictate that they are not eligible for a discount. - Given this, it was unclear how VicRoads determined it was appropriate to transfer the registration. We acknowledge that certain scenarios have arisen in which the organisation has not responded in a customer-focused or timely manner.". For example, if a vehicle has travelled a distance of more than 7500km since its acquisition and initial registration in the name of the LMCT, it will still be the case that a change in use will be considered to have occurred. Odyssey House conducts the interview required as part of that application process. In such cases, you should contact us via email to arrange authorisation of a refund from VicRoads, which you can then pass on to the purchaser. And it takes VicRoads almost four months to refund our money. Seatbelt exemptions. If you are entitled to an exemption or concession but have already paid the duty, you will be eligible for a refund and must apply to us for it. If you get caught afterwards you WILL be fined. The sensible exercise of discretion is always a challenge for decision-makers, and VicRoads needs to ask itself more often: Is this fair? After the Ombudsman made enquiries with VicRoads, it issued the $147.50 refund to Abdullah. Reflecting the purposes of the law violation withdrawn, Sallys complaint was published in the Ombudsmans report, Complaints to the Ombudsman: resolving them early, in July 2018.22. Attend an appointment with VicRoads. When he contacted VicRoads stating he had not received a renewal notification, a VicRoads officer informed him that his renewal notification had been returned as undelivered mail. Our review of these complaints indicated that: The Ombudsman acknowledges VicRoads processes are complex. The State Revenue Office acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Registered operators are responsible for making sure their vehicles are registered. You must write to us with: The vehicle must be registered in the name of the primary producer and must be one of the following: If you want to, you can apply to us for the exemption. These are: We have been to court, weve lost everything We changed everything; we put floors, new wheels, we brought it up to scratch just for them to take it away [My partner] took out a loan and hes got nothing to show for it And VicRoads, after, they even sent me a renewal notice. when an application to transfer registration has already been processed and the purchaser did not pay for the vehicle (this is a civil dispute), when a vehicle was driven away or removed from a property because of a domestic argument. The violation meant he would have the device on his vehicle for longer and incur additional fees. This has included examining the feasibility of extending the policy for concessions to a primary card holders spouse or partner who is a participant in the Alcohol Interlock Program, noting this will need a financial impact assessment and an amendment to the Road Safety Act 1986 (Vic). Tweet. The following are examples of complaints where the Ombudsman encouraged individuals to make a complaint to VicRoads first. PDF VicRoads Application for transfer of registration Emily and Jarrads complaint: Driver licence cancelled after interlock installed. Revenue Office), State of Victoria (State Revenue Office), Javascript must be enabled for the correct page display. You can register new vehicles directly into a customers name or into your own name. The amount of duty will only be reduced by the reasonable costs of the modification. Duty is charged at the equivalent rate to the general rates. You must write to us with: Mobile plant is any motor vehicle (excluding tow trucks)not designed solely for carrying passengers that is under 4.5 tonnes mass rating for charging (MRC) and that is not designed solely for carrying passengers. In response to the Ombudsmans enquiry, VicRoads said: "VicRoads notes that the introduction of the myVicRoads customer portal enables participating customers to receive notifications of impending registration (renewals via email and/or text message), and to view any registration suspensions online. Although we consider each complaint on its merits, looking at the patterns tells us about underlying problems that may need to be fixed to make the system better. People would use details on the Register to assert ownership and to wrongly facilitate the sale of vehicles. It's quick and easy to register your myki now . The concession status of a spouse is not considered in the cost of the Alcohol Interlock Program, but is applied to renewal of registration fees. Application forms and eligibility criteria. There are also other RWC exemptions regarding the type of vehicle and transfer. In almost 200,000 transfers of registration, however, the applicant has not provided all the required information and sometimes a vehicle has moved between several people without any of them applying for a transfer of registration. This meant the device would stay on Sallys car for another six months, costing her at least $1,110 in rental and administrative fees. To decline a person a concession rate when they hold a valid concession card may compound the difficulties they already experience. be required to participate in a behaviour change program. VicRoads will update the vehicles Register based on the partial information and attempt to obtain the missing information. " You must notify us within 14 days when the motor vehicle use changes from 'solely/primarily for the purpose of sale/demonstration' to another purpose, such as a customer loan car or service vehicle. In such cases, an informal resolution can involve asking VicRoads to provide information to the driver to help them in a request to cancel the infringement notice. External Link. Send vicroads transfer via email, link, or fax. Please contact VicRoads on 13 11 71 for more information. VicRoads agreed to our proposals and invited Jessica to demonstrate she had the vehicle in her possession by taking it to a VicRoads Customer Service Centre. Some of the issues identified related to laws under review at the time of our enquiries. This change will take time to put in place as part of the wider system redesign and will need significant capital investment from government. The letter detailed his mental health condition that was contributing to his alcoholism and said he would not have knowingly ignored the interlock device. During the suspension period, he received another 12-month suspension period as a result of a court hearing. These devices have a camera. The vehicle must be registered in the name of: In addition, the vehicle must be specially converted to provide wheelchair access; capable of carrying at least one occupied wheelchair; used for transporting an incapacitated person whose mobility is seriously impaired; and marked with the name of either charity or government department.