Special Registration Grace Period And Payment Options For Bushfi

MEDIA RELEASE SPECIAL REGISTRATION GRACE PERIOD AND PAYMENT
OPTIONS FOR BUSHFIRE VICTIMS

VicRoads has today added another element to its registration and licensing arrangements for fire-affected communities, by announcing a 28 day extension for vehicle registration renewals.

VicRoads recognises that an expired registration may not be foremost on the minds of those in fire-affected communities and many are experiencing financial hardship as a result of the fires.

In response, we are implementing a 28 day grace period from the original registration expiry date, if this falls between 1 February 2009 to 31 March 2009.

Car owners will remain covered by the Transport Accident Commission for compulsory third party personal injury insurance during the grace period.

VicRoads has issued letters to those in fire-affected communities outlining the 28-day grace period. It is important that people keep these letters in their vehicles to confirm that the vehicle is operating under the grace period.

Many people have also been left in financial hardship as a result of the bushfires. As such, we're offering the opportunity for bushfire victims to renew their vehicle's registration for 3 or 6 months, instead of the full 12 months normally required across Victoria.

The grace period and staggered registration payment options are part of a comprehensive package of registration and licensing arrangements that VicRoads has implemented for bushfire victims."

Other registration and licensing arrangements for fire-affected communities include:

*processing requests to cancel registrations and issue on-the-spot cash refunds; *transferring licence/learner/hazard perception/boat test appointments at no charge and arranging after-hours appointments where needed;
*allowing learners to sit the road knowledge test without evidence of identity the permit will then be issued once evidence of identity is shown;
*replacing learner log books at no fee; and
*issuing no-fee duplicate custom and general issue registration plates as needed.


Bushfire victims who ring the VicRoads call centre or visit a Customer Service Centre continue to be given priority treatment.

For more information or assistance, people affected by bushfires can ring the Call Centre on 13 11 71 or visit a Customer Service Centre.

VicRoads also has staff visiting relief centres to provide assistance to people on the ground.


SOURCE: VicRoads