Each state in Australia operates using different road rules.

If you plan to drive or be driven in Australia, it is a good idea to find out what the road rules are for the state you plan to drive in:

Buying & selling a car

Each state has different criteria for buying and selling cars. However, there are some extremely comprehensive guides available that provide a breakdown of the requirements by state.

Vehicle registration: a state by state guide to registration, buying and selling cars

Perform these checks prior to buying a car in Australia

Registration (rego) rules

Rego is a document that officially identifies a vehicle. It is linked to your insurance and can be used to trace the vehicle, such as on toll roads and with red light or speed cameras. The car rego must be obtained by the current owner of the vehicle.

Compulsory insurance, known as CTP is included with the rego, except for car registered in New South Wales (NSW), where it must be obtained from a third-party provider. CTP insurance cover personal injury in case of accident, it does not cover damage to property – this insurance, while not compulsory, should be obtained from an insurance company.

It can be paid every 3, 6, or 12 months.

ALWAYS: Register your car yearly with your state vehicle registry, follow this state-by-state guide for more details..

NEVER:  Drive an unregistered car on a public road in Australia - it is illegal and carries a hefty fine in each state/territory.

• In Australia, you must have a driver’s licence to drive and vehicles must be registered.
• If you drive without a driver’s licence or drive an unregistered vehicle you may be fined and your driver’s licence revoked.  
• Driver's licences and car registrations are issued by state and territory governments.
• Most states and territories allow you to drive for the first three months after arrival, if you are a permanent resident and have a current driver's licence from another country which is in English or has an official translation. 
• After this initial period, if you want to drive, you will need to get the appropriate Australian driver’s licence.
• You will need to pass a knowledge test, a practical driving test, and an eyesight test.  
• There are strict traffic and drink driving laws in Australia, which you must obey.

You should always check with the authority in your state or territory: 

NB: The 13xx numbers only connect to the vehicle registry when called from within the state, ie. SA Transport 13 10 84 only connects when called within South Australia.and will not work if called from Victoria, for example.

If you, or someone you know, is in a car accident, it is important you remain calm, don't panic, and follow these steps:

1. Check the safety of everyone involved

If there are injuries, deaths or other emergencies (e.g. a car fire) as a result of the motor vehicle accident, the first thing you should do is immediately call 000 (triple zero) and request emergency services.

If there aren’t any immediate emergencies, you still need to make sure that everyone involved in the accident is safe. Check all impacted cars to see the extent of the damage.

Put on your hazard lights if necessary to avoid further incidents, and clear the vehicles off the road.

2. Report the accident to the police

Depending on the accident’s severity and circumstances, you may need to call the police and provide:

• accurate details of the accident 
• time and date
• location
• contact details of all parties
• the extent of any accident injuries.

Your insurer should be able to advise on who to contact for towing if any damaged vehicles need to be towed away.

Officers from the local police station might also help with road safety and direct traffic at the accident scene.

3. Gather information from the other driver and witnesses

Get as much information about the other driver as you can, including their:

• name
• phone number
• car registration number
• insurance information (e.g. provider, insurance number, policy details)
• drivers licence number
• take photos of the damage to both cars & any people, or property
• accident location.

In return, you should give them the same details to assist them with their car insurance claim.

You should also get the details of any witnesses to provide to your insurer. Try to obtain as much information from witnesses as you can, eg. name, phone number, drivers licence or other ID, any photos/video they might have, and suitable hours to contact them.

If the driver who caused the accident didn't stop, obtain any witness's accounts and file a police report including possible CCTV cameras that may have recorded the accident.

4. Don’t admit fault

Be very careful what you say. Don't say "sorry", "I didn't see you", "I feel terrible", or any statements that could imply you are at fault and guilty.

Only ask factual questions such as:

• do you need medical attention?
• what are your insurance details?
• do you need help moving your car?
• have you finished taking photos/videos from the scene?

5. Take pictures

Any pictures or video footage of the scene, or accident in progress, is extremely helpful for your case. Make sure you take as many photos of both cars as possible from low-mid-&high angles, the collision points, any existing damage on either car, the road signs, weather conditions, property damage and any other visual that you deem helpful or important.

6. Call your insurance company

Once you get home, and after you have filed a police report (if it was necessary), call your insurer, or login to their portal or app.

Most insurers have a very simple-to-use online form that is self-explanatory, or phone operators who can take your report details.